Uppingham School Guide: Reviews, Ranking, Fees And More
Uppingham School, established in 1584, is a prestigious independent co-educational boarding school. Currently, it boasts an enrollment of over 793 pupils, with an impressive 98% of them residing as boarders. This guide provides comprehensive information about Uppingham School, including details about fees, academic achievements, rankings, student reviews, and much more.
Table of Contents
Uppingham School Overview
Uppingham School strikes a clear balance between academic work and co-curricular activities. Pupils grow intellectually and creatively through structured teaching and hands-on experiences.
The school builds a strong reputation in both music and sport. Pupils take part in high-level music ensembles, competitive sports teams, and a wide range of clubs. They gain skills in leadership, discipline, and teamwork while exploring their own interests.
Uppingham is a market town in Rutland. Over here, the school sits in between history and modern development. Key buildings include the chapel, the Victorian School House, the School Tower, and the Colonnade. The school also invested £40 million in its latest campus upgrade, which earned a spot on the shortlist for the Stirling Prize for architecture.
By combining strong academics, rich co-curricular life, and a well-designed campus, Uppingham gives pupils the structure and opportunities to succeed.
Uppingham School Courses & Programmes
Uppingham School offers a structured course of education that encompasses the following stages:
- Fourth Form
- Lower Fifth Form (GCSE)
- Upper Fifth Form (GCSE)
- Sixth Form (A-Level and Pre-U)
Uppingham School Extracurricular Activities
Uppingham School provides students with the chance to participate in academic clubs and extracurricular pursuits through the Enrichment Programme. These activities span various domains, including Art, Design and Technology, Theatre and Drama, Music, Sports, as well as Social Activities and Trips. Students have the opportunity to engage in these activities and expand their horizons beyond the classroom.
Uppingham School offers students the opportunity to delve into their creative potential through the guidance of accomplished artists and designers in the realm of Art, Design, and Technology. To support these endeavours, Uppingham has established the Leonardo Centre, a dedicated facility boasting exceptional teaching spaces, fully equipped design technology workshops, and professional-standard studio areas. These resources are made available to students seven days a week, offering access to cutting-edge tools such as 3D printing, CAD design, laser cutting technology, ceramics and sculpture studios, photography and video engineering studios, fashion and textile studios, as well as specialised workshops for resistant materials.
In addition, Uppingham features an impressive 300-seat proscenium arch theatre and a 160-seat black box drama studio, purposefully designed for theatrical productions. Students are encouraged to explore their talents and skills as performers, directors, lighting technicians, sound engineers, or any other role involved in bringing plays and musicals to life. The high calibre of shows presented at Uppingham serves as a significant cultural contribution to the school community and beyond.
Uppingham School places great importance on music masterclasses and workshops. Students are actively encouraged to explore a wide range of musical genres, spanning from classical to jazz, and from polyphony to hip hop. They have the opportunity to participate in orchestras, bands, ensembles, and choirs. Uppingham provides three music schools, each equipped with cutting-edge music technology and professional-grade performance spaces, enabling students to fully immerse themselves in their musical pursuits.
At Uppingham, skilled coaches are committed to promoting physical well-being among all students. They offer guidance and support in a variety of recreational and competitive sports, including football, rugby, cricket, netball, hockey, athletics, swimming, tennis, badminton, volleyball, basketball, lacrosse, rounders, dance, and squash. Students are encouraged to engage in regular exercise, and those who excel in their chosen sports can participate in focused training programs at the Uppingham School Sports Centre. The school boasts extensive facilities, including playing fields, Astroturf pitches, tennis courts, a 65-acre campus, six-court sports halls, a six-lane 25-metre swimming pool, a gym, squash courts, two dance studios, and a fitness suite with 53 stations.
Uppingham School offers a diverse range of opportunities through its Enrichment Programme, encompassing a wide array of activities. These include academic pursuits, artistic endeavours, involvement in music, participation in sports clubs, engagement in volunteering and fundraising initiatives through the ‘Make A Difference’ or MAD Programme, as well as participation in the Combined Cadet Force and the esteemed Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme.
