Rendcomb College is a co-educational independent boarding school located on a beautiful 230-acre estate in the Cotswolds, England. Catering to students aged 3-18, the school provides a well-rounded education with a focus on academics, sports, arts, and personal development. It offers both day and boarding options, fostering a strong emphasis on academic achievement while providing an extensive co-curricular program including sports, music, drama, and many other activities.

Known for its strong pastoral care and focus on individual student needs, Rendcomb College aims to develop well-rounded individuals who are academically successful, confident, and engaged with the world around them.

History of Rendcomb College

Rendcomb College has a rich history dating back to 1920 when it was established by Frederick Noel Hamilton Wills, continuing a family tradition of philanthropic support for education. True to Wills' vision, the school remains committed to providing an inclusive and well-rounded education for all its students.

The estate itself boasts a long history, with a house and church dating back to the 12th century. After purchasing the estate in 1918, Wills, alongside Headmaster J.H. Simpson, opened the school for twelve boys. The school has evolved over time, becoming fully co-educational in 1992 and expanding to include a Junior School and Nursery, offering continuous education from age 3 to 18.

Nestled within the scenic Cotswold village of Rendcomb, the 230-acre estate provides a secure and inspiring environment for students to thrive, with access to a wide range of on-site facilities.

Education system at Rendcomb College

Nursery: 3-5 years

The Rendcomb College Nursery provides a bright and spacious learning environment designed to stimulate children's exploration and development. The nursery is equipped with engaging materials that foster creativity, individuality, and self-confidence. The child-centered approach prioritizes play and learning, working closely with parents to ensure the highest quality of care.

Staff at the nursery are dedicated to providing a secure and happy environment where children can thrive. They carefully tailor activities to meet the individual needs of each child, adapting them as necessary.

Junior School: 5-11 years

In Years 1 and 2, children benefit from small class sizes and dedicated teacher attention, allowing for personalized learning experiences that cater to individual needs and paces of development. A broad curriculum, based on the National Curriculum, is delivered in a creative and supportive environment, encouraging a love of learning.

Years 3 to 6 offer access to excellent facilities, including a modern science lab, a well-stocked library, a state-of-the-art computer suite, and a dedicated art and design technology studio. These classrooms are located within the main College building. The focus remains on individual attention and support, ensuring each child thrives and reaches their full potential in a friendly and nurturing environment.

The Junior School at Rendcomb College boasts bright and spacious classrooms with stunning views of the Cotswolds, providing an inspiring learning environment. The Nursery is designed with playful spaces and a quiet rest area to stimulate learning through exploration. A dedicated courtyard garden offers opportunities for outdoor play and exploration.

The Junior School at Rendcomb College boasts bright and spacious classrooms with stunning views of the Cotswolds, providing an inspiring learning environment. The Nursery is designed with playful spaces and a quiet rest area to stimulate learning through exploration. A dedicated courtyard garden offers opportunities for outdoor play and exploration.

The recently refurbished Reception classroom provides an ideal introduction to school life, equipped with resources to encourage learning and development in a vibrant and supportive setting. The Junior School also features newly refurbished Science facilities, including a modern laboratory, and well-equipped classrooms to support learning across all subjects.

In addition to dedicated classrooms, the Junior School has access to an adventure playground for recreational breaks. Leveraging the close relationship with the Senior School, Junior School students benefit from access to advanced teaching equipment and materials in later years, guided by specialist teachers. This ensures they have access to cutting-edge resources to support their learning journey.

Senior School: 11-16 years

In Years 7 to 9, students at Rendcomb College follow a modern and comprehensive curriculum that covers a wide range of academic subjects. This allows students to explore different subjects before making their GCSE choices. In Years 7 and 8, students study all the core subjects, including English, Mathematics, Science, and Humanities. In Year 9, Science is further divided into Biology, Physics, and Chemistry to provide a deeper understanding of each subject. Students also have the opportunity to choose two out of three languages offered - French, German, and Spanish - which they can continue studying at GCSE level.

Sixth Form at Rendcomb College

One-Year IGCSE Programme

The One-Year IGCSE Programme is designed for academically gifted students. This accelerated program allows students to focus on a reduced number of core GCSE subjects, including Mathematics, English Language, IGCSE English as an Additional Language (for applicable students), Geography, and their first language. Students will also receive instruction in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Depending on individual interests and aptitudes, they may also sit GCSE exams in one or more of the science subjects.

Two-Year GCSE Programme

Students pursuing the Two-Year GCSE Programme receive comprehensive support throughout their studies. The majority of students will sit ten GCSE examinations, covering a range of core subjects, including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics.

Two Year A-Level Programme

The Sixth Form at Rendcomb College marks a significant transition, providing a supportive environment where students can explore their future pathways. As students prepare for life beyond school, they receive personalized guidance from their tutors and the Head of Sixth Form in making crucial academic and career decisions.

The Sixth Form curriculum encourages personal and academic growth through a range of enrichment activities, including leadership programs, outdoor education, the Duke of Edinburgh's Gold Award, mentoring, and volunteering opportunities. Students also have the option to participate in independent living experiences to prepare them for university life.

The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) provides an opportunity for in-depth independent research and enhances university readiness. Students typically study four subjects initially, with the option to continue with four or reduce to three subjects.

In addition to traditional A-Levels, the Sixth Form now offers the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Travel and Tourism, which is well-suited for students interested in business, languages, and humanities.

Rendcomb College fosters the development of articulate, confident, and resilient young people. The vast majority of graduates progress to higher education at prestigious universities, including Oxford, Bath, Bristol, Liverpool, Exeter, and Imperial College London.

