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Royal Hospital School

Royal Hospital School, located close to Ipswich in Suffolk, is a former navy school with a lot of legacy from that time, e.g. the cadaver of an old ship frigate graces the campus and pictures of legendary sea battles adorn the reception. Especially noteworthy are the school's amazing music department, and, as you'd expect, out-of-this-world sailing!
Von Bülow Education placed 2 pupils here in 2023.

The Essentials

  • Number of pupils: 750

  • Percentage of boarders: 65%

  • Percentage of international pupils: 16%

  • Av. class size: senior school - 12 / 6th Form - 10

  • Closest international airport: Stansted Airport, 90mins by car.

  • Fees per term for 2023/2024: £14,505


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What we think
A refreshingly unselfconscious school - not at all snobby, open, friendly and understated.

The Details

The Academics:

A-Levels and GCSEs on offer.

Royal Hospital is fairly non-selective, yet achieved a respectable 37% A grades at A-Levels and 35% 9-7 grades at GCSEs in 2023. This is in no small part due to the good pupil-to-teacher ratio of 10:1, as well as dedicated teachers and a highly supportive learning environment.

The school is at the forefront of digital learning. Pupils use i-pads and Google Classroom to create a contemporary and dynamic learning environment.

Language-wise there's German, French, Spanish and Latin on offer.

Boarding:

60% of pupils board.

Boarding houses are functional and in good condition. Pupils share with at least one other person up to 6th Form. Then the single rooms beckon.

Exeat weekends exist but pupils can stay at the school.

Strengths:

We really like the school's focus on contemporary teaching - both in delivery and content! The school's smart use of technology is some of the most progressive we've seen. Royal Hospital School's imparting real-world skills like team-working, digital literacy, well-being or interview-training prepares pupils really well for life after school.

The school offers a varied sports programme with over 70 different sports and activities on offer. But it's the sailing that the undoubted crown in Royal Hospital School's sports offer. The school has 60 dinghies and four powerboats at the ready at the nearby estuary, pupils achieve RYA qualifications and even enter international sailing competitions!

We love the music provision also. The school's modern music center complete with recital hall, 25 practice rooms and a state-of-the-art recording studio is a sight to behold. More than 50% of pupils practice at least one instrument here. The choir is excellent and goes on regular tour throughout England and often further afield - most recently to New York. A 60-strong marching band rounds of the music at Royal Hospital School.

Weaknesses:

The school is a little off the beaten track. It is so, so worth visiting, however!


The Location
Royal Hospital School is located close to the charming town Holbrook in Suffolk.

The Address
Royal Hospital School
Holbrook Rd
Harkstead
IP9 1BP
England

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von Bülow Education
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34 - 38 Hill Rise
Richmond
TW10 6UA

Tel: +44 (0) 203 9534063
Email: info@buloweducation.com