Ardingly College

Ardingly College is an independent day and boarding school for boys and girls aged 2 to 18 located just outside Haywards Heath in West Sussex.

The school is surrounded by some 230 acres of outstanding natural beauty in the heart of the Sussex countryside yet still close to Brighton and London. The school's buildings and facilities have seen notable developments in recent years including a £4.5 million refurbishment of the Science Centre.

Head Ben Figgis says: 'We are a school of ambition and are proud of the achievements of our pupils. In a globalised world, securing strong qualifications and a track record of success has never been more important. We also ensure that our pupils enjoy a great deal of choice to enable them to succeed in the classroom and in the activities they pursue in their wider school life.'

'An excellent education also requires us to look beyond the school gates, and engage with the world around us. Whether they live five minutes down the road or come from the other side of the world, every pupil must leave school with a positive engagement and understanding of the world around them. This is what World Ready aims to achieve.'

Inspection reports

Inspections provide parents with detailed information from which to assess key aspects of a school. Find out more about why inspections matter.

The school was last inspected in May 2021. Read the inspection reports on the school's website.

The school is a registered charity managed by a board of governors. Read more on the Charity Commission website.

What makes Ardingly College different?

Attain asked the school, what makes Ardingly College different – and why should parents consider it?

Ardingly College offers a broad academic curriculum and achieves excellent results. A Level, International Baccalaureate and BTEC are offered in the Sixth Form.

Our aim is to prepare students to become World Ready™. This is achieved through the curriculum, breadth of opportunities, the Ardingly College community and the excellent pastoral attention students receive.

Ardingly College has a formidable reputation for music and sport, particularly football, hockey and swimming. In addition the Enrichment Programme which is timetabled into the school day, gives students the opportunity to nurture their talents and engage, explore and develop skills outside of a traditional curriculum.

Each student belongs to a house, a physical base they return to throughout the day. The house structure gives students a place of community that bond friendships and enable us to provide excellent pastoral support via a personal tutor and House staff. The Upper Sixth House, Godwin Hall is particularly special. Boys and girls, day and boarding live together in preparation for independent living at university.

For both day and boarding students, living in an international community brings with it an engagement, appreciation, learning and understanding of cultures and global issues. The World Ready™ programme includes a University Preparation Programme, Life Skills Week and PHSE workshops.

This programme, together with knowledge, skills and qualities acquired during their time at Ardingly College ensure that when students leave they are World Ready™, equipped to cope and excel in the next chapter of their lives.

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