List of the oldest schools in the United Kingdom
Encyclopedia
This list of the oldest schools in the United Kingdom contains extant schools in the United Kingdom established prior to 1700 and a few particularly early former schools. The dates refer to the foundation or the earliest documented contemporary reference to the school.
Former (non-extant) schools
- Lincoln SchoolLincoln Christ's Hospital SchoolLincoln Christ's Hospital School is a state comprehensive school for 11-18 year olds located on Wragby Road in Lincoln, Lincolnshire, England.-Admissions:Its student population is just under 1400, including over 300 in the sixth form...
(1090) - now Lincoln Christ's Hosptial School - Derby SchoolDerby SchoolDerby School was a school in Derby in the English Midlands from 1160 to 1989. It had an almost continuous history of education of over eight centuries. For most of that time it was a grammar school for boys. The school became co-educational and comprehensive in 1974 and was closed in 1989...
(1160, Royal charter 1554) – closed in 1989 - Ludlow Grammar SchoolLudlow CollegeLudlow College is a sixth form college situated in the heart of Ludlow, Shropshire, England. Its history traces back to 1200, when it was known as Ludlow Grammar School. This makes Ludlow College one of the oldest educational institutions in England....
(1200, Palmer's Guild) - now Ludlow College - Hull Grammar SchoolHull Grammar SchoolHull Grammar School was an independent secondary school in Hull, England, founded in 1486 by Dr. John Alcock. The school merged with Hull High School to form Hull Collegiate School in 2005.- History :The seventeenth oldest independent school in the U.K...
(c.1330, endowed 1479) – closed in 2005 - Cirencester Grammar SchoolCirencester Grammar SchoolCirencester Grammar School was a grammar school in Cirencester, Gloucestershire, England, founded in about 1461 and closed in 1966.-History:Princess Alexandra of Kent visited the school on 23 July 1958 as part of its quincentenary celebrations....
(1461) – closed in 1966 - Crewkerne Grammar School (1499) – closed in 1904
- Taunton Grammar SchoolTaunton Grammar SchoolTaunton Grammar School, was an English educational institution in Taunton, Somerset. It was founded by Bishop Richard Foxe, in 1522, and remained in operation until 1870. The building remains today as Taunton's Municipal Hall.-References:...
(1522) – closed in 1870 - Mercers' SchoolMercers' SchoolThe Mercers' School was a private school in the City of London, England, with a history going back to at least 1542, which closed in 1959.After the disestablishment of the Hospital of St Thomas of Acon in 1538, the hospital's land was bought by the Mercers' Company , and the school was founded in...
(1545) - closed in 1959 - Douai SchoolDouai SchoolDouai School was the public school that was run by the Douai Abbey Benedictine community at Woolhampton, England, until it closed in 1999.- History :...
(1615) – closed in 1999 - Foster's SchoolFoster's SchoolFoster’s Grammar School for Boys, Sherborne, Dorset, was founded by Richard Foster in 1640.By 1939, a new building had been provided at Tinney’s Lane to educate 150 boys with the old school buildings in Hound Street being retained as a small boarding house and headmaster’s residence.The school...
(1640) - closed 1992 - Midhurst Grammar SchoolMidhurst Grammar SchoolMidhurst Grammar School was a comprehensive upper school in Midhurst, West Sussex. It served pupils aged 13 to 18 who usually joined the school from one of the local intermediate schools. It was replaced in 2009 by the new Midhurst Rother Academy.-History:...
(1672) – closed in 2008
Seventh century
- King's School, Rochester (604, Royal charter 1541)
- The Minster School, YorkThe Minster School, YorkThe Minster School, York is an independent preparatory school for children aged 3–13 in York, England. The school traces its origins to a 'song school' founded in 627 by Paulinus of York, the first Archbishop of York however the current school was re-founded in 1903...
(song school founded 627, refounded 1903) - St Peter's School, YorkSt Peter's School, YorkSt Peter's School is a co-educational independent boarding and day school located in the English City of York, with extensive grounds on the banks of the River Ouse...
(627) - Thetford Grammar SchoolThetford Grammar SchoolThetford Grammar School is an independent co-educational school in Thetford, Norfolk, England. The school traces its origins back to 631, and through its Roll of Headmasters to 1114, though it appears to have ceased from around 1496 until its refoundation from the will of Sir Richard Fulmerston in...
(631, mentioned 1114, refounded 1566) - Hereford Cathedral SchoolHereford Cathedral SchoolHereford Cathedral School is an independent, co-educational day school, with around 520 pupils aged between the ages of 11 and 18. It has four houses, named Langford , Stuart , Somerset and Cornwall Hereford Cathedral School is an independent, co-educational day school, with around 520 pupils aged...
(676, mentioned 1384) - Royal Grammar School WorcesterRoyal Grammar School WorcesterThe Royal Grammar School Worcester is an independent coeducational school in Worcester, United Kingdom. Founded before 1291, it is one of the oldest British independent schools....
(685, first conclusive evidence 1291, Royal charter 1561)
Tenth century
- The Pilgrims' SchoolThe Pilgrims' SchoolThe Pilgrims' School, Winchester, is a boys' preparatory school - with a co-ed pre-prep extension - in the Cathedral Close in Winchester, Hampshire - an ancient capital of England. The school is famous for The Pilgrims' Hall, which contains England's oldest surviving wood double hammer-beamed roof,...
(c.900) - Warwick SchoolWarwick SchoolWarwick School is an independent school with boarding facilities for boys in Warwick, England, and is reputed to be the third-oldest surviving school in the country after King's School, Canterbury and St Peter's School, York; and the oldest boy's school in England...
(10th century, refounded 1545) - Wells Cathedral SchoolWells Cathedral SchoolWells Cathedral School is a co-educational independent school located in Wells, Somerset, England. The school is one of the five established musical schools for school-age children in the United Kingdom, along with Chetham's School of Music, the Yehudi Menuhin School, the Purcell School and St....
(909) - St Albans SchoolSt Albans School (Hertfordshire)St Albans School is an independent school in the city of St Albans in Hertfordshire, in the East of England. Entry before Sixth Form is for boys only, and co-educational thereafter. Founded in 948 by Wulsin , St Albans School is not only the oldest school in Hertfordshire but also one of the oldest...
(c.948, refounded 1549) - The King's School, ElyThe King's School, ElyThe King's School, Ely, is a coeducational independent day and boarding school in the cathedral city of Ely, Cambridgeshire, England. It was founded in 970 A.D., making it one of the oldest schools in the world, though it was given its Royal Charter by King Henry VIII in 1541...
(970)
Eleventh century
- Salisbury Cathedral SchoolSalisbury Cathedral SchoolSalisbury Cathedral School is a school located in Salisbury, Wiltshire, England. It was founded in 1091 by Saint Osmund at Old Sarum . It was moved 150 years later to the newly built Salisbury Cathedral. In 1947 it was relocated to the former Bishop's Palace in the grounds of the cathedral. The...
(1091) - Norwich SchoolNorwich School (educational institution)Norwich School is an independent school located in Norwich, United Kingdom. It is one of the oldest schools in the world, with a traceable history to 1096, and is a member of The Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference.It is a fee-paying, co-educational day school and has one of the best...
(1096, refounded 1547)
Twelfth century
- Abingdon SchoolAbingdon SchoolAbingdon School is a British day and boarding independent school for boys situated in Abingdon, Oxfordshire , previously known as Roysse's School. In 1998 a formal merger took place between Abingdon School and Josca's, a preparatory school four miles to the west at Frilford...
(possibly as old as 1100, endowed 1256, refounded 1563) - Reading SchoolReading SchoolReading School is a state-funded, selective academy school for boys in the English town of Reading. It is notable for tracing its history back to the school of Reading Abbey, making it one of the oldest schools in England. There are no tuition fees for day pupils, and boarders only pay for food and...
(abbey founded 1125, refounded 1486, Royal charter 1541) - Bristol Cathedral SchoolBristol Cathedral SchoolBristol Cathedral Choir School , until 2008 known as Bristol Cathedral School, is a non-selective musical Academy in Bristol, England. It is situated next to Bristol Cathedral, in the centre of the city. The choristers at Bristol Cathedral are educated at the school, which has a strong musical...
(abbey founded 1140, refounded 1542) - Westminster SchoolWestminster SchoolThe Royal College of St. Peter in Westminster, almost always known as Westminster School, is one of Britain's leading independent schools, with the highest Oxford and Cambridge acceptance rate of any secondary school or college in Britain...
(1179, Royal charter 1540)
Thirteenth century
- Colchester Royal Grammar SchoolColchester Royal Grammar SchoolColchester Royal Grammar School is a grammar school in Colchester, Essex, founded in AD 1206 and granted two Royal Charters by Henry VIII and by Elizabeth I .-Admissions:...
