Haileybury Overview
Haileybury is a prestigious independent co-educational boarding school set in 500 acres of Hertfordshire countryside, conveniently located between London and Cambridge. Established in 1862, the school combines a rich heritage with a forward-looking approach. It offers excellent teaching, outstanding facilities, and strong pastoral care for both boarding and day pupils.
The school prides itself on academic rigour paired with a wide range of co-curricular activities. This combination ensures pupils receive a well-rounded education that encourages them to explore their interests and develop lasting talents. Haileybury’s blend of tradition and innovation creates an environment where pupils can thrive both academically and personally.
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Haileybury Courses And Programmes
The school offers a dedicated Lower School for Years 7 and 8, a wide range of GCSEs and IGCSEs and the choice of the IB Diploma or A levels in the Sixth Form.
Middle School
In the Middle School, pupils prepare for GCSEs or IGCSEs, with the Removes year forming an essential part of this journey. All pupils study Mathematics, English Language and Literature, and Science, taught separately as Biology, Chemistry and Physics. These are examined at the end of the Fifths.
Beyond the core subjects, pupils have access to a wide range of optional subjects tailored to individual interests. While Modern Languages is not compulsory, most pupils choose to study at least one. Similarly, there is no requirement to take a humanities subject, but many opt for Geography, History or Theology and Philosophy.
Sixth Form
In Sixth Form, pupils can choose between A Levels and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), offering two distinct pathways. This flexibility allows pupils to take ownership of their education and follow a route that best suits their strengths and aspirations.
The A Levels pathway offers depth and focus. Pupils typically choose three or four subjects, becoming subject specialists. Their choices are supported with appropriate electives and a core curriculum to ensure balance.
The IBDP pathway offers a broader, more connected approach to learning. Pupils select subjects across multiple disciplines and follow a core curriculum that includes Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay and Creativity, Activity and Service, encouraging both academic and personal development.
Haileybury Fees
Fees for the Academic Year 2025–26
Inclusive of VAT
| Category | Per Term | Per Annum |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Boarding | £18,932 | £56,796 |
| Senior Day | £13,700 | £41,100 |
| Lower School Boarding | £12,010 | £36,030 |
| Lower School Day | £9,105 | £27,315 |
Haileybury Application Deadline
13+ Entry (2026)
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Deadline | Monday 1 September 2025 |
| Main Examination Date | Wednesday 17 September 2025 |
| Offers Made | Thursday 2 October 2025 |
| Acceptance Deadline | Monday 13 October 2025 |
16+ Entry (2026)
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Deadline | Monday 13 October 2025 |
| Main Examination Dates | Wednesday 12 & Saturday 15 November 2025 |
| Scholarship Day | Thursday 13 November 2025 |
| Offers Made | Monday 1 December 2025 |
| Acceptance Deadline | Monday 15 December 2025 |
Haileybury Boarding And Pastoral Care
Haileybury has a strong boarding community, with over two thirds of pupils living on campus. School life revolves around 12 boarding houses, while the Lower School has its own dedicated house. Pupils join at various entry points, including 11+, 13+, 14+, and 16+.
For younger pupils, flexi-boarding is available in the Lower School, allowing families to choose boarding on a flexible basis rather than committing to full-time boarding. This approach supports a balanced lifestyle and helps pupils settle into boarding life at their own pace.
Pastoral care is a key focus throughout the school. Each boarding house provides a close-knit environment with constant support from housemasters, housemistresses, tutors, and other staff. This ensures pupils feel safe, supported, and able to thrive both academically and personally.
Haileybury Extracurricular Activities
Haileybury places strong emphasis on helping pupils pursue their passions while building self-confidence. To support this, the school provides professional sports coaching and regularly invites speakers and performers from the arts, sports, and academic sectors. With over 130 co-curricular options available, pupils can choose from activities as diverse as scuba diving, African drumming, bee-keeping, Mandarin, and survival skills.
Moreover, Haileybury hosts one of the largest Model United Nations programmes in the UK, attracting more than 700 international students each spring to debate global issues. In addition, music and drama play a central role in school life, with numerous concerts, productions, and public performances held throughout the year. The school also benefits from over 30 visiting specialists who deliver hundreds of instrument lessons weekly.
Equally important is the school’s commitment to pastoral care. Pupils receive round-the-clock support from housemasters, housemistresses, tutors, the chaplain, and a resident doctor. This nurturing environment creates a warm, friendly atmosphere where every pupil is encouraged to explore their identity and grow in confidence on their personal journey of discovery.
