Here are some frequencly asked answers and questions about Ardingly College
Welcome from the Head of College Mr Figgis
Who is the Head of Ardingly College?
Ben Figgis is the Head of Ardingly College.
What does the Head say about life at Ardingly?
He describes Ardingly as a community where every student is known, valued and encouraged to be the best version of themselves. https://www.ardingly.com/about/welcome-from-the-head/
How big is the school?
In the Senior School (Year 7 to Upper Sixth) there are about 870 students. There is a fairly equal balance between day and boarding and male and female students. Year group size is around 70 in the Lower School and 150 in the Senior School – large enough for variety and opportunity, but small enough for everyone to be recognised as an individual.
What is the Head’s vision for an Ardingly education?
To help every pupil discover their strengths, build character and develop the skills and confidence to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Explaining a World Ready Education
What does “World Ready” mean?
It means preparing pupils not just for exams, but for life beyond school — developing curiosity, empathy, adaptability and resilience.
What are the main elements of a World Ready education?
Six key themes shape learning at Ardingly: Enquiry & Evaluation, Enrichment & Enjoyment, Care & Wellbeing, Enterprise & Employability, Society & Me, and Local & Global. https://www.ardingly.com/about/a-world-ready-education/
How do pupils become “World Ready”?
Through lessons, co-curricular activities, community involvement and leadership opportunities that connect classroom learning with real-world experiences.
Why is being “World Ready” important?
Because young people need the confidence and skills to adapt to a rapidly changing world, whatever path they choose.
Ardingly College’s Aims and Values
What are Ardingly’s core values?
Engagement, Compassion, Resilience and Collaboration. https://www.ardingly.com/about/a-world-ready-education/
What do these values mean in an educational context?
- Engagement: Taking part fully in school life and being curious about learning.
- Compassion: Being kind and considerate towards others.
- Resilience: Facing challenges positively and learning from them.
- Collaboration: Working together and valuing teamwork.
They guide everything the College does — in the classroom, on the sports field, in boarding houses and in the wider community.
What are Ardingly College’s main aims?
To provide an inspiring education, recruit excellent staff, work in partnership with parents, widen access through bursaries, and continue to develop the campus.
Staff
Who makes up the senior leadership team at Ardingly College?
The College has an Executive and Senior Management Team who lead the school’s vision, curriculum, pastoral care, boarding and day-life.
How does Ardingly ensure excellent teaching?
The school recruits outstanding teachers, supports their professional development and keeps class sizes small so each pupil is known and taught well.
How are staff involved beyond the classroom?
Many staff play pastoral roles (as Tutors, Housemasters/Housemistresses), lead co-curricular activities and contribute to school life beyond academics.
Our Grounds
Where is Ardingly College located?
The College is near Haywards Heath in West Sussex. It is in an enviable location surrounded by beautiful countryside providing acres of space but in an easily accessible location near to a mainline trainstation providing fast links to international airports, London and Brighton. https://www.ardingly.com/about/our-grounds/
What sort of facilities and environment does the campus provide?
The grounds include academic buildings, boarding houses, sports fields, music, art and drama schools and waterports on the reservoir.
How does the location benefit students?
Being in a more rural setting gives space, while remaining within reach of major transport links.
Governors
Who are the Governors at Ardingly College?
A Board of Governors oversees the strategic direction, governance, financial management and senior appointments at the College, ensuring it remains true to its mission and values. Drawn from a wide range of professional backgrounds, each Governor brings valuable experience that contributes to specific areas of school life and development. https://www.ardingly.com/about/governors/
What role do the Governors play?
They support and challenge the school leadership, ensure high standards, safeguard the school’s ethos and evaluate performance and resources.
Policies & Inspection Reports
Where can I find the School’s policies (e.g., safeguarding, admissions, fees)?
All key policies are available on the website under the “Policies & Inspection Reports” page, for transparency and compliance. https://www.ardingly.com/about/policies-inspection-reports/
How does the school perform in inspections?
The College publishes reports from its regulatory inspection body, demonstrating standards in teaching, care, safeguarding and overall provision. In 2024 the ISI awarded Ardingly College a “significant strength” in its boarding provision and praised the College for its culture of care, academic ambition and strong leadership. https://ardingly.foleon.com/isi-reports/senior-school-isi/
Awards
Has Ardingly College received any awards or recognition?
Yes — the school has won external awards and recognitions that reflect its academic strength, co-curricular breadth, boarding provision or innovation. https://www.ardingly.com/about/awards/
Reviews
What do parents, pupils and alumni say about Ardingly College?
The “Reviews” page showcases feedback and testimonials from current families, former pupils (Old Ardinian) and other stakeholders reflecting school experience. https://www.ardingly.com/about/reviews/
How can I use these reviews when considering the school?
Reviews help you understand the lived-experience of the school — day versus boarding life, the quality of relationships, community feel, and outcomes for students.
Our History
When was Ardingly College founded?
The school, St Saviour’s, was originally founded in 1858 by Nathaniel Woodard and was originally based in Shoreham. It moved to Ardingly in 1870.
Our Chapel and Chaplain
Does Ardingly College have a chapel and what is its role?
Yes — there is a chapel building and a Chaplain who leads spiritual life, worship and reflection across the school.
Is the school religiously affiliated?
The College has a Christian foundation (Church of England) and the chapel supports worship and spiritual development, while respecting the diversity of pupils’ beliefs.
Bus Routes
What transport options are available for day students?
There is a network of College bus routes covering local areas (Sussex, Surrey, Kent, London) to support day pupils commuting to the school.
How can I check if a bus route serves my area?
Routes and details are listed on the “Bus Routes” page — including pick-up points, timings and how to apply.