Sedbergh School
The magnificent location of Sedbergh means pupils can enjoy school life in a safe, healthy and dynamic environment. The opportunities for outdoor activities are almost unlimited – from a walk in the hills to mountain biking, or the calm of fishing to the challenge of kayaking. While academic study is central for every pupil, the experiences of a Sedberghian are never confined only to the classroom.
Sedbergh School was founded in 1525 by the Provost of Eton. Situated in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Sedbergh School has excellent facilities and comfortable accommodation. The school is fully co-educational and has its own prep school. Sedbergh provides an all-round education; students develop a delight in learning and independence and examination results are strong.
Pupils can expect pioneering academic opportunities such as the 100-hour revision challenge, Elevate Education study skills workshops, and the top academic scholars follow the Nine Star programme – a bespoke course aimed at developing mental agility and independent study and research skills, pushing the boundaries of learning. At GCSE and A Level, pupils have a full range of subjects to choose from, including Product Design, Geology and vocational courses such as Agriculture.
The role of the individual tutor is pivotal to academic success and works in a similar way to the Oxbridge model. Full boarding allows time for extra lessons and tutorials and, together, tutors and tutees will typically engage in a great deal of tactical planning for success. This is supported by first class teaching and marking. The personal tutor knows each tutee’s individual needs and monitors their progress, liaising between subject teachers, Housemaster and Housemistress, pupils and parents.
Sedbergh takes pride in getting 95 per cent of pupils to their first choice university. Recent destination universities include Cambridge, Oxford, London School of Economics, Nottingham University, Durham, Edinburgh, Leeds, Newcastle, Bristol and Bath.
An emphasis on pastoral care encourages sociable, caring, well-mannered, healthy and energetic pupils. Music plays a key part in school life and there are strong departments for music, drama and art. Sedbergh also has an outstanding record in sports and games with many county, regional and national representatives. Frequent overseas expeditions take place and there is a commitment to local community projects. The school currently has 530 pupils in the senior school and 200 in the prep school. Scholarships, awards and bursaries are available for talented individuals in music, sport, and for the academically able.