Uppingham School Accommodation
The residential houses at Uppingham School have a strong emphasis on fostering a sense of family and play a central role in the overall school experience. Uppingham aims to cultivate an environment within the houses where students can learn and develop important values and skills that extend beyond their time at school.
Uppingham School comprises a total of 15 houses, with nine houses dedicated to boys aged 13 to 18, five houses for girls aged 13 to 18, and one house exclusively for girls joining Uppingham in the Sixth Form. Each house is led by a housemaster or housemistress, who are supported by matrons, house staff, tutors, and role models that provide care and guidance to the students. A distinctive aspect of pastoral care at Uppingham is that the entire house family gathers together for every mealtime, fostering a strong sense of community.
At Uppingham, a culture of healthy competition between the houses is actively encouraged and celebrated. Inter-house competitions in academics, debates, music, and sports are organised, providing opportunities for students to showcase their talents and abilities. This experience is dedicated to nurturing individuality and fostering friendships, allowing each student to develop into well-rounded members of society.
Uppingham School Application Deadline
Uppingham School typically admits around 200 new pupils each year.
The admission process for Uppingham School begins by completing the registration form online and submitting the registration fee of £200. The registration should be accompanied by a copy of the child’s birth certificate and an updated reference from their current school.
Candidates are required to undergo pre-tests for admission at the 13+ and 16+ entry levels, which are explained below.
Year 7: Pre-tests
For applicants seeking admission to Uppingham in Year 7, the process starts with pre-tests conducted in September of Year 7. These pre-tests consist of a 45-minute English examination, which includes short comprehension and a piece of extended writing. Additionally, there is a 60-minute online reasoning assessment that evaluates verbal, non-verbal, and mathematical skills. Candidates also participate in a 15-minute interview with a member of the school’s staff.
Year 7: Pre-tests Overseas
For applicants applying for a place at Uppingham School from overseas, the process is conducted through platforms like Skype or Zoom. Candidates are required to complete a UKiset test, an English test, and an interview arranged by Uppingham School. The examinations can be taken at approved centres, such as British Council examination centres, notary offices, certain approved independent education centres, or the candidate’s own school.
Year 8: Common Entrance, Non-Common Entrance, and Scholarships
For admission to Year 8 at Uppingham School, applicants must undertake either the Common Entrance or Uppingham’s non-Common Entrance exams, which are scheduled individually in February or March prior to the September entry. The tests consist of two assessments in Mathematics (lasting 40 minutes) and English (lasting 60 minutes). Additionally, candidates opting for the non-Common Entrance route will also have an interview with the Deputy Head Academic, which can be conducted overseas if necessary. Furthermore, candidates have the option to take scholarship examinations specifically designed by Uppingham School.
Assessments for Admission at 16+
To apply for a place at Uppingham School for entry at 16+, candidates can either go through the Sixth Form “test and interview” process or opt to take the Sixth Form Scholarship Examinations. The “test and interview” process involves three assessments: Mathematics (30 minutes, calculator allowed), English (45 minutes, essay-based), and a chosen subject paper (45 minutes, options include Biology, Chemistry, Economics, French, German, Geography, History, Latin, Mandarin, Music, Physics, RS, and Spanish; Art may be submitted via a portfolio).
Candidates are invited for two interviews, one conducted within a boarding house (with a housemaster or housemistress) and another at the school (with a senior staff member). These interviews aim to assess the candidate’s enthusiasm for boarding and suitability for A-Levels at Uppingham.
Offer of Admission
Once the assessment process is complete, the Headmaster extends offers of admission to successful candidates. Parents are requested to complete an acceptance form and provide an entrance deposit. For candidates residing in the UK, the entrance deposit is £1500, while for candidates from outside the UK, it is equivalent to one term’s fees. Additionally, parents are asked to provide a copy of the pupil’s passport to identify those who may require additional visas to attend the school. The acceptance form confirms Uppingham as the first choice of school, and the entrance deposit secures the place at the school.
Uppingham School Reviews
Uppingham School Contact Information
- Telephone: 01572 820611
- Location: Uppingham School, High Street, Uppingham, LE15 9QE, United Kingdom
- Official Website: uppingham.co.uk
- Email: admissions@uppingham.co.uk
