Whitgift School
· CR2 6YT
AAB+ A-level
41.8%
9–7 GCSE
67.5%
Day fees
£26k
Inspection
Not yet inspected
Whitgift School is a prominent HMC independent day and boarding school for boys in Croydon, south London, with a strong academic reputation and substantial co-curricular offering. Founded in 1596, it combines traditional independent schooling with modern facilities and a diverse, socially mobile intake. The school emphasises breadth across academics, sport, music, drama, and service, with boarding available from Year 9 onwards in purpose-built houses.
- →Strong academic record with consistent A-Level and GCSE results within the top tier of independent schools
- →Extensive boarding provision integrated into a day-school model, with Founder's House and other residential facilities
- →Comprehensive co-curricular programme spanning CCF, DofE, music, drama, sport, and outdoor education
- →Accessibility via scholarship and bursary schemes for wider socio-economic intake
Who thrives here
Whitgift suits academically confident boys with intellectual curiosity and multi-faceted interests. It particularly appeals to families valuing both boarding flexibility and day-school community, and those seeking a traditional independent education with modern pastoral care. Boys who thrive in structured, purposeful environments with multiple pathways to leadership and service excel here.
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
Whitgift School, Haling Park, South Croydon
CR2 6YT
Nearest stations
Notable alumni
Michael Fish
Meteorologist and BBC weather broadcaster
John Laughland
Historian, author, and commentator
Ed Balls
Politician, economist, former Shadow Chancellor
Recent investment
Frequently asked questions
What are the fees at Whitgift School?
Day fees at Whitgift School are approximately £26,055 per year (2024/25).
How do you get into Whitgift School?
Whitgift School admits pupils at 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by Interview, Assessment. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.
What are Whitgift School's exam results?
At Whitgift School, 41.8% of A-levels were graded A*–B and 67.5% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.
Is Whitgift School a boarding school?
Whitgift School offers boarding as well as day places.
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓Strong pastoral care and supportive house system with engaged, accessible housemasters
✓Excellent balance of academic rigour with genuine breadth in co-curricular activities
✓Well-maintained facilities, inclusive boarding model, and genuine community feel despite size
✓Effective leadership development and multiple pathways for boys to contribute meaningfully
✓Good accessibility through scholarship and bursary schemes; diverse, socially mixed intake
Common concerns
!Large school size (1556 pupils) can make individual attention variable, particularly in junior years
!Academic pressure intensifies toward GCSE; homework load significant in upper years
!Boarding fees are substantial and merit scholarships/bursaries are competitive
!Limited flexibility around curriculum specialisation at GCSE and A-Level compared to some peers