(1206, Royal charter 1585) - Lancaster Royal Grammar SchoolLancaster Royal Grammar SchoolLancaster Royal Grammar School is a voluntary aided, selective grammar school for boys in Lancaster, England. The school has been awarded specialist Technology College and Language College status. Old boys belong to The Old Lancastrians...
(mention of master 1235, endowed 1472) - King Edward VI Grammar School, LouthKing Edward VI Grammar School, LouthKing Edward VI Grammar School is one of many Grammar schools in the United Kingdom.-Admissions:Students who wish to attend the school must take and pass a test called the Eleven Plus. It is situated in Louth, which is a small market town in Lincolnshire...
(earliest reference 1276, refounded 1551) - Ipswich SchoolIpswich SchoolIpswich School is a co-educational public school for girls and boys aged 3 to 18. Situated in Suffolk, England in the town of Ipswich, it was founded in its current form as The King's School, Ipswich by Thomas Wolsey in 1528....
(1299, refounded 1528)
Fourteenth century
- Stamford SchoolStamford SchoolStamford School is an English independent school situated in the market town of Stamford, Lincolnshire, England. It has been a member of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference since 1920.-History:...
(1309, re-endowed 1532) - Northallerton CollegeNorthallerton CollegeNorthallerton College, formerly known as Northallerton Grammar School, was founded in 1323. Parts of the old school building can be seen adjacent to All Saints' Church near the north end of Northallerton High Street...
(1323) - Hanley Castle High SchoolHanley Castle High SchoolHanley Castle High School, formerly called Hanley Castle Grammar School, was probably founded in 1326, making it one of the oldest schools in England. For much of the 20th century it was a boys grammar school that grew from about 50 to around 200 day-pupils and boarders. In 1972, the school...
(1326) - The King's School, GranthamThe King's School, GranthamThe King's School is a British grammar school located in the market town of Grantham, in Lincolnshire, England, and one of the oldest schools in the UK.-History:...
(1329, refounded 1528) - Bourne Grammar SchoolBourne Grammar SchoolBourne Grammar School is a co-educational selective state secondary school in Bourne, Lincolnshire. The school has been awarded Arts College Status. It is situated on South Road .-Heraldry:...
(earliest record of existence 1330, endowed 1636) - The King's School, Ottery St Mary (1335, refounded 1545)
- Bablake SchoolBablake SchoolBablake School is a co-educational Independent school located in Coventry, England and founded in 1344 by Queen Isabella, making it one of the oldest schools in the United Kingdom...
(1344) - Doncaster Grammar School / Hall Cross School (first record of existence 1350)
- New College SchoolNew College SchoolNew College School is an independent preparatory school for boys in Oxford. It was founded in 1379 by William of Wykeham to provide for the education of 16 choristers for the chapel of New College, Oxford....
(1379) - Wisbech Grammar SchoolWisbech Grammar SchoolWisbech Grammar School is a co-educational independent school in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire for students ages 11 to 18. Founded by the Wisbech Guild of the Holy Trinity in 1379, it is one of the oldest schools in the country. The present headmaster is N.J.G. Hammond, a member of the Headmasters' and...
(1379, Royal charter 1549) - Winchester CollegeWinchester CollegeWinchester College is an independent school for boys in the British public school tradition, situated in Winchester, Hampshire, the former capital of England. It has existed in its present location for over 600 years and claims the longest unbroken history of any school in England...
(1382) - Katharine Lady Berkeley's SchoolKatharine Lady Berkeley's SchoolKatharine Lady Berkeley's School is a state comprehensive school near Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire, England, for ages 11 to 18. It was founded by Lady Berkeley for the use of six scholars in 1384 which makes it one of the oldest surviving schools in England, and the oldest state school in the...
(1384) - Penistone Grammar SchoolPenistone Grammar SchoolPenistone Grammar School is a comprehensive school and former grammar school in Penistone, in the Metropolitan Borough of Barnsley, South Yorkshire, England. It was founded in 1392 and its most notable alumnus is Nicholas Saunderson, the probable inventor of Bayes theorem, in the eighteenth...
(1392)
Fifteenth century
- Oswestry SchoolOswestry SchoolOswestry School is a co-educational independent school, located in the town of Oswestry, Shropshire, England. Founded in 1407 by David Holbache and his wife Guinevere Holbache, it is the second oldest non-denominational school in England....
(1407) - Durham SchoolDurham SchoolDurham School, headmaster Martin George , is an independent British day and boarding school for boys and girls in Durham....
(1414, refounded 1541) - Chorister SchoolChorister SchoolThe Chorister School is a co-educational independent school for the 2 to 13 age range. It consists of a nursery , a pre-preparatory and preparatory day and boarding school in Durham, England...
(1416) - Royal Latin SchoolRoyal Latin SchoolThe Royal Latin School is a co-educational grammar school in Buckingham, England. In September 2011 the school became an Academy.. It takes children from the age of 11 through to the age of 18 and has over 1260 pupils, including a sixth form of 390 pupils. It maintains a staff of over 160...
(first mention 1423, Royal charter 1548) - Sponne SchoolSponne SchoolSponne is the oldest secondary school in Northamptonshire, and one of the oldest in the country.Part of the school was originally Towcester Grammar School, until Grammar schools were abolished in Northamptonshire...
(chantry founded 1430) - Sevenoaks SchoolSevenoaks SchoolSevenoaks School is an English coeducational independent school located in the town of Sevenoaks, Kent. It is the oldest lay school in the United Kingdom, dating back to 1432. Almost 1,000 day pupils and boarders attend, ranging in age from 11 to 18 years. There are approximately equal numbers of...
(1432) - Chipping Campden School (c1440)
- Eton CollegeEton CollegeEton College, often referred to simply as Eton, is a British independent school for boys aged 13 to 18. It was founded in 1440 by King Henry VI as "The King's College of Our Lady of Eton besides Wyndsor"....
(1440) - City of London SchoolCity of London SchoolThe City of London School is a boys' independent day school on the banks of the River Thames in the City of London, England. It is the brother school of the City of London School for Girls and the co-educational City of London Freemen's School...
(1442) - St Dunstan's CollegeSt Dunstan's CollegeSt Dunstan's College is a co-educational independent school in London, England. It is a member of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference, and was an all-boys establishment until 1994...
(earlier than 1446) - Hartismere SchoolHartismere High SchoolHartismere High School is a co-educational academy, 6th Form, music and sports college for pupils aged 11-18 in Eye, a town in High Suffolk. The headmaster is Jim McAtear who joined the School in 2006.-History:...
(founded 1451) - St. Bartholomew's SchoolSt. Bartholomew's SchoolSt Bartholomew's School is a co-educational comprehensive school founded in 1466 in Newbury, Berkshire in the United Kingdom. It accepts students aged 11–18 and currently has approximately 1,600 students on roll including a sixth form of around 400...
, NewburyNewbury, BerkshireNewbury is a civil parish and the principal town in the west of the county of Berkshire in England. It is situated on the River Kennet and the Kennet and Avon Canal, and has a town centre containing many 17th century buildings. Newbury is best known for its racecourse and the adjoining former USAF...
(1466) - Bromsgrove SchoolBromsgrove SchoolBromsgrove School, founded in 1553, is a co-educational independent school in the Worcestershire town of Bromsgrove, England. The school has a long history and many notable former pupils.-History:...
(record of a chantry school 1476, re-founded 1553) - Magdalen College School, OxfordMagdalen College School, OxfordMagdalen College School is an independent school for boys aged 7 to 18 and girls in the sixth form, located on The Plain in Oxford, England. It was founded as part of Magdalen College, Oxford by William Waynflete in 1480....
(1480) - Stockport Grammar SchoolStockport Grammar SchoolStockport Grammar School is a co-educational independent school in Stockport, England, founded in 1487 by the 1482 Lord Mayor of London Sir Edmund Shaa.The school motto is "Vincit qui patitur" – He who endures, conquers....
(1487) - Ermysted's Grammar SchoolErmysted's Grammar SchoolErmysteds Grammar School is a LEA-funded selective boys' Grammar School in Skipton, North Yorkshire, England, teaching over 800 pupils.It is the seventh oldest state school in Britain and was founded by Peter Toller in the 15th century. The first official record of the school was seen in Peter...
(record of a chantry school 1492, re-founded 1548) - King Edward VI School, Lichfield (1495)
- Loughborough Grammar SchoolLoughborough Grammar SchoolLoughborough Grammar School founded in 1495 by Thomas Burton, is an independent school for boys in Loughborough, Leicestershire, England. It is a day school for over 1100 pupils and a boarding school for nearly 100. It is one of three schools known as the Loughborough Endowed Schools, along with...
