Welcome
Welcome to Holyport College, one of the most exciting schools in the UK today. We believe that discovering and becoming the best version of ourselves is a joyous process!
We have a strong focus on academic excellence but we are equally passionate about education in the broadest possible sense. With an impressive array of co-curricular activities led by staff who all care deeply about every student, we create a culture where everyone belongs and is empowered to develop their own sense of self.
Holyport students are happy, kind and go on to achieve remarkable things, including exceptional exam results and places at the world's top universities. We are partnered with nearby Eton College and work together with them to develop our students as athletes, as musicians, as compassionate people, as adventurers, as scholars, as creatives and into the best possible version of the adults they were born to become.
With 40 percent of our students living on site, boarding is at the heart of Holyport College
We welcome boarders from diverse backgrounds for a fraction of the cost of our independent equivalents. Our boarding model is flexible, with boarders having the option to return home for the weekend, or stay onsite to take full advantage of the enriching, fun programme of activities.
This is Holyport College, a thriving state-sector boarding school that helps all our students discover the magic within themselves.
Alastair Ingall Headteacher
Who
are we
Holyport College is a truly great school and we feel very lucky that our two children are there and doing well.
Holyport College provides a joyous and inclusive education which is uncompromising in encouraging each individual to aspire to academic excellence, to learn that embracing opportunity is its own achievement and to understand that a diverse, harmonious and happy community is the foundation of individual success.
From Years 7 to 11, we are an all-ability, comprehensive school. We are academically selective in our Sixth Form with a focus on preparing students for access to Oxford and Cambridge and Russell Group Universities.
The College has an unashamedly academic curriculum with all students expected to take up to ten GCSEs including the English Baccalaureate (English, Maths, Science, Geography or History and a Modern Foreign Language).
Pupils at the College are made up of boarding and day pupils, and parents have the option to apply for either type of place, or both if they prefer
Full details of our admissions policy and application process can be found on our website: www.holyportcollege.org.uk/admissions
The School Day
We ensure that every child who comes to Holyport College experiences a nurturing environment. Above all, we want all our pupils, staff and everyone involved in the school day to feel fulfilled and happy.
The structure of our day allows our students more freedom to develop the personal and academic attributes they will need to succeed in the next stages of their education.
Our school day is longer than that of most state schools, lasting from 08:40 until 17:00 (15:45 on Fridays). This means that, alongside a high level of contact time with their teachers, our students also have ample opportunity for a wide range of co-curricular activities as well as independent study, collaborative study, academic intervention or extension and enrichment activities.
Boarders also benefit from additional contact time with academic tutors in the evenings and from a full evening and weekend activity programme.
Another unique feature of the school is that the whole school community sits down to eat their lunchtime meal together. Students can choose from a wide range of hot and cold options and eat in the College Refectory with the staff and with their friends Students are not permitted to bring in packed lunches and there is a compulsory monthly charge for the lunches.
Our term dates are available on our website and are broadly in line with other local schools in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead However, as with most boarding schools, our pupils enjoy an extended holiday in October and at Christmas
Facilities
Our on-site facilities include:
Newly built science laboratories Library
Thank you for a lovely first year. I have never seen my son so happy.
Multi Use Games Pitch (astroturf) for football, netball, hockey and tennis
Sports Hall for netball, basketball, fitness and dance
Drama Suite
Art Rooms with onsite kiln
IT Suite and Wi-Fi throughout the College
Boarding accommodation and communal areas for up to 225 boarders
Large, central dining hall (Refectory)
Medical Centre
Garden and outdoor space with resident goats and chickens
In addition to our own facilities, we have access to a variety of Eton College’s facilities and make particular use of their outstanding sports grounds
The Eton Partnership
At Holyport College, we are fortunate and proud to work in partnership with Eton College
Eton College was founded by King Henry VI in 1440 and is situated a few miles away from Holyport, near Windsor. Eton is widely recognised as a leading, academically selective, independent boarding school in the UK and, whilst Holyport College may be a relatively new school, we are fortunate to be able to draw on Eton’s heritage and experience. This partnership has allowed us to forge links between the schools at a number of levels (in our governance, through the sharing of facilities and opportunities and through staff and student interactions).