Boarding at Rendcomb College

Nestled within 230 acres of picturesque Cotswold countryside, Rendcomb College welcomes both domestic and international students, offering a vibrant and supportive community. Recognized for its excellent academic standards, the school provides a nurturing environment for boarding students, offering a true "home away from home.

The school's unique setting, with its extensive grounds featuring woodlands, sports fields, deer parks, and ancient orchards, provides a magnificent backdrop for learning and personal growth. Within this natural environment, students are encouraged to develop independence and tolerance in a safe and caring atmosphere.

Rendcomb College invites students aged 11 and over (Years 7-13) to experience a fulfilling senior school boarding experience. With the guidance of experienced houseparents and dedicated pastoral and domestic teams, the school provides an exciting and welcoming environment where students can thrive.

Boarding schools in the UK offer a unique blend of academics and extracurricular activities. At Rendcomb College, this philosophy is central to the student experience. While academic excellence is highly valued, with a strong emphasis on rigorous academic pursuits and impressive exam results, the school recognizes the importance of a well-rounded education.

A diverse range of extracurricular activities complements the academic program, providing students with opportunities to explore their interests and passions beyond the classroom. From sporting events and weekends to outdoor adventures like orienteering and laser tag, the school offers a vibrant and engaging co-curricular program. Houseparents play a vital role in organizing and facilitating these activities, ensuring a full schedule of exciting experiences for all students. For older students, the school even features an on-site nightclub, The Crypt, providing a social space for Years 11-13.

Rendcomb College welcomes applications from students worldwide, celebrating the enriching diversity within its community. The student body currently represents a global spectrum, with students hailing from countries including Thailand, Canada, China, Dubai, and many more.

Maintaining a balanced international student population of approximately 30%, the school fosters a strong sense of community while preserving the essence of a traditional British boarding school experience.

Occasional Boarding

Occasional Boarding allows day pupils to stay overnight at the school on an ad-hoc basis, such as after a school concert or for a friend's birthday party. While subject to availability, Houseparents will accommodate these requests as much as possible.

Please note that Occasional Boarding does not guarantee the same bed each night. However, this option offers families greater flexibility for last-minute overnight stays at the school.

• Cost:
  • Years 7-9: £48.00 per night (up to 8 nights per term)
  • Years 10-13: £60.00 per night (up to 8 nights per term)
  • After 8 nights per term: £65.00 per night for all year groups.

Flexi Boarding

Flexi Boarding allows day pupils to pre-select specific nights for boarding throughout a term. These nights must be booked in advance of the term's start. While the school strives to allocate the same bed space whenever possible, personal belongings cannot be stored at the school when the student is not boarding.

Flexi Boarding requires a fixed number of boarding nights per week, though these nights do not need to be consecutive (e.g., Monday and Thursday). In cases of limited availability, priority will be given to those booking more frequent boarding nights. Once booked, Flexi Boarding nights are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Please note that the Flexi Boarding option is not available to students whose parents do not reside in the UK.

International students

Rendcomb College welcomes applications from students worldwide, celebrating the enriching diversity within its community. The student body currently represents a global spectrum, with students hailing from countries including Thailand, Canada, China, Dubai, and many more.

Maintaining a balanced international student population of approximately 30%, the school fosters a strong sense of community while preserving the essence of a traditional British boarding school experience.

By reflecting the globalized world in which students will live and work, Rendcomb College aims to equip its graduates with the essential skills and confidence to thrive in a diverse and interconnected world.

Co-curricular at Rendcomb College

Rendcomb College offers a wide variety of extracurricular activities across both the Junior and Senior schools, with the selection changing each term. These activities foster valuable friendships, boost confidence, and help students develop new skills by interacting with peers outside their regular classes.

Younger students in Reception, Year 1, and Year 2 participate in age-appropriate activities. Students in Years 3 to 6 enjoy tailored activities designed for their age group while also having the opportunity to join select Senior School activities, such as the College Choir, Orchestra, and even Clay Pigeon Shooting.

Rendcomb College Admission

Rendcomb College prioritizes a smooth transition for new students, offering a flexible admissions process to accommodate individual family needs. While early application is encouraged, the school understands that circumstances may vary.

The school welcomes applications throughout the year for various entry points. The Nursery accepts children from the term they turn three.

The Junior School accepts applications for all year groups from Reception to Year 6. The Senior School offers primary entry points in Year 7, Year 9, and Year 12, with potential for entry into other year groups based on availability.

Registration for entry to Rendcomb College can be completed at any time throughout the year. To register, parents or guardians must submit a completed Registration Form to the Admissions Office along with a non-refundable registration fee of £100.

Important Note: Registration does not guarantee a place at the school.

Assessment

Assessment for entry into the Senior School typically involves online tests and either an English or mathematics assessment. While set assessment dates exist for entry into Years 7, 9, and 12, the school also considers applications for Years 8, 10, and 11. All Senior School applicants, except those entering Year 12, are required to complete these assessments.

offer letter

Successful applicants will receive an offer letter from either the Head of College or the Head of Juniors. This letter will include both conditional and unconditional offer options and outline the necessary steps to accept the offered place at Rendcomb College.

Acceptance

For successful applicants, an Acceptance Form accompanies the offer letter from the Head of College or Head of Juniors. Both parents must sign the Acceptance Form and return it to the Admissions Office along with the Acceptance Fee. The Acceptance Form will be accompanied by a copy of the Parental Contract outlining the school's terms and conditions.

Once a place has been accepted and a start date confirmed, the Admissions Team will provide the family with a comprehensive set of joining instructions. These instructions will include information on school uniform, along with other essential information and forms.

Rendcomb College Fees

Junior School

Senior school