Ardingly College was founded in 1858. It lies in one of the most beautiful parts of Sussex and shares a single campus with its Junior School. The Senior School numbers about 300 boys and 200 girls aged 13-18.
As a Woodard school Ardingly caters for and appeals to those seeking a Church of England education but members of other churches and faiths are accepted. 75% of pupils are boarders but the 25% who are day pupils are fully integrated and the aim, with the Junior School, is to be a 'family' school. There is a fine pastoral system based on individual tutors for each pupil in addition to a house structure. Pupils in the first four years of the school are divided into 8 boys' houses and 4 girls' houses, each of about 35 pupils. In their final year in the school all boys and girls join a large, purpose-built house called Woodard, designed to prepare them for the next step in their lives.
Ardingly caters for a fairly wide range of academic ability but about 65% of leavers will gain 9 GCSEs at A, B or C grades, acquire 3 good A levels and go on to universities (including Oxbridge), polytechnics or colleges of higher education. The remainder will go straight into employment or vocational training. There is much emphasis on Music and 60% of pupils play an instrument. Emphasis is also placed on Drama, Art and Sports and scholarships are available in all these fields.
Entrance is by Common entrance, own entrance examination and scholarship examination.
The school also offers a short-stay, residential 'English for Young Europeans' programme which is expanding fast.