Holyport students benefit from the regular use of a number of Eton College’s facilities (for example rowing at Eton Dorney or taking part in Design Technology sessions in Eton’s workshops)
Likewise, our partnership provides Holyport students with unique opportunities which would not otherwise be afforded them: more able students in Key Stage 3 may be invited to take part in the Eton Aspirations Project whereby Senior Eton students teach a series of extension lessons to younger Holyport students to broaden their horizons beyond the curriculum; senior Holyport students are regularly invited to attend society meetings at Eton College with some of the country’s most eminent speakers and students at Holyport College have the opportunity to join forces with Eton’s Combined Cadet Force.
The relationship between Holyport College and Eton College is meaningful, visible and has a significant impact on the life and education of every single student at Holyport College
Curriculum
Holyport College was founded on the principle that it is the fundamental entitlement of every young person, regardless of background or ability, to study a meaningful and broad range of academic subjects and to have the opportunity to gain appropriate qualifications in the full range of these subjects.
Our teaching staff are chosen for their depth of subject knowledge and their genuine love for their subjects and, through them, we aim to challenge and inspire our students and to engender a lifelong love of learning.
The College actively encourages all department areas to run frequent trips and visits to enrich our students’ learning and to allow them to contextualise this learning within the wider world.
There are regular trips to theatres, galleries, museums and places of worship; all students are encouraged to take part in our extensive programme of sports fixtures
Sixth Form students regularly attend national conferences in their chosen subject areas; younger students have the opportunity to attend a residential outdoor activity trip in the Summer.
All students also have the opportunity to achieve the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and older students can join the College’s CCF Corp
There is also an extensive programme of international trips including ski trips and sports tours and trips to Iceland, Italy, France and Japan.
Science
Spanish (or French for some students joining in Year 9)
Geography
History
R.S.
Music
Computing
Drama
Art & Design
Physical Education
Latin (for students who opt in from Year 8)
Personal Development
In all subject areas, the curriculum and assessment framework have been designed around developing the skills students will need to be successful in their studies of each subject (including literacy and numeracy where appropriate) as well as extending their knowledge of subject content.
Assessment is continuous throughout the academic year, with regular classroom assessments supplemented by two formal Trials (exams) in each subject
The Key Stage 3 curriculum serves to develop students’ learning in each subject, to inspire an interest in the further study of that subject and to ensure that students are prepared for the rigours of the GCSE courses which begin in Year 10.
Compulsory Subjects
The following subjects are compulsory for all students at GCSE:
English Language
English Literature
Maths
Sciences (all students begin a “triple Science” pathway in Year 10. In Year 11, some students will move to a Trilogy pathway to ensure that each individual is on the most appropriate pathway)
Spanish or French
History or Geography
Subject Choices
Students must then choose two of the following GCSE Options, and one reserve, i dditi t th se above:
ry, Spanish, French, Art, Music, Computing, Drama, RS, PE, Studies
Sixth Form
Our Sixth Form curriculum is based around high quality, academic A Level courses The stated aim of our Sixth Form is to meet the needs of those students who have the ability and ambition to gain entry to Oxford, Cambridge or Russell Group universities (or equivalent international institutions). To this end, we are academically selective at Sixth Form level, admitting only those students whose GCSE grades serve as evidence of their ability to succeed on more demanding courses such as these
All of our A Levels are two year, linear courses chosen for their rigour and we offer them in the following subjects:
English Literature
Business Studies
Maths
Further
Maths
Biology
Physics
Computing
Geography
History
Spanish
French
Latin
Art
Economics
Politics
Psychology
Religious Studies
Physical
Education
Chemistry
Music
Co-curriculum
The College’s co-curriculum is far more than simply a few activities at the end of our school day: we view it as an integral part of life at Holyport College and one of the reasons our students are so rounded, positive and successful.
