Haileybury

Focus

Creating an open-minded culture

Day fees 2025/26

$37,000-$55,700

Boarding fees 2025/26

$48,800-$77,000

Term dates

• Term 1: 1 September to 12 December 2025
• Term 2: 6 January to 26 March 2026
• Term 3: 20 April to 27 June 2026

Ages

11-18

Pupil count

925

Spear's Review

At Haileybury, academic discipline sits alongside a deliberate focus on leadership and character formation. Pupils are expected to engage fully in school life, with leadership opportunities threaded throughout – from house and whole-school roles to pupil-led societies, service initiatives, sport and outdoor education. The school’s guiding values of courage, curiosity, integrity, kindness, respect and service are not treated as abstract ideas but as practical expectations shaping the provision of education.

Academically, Haileybury places notable weight on intellectual independence. Pupils pursue specialist electives and advanced research opportunities, including ‘Stan-X’ and ‘CubeSat’ projects, which are delivered in collaboration with Stanford University and BAE Systems respectively. Recognition as both an Apple Designated School and Google Reference School reflects the school’s measured, research-informed integration of AI and digital learning, supported by facilities such as its cutting-edge science and technology centre. 

Academics

In 2025:

• 83 per cent of GCSE results were grades 7-9
• 53 per cent of A-Level results were A* or A
• Average IB score was 37.2 points

School Profile

Haileybury is a school where academic ambition, exceptional pastoral care and a rich co-curricular life come together to shape confident, curious and compassionate young people within a supportive and inspiring community.

We nurture every pupil to thrive academically and personally, fostering independence, resilience and a sense of purpose. Learning is active, challenging and forward-looking, blending deep knowledge with critical thinking, creativity and real-world problem-solving.

As a busy boarding school, houses are a home from home, and pupils act with respect and integrity, celebrate diversity and contribute positively to their community. Volunteering, charitable initiatives and service see pupils developing empathy, leadership and confidence.

Our estate combines historic architecture with outstanding modern facilities. The Sci-Tech Centre offers research opportunities unrivalled in UK schools, including the Stan-X and CubeSat projects in collaboration with Stanford University and BAE Systems. Our wide-ranging curriculum allows pupils to pursue intellectual passions with rigour, leading to exceptional examination results and entry to top universities worldwide.

An extensive campus and excellent facilities enable a comprehensive co-curricular programme. Whether enjoying taking part or aiming to reach the highest of levels within a field of endeavour, opportunities abound in sport, music, drama and outdoor activities.

Haileybury’s pioneering use of AI and educational technology has earned Apple Distinguished School and Google Reference School status. A Programme of Leadership & Enterprise and Outdoor Learning Centre see pupils developing skills needed for future success.

Guiding all we do is Haileybury 2030, a bold vision that will ensure that every child is known, valued and supported to flourish academically, socially and personally in a truly world-class environment.

Head teacher

Eugene du Toit has been master of Haileybury since 2024, having previously served as headmaster of Wellington School in Somerset. Earlier in his career, he was deputy headmaster at Trinity School in Croydon and undermaster at St Paul’s School.

Beyond his school leadership roles, du Toit has contributed to the wider independent schools sector. He has served on the Heads’ Conference’s academic policy committee and supported the organisation’s reform of assessment working group. 

University and college destinations

In 2025, 91 per cent of the graduating class continued their studies at university, with 4 per cent accepting places at Oxbridge or an Ivy League school. 

Admissions

Haileybury operates a selective admissions process that evaluates both academic potential and a pupil’s broader contribution to school life. Following an initial visit, applicants are required to submit school reports and complete assessments, including a cognitive abilities test and papers in mathematics and English. All 16+ candidates also complete a subject-specific paper. All applicants are interviewed, with final decisions made through a holistic assessment of each pupil’s overall suitability for the school.

Notable alumni

• Christopher Nolan (film director)
• Clement Attlee (former British prime minister)
• Oscar Piastri (Formula One driver)
• Rudyard Kipling (author)

Accessibility

Heathrow Airport: 1 hour  

Location

Click for more information about the research process and expert insight behind the Spear’s Schools Index.