Independent SeniorCo-educationalBoardingISI · Excellent
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Wellington College

· RG45 7PU

AAB+ A-level

42.5%

9–7 GCSE

80%

Day fees

£46k

Inspection

Excellent

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School website

Wellington College is a prestigious co-educational boarding and day school in Berkshire with a distinctive culture of ambition and aspiration. Founded in 1859 as a military college and now fully co-educational for 50 years, it emphasizes 'realising potential' through a balance of rigorous academics and extensive co-curricular opportunity. The school prioritizes wellbeing as integral to learning and maintains a notable global community network of 6,500+ alumni and parents.

  • Strong academic results (92% A*-B at A-Level, 42% grade 9s at GCSE) with supportive teaching approach
  • Pioneering whole-school wellbeing curriculum integrated from day one
  • Exceptional breadth of co-curricular provision (1,500+ sports fixtures annually, extensive arts and expeditions)
  • Distinctive boarding experience with strong pastoral care and house system

Who thrives here

Ambitious, well-rounded pupils who thrive in a supportive but high-achieving environment and want deep engagement in sport, arts, outdoor adventure, or leadership alongside strong academics. Boarders seeking a tight-knit community and day pupils wanting access to extensive after-school and weekend activities.

Strengths at a glance

Exam results50th pctSports56th pctCo-curricular50th pctValue vs peers50th pctPastoral & wellbeing100th pct

Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.

At a glance

School typeIndependent Senior · Boarding
Founded1859
Number of pupils1,101
Day pupils229
Boarders865
Sixth form478
Pupils with SEND255
Age range13–18
GenderCo-educational
Day fees£45.8k/yr
Boarding fees£62.3k/yr
AssociationsHMC, ISC
Settingsuburban
LocationLocated in Crowthorne, Berkshire; good rail connections to Reading and London via regular services. Minibus service provided for day pupils.
EthosChristian (non-denominational); Chapel present

Contact & visit

Duke's Ride, Crowthorne, Berkshire

RG45 7PU

www.wellingtoncollege.org.uk
01344444000
Mr James Dahl, Headteacher

Nearest stations

Wokingham8 min
Reading20 min
Bracknell12 min

Notable alumni

Ranulph Fiennes

Explorer and author, Everest summiteer

James Haskell

England rugby union international

Freddie Stroma

Actor (Bridgerton, Doctor Who)

Recent investment

Wellbeing curriculum integration (first in UK)
Recent awards and recognitions: 10 awards in 2024/25
Pioneering Women's Trail initiative
Enhanced digital learning infrastructure

Frequently asked questions

What are the fees at Wellington College?

Day fees at Wellington College are approximately £45,750 per year (2025/26). Boarding fees are higher.

How do you get into Wellington College?

Wellington College admits pupils at 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by 11+ Selective Examination. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.

What are Wellington College's exam results?

At Wellington College, 42.5% of A-levels were graded A*–B and 80% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.

Is Wellington College a boarding school?

Wellington College offers boarding as well as day places.

What is Wellington College's latest inspection rating?

ISI rated Wellington College “Excellent” (2022).

What parents say

Frequently praised

Exceptional pastoral care and wellbeing focus; first UK school to embed wellbeing in curriculum

Strong academic results in supportive, non-pressurizing environment

Breadth and quality of co-curricular opportunities (sport, arts, expeditions, CCF)

House system creates tight community and belonging

Master's (Head's) personal engagement with pupils and families

Excellent balance of ambition with student wellbeing

Common concerns

!Day fees not published—transparency on full cost may concern prospective parents

!Boarding fees likely premium; accessibility for middle-income families unclear

!Not yet Ofsted inspected, so no independent external validation available

!Competitive entry at 13+ and 16+ means not accessible to all