We put aside 60 minutes per day (Monday to Thursday) for our co-curriculum (from 14:15-15:15 on a Monday and from 16:00-17:00 from Tuesday to Thursday). During this time, students are encouraged to develop and refine their interests alongside trying new experiences We have a huge range of activities on offer from traditional team sports to American football and yoga; several drama clubs (alongside rehearsals for our school productions), choirs, dance and instrumental groups; various academic activities including both intervention and enrichment/extension sessions and a host of other activities, clubs and societies. There is also the opportunity for any student who wants to set up their own club or activity to do so
(many of activities crossing over between more than one category):
Physical:
Sports and activities which promote physical fitness and wellbeing
Intellectual:
Activities which challenge students to think, often in different ways from the traditional curriculum
Cultural:
Activities which encourage students to engage with, and contribute to, our shared cultural heritage including music, art, drama, film, literature and philosophy
Service:
Activities which encourage students to become active citizens of the modern world and to contribute both to the College community and to the wider community as a whole
Mindfulness:
Activities which allow students to slow down, destress and take a break from the busyness of their lives
Intervention:
Activities designed to provide additional academic support to students over and above their timetabled lessons
Sport
Sport and physical activities are integral to everyday life at Holyport College. Regular exercise is essential to ensuring a healthy lifestyle and it is also proven to have a significantly beneficial effect on your mental health and academic achievement.
In short, regular exercise will make you a happier and more successful person! All students at Holyport College are therefore expected to engage in regular sporting and other physical activities.
All students have a Games lesson as part of the curriculum each week, providing opportunities to develop their skills and prepare for competitive fixtures We aim to give every student the opportunity to represent the College in fixtures against a wide range of local schools and matched opposition throughout the year. To support this, all Year 7 students are expected to attend their allocated team training sessions during the co-curricular programme.
From Year 8 onwards, students have greater flexibility to choose from the wider co-curricular programme. However, those selected to represent the College are expected to attend team training regularly in order to prepare for fixtures and fulfil their commitment to their teammates.
Students in Years 10, 11 and the Sixth Form must also attend team training sessions if they wish to be considered for selection to one of the College teams.
Year 7 Thursday
Year 8 Friday
These fixtures will take priority over any other activities you may be signed up to (although please do sign up for other activities on these days as you won’t have a fixture every week). Fixtures are communicated via our dedicated sports website www.hpcsport.org.uk
The College does operate some Saturday fixtures for boarding students and day students may have the opportunity to play as well.
Sport
regular opportunities to represent the College in fixtures against local schools, developing teamwork, resilience and a sense of pride in wearing the College colours.
Inter-house sport is a highlight of the sporting calendar and plays an important role in College life. At the end of each term, students compete for House honours across our major sports, including Football, Hockey, Rugby, Netball, Cricket and Eton Fives These events are always keenly contested and celebrate participation, teamwork and healthy competition.
The Summer Term concludes with our annual Sports Day, held at the Thames Valley Athletics Centre. This is one of the highlights of the College year, bringing together students, staff, parents and carers to celebrate individual achievement, House spirit and sporting excellence The sporting year culminates in the annual Sports Awards Dinner, a formal celebration recognising the commitment, leadership, sportsmanship and achievements of students across the College. It is an opportunity to reflect on another successful year of College sport and celebrate the contributions of those who have represented the College with distinction
Boarding
Holyport College is more than just a school. It is a close-knit community of students, staff and their families that work together to develop the lives of young people and enrich their futures.
With more than 40% of our students living on site, boarding is at the heart of the College community and reflects its values and ethos. The modern boarding model that we provide seeks to replicate the family atmosphere of a home where relationships are familiar in nature and the environment relaxed and stable This caring and nurturing environment builds the confidence of boarders and encourages them to develop new skills and to go outside of their comfort zones. Boarding provides opportunities that open doors, turn interests into passions and set futures in motion. We believe that balance is the key to a happy and successful education. We hope that all boarders will aspire to academic success. At the same time, they should balance their time with activities and events that enrich their mind and boost their physical and mental health
“State school, boarding vibes, and a whiff of Eton magic Holyport College is firmly doing things its own way for kids aged 11-19. And the results speak for themselves.”
