Tatler's Schools Guide 2012
Ardingly had its best-ever set of A-Level and IB results last year, which might explain why its sixth form has been oversubscribed for four years; why the school is growing in numbers and reputation; and why boarding is more popular now than at any time in the past 20 years.But we think all that is down to the wonderful whizz-bang, anything's possible feel of the place. Ardingly 'isn't just a school but a catalyst' says one pupil; 'a vibrant, can-do environment', says another.
Pupils win prizes galore, with particular distinction in maths and sciences.One boy is even working on a research project with astronomer Professor Carl Murray of the Cassini-Huygens mission to Saturn. Music sings - the College's musicians-in-residence organised an acapella festival, and the Chapel Choir have performed at Westminster Cathedral. There is a new fitness centre and business and and economics building, and head Peter Green has big plans to transform the campus with a new Upper Sixth form block and a sports dome. Ardingly hosted a Theory of Knowledge Conference last year that ended with a debate on the motion'This House believes that education should simply prepare young people for the workplace'. History doesn't relate which side was victorious, but with its choc-a-block extracurricular timetable, busy sporting calendar and family ethos, the Ardingly experience offers much more than a conveyor belt to employment.
Tatler's Schools Guide 2012
