Marlborough College

Focus

Rigour, respect and responsibility

Boarding fees

$59,500

Pupils

1,013

Ages

13–18

Academics

50 per cent of IGCSE results are 7–9 grades.

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

Spear’s Review

Marlborough College was founded in 1843, opening its doors to 199 boys, predominantly sons of clergy. It offers ‘an unrivalled education’, according to Dan Clark, the deputy head, academic. Marlborough is described as a diverse community with wellbeing and mutual respect at its heart. Academic results are excellent. 

Among the long list of famous alumni you will find poets such as John Betjeman; royalty, including the Duchess of Cambridge; and a particularly strong showing of first-class cricketers.

Head teacher

Louise Moelwyn-Hughes was educated at Methodist College, Belfast, and read classics at Magdalene College, Cambridge University. Her first teaching post was at Marlborough College; she went on to become the senior deputy head of the Perse School, Cambridge, and then head of St Edmund’s School, Canterbury, before returning to Marlborough as master in 2018. 

Of her vision for the Marlborough College community, Moelwyn-Hughes says: ‘At Marlborough, individuality is encouraged and differences are celebrated – we are genuinely excited about the prospect of our community spanning pupils and staff who come from all walks of life and with all types of different experiences. Our pupils are bright and they relish a challenge. It is the norm for pupils to combine achieving great grades with making the most of the incredible opportunities that a fully co-educational boarding school can offer.’  

Admissions

According to the school:

The selection process assesses academic ability and potential as well as personal qualities and talents. Children who apply for a place at age 13 (Year 9) will be asked to sit the ISEB pre-tests in the Michaelmas term of Year 6 and come for an interview the following term. A reference from their current head teacher is also required. Offers will then be made in March.

For those applying for Sixth Form, candidates will be interviewed and asked to sit computer tests in English, verbal and non-verbal skills, and take two written exams in the subject areas they are considering for A level. A head teacher’s reference is also required. Offers will be made in early December.

Feeder schools

In 2023, pupils came from 84 different schools. Top three feeder schools are Cheam, Pinewood and Lambrook.

University and college places

5 per cent advance to Oxford or Cambridge.

2 per cent advance to Ivy League schools.

Accessibility

Heathrow Airport; 1 hour 15 minutes

Location

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