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Ardingly College independent school in West Sussex logo

Ardingly College

Co-ed

Beati Mundo Corde

(Blessed are the pure in heart)

Church of England
Pre-Nursery - Year 13 (Upper Sixth) (Ages 2-18)
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Ardingly College is a co-educational boarding and day school for pupils aged 2 to 18, situated on a 230-acre campus in the West Sussex countryside near Haywards Heath. Founded in 1858 by Canon Nathaniel Woodard, the school features notable Gothic Revival architecture and a Grade II listed chapel. The college emphasises a "world-ready" ethos, providing a choice between A-levels and the International Baccalaureate in the Sixth Form. Facilities include a dedicated art school and access to a reservoir for water sports. It maintains a strong focus on competitive sports, including football, hockey, and cricket.

Selectivity:
Academic
Boarding:
Flexi Boarding
Full Boarding
Weekly Boarding
School Stages:
All Through
Values:
Compassion
Resilience
Collaboration
Engagement

This information is for guidance only. We aim to keep it accurate and helpful, but details may change or be inaccurate or incomplete. Please confirm key information with the school’s official website before making decisions.

Please contact us if any of this information is incorrect.

Last updated on 10 March 2026 (not all data elements were necessarily updated on this date)

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Admission & Fees

Fees Vs. National Average

-4.7%

Ardingly College's fees are 4.7% lower than the national average.

Fees Vs. County Average

+2.3%

Ardingly College's fees are 2.3% higher than the county average.

Based on 23 schools in West Sussex and 264 nationally.

Note: Fee comparisons are based on core termly day fees including mandatory lunch and learning materials but excluding any discounts or other additional charges for extra-curriculars, registration, etc. Please check the schools' official websites for full fees and charges.

Gender:Co-educational
Selectivity:Academic
Ardingly College operates an academically selective admissions policy. For Year 7 entry, candidates are required to sit written examinations in English and mathematics, along with online cognitive ability tests. Prospective pupils for Year 9 must complete the ISEB Common Pre-Test during Year 6, with shortlisted students invited to a further assessment day. The process for all main entry points also includes a formal interview and a review of the applicant's current school reference and reports.
Scholarships:
Service and Leadership
Football
Swimming
Science
Cricket
Design & Technology
Music
Academic
Art
Netball
Dance
Hockey
Languages
Drama
Sport
Humanities
Tennis
Bursaries:Yes
Ardingly provides means-tested financial aid to families of students who have secured a scholarship or similar award. These are evaluated annually based on financial need. Transformational bursaries are also available through external partnerships to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

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Facilities

Sports Facilities:
Squash Court
Tennis Court
Rowing
Table Tennis
Gym (Strength & Conditioning)
Judo
Cross Country Course
Basketball Court
Volleyball Court
Badminton Court
Swimming Pool (Indoor)
Fencing
Outdoor Watersports
Playing Fields
Climbing Wall
Hockey Pitch
Cricket Grounds
Netball Courts
Astroturf Pitch
Sailing facilities
Athletics Track
Sports Hall
Football Pitch
Other Facilities:
Student Kitchen
Drama Studio
Wellbeing Suite
Kiln
Theatre
Pupil Café
Health Centre
Recital Hall
Ceramics Studio
Dance Studio
Music Studio
Library
Chapel
Recording Studio

Other Details

Demonym:Ardinian
Founded:1858
Gender Mix:Co-ed (Approx. 55%/45% Boy/Girl)
Boarder Mix:Approx. 28.7% of pupils are boarders
School Size: Approx. 1,048 pupils
SmallLarge
Qualifications/Certifications Offered:
Leiths Qualifications in Food and Wine
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
GCSE
ABRSM
A Level
IGCSE
LAMDA
Higher Project Qualification (HPQ)
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
BTEC

Contact Information

Address

Ardingly College, College Road, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH17 6SQ

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General Enquiries

+44 (0)1444 893000

Other schools that are part of Woodard Schools

Company Details

Corporate Type:Company Limited by Guarantee (with Charitable Status)
Charitable Status:Charitable
Registered Charity No.:1076456
Registered Company No.:03779971
Owner/Stakeholder:Woodard Schools (owner)