Winchester college
Founded in 1382, Winchester College is one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious independent schools. Located in the historic city of Winchester, it has operated continuously on its original medieval site for over 600 years.
Key School Information
- Type: Private, selective boarding and day school
- Motto: “Manners Makyth Man”.
- Age Range: 13–18 years (Year 9 to Sixth Form).
- Current Leadership: Ms Elizabeth Stone (Headmaster).
- Fees (2025-2026):
- Boarding: £20,000 per term (£60,000 per annum).
- Day: £14,800 per term (£44,400 per annum).
Academic & Cultural Highlights
- Distinctive Curriculum: All pupils take “Div” (Division), a unique, non-examined subject focusing on history, literature, and philosophy to encourage learning for its own sake.
- Academic Excellence: In 2025, 44% of A-Level grades were A* and 92% were A*-B. The school consistently sends over 30 students to Oxford and Cambridge annually.
- Co-education Transition: While historically a boys’ school, it began admitting girls as day pupils in the Sixth Form in 2022. Full boarding for girls in the Sixth Form is scheduled to begin in September 2026.
- Traditions: The school maintains unique “notions” (slang), its own version of football (Winkies), and the annual climb of St Catherine’s Hill.
Visiting & Community
- Guided Tours: Daily tours focus on the medieval architecture, including the War Cloister (Europe’s largest private war memorial) and the Treasurymuseum.
- Heritage Sites: The school recently restored No. 8 College Street, where author Jane Austen spent her final weeks, opening it to the public for her 250th anniversary in 2025.
- Bursaries: More than 140 pupils currently receive financial assistance, with awards ranging from 5% to 100% of fees.
Heads Welcome
Since 1382, Winchester has been dedicated to cultivating the country’s most original thinkers and minds.
Life here offers the time and freedom for focused learning, lasting friendships, and rich extra curricular opportunities.
Winchester is a school in which bright minds are challenged by their teachers and enthused by their like minded peers. We provide an unapologetically ambitious learning environment and our alumni are renowned for their intellectual agility and acuity.
Whether passionate about sport, music, art or culture, pupils are supported to pursue their interests to the highest level, while developing kindness, curiosity, and a strong sense of community – the foundation for future success and happiness.
Ms Elizabeth Stone
Gallery
