Rugby School

Focus

Intellectual curiosity and resilience

Day fees

$36,700

Boarding fees

$58,200

Pupils

869

Ages

13–18

Academics

56 per cent of A-Level results are A* or A grades.

Spear’s Review

In 1823 William Webb showed a ‘fine disregard’ for the rules of football when he picked up the ball and ran with it, inventing rugby. Rugby School applies a similar approach to learning, encouraging a non-conformist attitude. 

Its ‘whole person’ philosophy holds that when pupils engage and excel in one area of their life or study, that excellence can be transferred to other areas. It is certainly reflected in the academic results of its thriving, resilient students.

Head teacher

Gareth Parker-Jones has been at Rugby since 2015. He initially served as deputy head (academic), becoming head master in 2020. He was educated at Queen Elizabeth’s Hospital School, Bristol and Pembroke College, Oxford, where he read history. He also holds a master’s degree in colonial and post-colonial studies from the University of London. He has taught at Harrow, University College School and Sevenoaks, where he was head of history. 

During Parker-Jones’s time as head master, the International Baccalaureate diploma programme has been introduced, a reflection of his belief in the importance of providing students with the breadth of knowledge and skills they need to thrive in their lives beyond school.

Parker-Jones was initially attracted to Rugby by its sector-leading bursary programme and has built on the work of his predecessors in leading the Arnold Foundation, a programme which has provided almost 200 100 per cent-plus bursaries to children with a need for boarding.

Admissions

According to the school:

For 13+ and 16+ boarding and day entry, parents are invited to visit the school. Visits typically include a school tour, a house tour and lunch with current students and staff. Registered applicants are asked to complete a pre-interview questionnaire (handwritten by the student), and during the assessment they are interviewed by a housemaster or housemistress, and a moderator. The school values academically robust students who also enjoy a wide range of interests to make the most of the school’s co-curricular programme.

Feeder schools

Bilton Grange, Dragon School, Winchester House.

University and college places

9% to Oxford or Cambridge.

57% to Russell Group universities.

Accessibility

Birmingham Airport; 45 minutes

Location

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