Denstone College
Denstone College
Denstone, England
Located in the east of Staffordshire, Denstone College is a modern, friendly and unpretentious school, best known for its strong sporting achievements – particularly in rugby. Founded in 1873 as a Christian foundation by the English priest Nathaniel Woodard, the school remains part of the Woodard Corporation today. Woodard’s educational philosophy was built on seeing the whole person and nurturing the unique potential in every individual. Denstone combines this sense of tradition with a modern educational approach.
The Details
The Academics
Denstone is popular for its excellent science department, comparatively moderate fees and wide sporting offer. In 2024, 38% of pupils achieved grades 9–7 at GCSE and 34% A*/A at A level – very respectable results.
A highlight in the Sixth Form is the LIFE Programme, a weekly course for Lower Sixth pupils focusing on leadership, innovation, future readiness and entrepreneurship. The aim is to prepare students for life beyond school, giving them a rounded experience that goes well beyond choosing a degree subject.
Languages Taught
French and Spanish.
The Boarding
Boarding is spread across four houses, home to pupils from around ten different nations. North House provides spacious, well-equipped common areas for Sixth Form boys, including computer workstations, a lounge, a large kitchen and even an open bar. All rooms are en-suite, with easy access to study spaces. Moss Moor, the girls’ house from Third Form up to Upper Sixth, is equally well appointed, with its own kitchens and welcoming communal areas for evening downtime.
Each house is run by dedicated houseparents and staff, ensuring boarders’ wellbeing around the clock. And in Moss Moor, there’s even a much-loved house dog who does his bit to keep spirits high.
Strengths & Weaknesses
The Strengths
Denstone offers superb value for money. With more than 100 co-curricular activities each week – from a wide range of sports with regular fixtures to the creative arts with musicals, festivals and exhibitions – the school provides a truly inspiring environment. Fees are comparatively moderate when set against many other schools.
Sport is a real strength, especially rugby, where Denstone has an outstanding reputation. Hockey and cricket are also strong, alongside netball, athletics, football, climbing, lacrosse and tennis – with even niche sports like judo on offer. Facilities are impressive: a sports hall with climbing wall, a fully equipped fitness suite, swimming pool, extensive grass and all-weather pitches, excellent cricket and netball courts, a 400-metre cinder track and even a 9-hole golf course.
We also love Denstone’s creative side. From fine art to product design to music, this is a place where creative minds can truly flourish.
The Weaknesses
There could still be a few more boarders in our view – but the school makes a huge effort to ensure they’re fully integrated!
The Location
Denstone College sits on the edge of the charming village of Denstone and impresses with its striking Victorian Gothic architecture, surrounded by the rolling green pastures of Staffordshire – incidentally also the home of the famous Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Just a short drive away is the Peak District National Park, with spectacular landscapes for walking, climbing and exploring. Its central position makes the school easy to reach too: Birmingham is less than an hour away, Manchester around an hour and a half.
Derby - 40 min by car
Stoke-on-Trent - 35 min by car
Denstone is a great school that’s still a little under the radar – definitely worth a visit!
If you visit the College, make sure not to miss a tour of the Chapel: built between 1879 and 1887 in the late 13th-Century Gothic Style, it is one of the Grade II listed buildings on the school grounds.
Take a look at similar schools
Barnard Castle School
Abbotsholme School
Ackworth School
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