(1495) - The Prebendal School (1497)
- Queen Elizabeth's School, Wimborne MinsterQueen Elizabeth's School, Wimborne MinsterQueen Elizabeth's School is a co-educational voluntary controlled Church of England secondary school in Wimborne Minster, Dorset, England.-Admissions:...
(1497) - Giggleswick SchoolGiggleswick SchoolGiggleswick School is an independent co-educational boarding school in Giggleswick, near Settle, North Yorkshire, England.- Early school :...
(1499, Royal charter 1553)
Sixteenth century
- The King's School in Macclesfield (1502)
- Bridgnorth Endowed SchoolBridgnorth endowed schoolBridgnorth Endowed School is a co-educational secondary school in the market town of Bridgnorth in the rural county of Shropshire, England, founded in 1503. The Endowed School is a state school and is a specialist Technology College. The age range of the School is 11–18 years.The school celebrated...
(1503) - St Paul's School (London) (1509)
- Royal Grammar School, GuildfordRoyal Grammar School, GuildfordThe Royal Grammar School is a selective English independent day school for boys in Guildford, Surrey. The school dates its founding to the death of Robert Beckingham in 1509 who left provision in his will to 'make a free scole at the Towne of Guldford'; in 1512 a governing body was set up to form...
(1509) - Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, BlackburnQueen Elizabeth's Grammar School, BlackburnQueen Elizabeth's Grammar School is a co-educational independent school in Blackburn, Lancashire, founded in 1509 as a boys' school. The term "school" is usually used to collectively refer to the following:...
(1509) - Wolverhampton Grammar SchoolWolverhampton Grammar SchoolWolverhampton Grammar School is a co-educational independent school located in the city of Wolverhampton.Initially Wolverhampton Boys Grammar School, it was founded in 1512 by Sir Stephen Jenyns, a master of the ancient guild of Merchant Taylors, who was also Lord Mayor of London in the year of...
(1512) - Lewes Old Grammar SchoolLewes Old Grammar SchoolLewes Old Grammar School in Lewes, East Sussex, is an independent co-educational day school accredited by the Independent Schools Council. Its current headmaster is Robert Blewitt....
Lewes, East Sussex (1512) - Nottingham High SchoolNottingham High SchoolNottingham High School is a British boys' independent school situated about a mile north of Nottingham city centre. It has around 900 pupils from ages 11 to 18 and there is the adjoining Nottingham High Junior School catering for younger boys and, from September 2008, the Lovell House...
(1513) - Pocklington SchoolPocklington SchoolPocklington School, is an independent school in Pocklington, East Riding of Yorkshire, England. It was founded in 1514 by John Dolman. The school is situated in of land, on the outskirts of a small market town, from York and from Hull. It is an Anglican foundation and Friday morning church is...
(1514) - Manchester Grammar SchoolManchester Grammar SchoolThe Manchester Grammar School is the largest independent day school for boys in the UK . It is based in Manchester, England...
(1515) - Gillingham SchoolGillingham SchoolGillingham School is a coeducational school situated in Gillingham in North Dorset. Gillingham Grammar School can trace its foundation back to 1516, making it probably the oldest surviving school in Dorset. It was founded as a Free School, paid for out of the proceeds of land gifted to the school...
(1516) - Bolton SchoolBolton SchoolBolton School is an independent day school in Bolton, in the North-West of England. It comprises a co-educational Nursery and Infant School and single sex Junior and Senior Schools . With almost 2,400 pupils it is one of the largest independent day schools in the country.-History:Bolton School...
(1516) - Cranbrook School, KentCranbrook School, KentCranbrook School is a co-educational boarding and day grammar school located in Cranbrook, Kent in South East England.-Brief history:Founded in 1518 for poor boys of the town, it received a charter from Queen Elizabeth I in 1574. Although in 1817 the town petitioned the Master of the Rolls,...
(1518) - King's School, BrutonKing's School, BrutonKing's Bruton is an independent fully co-educational secondary day and boarding school based in Bruton, Somerset, England. It was founded in 1519 by Richard FitzJames, and received royal foundation status around 30 years later in the reign of Edward VI...
(1519) - Coleshill School (1520)
- Kendal Grammar SchoolKirkbie Kendal SchoolKirkbie Kendal School is a comprehensive school and known as a Business and Enterprise College in Kendal, Cumbria, England, and serves the area around the town and rural countryside. Kirkbie Kendal School operates as a Foundation school, and has been regularly oversubscribed, accepting students...
(1525) - Royal Grammar School, NewcastleRoyal Grammar School, NewcastleRoyal Grammar School Newcastle upon Tyne, known locally and often abbreviated as RGS, is a long-established co-educational, independent school in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. It gained its Royal Charter under Queen Elizabeth I...
(1525) - Sedbergh SchoolSedbergh SchoolSedbergh School is a boarding school in Sedbergh, Cumbria, for boys and girls aged 13 to 18. Nestled in the Howgill Fells, it is known for sporting sides, such as its Rugby Union 1st XV.-Background:...
(1525) - Bishop Vesey's Grammar SchoolBishop Vesey's Grammar SchoolBishop Vesey's Grammar School is a selective state grammar school in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham. Founded in 1527, it is one of the oldest schools in the United Kingdom. The school was a day and boarding school until the 1880s, and retained a small number of boarders in the mid-20th century...
(1527) - Bingley Grammar SchoolBingley Grammar SchoolBingley Grammar School is a school for both boys and girls from the ages of 11–18 and is located on the outskirts of Bingley, West Yorkshire, England.-History:...
(1529) - Bristol Grammar SchoolBristol Grammar SchoolBristol Grammar School is a co-educational independent school in Clifton, Bristol, England. The school was founded in 1532 by two brothers, Robert and Nicholas Thorne....
(1532) - Stamford SchoolStamford SchoolStamford School is an English independent school situated in the market town of Stamford, Lincolnshire, England. It has been a member of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference since 1920.-History:...
(1532) - The College of Richard CollyerThe College of Richard CollyerThe College of Richard Collyer, or Collyer's, is a coeducational sixth form college in Horsham, West Sussex, England.-Admissions:Collyer's serves about 1600 students between 16 and 19 years of age. It offers AS and A-level courses in 45 different subjects, including a selection not taught at other...
(1532) - Coopers' Company and Coborn SchoolCoopers' Company and Coborn SchoolThe Coopers' Company and Coborn School is a 11-18 school in Upminster, in the London Borough of Havering, and is part of Essex.-Admissions:The school is a non-selective voluntary aided state comprehensive school describe by Ofsted as "an exceptional school of real excellence". The school excels at...
(1536) - The Crypt School, GloucesterThe Crypt School, GloucesterThe Crypt School is a grammar school for boys with a mixed Sixth Form, located in the city of Gloucester, England, founded in 1539 by Joan Cooke with money inherited from her husband John....
(1539) - Berkhamsted School (1541)
- The King's School, ChesterThe King's School, ChesterThe King's School, Chester is a British coeducational independent 7-18 school situated just outside the city of Chester. It is a member of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference....
(1541) - The King's School, GloucesterThe King's School, GloucesterThe King's School, Gloucester is an independent school in the United Kingdom, taking students from the ages of 3-18, with around 500 students. The current Headmaster is Alastair Macnaughton.- Origins :...
(1541) (Dates from 11th century) - The King's School, PeterboroughThe King's School, PeterboroughThe King's School is a Voluntary Aided Church of England comprehensive secondary school in Peterborough, England. On the 1st January 2011, the School became an academy and changed its name from 'The King's School, Peterborough'...
(1541) - The King's School, WorcesterThe King's School, WorcesterThe King's School, Worcester is an English independent school refounded by Henry VIII in 1541. It occupies a site adjacent to Worcester Cathedral on the banks of the River Severn in the centre of the city of Worcester...
(1541) - Northampton Grammar School (1541) – later renamed to Northampton School for BoysNorthampton School For BoysNorthampton School for Boys is a secondary school in Northampton, England.- Foundation and History :The school was originally founded in 1541 by mayor Thomas Chipsey, as the town's free boys grammar school. In 1557, the school moved to St. Gregory's church, which was adapted for its use...
- Dauntsey's SchoolDauntsey's SchoolDauntsey's School is a co-educational independent day and boarding school in the village of West Lavington, Wiltshire, England. The School was founded in 1542, in accordance with the will of William Dauntesey, a master of the Worshipful Company of Mercers....
(1542) - King Henry VIII School, Coventry (1545)
- Archbishop Holgate's SchoolArchbishop Holgate's SchoolArchbishop Holgate's School is a voluntary aided Church of England, coeducational secondary school in York, England.-Admissions:The school has two main specialist statuses - Science College and Leading Edge. The current headmaster is Andrew Daly...
, York (1546) - Colyton Grammar SchoolColyton Grammar SchoolColyton Grammar School is a co-educational grammar school located in the village of Colyford in East Devon and teaches students from years 7 to 13 ....
