Top independent schools in the East Midlands
The East Midlands is a region known for its beautiful countryside, historic towns, excellent transport links, and top independent schools making it an appealing choice for families looking to relocate.
With vibrant cities like Leicester and Nottingham, picturesque villages in Rutland and Northamptonshire, and access to stunning natural spaces such as the Peak District, the East Midlands offers rural tranquillity and urban convenience.
For families prioritising education, the region is home to some of the UK’s top independent schools. These provide exceptional academic and co-curricular opportunities, complemented by a variety of family-friendly communities nearby.
Here we explore some of the East Midlands’ top independent schools.
Oakham School
Founded in 1584, Oakham School in Rutland is a co-educational day and boarding school for students aged 11 to 18. Renowned for its extensive curriculum, the school offers both the International Baccalaureate and A-levels, providing students with diverse academic pathways.
A dynamic co-curricular programme in sport, the arts, and outdoor learning encourages students to develop their talents, while dedicated pastoral care promotes well-being and personal growth. Oakham’s rich heritage and focus on holistic education make it a premier choice for families seeking a balanced, enriching environment.
Oundle School
Located in the historic market town of Oundle, Oundle School, founded in 1556, is one of Northamptonshire’s most distinguished co-educational boarding and day schools, welcoming students aged 11 to 18. Alongside GCSEs and A-levels, its curriculum features enrichment programmes such as Trivium and Quadrivium, promoting intellectual curiosity and critical thinking.
Oundle’s diverse co-curricular offerings in sports, arts, and community service help foster leadership and personal growth.
With exceptional pastoral care and a forward-thinking ethos, Oundle prepares students for success.
The school makes Oundle a popular place to live and there are also a variety of pretty villages nearby.
Uppingham School
Also established in 1584, Uppingham School is a historic co-educational boarding and day school, located in Uppingham, Rutland. It caters to students aged 13 to 18.
The school offers a challenging and flexible curriculum designed to encourage academic success and personal growth and September 2024 saw the opening of a new day house, Li Kwok Po House.
The school’s extensive co-curricular programme includes sports, music, and arts, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience. A strong emphasis on pastoral care creates a supportive atmosphere where students thrive. Uppingham’s blend of tradition and innovation solidifies its reputation as a leader in independent education.
Leicester Grammar School
Located in Great Glen, Leicestershire, Leicester Grammar School is a co-educational day school for pupils aged 10 to 18. Established in 1981, it combines academic rigour with a vibrant co-curricular programme, encompassing sports, cultural activities, and personal development opportunities.
The school’s pastoral care framework supports students’ mental and emotional well-being, fostering self-confidence and resilience.
Leicester Grammar’s holistic approach ensures pupils are equipped with the skills and values for a fulfilling future.
Northampton High School
Part of the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST), Northampton High School in Hardingstone provides an inspiring education for girls aged 2 to 18. Established in 1878, the school emphasises academic excellence alongside personal growth.
Its co-curricular activities, ranging from sports to community service, offer extensive opportunities for leadership and creative exploration. With a strong focus on pastoral care, Northampton High creates an empowering environment where girls can achieve their full potential.
Spratton Hall
Spratton Hall is a highly regarded co-educational day preparatory school in Northamptonshire for children aged 4 to 13. Established in 1951, the school is set within 50 acres of stunning countryside, offering a curriculum that balances academic rigour with a wide range of sports, arts, and extracurricular activities.
Dedicated to nurturing individual talents and personal development, Spratton Hall prepares pupils for smooth transitions to leading senior schools, supported by an inclusive and caring environment.
Quinton House School
Quinton House School is another of the top independent schools in the East Midlands. Located in the historic Upton Hall in Northampton, It is a co-educational day school for students aged 2 to 18. Founded in 1946, the school combines academic excellence with an extensive co-curricular programme that includes arts, sports, and community service.
Its supportive environment fosters individual growth and inclusivity, preparing pupils with the confidence and skills needed to excel in life.
Quinton House’s focus on holistic education ensures well-rounded development for its students.
Witham Hall
Witham Hall, based in Witham on the Hill, Lincolnshire, is a co-educational preparatory day and boarding school for children aged 4 to 13. Since its establishment in 1959, it has offered a holistic education within a picturesque Queen Anne mansion surrounded by 50 acres of parkland.
The school excels in providing strong academics alongside opportunities in sports, arts, and extracurricular activities. Witham Hall’s emphasis on nurturing talents and fostering growth ensures pupils are prepared for success at senior schools.
Rugby School and Bilton Grange
In 2020, Rugby School and Bilton Grange Preparatory School merged, uniting two institutions renowned for academic excellence and holistic development.
Rugby School and Bilton Grange’s partnership provides a seamless pathway from early years to senior education across their combined 490-acre campus.
Bilton Grange
Bilton Grange, located in Dunchurch, Warwickshire, is a co-educational preparatory school for children aged 3 to 13. Set in 90 acres of countryside, it provides a nurturing environment that blends academic excellence with character development and co-curricular opportunities.
Bilton Grange equips pupils with the confidence and skills needed for smooth transitions to senior education.
Rugby School
Founded in 1567, Rugby School is a historic co-educational boarding and day school for students aged 13 to 18. It offers a robust academic curriculum alongside extensive co-curricular opportunities in sports, arts, and community service.
Known for its pioneering ethos, the school nurtures students’ well-being and personal growth, preparing them for future success.
Top independent schools in the East Midlands
Many of the schools listed above offer boarding facilities meaning that living nearby is not essential. However, as the cost of full boarding continues to rise, many parents are finding the day-school option more affordable.
This means that not only do they have to find a wonderful home but it needs to be close enough for their children to take full advantage of the broad curriculum and extracurricular activities offered which may also involve an 8.30 am Saturday start.
The effect of this is increasing competition from buying parents in prime locations close to these excellent schools, adding to the pressure of the property search and negotiation processes.
If you are searching for property near top independent schools in the East Midlands, whether you’re looking for a tranquil village or a thriving market town, a professional property finder can be instrumental in locating your ideal home.
To find out more about Garrington’s services, please contact us for an initial discussion without obligation.