Boarding
We also believe it is important for young people to socialise. Our boarding houses are situated upstairs in the main buildings and we strive to make them a real home from home Boarders at Holyport College join a community that celebrates traditional values while developing tolerance and understanding, essential when living in such a diverse community.
There are a wide variety of activities that the boarders can become involved in and when put alongside our high academic expectations, provide an outstanding, holistic education Our aim is to develop each boarder’s maturity, confidence, self-motivation and self- discipline, as these qualities are essential in today’s world. Our boarders study hard, enjoy a host of organised experiences and play a positive, leading role in College life.
Well-being
Meals at Holyport College
We recognise the importance of all our pupils being able to enjoy healthy, appetising, regular meals. We provide nutritious, freshly prepared meals from our brand new kitchens.
For our boarders, main meals of breakfast, lunch and supper will be taken in our large central dining hall - just a few moments walk from the boarding houses and large enough to accommodate all our boarders and staff in one sitting Meals will include a wide choice of options including hot meals, vegetarian choices as well as healthy snacks and drinks in between meals. We are able to cater for any specific dietary requirements a pupil may have. A cooked meal at lunchtime is as a central part of the day when both boarding and pupils have the opportunity to socialise and spend time with their peers in a congenial way. Charges for day pupils are comparable with other schools in the borough and can be found on our website
Security
Our purpose-built boarding accommodation incorporates state-of-the-art security technology to ensure pupils’ safety at all times Measures include CCTV, limited entry and exit points and use of biometric recognition systems to access certain areas of the accommodation. All our staff undergo rigorous safeguarding checks so that we can be certain that all our pupils are receiving the very highest levels of care.
On Site Medical Centre
All our boarding pupils will need to enrol with our local GP surgery. The boarding houses are staffed by a matron who will be able to deal with minor ailments and first aid. Our nurse provides on-site medical care under the guidance of our local GP surgery.
Fees
Boarding fees at Holyport College are significantly lower than those at independent schools and do not attract VAT.
These fees cover the cost of accommodation, meals, on-site medical care and the programme of events for evenings and weekends. They do not include additional costs for uniform, sports kit, school equipment and school trips (undertaken with day pupils as part of the main curriculum). Once a place has been confirmed at the College, a non-refundable deposit will be required to secure the place.
Applying For a Boarding Place
If you would like to apply for a boarding place for your son or daughter, you will need to complete our boarding application form, which is available on our website www.holyportcollege.org.uk/admissions
Applicants from England and Wales applying for Year 7 boarding places will also need to apply through their home local authority.
A registration fee of £95 is required when making an application for a boarding place. All pupils whose parents have returned an application will be invited to attend an interview to assess their suitability for boarding at the College. This is part of our process and we also ask for a reference from the previous school on application.
From our community
My children are very proud of their school and the community. They’ve made some great friends and are very happy. We feel very lucky as a family. We have also been impressed with the School’s proactiveness from start of Year 12 to get the ball rolling for UCAS applications.
We're very happy with the school and how my daughter is doing here. In my opinion, its a fantastic school.
This school is the most wonderful place for my children to have flourished since they joined in Year 7. It has exceeded my expectations.
This is a very supportive and caring school. We have been impressed with the professionalism and kindness of every member of staff we have dealt with. Thank you.
We have found the school to be very understanding and supportive, thank you.
Nations Day 2025
Location
Set in an idyllic semi-rural location, yet close to major transport networks, Holyport College is easily accessible. The College campus is only a few miles from the M4 motorway, 10 minutes from Maidenhead train station, which is on the Elizabeth Line and goes via London Paddington, and 20 minute drive from London Heathrow airport.
Nearby, the towns of Maidenhead and Windsor provide a huge range of attractions and amenities, including theatre, cinema, ten-pin bowling, shops and restaurants.
Holyport College
Ascot Road, Holyport, Berkshire, SL6 3LE
Telephone: 01628 640 150
For further information please contact: admissions@holyportcollege.org.uk