(1546) - Bradford Grammar SchoolBradford Grammar SchoolBradford Grammar School is a co-educational, independent school in Frizinghall, Bradford, West Yorkshire. Headmaster, Stephen Davidson is a member of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference . The school was founded in 1548 and granted its Charter by King Charles II in 1662...
(1548) - Magdalen College School, BrackleyMagdalen College School, BrackleyMagdalen College School, Brackley is one of three "ancient" Magdalen College Schools, the others being its sister colleges in Oxford and Wainfleet, Lincolnshire...
(1548) - Maidstone Grammar SchoolMaidstone Grammar SchoolMaidstone Grammar School is a grammar school located in Maidstone, United Kingdom. It was founded in 1549.-Admissions:The school takes boys at the age of 11 and over by examination and boys and girls at 16+ on their GCSE results. The school currently has almost 1200 students and approximately 120...
(1549) - Kirkham Grammar SchoolKirkham Grammar SchoolKirkham Grammar School is a co-educational independent school in Kirkham, Lancashire, England . It was founded in 1549. Its roots can be traced back to the chantry school attached to St Michael's Church in the 13th century. The school remained in the church grounds until it moved to occupy...
(1549) - King Edward Grammar School, Bury St. EdmundsKing Edward Grammar SchoolKing Edward VI School is a co-educational comprehensive secondary school in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England. It was previously known as King Edward VI Grammar School....
(1550) - Sherborne SchoolSherborne SchoolSherborne School is a British independent school for boys, located in the town of Sherborne in north-west Dorset, England. It is one of the original member schools of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference....
(1550, possibly early 8th century) - King Edward VI Grammar School (Chelmsford)King Edward VI Grammar School (Chelmsford)King Edward VI Grammar School, or KEGS, is a British grammar school located in the town of Chelmsford, Essex, England. It takes pupils between the ages of 11 and 18 — from Year 7 to 11 the pupils are exclusively male, although it becomes mixed in the sixth form .The present headteacher is Thomas...
(1551) - King Edward VI Grammar School, LouthKing Edward VI Grammar School, LouthKing Edward VI Grammar School is one of many Grammar schools in the United Kingdom.-Admissions:Students who wish to attend the school must take and pass a test called the Eleven Plus. It is situated in Louth, which is a small market town in Lincolnshire...
(1551) (possibly 1276) - Bedford SchoolBedford SchoolBedford School is not to be confused with Bedford Modern School or Bedford High School or Old Bedford School in Bedford, TexasBedford School is an HMC independent school for boys located in the town of Bedford, England, United Kingdom...
(1552, earliest record 1085) - Christ's HospitalChrist's HospitalChrist's Hospital is an English coeducational independent day and boarding school with Royal Charter located in the Sussex countryside just south of Horsham in Horsham District, West Sussex, England...
(1552) - King Edward's School, BathKing Edward's School, BathKing Edward's School , Bath, Somerset, England is an independent school providing education for 950 pupils aged 3 to 18.The school is a member of The Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference....
(1552) - King Edward's School, BirminghamKing Edward's School, BirminghamKing Edward's School is an independent secondary school in Birmingham, England, founded by King Edward VI in 1552. It is part of the Foundation of the Schools of King Edward VI in Birmingham, and is widely regarded as one of the most academically successful schools in the country, according to...
(1552) - King Edward VI Grammar School, Stourbridge (1552) (formerly chantry school 1430) (became Sixth Form College 1992)
- King Edward VI School, Morpeth (1552) (formerly chantry school, established in 14th century, abolished in 1547)
- Leeds Grammar SchoolLeeds Grammar SchoolLeeds Grammar School was an independent school in Leeds established in 1552. In August 2005 it merged with Leeds Girls' High School to form The Grammar School at Leeds. The two schools physically united in September 2008....
(1552) - Shrewsbury SchoolShrewsbury SchoolShrewsbury School is a co-educational independent school for pupils aged 13 to 18, founded by Royal Charter in 1552. The present campus to which the school moved in 1882 is located on the banks of the River Severn in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England...
(1552) - Hutton Grammar SchoolHutton Grammar SchoolHutton Grammar School is a Voluntary Aided Church of England day school for boys, with a co-educational Sixth Form. It is located south west of Preston, Lancashire, in Hutton, England. The school no longer offers boarding, and offers education for boys from ages of 11 through to 16, with the Sixth...
(1552) - King Edward's School, WitleyKing Edward's School, WitleyKing Edward's School, Witley is an independent co-educational boarding and day school, founded in 1553 by King Edward VI and Nicholas Ridley. The School is located in the village of Wormley , Surrey, England, having moved to its present location in 1867. The School became fully co-educational in 1952...
(1553) - King Edward VI School, SouthamptonKing Edward VI School, SouthamptonKing Edward VI School, often referred to as King Edward's, or simply KES, is a selective co-educational independent day School located in Southampton, United Kingdom and is a member of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference. It was founded in 1553, after the death of William Capon , who...
(1553) - King Edward VI School Stratford-upon-AvonKing Edward VI School Stratford-upon-AvonKing Edward VI School is a voluntary aided boys grammar school in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England...
(1553) - Tonbridge SchoolTonbridge SchoolTonbridge School is a British boys' independent school for both boarding and day pupils in Tonbridge, Kent, founded in 1553 by Sir Andrew Judd . It is a member of the Eton Group, and has close links with the Worshipful Company of Skinners, one of the oldest London livery companies...
(1553) - Clitheroe Royal Grammar SchoolClitheroe Royal Grammar SchoolSee Royal Grammar School for the other schools with the name RGS.Clitheroe Royal Grammar School is a co-educational secondary school in Clitheroe, Lancashire that used to be an all boys school...
(1554) - Queen Mary's Grammar School, Walsall (1554)
- Boston Grammar SchoolBoston Grammar SchoolThe Boston Grammar School is a selective grammar school and sixth form college for boys aged 11 to 18 and girls attending the sixth form aged 16–18 located in Boston, Lincolnshire, England....
(1555) - Gresham's SchoolGresham's SchoolGresham’s School is an independent coeducational boarding school in Holt in North Norfolk, England, a member of the HMC.The school was founded in 1555 by Sir John Gresham as a free grammar school for forty boys, following King Henry VIII's dissolution of the Augustinian priory at Beeston Regis...
(1555) - Ripon Grammar SchoolRipon Grammar SchoolRipon Grammar School is a co-educational, selective, state secondary grammar school and specialist engineering college located in Ripon, North Yorkshire, England...
(1555) - Hampton SchoolHampton SchoolHampton School is an independent boys' day school in Hampton, London, England.-History:In 1556, Robert Hammond, a wealthy brewer who had acquired property in Hampton, left in his will provision for the maintenance of a 'free scole' and to build a small schoolhouse 'with seates in yt' in the...
(1556) - Oundle SchoolOundle SchoolOundle School is a co-educational British public school located in the ancient market town of Oundle in Northamptonshire. The school has been maintained by the Worshipful Company of Grocers of the City of London since its foundation in 1556. Oundle has eight boys' houses, five girls' houses, a day...
(1556) - Repton SchoolRepton SchoolRepton School, founded in 1557, is a co-educational English independent school for both day and boarding pupils, in the British public school tradition, located in the village of Repton, in Derbyshire, in the Midlands area of England...
(1557) - Brentwood SchoolBrentwood School (England)Brentwood School is an independent school in Brentwood, Essex, England. Educating boys and girls in a British public school tradition. Brentwood School is a member of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference....
(1558) - Enfield Grammar SchoolEnfield Grammar SchoolEnfield Grammar School is a boys' comprehensive school in Enfield Town in the London Borough of Enfield in north London.-History:Enfield Grammar School was founded on the 25th. May 1558...
(1558) - Alleyne's High SchoolAlleyne's High SchoolAlleyne's High School is a co-educational community comprehensive school in Stone, Staffordshire, and one of three schools founded in 1558 by the Reverend Thomas Alleyne.-History:...
, Stone, Staffordshire (1558) - The Thomas Alleyne SchoolThe Thomas Alleyne SchoolThe Thomas Alleyne School is a secondary school in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, England. It is one of three schools founded in 1558 from the will of Thomas Alleyne.-Admissions:The school's headteacher is currently Mr Jonathan Block...
, Stevenage, Hertfordshire (1558) - Thomas Alleyne's High SchoolThomas Alleyne's High SchoolThomas Alleyne's High School is a secondary school in Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, England. It is one of three schools founded in 1558 from the will of Thomas Alleyne. It has four different coloured houses: Elkes , Orme , Torrance and Whitmore...
, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire. (1558) - Solihull SchoolSolihull SchoolSolihull School is a British Independent school situated near the centre of Solihull, West Midlands, England.2010 saw Solihull School celebrate its 450th anniversary since its foundation in 1560....
