
SEDBERGH SCHOOL
Sedbergh School is an ancient, independent boarding school in the English Public School tradition. Having absorbed its’ long-term feeder school, Casterton, Sedbergh offers an all-through education for boys and girls aged 0 – 18 with boarding from age 8. The school occupies a large campus in one of the most scenic locations in all of England where it boasts top-class sporting facilities which contribute to the school’s strong athletic pedigree. Sedbergh is one of the nation’s top schools with a fantastic academic record and a diverse, international student body.
ABOUT
Sedbergh School is a co-educational public school (English private boarding and day school) in the town of Sedbergh in Cumbria, North West England. It comprises a junior school for pupils aged 4 to 13 and the main school for 13 to 18 year olds. It was established in 1525.
Sedbergh is a highly selective school, with an academic record that is consistently among the best in the UK. In 2022, 84% of Sedbergh pupils achieved A*-B grades at A-level, and 34% achieved A* grades. The school also has a strong record of sending pupils to Oxbridge and other top universities.
Sedbergh is known for its strong all-round education, which includes a broad academic curriculum, a wide range of extracurricular activities, and a focus on pastoral care. The school’s academic curriculum covers all the major subjects, as well as a number of niche subjects such as Classics, Philosophy, and Religious Studies. Sedbergh also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, drama, and debating.
Sedbergh is also known for its beautiful setting in the Yorkshire Dales. The school is surrounded by rolling hills and farmland, and the River Lune flows through the campus. Sedbergh’s location provides pupils with ample opportunities for outdoor pursuits, such as hiking, biking, and fishing.
History
Sedbergh is a highly respected school with a long and distinguished history. It is a school that is committed to providing its pupils with the best possible education, and it has a proven track record of success.
Here are some of the notable alumni of Sedbergh School:
- William Wordsworth, poet
- John Ruskin, art critic and writer
- Henry Vaughan, poet
- Arthur Conan Doyle, author of the Sherlock Holmes stories
- J.B. Priestley, playwright and novelist
- A.P. Herbert, writer and humourist
- Lord Grade, businessman and former BBC Chairman
- Sir Jeremy Heywood, former Cabinet Secretary
- Dame Sarah Storey, Paralympic cyclist and swimmer
- Jonny Wilkinson, rugby player
Sedbergh School is a truly unique and special place. It is a school that offers its pupils the opportunity to excel in all areas of their lives, and it is a school that prepares them for success in the world beyond.
Nestled amidst the picturesque hills of the Yorkshire Dales lies Sedbergh School, a venerable institution boasting a rich and remarkable history stretching back over five centuries. Its story, interwoven with tales of scholarly pursuits, sporting triumphs, and enduring traditions, paints a vibrant portrait of a school that has nurtured generations of bright minds and leaders.
Humble Beginnings:
Our journey begins in 1525, with the visionary figure of Roger Lupton. A distinguished scholar and cleric, Lupton, driven by a desire to provide educational opportunities for his hometown, established Sedbergh School. Legend has it that as a young boy, Lupton himself had to undertake the arduous 270-mile trek from Sedbergh to London to seek education, an experience that fueled his determination to bring learning closer to home.
The school’s early years were humble, with lessons held in a single room on the site of the present-day library. Yet, Lupton’s legacy proved enduring. He instilled in Sedbergh a commitment to academic excellence and moral grounding, values that continue to define the school to this day.
Evolving Through the Ages:
The centuries that followed saw Sedbergh navigate through changing times. The Victorian era brought a period of significant expansion, with new buildings, increased student numbers, and the arrival of the first female teacher in 1894. The school also faced the challenges of two world wars, losing generations of young men who bravely served their country.
Embracing Change and Progress:
Sedbergh has never been one to shy away from change. In 1999, the school made the pivotal decision to become co-educational, opening its doors to girls for the first time. This progressive move marked a new chapter in Sedbergh’s history, fostering a more diverse and inclusive community.
A Global Beacon of Education:
Today, Sedbergh School stands as a testament to its founder’s vision. Renowned for its academic rigor, outstanding co-curricular activities, and picturesque setting, it attracts students from across the globe. Its alumni include notable figures in various fields, from politicians and academics to Olympians and artists.
Beyond the Bricks and Mortar:
The story of Sedbergh School is not merely one of buildings and dates. It’s about the spirit that binds its community – the dedication of its teachers, the achievements of its students, and the unwavering pursuit of excellence. It’s about the lifelong friendships forged on its playing fields and in its classrooms, and the memories that endure long after graduation.







