Royal Hospital School
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ⓘ Why Royal Hospital School?
Royal Hospital School is a British boarding school with a proud naval heritage, founded by Royal Charter over 300 years ago. The school educates pupils aged 11–18, offering GCSE and A-Level programmes with a strong focus on leadership and character development rooted in Royal Navy traditions.
The 200-acre campus features modern teaching facilities, 96 acres of sports pitches, an indoor swimming pool, a climbing wall, a sailing centre with 60 racing dinghies, a music centre with a concert hall and 25 practice rooms, and its own golf course. The grounds overlook the scenic banks of the River Stour in Suffolk.
Royal Hospital School offers scholarships and bursaries for children of naval personnel, runs a Combined Cadet Force programme, and participates in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme — opening doors for graduates to careers in the armed forces and places at leading universities.
The 200-acre campus features modern teaching facilities, 96 acres of sports pitches, an indoor swimming pool, a climbing wall, a sailing centre with 60 racing dinghies, a music centre with a concert hall and 25 practice rooms, and its own golf course. The grounds overlook the scenic banks of the River Stour in Suffolk.
Royal Hospital School offers scholarships and bursaries for children of naval personnel, runs a Combined Cadet Force programme, and participates in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme — opening doors for graduates to careers in the armed forces and places at leading universities.
The school at a glance:
✅ Founded in 1712 — one of the oldest Royal schools with over three centuries of naval tradition
✅ 670–750 pupils — a balanced mix of day students and boarders (around 450 boarding)
✅ Strong academic results — 97% of pupils achieve grades 9–4 at GCSE, and the majority go on to top UK universities
✅ Flexible boarding options — full, weekly, and flexi boarding in modern houses
✅ 70+ extracurricular activities — from an Olympic-pathway sailing programme to a marching band that performs at Royal events and the Royal Albert Hall
✅ Founded in 1712 — one of the oldest Royal schools with over three centuries of naval tradition
✅ 670–750 pupils — a balanced mix of day students and boarders (around 450 boarding)
✅ Strong academic results — 97% of pupils achieve grades 9–4 at GCSE, and the majority go on to top UK universities
✅ Flexible boarding options — full, weekly, and flexi boarding in modern houses
✅ 70+ extracurricular activities — from an Olympic-pathway sailing programme to a marching band that performs at Royal events and the Royal Albert Hall
🫰 Tuition fees
With on-campus boarding
from £ 42,000
per year
(11–18 years)
Need an exact quote?
Get in touch for a personalised estimate
🧑🎓 Facts about Royal Hospital School
📗 Key facts
⚫ Founded in 1712 by Royal Charter in Greenwich
⚫ Age range: 11 to 18 (Year 7 – Year 13)
⚫ Owned by the Greenwich Hospital charity, which provides bursaries for children of seafarers
⚫ The current campus in Holbrook opened in 1933; the buildings are Grade II listed
⚫ 24 A-Level subjects and 3 BTEC programmes — an exceptionally wide choice, including specialist and less common subjects
📊 Rankings and statistics
⚫ 89% of A-Level entries graded A*–C across all subjects
⚫ Average IB Diploma score — not applicable (the school offers A-Levels, not the IB)
⚫ 10% of leavers go on to the military academies at Sandhurst and Dartmouth
⚫ 100% of pupils take part in the sailing programme and gain RYA qualifications
⚫ 27 nationalities represented in the school community, creating a truly multicultural environment
📍 Location
⚫ 90 minutes from Stansted Airport and 45 minutes from central London
⚫ Set in the scenic Suffolk countryside on the Shotley Peninsula, overlooking the River Stour
⚫ 15 minutes from Ipswich, which has a direct rail link to London
⚫ On site: 200 acres of grounds, sports pitches, and private access to Alton Water for sailing
⚫ School transport available from London, Suffolk, Essex, and neighbouring counties
🏆 Boarding
⚫ Modern boarding houses for Years 7–13, with shared rooms (2–4) for younger pupils and single rooms for seniors
⚫ Options: weekly (5-day), flexi (3-day), and full boarding with flexible arrangements
⚫ Sports on offer: sailing (60 dinghies), rugby, hockey, cricket, netball, athletics, swimming, horse riding, and climbing
⚫ Boarding includes full board, organised weekend trips, the Combined Cadet Force programme, and round-the-clock pastoral support
🤔 How to choose a school in England?