(1560) - Kingston Grammar SchoolKingston Grammar SchoolKingston Grammar School is an independent co-educational school in Kingston upon Thames, Greater London. The school was founded by Royal Charter in 1561 but can trace its roots back to at least the 13th century. It is a registered charity under English law....
(1561) - Merchant Taylors' SchoolMerchant Taylors' School, NorthwoodMerchant Taylors' School is a British independent day school for boys, originally located in the City of London. Since 1933 it has been located at Sandy Lodge in the Three Rivers district of Hertfordshire ....
(1561) - Sir Roger Manwood's SchoolSir Roger Manwood's SchoolSir Roger Manwood's School is a grammar foundation school located in Sandwich, Kent, England, the 96th oldest school in the UK.-Admissions:The school has language college and computing status, meaning that it specialises in teaching modern foreign languages and ICT. In order to gain entry into the...
(1563) - Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, PenrithQueen Elizabeth Grammar School, PenrithQueen Elizabeth Grammar School , which was founded in 1564, is a selective secondary school in Penrith, Cumbria, England.-History:It moved from its original premises in St Andrew's churchyard to its present site on Ullswater Road , close to the railway station, in 1917...
(1564) - Felsted SchoolFelsted SchoolFelsted School, an English co-educational day and boarding independent school, situated in Felsted, Essex. It is in the British Public School tradition, and was founded in 1564 by Richard Rich, 1st Baron Rich who, as Lord Chancellor and Chancellor of the Court of Augmentations, acquired...
(1564) - Royal Grammar School, High WycombeRoyal Grammar School, High WycombeSee Royal Grammar School for the other schools with the name RGS.The Royal Grammar School High Wycombe is a selective grammar school situated in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, England. As a state school it does not charge fees for students to attend, but they must pass an entrance exam...
(1564) - Highgate SchoolHighgate School-Notable members of staff and governing body:* John Ireton, brother of Henry Ireton, Cromwellian General* 1st Earl of Mansfield, Lord Chief Justice, owner of Kenwood, noted for judgment finding contracts for slavery unenforceable in English law* T. S...
(1565) - King Charles I SchoolKing Charles I SchoolKing Charles I School is a voluntary controlled mixed school in the town of Kidderminster, in the Wyre Forest district of Worcestershire, England.-Present Day and OFSTED:...
(1566) - Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, AlfordQueen Elizabeth's Grammar School, AlfordQueen Elizabeth's Grammar School, Alford is a selective, co-educational, foundation status Grammar School and Sixth Form College in Alford, Lincolnshire, England.-Admissions:...
(1566) - Rivington and Blackrod Grammar School, Rivington (1566) (now Rivington High School)
- Bedford Modern SchoolBedford Modern SchoolBedford Modern School is a British co-educational independent school in the Harpur area of Bedford, in the county of Bedfordshire, in England.Bedford Modern comprises a junior school and a senior school...
(1566) - Ashby SchoolAshby SchoolAshby School, formerly known as Ashby Grammar School, is a co-educational day and boys' boarding comprehensive school in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire, England.-Admissions:...
(1567) - Rugby SchoolRugby SchoolRugby School is a co-educational day and boarding school located in the town of Rugby, Warwickshire, England. It is one of the oldest independent schools in Britain.-History:...
(1567) - Colfe's SchoolColfe's SchoolColfe's is a co-educational independent day school in Horn Park in the London Borough of Greenwich. The school is a member of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference. The official Visitor to the school is HRH Prince Michael of Kent.-History:...
(1568) refounded (1652) - St Edmund's College (1568)
- Bury Grammar SchoolBury Grammar SchoolBury Grammar School is an independent grammar school in Bury, Greater Manchester, England, that has existed since Kev Cryer was born, c.1570. The current headmaster is the Reverend Steven Harvey MA. The previous headmaster, Keith Richards MA, retired after sixteen years of headmastership on 7...
(1570) - Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, HorncastleQueen Elizabeth's Grammar School, HorncastleQueen Elizabeth's Grammar School, Horncastle, is a selective, co-educational, foundation status Grammar School and Sixth Form College in the market town of Horncastle, Lincolnshire. In 2003, Queen Elizabeth's gained joint specialist status for science and mathematics inpartnership with Banovallum...
(1571) - St Olave's Grammar SchoolSt Olave's Grammar SchoolSt Olave's and St Saviour's Grammar School is a super-selective boys' secondary school in Orpington, Greater London, England. The school is consistently one of the top achieving state schools in the UK and it was The Sunday Times State School of the Year in 2008...
(1571) - St Mary Redcliffe School (1571) (merged with former Temple school for boys (1709)and is now St Mary Redcliffe and Temple SchoolSt Mary Redcliffe and Temple SchoolSt Mary Redcliffe and Temple School is a Church of England voluntary aided school for students aged 11 to 18, situated in the inner-city suburb of Redcliffe, Bristol...
) - Burford SchoolBurford SchoolBurford School is a mixed secondary comprehensive school in Burford, Oxfordshire England. The school was founded in 1571.-Introduction:The school is located at the southern end of Burford. Given that Burford sits at near equal distances from the towns of Witney and Carterton, and close to villages...
(1571) - Harrow SchoolHarrow SchoolHarrow School, commonly known simply as "Harrow", is an English independent school for boys situated in the town of Harrow, in north-west London.. The school is of worldwide renown. There is some evidence that there has been a school on the site since 1243 but the Harrow School we know today was...
(1572) - Netherthorpe SchoolNetherthorpe SchoolNetherthorpe School is a secondary school designated science college status that is based in the town of Staveley in the Chesterfield district of Derbyshire.-History:The school was founded in 1572A quote from an 1857 directory:...
(1572) - Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, Barnet (1573)
- Appleby Grammar SchoolAppleby Grammar SchoolAppleby Grammar School Technology College is a Foundation co-educational comprehensive secondary school. It has a distinguished history, having originated from a Chantry school. The first known references to the school date from the 13th century...
(charter granted by Elizabeth I in 1574) - Dartford Grammar SchoolDartford Grammar SchoolDartford Grammar School is a selective secondary foundation school for boys in Dartford, Kent, England, which admits girls to its sixth form . All of the students joining the school are from the top 25% of the ability range...
(1576) - Pate's Grammar SchoolPate's Grammar SchoolPate's Grammar School is a voluntary aided, selective grammar school in the Hesters Way area of Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England catering for pupils aged 11 to 18. It was granted Language College status in 2001, is a Beacon school, and in February 2006 was one of the first in the country to be...
(1576) - Sutton Valence SchoolSutton Valence SchoolSutton Valence School is an English independent school near Maidstone in southeast England. It has about 520 pupils. It is a co-educational school with a boarding option . The three boarding houses are Westminster, St Margaret's and Sutton and, for those in the first and second form, Beresford...
(1576) - Woodbridge SchoolWoodbridge SchoolWoodbridge School is an independent school in Woodbridge, Suffolk, England, founded in 1577, for the poor of Woodbridge. It was later supported by the Seckford Scheme.Woodbridge School has been co-educational since 1975.-History:...
(1577) - The Dronfield Henry Fanshawe School (1579) (endowed 1564)
- St. Bees SchoolSt. Bees SchoolSt. Bees School is a co-educational independent school in the West Cumbrian village of St Bees. Founded in 1583 by the then Archbishop of Canterbury Edmund Grindal as a boys' "free grammar school", today it is a member of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference with around 300 pupils aged...
(1583) - Oakham SchoolOakham SchoolOakham School is a British co-educational independent school in the historic market town of Oakham in Rutland, accepting around 1,000 pupils, aged from 10 to 18, both male and female, as boarders and day pupils . The Good Schools Guide called the school "a privileged but unpretentious and...
(1584) - Uppingham SchoolUppingham SchoolUppingham School is a co-educational independent school of the English public school tradition, situated in the small town of Uppingham in Rutland, England...
(1584) - Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, AshbourneQueen Elizabeth's Grammar School, AshbourneQueen Elizabeth's Grammar School is a comprehensive school for 11-18 year olds, situated in the town of Ashbourne, Derbyshire. In the academic year 2009-2010, there were 1396 pupils on roll....
(1585) - Newport Free Grammar SchoolNewport Free Grammar SchoolNewport Free Grammar School, in Newport, Essex, England was founded in 1588. The school is a mixed comprehensive school with a sixth form. It previously existed in different forms including a boarding school and a grammar school. The Headteacher is Mr Seán O' Hagan and the Deputy headteachers are...
(1588) - Spalding Grammar SchoolSpalding Grammar SchoolSpalding Grammar School, or as it is fully known The Queen Elizabeth Royal Free Grammar School Spalding, is a selective school on Priory Road in Spalding, Lincolnshire for pupils aged 11–18.- History :...
