Marlborough College
Wiltshire · SN8 1PA
Marlborough College is one of England's most celebrated co-educational boarding schools, set within a magnificent 300-acre campus in the Wiltshire market town of Marlborough. Founded in 1843, it combines genuine academic rigour with an exceptionally rich co-curricular life, producing self-reliant, creative and socially confident young people. The school is notable for its strong artistic and musical traditions alongside high-level sport, and its beautiful Georgian and Victorian buildings create a distinctive, campus-like atmosphere unlike most English boarding schools. Marlborough's co-educational boarding community, rare among top-tier English independents, gives it a warm, unstuffy social character.
- →One of the very few top-tier boarding schools that is genuinely co-educational from age 13, creating a more natural social environment
- →Outstanding breadth: exceptional music, art, drama and sport sit alongside strong A-level results, meaning talented all-rounders are celebrated
- →Beautiful, self-contained campus in a safe Wiltshire market town with a strong sense of community and belonging
- →Strong pastoral care within a house system that prioritises individual character development over narrow academic ranking
- →Consistent record of Oxbridge and top university destinations without a hyper-pressurised hothouse culture
Who thrives here
Pupils who are curious, sociable and multitalented — who want to excel academically but also throw themselves into music, art, drama or sport — thrive at Marlborough. It suits confident and adaptable students who embrace the full boarding experience and value being part of a diverse, co-educational community.
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
Marlborough College, Bath Road, Marlborough
Wiltshire
SN8 1PA
Nearest stations
Notable alumni
Kate Middleton
Princess of Wales
Samantha Cameron
Fashion designer and wife of former Prime Minister David Cameron
James Fenton
Poet and literary journalist
Anthony Blunt
Art historian and Soviet spy
John Betjeman
Poet Laureate
Nicholas Parsons
Broadcaster and radio presenter
Siegfried Sassoon
First World War poet
James Dyson
Inventor and entrepreneur
Chris de Burgh
Singer-songwriter
Sebastian Faulks
Novelist
Recent investment
Frequently asked questions
What are the fees at Marlborough College?
Day fees at Marlborough College are approximately £44,415 per year (2024/25). Boarding fees are higher.
How do you get into Marlborough College?
Marlborough College admits pupils at 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by Interview, Assessment. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.
What are Marlborough College's exam results?
At Marlborough College, 24.8% of A-levels were graded A*–B and 66% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.
Is Marlborough College a boarding school?
Marlborough College offers boarding as well as day places.
What is Marlborough College's latest inspection rating?
ISI rated Marlborough College “Excellent” (2018).
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓Outstanding breadth of opportunity — pupils genuinely do sport, music, art and drama alongside academics rather than having to choose
✓Warm, inclusive social atmosphere unusual for a school of this prestige; co-education from 13 creates a more grounded community
✓Houseparents are highly accessible and genuinely know individual pupils well; pastoral care feels personal rather than institutional
✓Beautiful, safe campus that feels like a real community — pupils are happy to be there at weekends
✓Strong art and music departments that are nationally recognised and produce exceptional work
Common concerns
!Fees are very high and bursary provision, while available, is limited relative to demand
!Academic pressure in the Sixth Form can feel intense, particularly for those aiming for competitive university courses
!Some parents feel communication could be more proactive when minor pastoral issues arise, rather than reactive
!The school's social scene can feel expensive due to the affluent peer group; some families report subtle financial pressure on pupils