Marlborough College
Marlborough College
Marlborough, England
Marlborough College, located in Marlborough in the county of Wiltshire, is the epitome of a classic British boarding school. Anyone interested in this school should act early – demand is high, and a three-year lead time for applications is not uncommon. It’s no wonder: Marlborough College embodies the traditional British boarding school experience, with strong academics, top-class rugby, and a broad offering in art, theatre and music – all consistently at a high standard.
The Details
The Academics
Marlborough College is academically ambitious – and delivers: in 2024, 69 percent of GCSE grades were top marks (9 to 7) and 60 percent A or A* at A Level*. Pupils here are expected to achieve – but they get more than just lessons: in the creative “Mini-Electives,” students build electric cars or solve professional-level crosswords. We love it!
Languages Taught
German, English as a Foreign Language, French, Italian, Latin, Ancient Greek, Mandarin, Russian and Spanish.
The Boarding
And very typically British: 100 percent full boarding, with all pupils living on campus seven days a week, spread across 16 very characterful boarding houses – single rooms only come in the final year.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
Marlborough College really is the epitome of a classic English boarding school: full boarding, strong identity and ethos, great teachers and good academic results, plus an incredibly broad and excellent extracurricular programme. Truly the full package!
Sport is especially strong. Whether rugby or polo, swimming or fencing, tennis or hockey – sporty pupils are spoiled here.
The theatre programme is another strength. With its own 400-seat theatre, three major productions, two musicals and many house plays each year, Marlborough College is one of THE boarding schools for aspiring actors.
Naturally curious? Then the many clubs will bring great joy. From astronomy (with its own observatory!) to the retro book club, there’s something here for every proactive, versatile pupil.
Weaknesses
Aside from the exeat weekends, we see no weaknesses.
Location
London Heathrow Airport is 80 minutes away by car.
If you’re after a genuine, traditional British boarding school experience, you’ll find it here – it hardly gets more authentic.
Take a look at similar schools
Oundle School
The King's School Canterbury
Uppingham School
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