(1588) - Queen Elizabeth's High SchoolQueen Elizabeth's High SchoolQueen Elizabeth's High School is an 11-18 co-educational selective state grammar school, based in Gainsborough in western Lincolnshire, England.The school is selective; pupils wishing to enter at age 11 must sit and pass the Eleven Plus exam prior to entry...
(1589) - Conyers' SchoolConyers' SchoolConyers School is a mixed gender comprehensive school in the town of Yarm, England. It is run by Stockton-on-Tees borough council.-History:The Free Grammar School was founded in 1590 by Thomas Conyers of Egglescliffe, who was issued letters patent by Queen Elizabeth I to found a grammar school in...
(1590) - Queen Elizabeth's HospitalQueen Elizabeth's HospitalQueen Elizabeth's Hospital is an independent school for boys in Clifton, Bristol, England founded in 1586. Stephen Holliday has served as Headmaster since 2000, having succeeded Dr Richard Gliddon...
(1590) - Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, WakefieldQueen Elizabeth Grammar School, WakefieldQueen Elizabeth Grammar School is an independent school in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, England. QEGS is distinct from most other schools in that it was founded by Royal Charter of Queen Elizabeth I in 1591 at the request of leading citizens in Wakefield 75 in total and some of whom formed the...
(1591) - Lymm High SchoolLymm High SchoolLymm High School is an English comprehensive school, located in Lymm, Warrington, Cheshire, of which the grammar school part had a history stretching back to the late 16th century...
(1592) - Stonyhurst CollegeStonyhurst CollegeStonyhurst College is a Roman Catholic independent school, adhering to the Jesuit tradition. It is located on the Stonyhurst Estate near the village of Hurst Green in the Ribble Valley area of Lancashire, England, and occupies a Grade I listed building...
(1593) - Emanuel SchoolEmanuel SchoolEmanuel School is a co-educational independent school in Battersea, south-west London. The school was founded by Lady Dacre and Elizabeth I in 1594. Today it has some 710 pupils, aged between ten and eighteen.-History:...
(1594) - Wellingborough SchoolWellingborough SchoolWellingborough School is an independent fee-paying day school in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, England. It was established in 1595 and is one of the oldest schools in the country.-History:...
(1595) - Whitgift SchoolWhitgift SchoolWhitgift School is an independent day school educating approximately 1,400 boys aged 10 to 18 in South Croydon, London in a parkland site.- History and grounds :...
(1596) - Trinity School of John WhitgiftTrinity School of John WhitgiftThe Trinity School of John Whitgift, usually referred to as Trinity School, is a British independent boys' day school with a co-educational Sixth Form, located in Shirley Park, Croydon. The current building was constructed in 1965 on the site of the former Shirley Hotel...
(1596) - Aldenham SchoolAldenham SchoolAldenham School is a co-educational independent school for pupils aged thirteen to eighteen, located between Elstree and the village of Aldenham in Hertfordshire, England...
(1597) - King Alfred's School, Wantage (1597), formed and refounded 1851
- Aylesbury Grammar SchoolAylesbury Grammar SchoolAylesbury Grammar School is a single-sex male grammar school in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, England, which educates 1,250 pupils.-Admissions:As a selective state school, its entry requirements are dictated by the exam taken at the age of 10-11...
(1598) - Queen Elizabeth High School, HexhamQueen Elizabeth High School, HexhamQueen Elizabeth High School is a flourishing community high school and Performing Arts College.-Admissions:It has 1422 students, of whom 498 are in the sixth form...
(1599) - Kimbolton SchoolKimbolton SchoolKimbolton School is a British HMC co-educational Public day and boarding school located in the village of Kimbolton, in rural Cambridgeshire but close to the borders of Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire, educating approximately 950 boys and girls between the ages of 4 and 18, with an almost even...
(1531, earliest references, 1600 accepted)
Seventeenth century
- King James's SchoolKing James's SchoolKing James's School is located on King James Road, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, England. King James's is a large non-selective school with a large sixth form.-Admissions:...
(1604) - Blundell's SchoolBlundell's SchoolBlundell's School is a co-educational day and boarding independent school located in the town of Tiverton in the county of Devon, England. The school was founded in 1604 by the will of Peter Blundell, one of the richest men in England at the time, and relocated to its present location on the...
(1604) - Carre's Grammar SchoolCarre's Grammar SchoolCarre's Grammar School is a selective school and specialist Sports and Science College located in the market town of Sleaford, in Lincolnshire, England. It was founded in 1604 by Sir Robert Carre...
(1604) - Downside SchoolDownside SchoolDownside School is a co-educational Catholic independent school for children aged 11 to 18, located in Stratton-on-the-Fosse, between Norton Radstock and Shepton Mallet in Somerset, south west England. It is attached to Downside Abbey...
(1606) - Marlwood SchoolMarlwood SchoolMarlwood School is a comprehensive secondary school located in Alveston, South Gloucestershire, just north of Bristol, England.It is situated on the B3561 on the outskirts of the south-west of the village.-Grammar school:...
(1606) - Paston CollegePaston Collegethumb|right|Sketch of the original Paston buildingPaston Sixth Form College is a sixth form college in North Walsham, Norfolk, England, United Kingdom....
(1606) - Ilkley Grammar SchoolIlkley Grammar SchoolIlkley Grammar School is a co-educational comprehensive school in Ilkley, West Yorkshire, England, that specialises in humanities and sciences.-History:-Early years:...
(1607) - Prince Henry's Grammar School, OtleyPrince Henry's Grammar School, OtleyPrince Henry's Grammar School , also known as Prince Henry's, is a secondary school and sixth form established in 1607 in the historic market town of Otley, West Yorkshire, England. The school teaches boys and girls between the ages of 11 and 18 and has around 1,400 pupils and 84 teachers and...
(1607) - Charterhouse SchoolCharterhouse SchoolCharterhouse School, originally The Hospital of King James and Thomas Sutton in Charterhouse, or more simply Charterhouse or House, is an English collegiate independent boarding school situated at Godalming in Surrey.Founded by Thomas Sutton in London in 1611 on the site of the old Carthusian...
(1611) - Batley Grammar SchoolBatley Grammar SchoolBatley Grammar School is a co-educational school located at Carlinghow Hill in Upper Batley, West Yorkshire, England. The school was founded in 1612 by the Rev. William Lee...
(1612) - Dame Alice Owen's SchoolDame Alice Owen's SchoolDame Alice Owen's School is a mixed voluntary aided secondary school in Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, England, founded in the London Borough of Islington.-Admissions:...
(1613) - Heversham SchoolDallam SchoolDallam School is a mixed, 11-18 secondary school in Milnthorpe, Cumbria, England. The school holds specialist Language College status.-History:The school was founded in 1984 through the merger of Heversham Grammar School and Milnthorpe Secondary School...
(1613) - Haberdashers' Aske's Boys' SchoolHaberdashers' Aske's Boys' SchoolThe Haberdashers' Aske's Boys' School is a British independent school for boys aged 4–19. It is a member of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference and of the Haileybury Group....
(1614) - Steyning Grammar SchoolSteyning Grammar SchoolSteyning Grammar School is a state comprehensive school in Steyning, West Sussex, England. It is the only state school in West Sussex which caters for boarders...
(1614) - The Perse SchoolThe Perse SchoolThe Perse Upper School is an independent secondary co-educational day school in Cambridge, England. The school was founded in 1615 by Dr Stephen Perse, a Fellow of Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, and has existed on several different sites in the city before its present home on Hills...
(1615) - Wilson's SchoolWilson's SchoolWilson's School is a boys' grammar school in Wallington, in the London Borough of Sutton, UK. Admission is based on performance in an entrance test with around 1,000 pupils being taught there....
(1615) - Richard Hale SchoolRichard Hale SchoolRichard Hale School is a boys' school located in Hertford, Hertfordshire, in the south east of England. In the 2007 – 2008 academic year the school had over 1,000 pupils, including students attending the optional sixth form, which is also open to girls....
(1616) - William Parker School (1619)
- Alleyn's SchoolAlleyn's SchoolAlleyn's School is an independent, fee-paying co-educational day school situated in Dulwich, south London, England. It is a registered charity and was originally part of the historic Alleyn's College of God's Gift charitable foundation, which also included James Allen's Girls' School , Dulwich...
(1619) - Dulwich CollegeDulwich CollegeDulwich College is an independent school for boys in Dulwich, southeast London, England. The college was founded in 1619 by Edward Alleyn, a successful Elizabethan actor, with the original purpose of educating 12 poor scholars as the foundation of "God's Gift". It currently has about 1,600 boys,...
(1619) (founded as: The College of "God's Gift") - Merchant Taylors' School, CrosbyMerchant Taylors' School, CrosbyMerchant Taylors' School, Crosby is a British independent school for day pupils, located in Great Crosby on Merseyside....
