Shaped by place. Character for life.
A leading independent full-boarding school for boys and girls aged 13–18 on the edge of the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales in the north of England.
Your Prospectus
Joining in Year 9
Year 9 gives pupils time to settle into full-boarding life, build friendships, discover new opportunities and develop the confidence, habits and independence that prepare them for GCSE and beyond.
Joining at GCSE
For pupils joining in Year 10, Sedbergh provides structure, support and challenge at an important academic stage. Small classes, House life and the rhythm of full boarding help pupils settle quickly and make the most of GCSE life.
Joining in Sixth Form
Sixth Form at Sedbergh combines academic ambition with leadership, independence, Pathways support and the opportunities of a seven-day community. Pupils prepare for university, apprenticeships, sport, creative routes and life beyond school.
What makes Sedbergh different?
Full boarding and house life
Sedbergh is one of the few genuinely full-boarding schools in the UK. Boarding shapes the rhythm of daily life, giving pupils the time, structure and support to be fully involved in academic work, House life, sport, music, service and friendships.
The 2025 ISI inspection identified boarding as a significant strength of the School, noting that “Pupils are kind. They recognise the value of service to others… and are supportive to each other in boarding houses.”
Academic ambition for every pupil
Sedbergh is non-selective, but academically ambitious. Pupils are encouraged to aim high, think independently and take pride in serious intellectual effort. The 2025 ISI inspection recognised the strength of teaching across the School, noting that “Lessons are thoughtfully structured” and that teachers “provide regular feedback and encourage collaboration.”
Pathways and possibilities
Every pupil’s future is different. Through Pathways, careers guidance, university preparation, apprenticeships, creative routes, sport pathways and individual support, Sedbergh helps pupils explore their ambitions and prepare for life beyond school.
Life beyond the classroom
Full boarding gives pupils time to discover what they enjoy and what they can contribute. Sport, music, drama, societies, CCF, Duke of Edinburgh, outdoor learning and House activities help pupils build confidence, friendships and a strong sense of belonging.
Character that counts
Sedbergh’s values of Humility, Ambition, Resilience and Kindness are lived through everyday relationships, service, leadership, challenge and contribution. Pupils grow into grounded, confident young people who understand the importance of working hard, supporting others and being part of something bigger than themselves.
A Welcome from the Headmaster
At Sedbergh, we are fully committed to providing a broad, challenging and enriching education that allows every pupil to discover who they are and who they might become. We believe deeply in opportunity — in the classroom, on the sports field, stage or fells, in the boarding house and beyond — and in encouraging young people to push themselves, take risks and grow in confidence.
Mr Robin Pyper, Headmaster, Senior School