As Sedbergh School steps into its 500th year, its past serves as a springboard for the future. It’s a legacy that inspires not only its current students but also generations to come, reminding them that within these historic walls lies the potential to shape the world.
Student Life
THE HOUSES OF SEDBERGH SCHOOL
DAY HOUSES
Drake
Grenville
Howard
Jonson
Marlowe
Raleigh
Sidney
Spenser
DAY HOUSES
Chestnut
Elm
Oak
Willow
BOARDING HOUSES
Blew House
Ivyholme
Old Blew
The Orchard
FORMER BOARDING HOUSES
Bell House
Elm Lawn House
Carver House
THE UNIQUE SLANG, JARGON, AND TERMINOLOGY OF SEDBERGH SCHOOL
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Campus and Facilities
Admissions
Alumni
OLD SEDBERGHIANS
Accreditations and Affiliations
INFORMATION


FULL NAME
SEDBERGH SCHOOL
NICKNAME
CATEGORY
NURSERY, PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL
ALL-THROUGH SCHOOL
BOARDING SCHOOL
INDEPENDENT SCHOOL
JUNIOR BOARDING SCHOOL
PRE-PREPARATORY AND PREPARATORY SCHOOL
PUBLIC SCHOOL
ESTABLISHED
GENDER
CO-EDUCATIONAL
ADMISSIONS
BOARDING & DAY
AGES
GRADES
ENTRANCE CRITERIA
SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS
CURRICULUM
INSPECTION AUTHORITY
LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION
ENGLISH
FAITH / ETHOS
—
PEDAGOGY / PHILOSOPHY
CAMPUS
HOUSES
CO-CURRICULAR
SPORTS
OPERATOR
—
PATRON / VISITOR
—
PRESIDENT
—
HEAD OF SCHOOL
ENROLLMENT
FACULTY
RATIO
AVERAGE CLASS SIZE
TUITION FEES
SCHOLARSHIPS, BURSARIES & FINANCIAL AID
ENDOWMENT
FEEDER SCHOOLS
LEAVERS DESTINATIONS
UNIFORM
SCHOOL TIE



SCHOOL COLOURS

BOAT CLUB COLOURS
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ACCREDITATIONS, ASSOCIATIONS AND AFFILIATIONS
ATHLETIC CONFERENCES & SPORTS LEAGUES
RIVAL SCHOOLS
SISTER SCHOOLS & PARTNER SCHOOLS
SCHOOL MOTTO
SCHOOL MASCOT
SCHOOL SONG
—
SCHOOL PUBLICATION
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
CELEBRATED ALUMNI & FACULTY
CONTACT DETAILS


STATION ROAD
SEDBERGH
CUMBRIA LA10 5HG
ENGLAND
UNITED KINGDOM
SEDBERGH SCHOOL
STATION ROAD, SEDBERGH, CUMBRIA LA10 5HG, ENGLAND, UNITED KINGDOM
NURSERY, PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL
ALL-THROUGH SCHOOL
BOARDING SCHOOL
INDEPENDENT SCHOOL
JUNIOR BOARDING SCHOOL
PRE-PREPARATORY AND PREPARATORY SCHOOL
PUBLIC SCHOOL
ABOUT
INC. MULBERRY BUSH NURSERY AND CASTERTON
ESTABLISHED 1525
FEE-PAYING
BOARDING & DAY
CO-EDUCATIONAL
AGES 0 – 18 (NURSERY – SIXTH FORM)
CHURCH OF ENGLAND (ANGLICAN)
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