Uppingham School
Uppingham, Rutland, England
Uppingham School
Uppingham, Rutland, England
Overview
The idea of an all-round education, identifying and encouraging each individual’s talents was pioneered at Uppingham, a traditional full-boarding school, by the great Victorian headmaster Edward Thring. The School continues this approach with a fully integrated, holistic approach where individual talents are nurtured and encouraged to grow. Academic excellence is promoted through a challenging, broad and balanced curriculum and inspirational teaching, aiming to support and stretch all pupils.
At a glance
Academic
Uppingham’s classroom curriculum is challenging, and potential pupils must demonstrate a certain level of academic ability. A broad range of opportunities is offered (26 choices at A Level) with an emphasis on identifying and bringing out the strengths of all pupils in whatever field they may shine. Highly qualified teachers give extensive support in the environment of a genuine 7-day-a-week boarding school. Each year close to a third of leavers gain A/A* grades and 99% go on to University.
Boarding
Central to life at Uppingham are the 15 boarding houses (9 boys, 6 girls). The house is very much an extended home with each housemaster/mistress living-in with their own family, seeing the boys and girls in their care every day. Each house has its own dining room where all meals are eaten together and there is a good mix of pupils who excel academically, in sport or in the creative arts. The overall result is that every boarding house is a microcosm of Uppingham life.
Sports
Enhanced by the new sports centre (opened in 2010) the excellent facilities enable pupils to take part in and enjoy a wide range of sports; including recreational sports such as fencing, fives and badminton. Participation is encouraged and the School develops individuals by promoting both enjoyment and the acquisition of skills. Representing the School or house is part of the ethos and recent tours to New Zealand and India have provided opportunities to explore the world.
Creative arts
Music threads through the whole school community and Uppingham encourages both individual excellence and mass participation. Drama flourishes with numerous opportunities available for pupils who wish to be involved on stage and/or behind the scenes; recent productions include Miss Saigon and Calamity Jane. And for those pupils who are interested in art or design the recently refurbished Leonardo Centre can accommodate all aspirations in one open-plan space.
Did you know?
- Uppingham, founded in 1584, was the first English school to open a gymnasium (1860) and to appoint a Director of Music (1865). Girls were first admitted in 1975.
- Alumni include Academy Award winning film director John Schlesinger; comedian, actor, writer and presenter Stephen Fry; and Harry Judd, drummer from the pop band McFly.
