BestPeopleDo
Start AI Match
RH
ISIDay & boarding
Ipswich, United Kingdom Day & boarding · Co-ed Age range 1118 545 pupils Founded 1712

Royal Hospital School

Situated on a stunning campus overlooking the River Stour, Royal Hospital School offers a rich blend of academic excellence and holistic development. With...

Founded 1712 — 314-year history (originally as a charitable school for sons of seamen at Greenwich Hospital)Co-educational ages 11-18 with substantial boarding population (~700 pupils)Set on a 200-acre rural campus on the Suffolk coast at HolbrookOriginal founding by Queen Anne for the sons of British seamenStrong Royal Navy and Merchant Navy pipelineHMC and BSA memberSubstantial bursary programme via the Royal Hospital Foundation

About Royal Hospital School

The Royal Hospital School was founded in 1712 at Greenwich Hospital by Queen Anne as a charitable school for the orphan sons of British seamen — both Royal Navy and Merchant Navy. The school operated at Greenwich Hospital for over 200 years before relocating in 1933 to its present 200-acre coastal campus at Holbrook on the Suffolk coast. The school is co-educational ages 11-18 with around 700 pupils and a substantial boarding population. The Headmaster is Simon Lockyer. The Suffolk coast location supports a strong sailing programme and Royal Navy career pipeline. The school operates a substantial bursary programme via the Royal Hospital Foundation, intended to preserve the 1712 royal philanthropic intent.

Programmes & strengths

SciencesMathematicsModern languagesSport (sailing — Suffolk coast)MusicDrama

University destinations

Russell GroupRoyal Naval College DartmouthSandhurst

Memberships & accreditations

HMCBSAISI

Pupil breakdown

Boys
285 (52%)
Girls
260 (48%)
SEN support
116 (21.3%)
SEN EHCP
2 (0.4%)

Notable alumni

Old RHS pupils active in the Royal Navy and the professions

Address

Holbrook, Ipswich, IP9 2RX

Open in Google Maps

Frequently asked questions

What type of school is Royal Hospital School?

Royal Hospital School is a co-educational independent mainstream school for pupils aged 11 to 18, located near Ipswich in Suffolk. The school offers education from Prep through to Sixth Form, with pathways leading to GCSEs and A Levels.

How do I apply to Royal Hospital School?

The admissions process usually starts well in advance of entry and may involve assessments and interviews. The school admissions timeline guide outlines key stages and deadlines. https://schoolscout.uk/posts/uk-private-school-admissions-timeline

What are the fees at Royal Hospital School?

The cost of attending Royal Hospital School typically ranges around £7,326–£16,616 per term, with variations based on age and boarding.

Is Royal Hospital School a day or boarding school?

Royal Hospital School offers day and boarding options. Where boarding is available, this may include full, weekly or flexi arrangements.

Is Royal Hospital School selective?

Entry to Royal Hospital School is based on overall fit and, where relevant, academic assessment.

BestPeopleDo aggregates UK independent school data for parents researching options; we are not affiliated with this school. For admissions, fees and current vacancies, contact the school directly.