Ancient Schools' group
The Ancient Schools’ Group is an informal, prestige-based association of some of the oldest independent schools in the United Kingdom, typically those founded before 1600. The group aims to facilitate the exchange of best practices and foster collaboration among institutions that share unique challenges related to heritage, ancient endowments, and historical estates. Governed through periodic meetings of Heads and Bursars, the group provides a forum to discuss the preservation of tradition within a modern educational context. Membership is exclusive and includes renowned institutions such as Eton, Winchester, Harrow, and Westminster.
ASG Member Schools (18)
Northwood College for Girls GDST is an independent day school for pupils aged 3 to 18, located in Northwood, Greater London. Founded in 1878 and a member of the Girls’ Day School Trust since 2014, the school moved to its current site in 1892. Facilities include a performing arts centre with a recital hall, a sports hall with an indoor swimming pool, and specialist studios for dance and art. The school’s ethos focuses on character development and intellectual curiosity, aiming to nurture confident individuals within a supportive community.
St Albans School is an independent day school for boys aged 11 to 18, with a co-educational Sixth Form. Situated adjacent to St Albans Cathedral, it is one of the world’s oldest schools, tracing its history back to 948 AD. The school occupies a historic campus including the 14th-century Abbey Gateway. Its ethos emphasises academic rigour and holistic development. Facilities include the Woollams playing fields and a modern sports centre with a swimming pool, as well as dedicated buildings for science and music, supporting a curriculum that blends traditional scholarship with contemporary learning.
Westminster School is a historic boarding and day school for pupils aged 13 to 18, located within the Precincts of Westminster Abbey. Refounded by Elizabeth I in 1560, it is the only ancient school to remain on its original site in central London. The school is centred around Little Dean’s Yard and includes notable architecture such as the 14th-century College Hall. It provides a liberal education that encourages independent thought and academic rigour. Facilities include the 13-acre Vincent Square playing fields and a modern sports centre. Girls are currently admitted to the Sixth Form.
Haileybury is a co-educational independent day and boarding school for pupils aged 11 to 18, set within a 500-acre campus in Hertford Heath. Established in 1862 on the site of the former East India College, the school is home to historic architecture, including a chapel by Arthur Blomfield and one of the largest academic quadrangles in the UK. Academically, the school offers both A-levels and the International Baccalaureate Diploma. Facilities include a recently developed Science and Technology Centre, which supports an ethos focused on intellectual curiosity and global citizenship.
Sevenoaks School is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 11 to 18, situated on a 100-acre campus in Kent, bordering Knole Park. Founded in 1432, it is one of the United Kingdom's oldest non-denominational schools. The school emphasises a global outlook and was a pioneer in adopting the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, which it has offered exclusively since 1999. The site features a mix of historic buildings and contemporary facilities, including 'The Space', a purpose-built performing arts centre, and a state-of-the-art science and technology centre.
Tonbridge School is an independent boarding and day school for boys aged 13 to 18, set within 150 acres of grounds in Kent. Founded in 1553 by Sir Andrew Judde, the school retains historical links with the Worshipful Company of Skinners. The campus features a blend of Victorian Gothic architecture and contemporary facilities, including the Barton Science Centre and the EM Forster Theatre. Academic life is complemented by a wide extracurricular programme and sporting provision; the Tonbridge School Centre was used as a training base for the 2012 Olympic Games.
Charterhouse is a co-educational independent boarding and day school for pupils aged 13 to 18, situated on a 250-acre campus in Godalming, Surrey. Founded in London in 1611 by Thomas Sutton, the school relocated to its present site in 1872, where it is housed in distinctive Gothic Revival buildings. The curriculum balances academic rigour with music, the arts, and sport. Notable facilities include the Queen’s Sports Centre and an art studio. Historically, Charterhouse is recognised for its significant role in the early development and codification of association football rules.
Situated near Pulborough in West Sussex, Dorset House School is a co-educational preparatory school. Located in the village of Bury, the school offers day, flexi, and weekly boarding options. The school claims to provide a “high challenge, low threat” environment, often describing its ethos as a “greenhouse” rather than a “hot house” to foster pupil confidence. The curriculum places a strong emphasis on art, drama, and music, while the rural setting supports a range of outdoor learning and sporting activities.
Latymer Upper School is a co-educational independent day school for pupils aged 11 to 18, situated in Hammersmith on the banks of the River Thames. Founded in 1624 by Edward Latymer, the school features a mix of Victorian heritage buildings and modern facilities, including a performing arts centre and a riverside boathouse. The school is noted for its commitment to social diversity through a significant bursary programme. The curriculum emphasises academic breadth alongside a broad extracurricular offering, while its location supports a long-standing rowing tradition and access to London’s wide-ranging cultural resources.
Christ's Hospital is an independent co-educational boarding and day school for students aged 11-18, situated on a 1,200-acre estate south of Horsham, West Sussex. Established in 1552, the school operates under a royal charter and is known for its charitable foundation. It claims to challenge inequality by providing a nurturing education to young people from diverse backgrounds, with a majority of students receiving means-tested bursaries. The curriculum aims to combine academic ambition with a focus on broader opportunities in sports, music, art, and drama.
King’s School Rochester is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 3 to 18. Founded in 604 AD, it is the world’s second oldest school and is situated within the historic Cathedral precinct, overlooking the River Medway. The school maintains a close relationship with Rochester Cathedral, which serves as its chapel. Housed in buildings ranging from the 16th-century Satis House to modern facilities, it emphasises well-rounded development through academic rigour and a diverse co-curricular programme, including a notable rowing tradition and an established choral heritage.
Kingston Grammar School is a co-educational independent day school for pupils aged 11 to 18, situated in Kingston upon Thames. Founded in 1561 by Royal Charter from Queen Elizabeth I, the school's historic site features the 14th-century Lovekyn Chapel, the only remaining free-standing chantry chapel in England. The school provides a broad academic curriculum alongside a diverse co-curricular programme. Extensive sporting facilities are located nearby at Ditton Field, covering 22 acres. The school's ethos encourages pupils to be intellectually curious and socially responsible within a supportive community.