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Verified · May 2026British
Marlborough, Wiltshire, United Kingdom Boarding · Coed Ages 1318

Marlborough College

Founded 1843 — co-ed boarding+day HMC school, ~970 pupils on a historic Wiltshire campus, A-Level + Pre-U with verified fees published per term.

Founded 1843 in Marlborough, WiltshireFully co-educational since 1989970 pupils — predominantly boardingA-Level + Pre-U pathwayAlumni include Princess Catherine of WalesStrong arts + sport calendar
Ages
13–18
Format
Boarding
Tuition
$62,000 – $80,000
Deadline
13+ Common Entrance pre-test (Year 6); 16+ October prior to entry

AI Fit Summary

Match score
92
Updated based on a sample Student Fit Profile.

Why this school may fit your child: Marlborough College pairs a British / A-Level academic track with a rural campus and a 1:8 student-teacher ratio. It's a strong consideration for students drawn to Oxford / Cambridge pathways.

  • Strong fit for Oxford / Cambridge pathway
  • 1:8 ratio supports individualized attention
  • British · A-Level curriculum aligns with university aspirations
  • Mature pastoral and house structure

Academic overview

Marlborough College was founded in 1843 in the market town of Marlborough, Wiltshire. About 970 pupils aged 13-18, all-boarding for the most part with a small number of day pupils. The school went fully co-educational in 1989 and has been a quietly influential reference point in UK independent education ever since — alumni include Princess Catherine of Wales. The curriculum runs A-Level alongside Pre-U options. Published 2025-26 fees (inclusive of VAT): boarding £61,809 per annum (£20,603 per term), day £49,449 per annum (£16,483 per term). Recent leavers' destinations include Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, Edinburgh and St Andrews. Class size of 15 with a 1:8 student-teacher ratio enables tutorial-style instruction and mentor-led research projects.

Curriculum
British · A-Level
Acceptance
Highly Selective
University placement
93/100

Curriculum & subjects

MathematicsFurther MathematicsPhysicsChemistryBiologyEnglish LiteratureClassicsHistoryGeographyEconomicsPoliticsPhilosophyFrenchSpanishGermanItalianMandarinArtMusicTheatreDesign Technology

Boarding life

Houses are organized around year-group cohorts with a dedicated houseparent and tutorial team. Weekend programming combines structured academic catch-up, trips into the surrounding region, and creative downtime.

University pathways

BestPeopleDo placement score
93 / 100
Counselling support
Dedicated team during application year

Placement score is BestPeopleDo's internal estimate of the school's recent university outcomes (0–100), based on publicly available data and advisor knowledge. Detailed per-cohort offer counts are confirmed during the advisor call.

Fees & scholarships

Annual tuition
$62,000 – $80,000
Application fee
$250
Scholarships
Available
Visa support
Provided

Estimate the all-in cost

Most families budget against tuition + 10–20% in living, travel and ancillary costs. Adjust the inputs to plan against scholarships, length of stay, and your home currency.

5 years
1 yr6 yrs (full programme)
0%
0%75% (rare, exceptional candidates)
+15%
Books, uniforms, trips, school-organised travel home — typically 10–20% on top of tuition.

Location

Marlborough College sits in Marlborough, Wiltshire, United Kingdom — a rural campus. Tap "Request virtual tour" above to have an advisor send walkthrough video links and schedule a live tour.

Marlborough, Wiltshire, United Kingdom

Admissions process

  1. 1
    Inquiry & profile review
    We share your child's Student Fit Profile with the admissions team.
  2. 2
    Application & documents
    School-specific form, transcripts, recommendations, English test if required.
  3. 3
    Assessment
    Online interview, sample lesson, or admissions test depending on the school.
  4. 4
    Offer & enrollment
    Offer letter, contract, and visa support if needed.

Important dates

Application deadline
13+ Common Entrance pre-test (Year 6); 16+ October prior to entry
Next intake
September 2026

FAQ

Is Marlborough College a good fit for international families?

Yes. Marlborough College actively supports families relocating internationally with visa guidance, language transitions, and pastoral care designed for mobile households.

What does the typical application timeline look like?

Most families start 12–18 months before intended intake. Early application is strongly recommended for boarding.

Are scholarships available?

Yes. Merit-based and need-based scholarships are reviewed annually.

What's the average class size?

Approximately 15 students per class with a 1:8 student-teacher ratio.

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