(1620) - Dr Challoner's Grammar SchoolDr Challoner's Grammar SchoolDr Challoner's Grammar School, often abbreviated to DCGS, is an Academy Grammar School of approximately 1,300 boys located in Amersham, Buckinghamshire, England....
(1624) - The Latymer SchoolThe Latymer SchoolThe Latymer School is a selective, mixed grammar school in Edmonton, north London, England.- Examination procedures :Approximately 180 pupils are admitted to Year 7 annually. Places are awarded on the basis of competitive examination, though 20 are reserved for students with exceptional musical...
(1624) - Latymer Upper SchoolLatymer Upper SchoolLatymer Upper School, founded by Edward Latymer in 1624, is a selective independent school in Hammersmith, West London, England, lying between King Street and the Thames. It is a day school for 1,130 pupils – boys and girls aged 11–18; there is also the Latymer Preparatory School for boys and girls...
(1624) - Sir William Borlase's Grammar SchoolSir William Borlase's Grammar SchoolSir William Borlase's Grammar School is a selective state grammar school accepting girls and boys aged 11–18 located in Marlow, Buckinghamshire, England. It is situated on West Street, close to the town centre and also accepts students from nearby towns...
(1624) - Chigwell SchoolChigwell SchoolChigwell School is an English co-educational independent school/public school in Chigwell, in the Epping Forest district of Essex. It was founded in 1629 by Samuel Harsnett, a former Archbishop of York . There are around 730 pupils aged between 7 and 18 years...
(1629) - Caistor Grammar SchoolCaistor Grammar SchoolCaistor Grammar School is a selective school and academy in the English town of Caistor in the county of Lincolnshire. It was founded in 1630, and has since grown to be one of the most respected and high performing schools in the East of England. The school has been awarded specialist sports and...
(1630) - The Norton Knatchbull SchoolThe Norton Knatchbull SchoolThe Norton Knatchbull School is a grammar school for boys located in Ashford, Kent, England. Girls are accepted into the Sixth Form. As of 2008, the school serves more than one thousand students aged 11 to 18.- History :...
(1630) - Exeter SchoolExeter SchoolExeter School is a selective independent co-educational day school for pupils between the ages of 7 and 18 located in Exeter, Devon, England. In 2010 there were around 180 pupils in the Junior School and 670 in the Senior School...
(1633) - Red Maids' SchoolRed Maids' SchoolThe Red Maids' School is an independent school for girls in Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol. The school is a member of the Girls' Schools Association and a MyDaughter school.-History:...
(1634) (all girls) - Calday Grange Grammar SchoolCalday Grange Grammar SchoolCalday Grange Grammar School is a non-denominational selective state grammar school, founded in 1636, situated on Caldy Hill above the town of West Kirby on the Wirral . The school admits boys from the ages of 11 through to 18, and girls for the sixth form only...
(1636) - Lady Manners SchoolLady Manners SchoolLady Manners School is an English secondary school and Specialist Music College as designated by the Specialist Schools Trust situated in Bakewell, a market town in the Peak District National Park, Derbyshire...
(1636) - The King's School (1642), Westminster City SchoolWestminster City SchoolWestminster City School is a voluntary aided Christian school for boys in Westminster, London. The school has 800 students on its roll, and it offers 105 of 130 places each year to boys practising the Christian faith in the Anglican dioceses of London and Southwark. The other 25 spaces are...
Formed and refounded in 1877 - Cheam SchoolCheam SchoolCheam School is a preparatory school in Headley in the civil parish of Ashford Hill with Headley in the English county of Hampshire. It was founded in 1645 by the Reverend George Aldrich in Cheam, Surrey and has been in operation ever since....
(1645) - The Palmers School (1645), Westminster City SchoolWestminster City SchoolWestminster City School is a voluntary aided Christian school for boys in Westminster, London. The school has 800 students on its roll, and it offers 105 of 130 places each year to boys practising the Christian faith in the Anglican dioceses of London and Southwark. The other 25 spaces are...
Formed and refounded in 1877 - Reading Blue Coat SchoolReading Blue Coat SchoolReading Blue Coat School is a boys' independent school in Holme Park in the village of Sonning, in the English county of Berkshire, to the east of the town of Reading...
(1646) - The Emery Hill School (1647), Westminster City SchoolWestminster City SchoolWestminster City School is a voluntary aided Christian school for boys in Westminster, London. The school has 800 students on its roll, and it offers 105 of 130 places each year to boys practising the Christian faith in the Anglican dioceses of London and Southwark. The other 25 spaces are...
Formed and refounded in 1877 - Thomas Adams SchoolThomas Adams School[Thomas Adams School is a Shropshire Council maintained secondary school in Wem. The school takes pupils from ages 11-18 and currently has just over 1300 on roll. Unusually for a state school there is a boarding unit. The school has the Schools for Health Award and in 2002 obtained Media Arts...
(1650) - Earls High SchoolEarls High SchoolThe Earls High School is a secondary school on near the A458 in Halesowen, West Midlands.-Information:The School's history dates back to 1652 when a Free Grammar School was founded. There is, however, evidence that a school existed in 1632 as local men are recorded as being benefactors of a Free...
(1652) - Chetham's HospitalChetham's School of MusicChetham's School of Music , familiarly known as "Chets", is a specialist independent co-educational music school, situated in Manchester city centre, in North West England. It was established in 1969, incorporating Chetham's Hospital School, founded as a charity school by Humphrey Chetham in 1653...
(1653) - The Blue School, WellsThe Blue School, WellsThe Blue School is a coeducational, secondary school located in Wells, Somerset, England. It has 1,430 students aged 11 to 18 of both sexes and all ability levels. It is currently a Church of England voluntary controlled school. The school motto is "Recta Certa" meaning straight and true...
(1654) - Adams' Grammar SchoolAdams' Grammar SchoolAdams' Grammar School is a selective state grammar school in Newport, Shropshire, rated by the Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills as a Grade 1 outstanding school , the latest OFSTED report concludes "this is a truly impressive school"...
(1656) - Hele's School (1658), moved site in 1937
- The Maynard SchoolThe Maynard SchoolThe Maynard School is an independent and selective day school for girls aged 7–18 in the city of Exeter in Devon. It is one of the leading girls day schools in the UK, with an excellent academic reputation in both public exams and university entrance. Currently, there are approximately 420 day...
(1658), all girls - Henry Box SchoolHenry Box SchoolThe Henry Box School is a comprehensive secondary school located in Witney in the English county of Oxfordshire.-Admissions:It has a catchment area of the town of Witney and many surrounding villages such as Ducklington, Aston and Bampton. It has approximately 1400 students, aged 11-18...
(1660) - Sir Thomas Rich's SchoolSir Thomas Rich's SchoolSir Thomas Rich's School is a grammar school for boys and girls in Longlevens, Gloucester, England, locally known as "Tommies"...
(1666) - Old Swinford HospitalOld Swinford HospitalOld Swinford Hospital is a selective voluntary aided boys' boarding school in Oldswinford, Stourbridge, West Midlands, England that has been in continuous operation since the 17th century.- History :Old Swinford Hospital opened in the late summer of 1667...
(1667) - Brigg Grammar School (1669), Sir John Nelthorpe SchoolSir John Nelthorpe SchoolThe Sir John Nelthorpe School is a comprehensive school on Grammar School Road in Brigg, North Lincolnshire.-Admissions:The is for ages from 11 to 18. The is on Wrawby Road.-Grammar school:...
since 1976. - The Harvey Grammar School, FolkestoneFolkestoneFolkestone is the principal town in the Shepway District of Kent, England. Its original site was in a valley in the sea cliffs and it developed through fishing and its closeness to the Continent as a landing place and trading port. The coming of the railways, the building of a ferry port, and its...
(1674) - Reigate Grammar SchoolReigate Grammar SchoolReigate Grammar School is an independent co-educational day school located in the town of Reigate, Surrey, United Kingdom. Intake is from 11 to 18, with the majority of its pupils entering at the age of 11, and others entering at 13 and 16.- History :...
(1675) - The John Roan School (1677)
- Sandbach SchoolSandbach SchoolFounded in 1677, Sandbach School has been located on Crewe Road in Sandbach, Cheshire for almost 150 years.It is an all-boys school offering admission from the age of 11. In years 10 and 11 a range of GCSE's and Vocational subjects are offered. The school has its own Sixth Form and so offers...
(1677) - Tenison's School, Lambeth (1685)
- The Royal Hospital School (1694)
- Grey Coat HospitalGrey Coat HospitalThe Grey Coat Hospital is a Church of England comprehensive secondary school for girls in Westminster, London, England.-History:The school was founded on St. Andrew's Day in 1698. Eight members of the congregation of St. Margaret's, Westminster donated towards the founding of the school, initially...
