Head Master, Gareth Parker-Jones, said he believes Rugby to have succeeded when a spark is created in the mind of the student, be it in the classroom, on the sports field, in the music rooms, on stage, in the art studios, or around any sort of activity.
Number of students. 870 (45% girls, 55% boys).
Ethos
At Rugby School, we are committed to developing well-rounded individuals through a holistic approach to education. Our ethos, "the whole person is the whole point," is reflected in everything we do. We foster academic excellence and encourage students to explore their talents and passions in a supportive environment that promotes intellectual curiosity and resilience.
As a true seven-day-a-week boarding school, Rugby offers students the time and space to engage in a wide range of activities beyond academics. This balance allows them to grow into confident, capable individuals who are well-prepared for life’s challenges.
Location
Enjoying a central location just 48 minutes by train from London and close to the M6, M1 and Birmingham Airport, Rugby School offers the best of all worlds – a leafy green 400-acre campus on the edge of the countryside but still part of the town.
Facilities
Rugby School is steeped in cultural heritage, with iconic buildings such as the Chapel and the Temple Speech Room, and beautiful green quads and cloisters. Despite its historic charm, the school offers cutting-edge facilities, including a modern Science Centre, a state-of-the-art Design Centre with art exhibition space, and a purpose-built Modern Languages building.
The Music Schools boast 40 teaching rooms, a recording studio, and a concert hall, hosting over 120 performances annually. Students also benefit from top-tier sports facilities, including a 25m pool, new AstroTurf pitches, and a dedicated athletes' gym, with access to professional coaching across a range of sports.
Boarding Houses
At Rugby School, the House system is central to fostering a strong sense of community and providing exceptional pastoral care. Pioneered by Dr. Thomas Arnold, this system offers a home-like environment where students can thrive. Rugby has 13 boarding houses, including 7 for boys, 5 for girls, and a bespoke girls' Sixth Form house. Each house has its own unique character and in-house dining, creating a true home from home. Housemasters and Housemistresses, along with their dedicated staff, offer 24/7 support, ensuring every student feels part of a family.
Day Houses
Rugby’s two Day Houses, one for girls and one for boys, were recently expanded to provide even better facilities and space to meet increased demand for places. They now accommodate over 200 day students who all benefit from the depth and breadth of a boarding experience.
Academic
GCSE: all the usual subjects are offered, as well as computing, German, Spanish, Latin, Greek, Design, Art, Music, Sports Science, Theatre Studies and Religious Studies.
IB and A level: rugby offers the IB diploma. Alongside the core, CAS, Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay and the traditional subjects, This extends to far more, including Theatre, Literature and Performance, Mandarin, Italian ab initio, Psychology, Global Politics and Environmental Systems and Societies. A level is offered in all the GCSE subjects, as well as in Business, Economics, Graphics, Textiles and Politics. Students also have the opportunity to pursue an Extended Project Qualification. All go on to Higher Education with an impressive number of students achieving Oxbridge and Russell Group places, while an increasing number achieved offers in the US, Canada and Europe, as well as on prestigious Degree Apprenticeships. A diverse program of academic enrichment is an integral part of a Rugby education, with all students attaining a wide range of clubs and activities. Academic societies, many of which are student driven, invite a wide range of eminent figures to the school speakers have included Rowan Williams, Anthony Horowitz and Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy. In addition all year nine students embarked on the Rugby Learner Profile. Unique to Rugby School, this cross curricular method of teaching and learning transcends the traditional classroom formula, helping to develop key dispositions that encourage maturity and promote engagement.
Spiritual Life
At Rugby School, spiritual awareness is valued alongside academic and physical development. The School Chapel is central to this, holding services four times a week that bring the whole school together. The Chaplains play an active role in the students' lives, visiting Houses, sharing meals, and teaching younger students, fostering a strong sense of community and respect for others. These experiences help nurture an understanding of right and wrong, providing the foundation for personal growth and the school's ethos.
Co-curricular
Rugby School's co-curricular programme offers a broad range of opportunities, from entry-level activities to elite performance. With over 55 competitive sports teams, the school ensures no student is left on the bench. The programme includes 13,000 music lessons, 6,000 one-on-one sports sessions, and 3,000 LAMDA/Dance lessons annually. The thriving outdoor education programme includes over 200 students in the CCF and 250 participating in the Duke of Edinburgh scheme, with 80 students completing their Gold award this year. With 400+ activities, Rugby’s co-curriculum allows every student to explore their passions, whether through sport, the arts, or community service.
Admissions
At 13+, places are offered based on a student’s school report and an interview, with the offer conditional on achieving at least 55% in Common Entrance (CE) exams, or passing Rugby School’s own Maths and English tests, or through a scholarship application.
At 16+, boarder and day student places are offered based on school reports, an interview, and entrance tests in Year 11, including English and Maths, as well as the chosen IB or A-level subjects. Offers are conditional on achieving at least three GCSEs at grade 6 and three at grade 7, or equivalent.
Scholarships
Our scholarship provision is designed to attract students of outstanding talent and skill in a variety of fields. We value scholarship of all sorts. Through the excellence of our academic provision and our facilities we aim to foster high achievement at all levels and to challenge expectations. The interplay of teaching and learning, and the experiences to be gained from being part of a rich and diverse community, encourage all students to develop their talents and to emerge as confident, well-rounded individuals.
13+ (Year 9) Academic Scholarships: Examinations are held in February of Year 8.
16+ (Year 12) Academic Scholarships: Scholarship interviews are held in mid-November of Year 11.
Fees per term (2024-2025). Boarder: £16,400; Day Pupil: £10,400.
REGISTRATION FEE: £250 (except those applying for Foundation or Arnold Foundation Awards).
ENTRANCE FEE: £2,500 (except Foundationers) with £1,250 credited against the bills after the completion of the first term.
OVERSEAS DEPOSIT: One term’s fees in advance. (Payable in addition to the Entrance Fee by parents of pupils whose normal residence is outside the United Kingdom).
FAMILY DISCOUNT: 5% discount on net termly fees for a third child at Rugby or Bilton Grange. 7.5% discount on net fees for fourth (and subsequent) child at Rugby or Bilton Grange.
Charitable status.Rugby School is a Registered Charity, number 528752.