The Uppingham School from the front with its main entrance and big old tree in front

Uppingham School

Uppingham School

Uppingham, Rutland, England

In the heart of the charming market town of Uppingham in Rutland lies one of England’s most traditional boarding schools. The honey-coloured school buildings are spread throughout the town, with pupils strolling through the streets, grabbing hot chocolate at Baines Bakery, or meeting up for a pizza. Uppingham is a true classic boarding school: 98% of pupils are full boarders and stay on campus throughout the week. Meals are not served in a central dining hall but in the individual houses, fostering a strong sense of community rarely seen elsewhere. Music, theatre, and sport hold a special place here and are supported with great dedication. Recently, Uppingham opened a modern, light-filled science centre.

We placed 3 pupils here in 2024
Number of students
840
Number of boarders
800
Percentage of international boarders
20%
Average class size
15
Diploma offered
A-Levels
Closest International Airport
1 hr
Birmingham Airport - by car
A student playing the violin, seen from aboveThe music

The Details

The Academics

Uppingham School is one of England’s academically selective boarding schools—and the results speak for themselves: in 2024, 52% of students achieved A grades at A-Level. Overall, 87% earned grades between A and B\*, a strong testament to the committed teaching staff and the broad, well-rounded curriculum. Especially popular are the sciences (supported by a high-tech science center with a rooftop garden and telescopes!) as well as elective subjects like textile design, music technology, business studies, and sport (BTEC).

Students in the Sixth Form can also choose a “parallel curriculum” course alongside their regular classes—for example, an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), a sports leadership certificate, or a French language diploma.
Some students aim for top universities like Oxford or Cambridge, but that’s not the only path. Headmaster Dr. Maloney has developed an international university program encouraging pupils to think globally: USA, Canada, Spain, Switzerland—all are represented at the annual university fair on campus. In 2024, one student received a golf scholarship to the University of North Carolina. Many others go on to prestigious UK universities such as Durham, Exeter, or Edinburgh.

Languages Taught

German, English as a Foreign Language, French, Ancient Greek, Latin, Mandarin and Spanish.

The Boarding

Ninety-nine percent of students live on campus—Uppingham is a true full boarding school. There are 15 beautiful boarding houses: ranging from charming townhouses to country houses with large gardens, and the so-called “Hill Houses” near the sports facilities. Some houses are modern and functional, others full of wood paneling and classic British coziness—each with its own character. All meals are taken within the houses, fostering a real sense of community and allowing houseparents to be closely involved. On Sundays, breakfast in pajamas is allowed.

Younger pupils usually share rooms, with regular room changes. Sixth Formers have single rooms.

the cosy dining hall of a bearding school busy with studentsThe boarding

Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths

Uppingham has rightly earned a strong reputation for music. With three music schools, its own recording studios, over 45 specialist teachers, and countless ensembles, choirs, and bands—from classical to jazz jam sessions—students regularly perform their own projects, some even on Spotify. Guest lecturers and concert tours complement the program.

The school’s own theatre is among the largest in England. Major productions such as *Miss Saigon*, *Calamity Jane*, and *Oh! What a Lovely War* alternate with smaller house performances. Students participate not only on stage but also take responsibility for lighting, sound, makeup, and directing.

The creative heart is the light-filled Leonardo Centre, designed by a former pupil. Here, works in ceramics, textiles, graphic design, film, photography, and more come to life.

And sport? Alongside classics like rugby, cricket, and hockey, Uppingham also excels in fencing, badminton, tennis, and athletics at a high level. The facilities are meticulously maintained, and team spirit is strong.

The enrichment program offers around 50 activities—from drone racing to songwriting. And if something’s missing, the students simply start it themselves.

Weaknesses

Last year, there were slight concerns about how supportive the school is from a pastoral perspective. The school is looking into this. 

Location

The school itself is centrally located in the town of Uppingham and shapes its character. London is about two hours away by train, and the nearest airports—East Midlands, Birmingham, and London Heathrow—are all within a two-hour drive.

Closest International Airport
Birmingham Airport - 1 hr away by car
London Stansted - 1 hr 20 mins by car
Birmingham Airport - 60mins by car
Nearest Cities
Uppingham - in town
Oakham - 15mins by car
Closest Train Station
Oakham Station - 12 mins away by car
Oakham Station - 15mins by car
Our Opinion

The perfect choice for high-achieving students seeking a genuine, traditional English boarding school experience—with everything that comes with it.

Our Insider Tip

Uppingham has been a vibrant market town since the 14th century: on Fridays, the market buzzes with regional specialties.

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