(1698) - St Martin-In-The-Fields High School for GirlsSt Martin-In-The-Fields High School for GirlsSt Martin-in-the-Fields High School for Girls is one of the oldest schools for girls in Britain. It was established in 1699 as a charitable enterprise by the parish of St Martin-in-the-Fields. Its popularity and growth led to its relocation in 1928 on a larger site in Tulse Hill, in the South...
(1699) - Sidcot SchoolSidcot SchoolSidcot School is a British co-educational independent school for boarding and day pupils, associated with the Religious Society of Friends. It is one of seven Quaker schools in England....
(1699)
Former (non-extant) schools
- Cor TewdwsCor TewdwsCor Tewdws or Bangor Tewdws was a monastery and school in what is now Llantwit Major, Glamorgan, Wales. It was reputedly burnt down in AD 446 before being refounded by St Illtyd in AD 508 and flourished into the 13th Century during the Middle Ages...
(College of Theodosius), Llantwit MajorLlantwit MajorLlantwit Major is a small coastal town and community in the Vale of Glamorgan, Wales, lying on the Bristol Channel coast. A small stream, the Afon Col-huw, runs through the town.-Local government:...
(Opened ca 395, buildings burned in 446, rebuilt in 508, finally closed down in reign of Henry VIIIHenry VIII of EnglandHenry VIII was King of England from 21 April 1509 until his death. He was Lord, and later King, of Ireland, as well as continuing the nominal claim by the English monarchs to the Kingdom of France...
)
Sixteenth century
- Christ College, BreconChrist College, BreconChrist College, Brecon is a co-educational, boarding and day independent school, located in the market town of Brecon in mid-Wales. It caters for pupils from eleven to eighteen.Christ College was founded by Royal Charter in 1541 by King Henry VIII...
(1541) - Friars School, BangorFriars School, BangorYsgol Friars is a comprehensive school in Bangor, Gwynedd, and one of the oldest schools in Wales.-1557 Establishment:The school was founded by Geoffrey Glyn, Doctor of Laws, who had been brought up in Anglesey and had followed a career in law in London....
(1557) - John Beddoes SchoolJohn Beddoes SchoolJohn Beddoes School is a secondary or comprehensive school for boys and girls. The school is based on one site in the town of Presteigne. It has a complement of approximately 425 pupils aged 11 – 18 years. It has a largely rural catchment area in east Radnorshire including the towns and villages of...
(1565)
Seventeenth century
- Ysgol David HughesYsgol David HughesYsgol David Hughes is the largest Secondary School in Anglesey, Wales. It was founded in 1603, originally as a free Grammar School in Beaumaris. In 1963, with the local authority leading the way in introducing the comprehensive system, the school moved to Menai Bridge as a mixed comprehensive...
Ynys Mon (1603) - Monmouth SchoolMonmouth SchoolMonmouth School is an HMC boys' boarding and day school in Monmouth, Monmouthshire in south east Wales. It was founded in 1614 by William Jones. It is run as a trust, the William Jones's Schools Foundation, by the Worshipful Company of Haberdashers, one of the Livery Companies...
(1614) - Botwnnog School (1618)
- The Bishop Gore SchoolBishop Gore SchoolThe Bishop Gore School is a secondary school in Swansea in south Wales, founded on 14 September 1682 by Hugh Gore , Bishop of Waterford and Lismore...
, Swansea (1682)
Twelfth century
- High School of GlasgowHigh School of GlasgowThe High School of Glasgow is an independent, co-educational day school in Glasgow, Scotland. Founded as the Choir School of Glasgow Cathedral in around 1124, it is the oldest school in Scotland, and the twelfth oldest in the United Kingdom. It remained part of the Church as the city's grammar...
(pre-1124) - Royal High SchoolRoyal High School (Edinburgh)The Royal High School of Edinburgh is a co-educational state school administered by the City of Edinburgh Council. The school was founded in 1128 and is one of the oldest schools in Scotland, and has, throughout its history, been high achieving, consistently attaining well above average exam results...
, EdinburghEdinburghEdinburgh is the capital city of Scotland, the second largest city in Scotland, and the eighth most populous in the United Kingdom. The City of Edinburgh Council governs one of Scotland's 32 local government council areas. The council area includes urban Edinburgh and a rural area...
(1128) - Stirling High SchoolStirling High SchoolStirling High School is a state high school for 11-18 year olds run by Stirling Council in Stirling, Scotland. It is one of seven high schools in the Stirling district, and currently has approximately 972 pupils attending...
(High School of Stirling) 1129 - Lanark Grammar SchoolLanark Grammar SchoolLanark Grammar School is a secondary school in Lanark, Scotland. It was founded in 1183, and celebrated its octocentenary in 1983, including a visit by The Princess Anne. Notable former pupils include rally driver Colin McRae and General William Roy, a contributor to the Ordnance Survey project...
(1183)
Sixteenth century
- Paisley Grammar SchoolPaisley Grammar SchoolPaisley Grammar School, known for a period following 1896 as the Paisley Grammar School and William B. Barbour Academy, is a non-denominational state comprehensive secondary school in Paisley, the largest town in Renfrewshire, Scotland. The school was founded in 1576 and was formerly a selective...
(1576) - Montrose AcademyMontrose AcademyMontrose Academy is a state secondary school in Montrose, Angus, Scotland. Its history extends as far back as the 16th century grammar school with evidence of schooling in Montrose found as early as 1329. In 1815 Montrose Academy was built and established as an exclusive fee-paying school...
(Precise date unknown) (Earliest evidence of schooling in Montrose from 1329)
Seventeenth century
- George Heriot's SchoolGeorge Heriot's SchoolGeorge Heriot's School is an independent primary and secondary school on Lauriston Place in the Old Town of Edinburgh, Scotland, with around 1600 pupils, 155 teaching staff and 80 non-teaching staff. It was established in 1628 as George Heriot's Hospital, by bequest of the royal goldsmith George...
(1628) - Hutchesons' Grammar SchoolHutchesons' Grammar SchoolHutchesons' Grammar School is a co-educational independent school in the southside of Glasgow, Scotland. It was founded by the brothers George Hutcheson and Thomas Hutcheson in 1641 and was opened originally to teach orphans, starting with "twelve male children, indigent orphans".In 1876 a girls'...
(1641) - Dunoon Grammar SchoolDunoon Grammar SchoolDunoon Grammar School is a secondary school in Dunoon, Argyll, Scotland. It was founded in 1641.It is currently a non-denominational comprehensive school which covers all stages from S1 to S6 .-Building:...
(1641) - Campbeltown Grammar School (1686)
- The Mary Erskine School for Girls (1694)
Seventeenth century
- The Royal School, ArmaghThe Royal School, ArmaghThe Royal School, Armagh is a co-educational voluntary grammar school in the city of Armagh, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom. It was one of a number of free schools created by King James I of England in 1608 to provide an education to the sons of local merchants and farmers during the plantation...
(1608) - Royal School DungannonRoyal School DungannonThe Royal School is a school located in Dungannon, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. It was one of a number of 'free schools' created by James I in 1608 to provide an education to the sons of local merchants and farmers during the plantation of Ulster. Originally setup in Mountjoy near Lough Neagh...
(1614) - Foyle and Londonderry CollegeFoyle and Londonderry CollegeFoyle College, which is also known by its former name Foyle and Londonderry College or FALC, is a co-educational voluntary grammar school in the city of Derry, Northern Ireland. In 1976, two local schools, Foyle College and Londonderry High School, merged under the Foyle and Londonderry College Act...
(c.1617) (founded as: The Free School) - Portora Royal SchoolPortora Royal SchoolPortora Royal School for boys, and some 6th form girls, located in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, is one of a number of 'free schools' founded by Royal Charter in 1608, by James I...
(1618)
See also
- List of founders of English schools and colleges
- List of the oldest schools in the world
- Education in EnglandEducation in EnglandEducation in England is overseen by the Department for Education and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. Local authorities take responsibility for implementing policy for public education and state schools at a regional level....
- Education in ScotlandEducation in ScotlandScotland has a long history of universal provision of public education, and the Scottish education system is distinctly different from the other countries of the United Kingdom...
- Education in WalesEducation in WalesEducation in Wales differs in certain respects from education elsewhere in the United Kingdom. For example, a significant number of students all over Wales are educated either wholly or largely through the medium of Welsh: in 2008/09, 22 per cent of classes in maintained primary schools used Welsh...
- Education in Northern IrelandEducation in Northern IrelandEducation in Northern Ireland differs slightly from systems used elsewhere in the United Kingdom, though it is more similar to that used in England and Wales than it is to Scotland. A child's age on 1 July determines the point of entry into the relevant stage of education unlike England and Wales...