Before deciding on a school, look into its rankings, location, and fees. Here are our top 5 tips for making the right choice.
Programmes
Find out what subjects the school offers and whether it matches your goals. If your child plans to go to university, make sure the school prepares them for the right exams.
Teachers
Check the teachers' qualifications and experience. Great teachers make all the difference in a child's education and development.
Fees
Consider the tuition fees as well as extras like meals, transport, and extracurricular activities.
Culture and atmosphere
Visit the school and talk to teachers and students to get a feel for its culture. It's important that the school is welcoming and supportive.
Reviews and rankings
Read parent and student reviews and check UK school rankings. Use these insights to make an informed decision for your child.
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📋 Admissions roadmap
Here's what happens at every step
Getting to know MARYADI
During our initial meeting, we'll discuss the key aspects of the British education system, available programmes, and school options. We'll walk you through the most important factors to consider so you can make a well-informed decision.
Choosing a school
Choosing a school is one of the most important steps. There are around 500 independent schools in England, each with its own character and strengths. Our team knows these schools inside out and will help you find the best match for your child — based on real experience, not marketing.
Application and admissions
To apply, you'll need a complete set of documents: application forms, school reports, references, and test results. The MARYADI team will help you prepare everything properly at each stage to avoid any mistakes.
Paying fees directly to the school
We ensure full transparency with all payments. Fees are paid directly to the school — your money is protected at every stage. With our guidance, you're investing in a quality education for your child.
Starting school
Starting at a new school is a big moment for both the student and the family. We understand how important this is, so our goal is to make sure you feel fully prepared and confident.
What are your chances of getting in?
Every case is unique — and so are your chances. We'll look at your child's full profile, from grades to hobbies, and give you a personalised assessment with tips to strengthen the application.
🤫 Why apply with MARYADI?
Consultations and school selection
We match schools to your goals and preferences to find the best option for your family. Our team carefully considers your educational priorities to recommend the right schools.
Testing and exams
Thanks to our long-standing relationships with many schools, we can arrange entrance tests and exams in your home city. All completed tests are reviewed by our team before being sent to the school.
Help with paperwork
We take care of all the paperwork so you don't have to worry. You can focus on what matters most while we handle the documents.
First-hand knowledge and recommendations
We know the schools personally and only recommend options we trust — not glossy brochures. We work directly with schools to ensure our recommendations are reliable and up to date.
Up-to-date admissions information
We keep you informed with the latest details on admissions processes, deadlines, and school requirements. You'll always have accurate, up-to-date information at your fingertips.
Would you like a free consultation?
Get in touch and we'll answer all your questions. We guarantee a personalised approach and a prompt response.
⭐ About us in numbers
We're proud that our community grows stronger every year
2006
Year founded
500
Partner schools worldwide
5000+
Happy families
18+
Countries
🌎 Trusted reputation
We're proud to have earned trust and recognition in the education sector through our many accreditations. They reflect our commitment to high standards and quality. See our accreditations below — and feel confident that you're in good hands.
ⓘ Why do you need professional support?
Applying to British schools involves many nuances and requires a deep understanding of the UK education system. Without professional support, it's easy to miss important details or make mistakes that could affect the outcome.
Our team has years of experience working with leading schools in England and knows each school's requirements inside out. We help prepare documents correctly, organise testing and interviews, and advise on visa applications.
Our team has years of experience working with leading schools in England and knows each school's requirements inside out. We help prepare documents correctly, organise testing and interviews, and advise on visa applications.
We develop a tailored admissions strategy based on your child's academic level, interests, and goals. We support your family every step of the way — from choosing a school to securing a place. With professional guidance, your chances of getting into a top British school increase significantly.
We help you avoid common pitfalls and give you confidence in a successful outcome — especially in a competitive international admissions landscape.
We help you avoid common pitfalls and give you confidence in a successful outcome — especially in a competitive international admissions landscape.