Royal Hospital School
Royal Hospital School
Royal Hospital School
Royal Hospital School
Royal Hospital School Ipswich, Suffolk Visit
school
Royal Hospital School
Ipswich
670 pupils, ages 11-18
Mixed
Day and Boarding

Royal Hospital School

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Our View

There’s a unique naval heritage at this knockout co-ed day and boarding school in East Anglia whose rich history spans four centuries. And while today it’s no longer a military school, it still pays homage to its roots with regular all-school parades in naval uniform (‘Divisions’ in navy speak), a four-service CCF and an outstanding sailing academy. Add in seriously grand buildings and vast grounds, and you’ve got a school with gravitas where pupils feel part of a strong community. 

Where?

RHS is set in 200 acres of idyllic Suffolk countryside near the Stour Estuary – the scale of the place is hard to take in. Founded in 1712 in Greenwich in the buildings that are now home to the National Maritime Museum, it moved in 1933 to its current site, which is equally as striking. Made up of a large group of imposing buildings spaciously laid out and arranged symmetrically overlooking the River Stour, it has the feel of a university, with interiors that are huge – from the high ceilings to the windows to the corridors. 

A five-mile drive from Ipswich and just off the A12 and A14, the school is easily accessible and there is an extensive network of buses covering Suffolk and Essex. The closest station is Manningtree, an hour from Liverpool Street, while by car, London and Stansted airport are both around an hour away. 

Head

Irfan Latif joined the school in September 2024 from DLD College in London, where he was principal. Despite having only recently arrived, he has already developed RHS 3.0, which stands for Reliance, Honour, Success – three attributes the school aims to bring out in its pupils. He is also teaching the Year 8s RHS+ (see below) and on our visit was delivering a Spooky Science lesson to the younger years to mark Halloween. He’s a hugely enthusiastic and friendly head, and laser-focused on the importance of pastoral care, for which the school already has an enviable reputation, but he tells us he’s determined to make it even better.

Admissions

Non-selective, the school has a wide academic range and can cater for most abilities. The main entry points are Years 7, 9 and 12, with most pupils joining in Year 7. Pupils take entrance tests in maths, English and verbal reasoning, while prospective sixth-formers are offered places based on their predicted GCSE grades – an average of 5.5 is required, with a 6 or 7 in the A-level subjects they’re choosing. Academic, music, sailing, creativity, drama, sports and all-round talent scholarships and exhibitions are all available for Years 7, 9 and 12.

Academics and destinations

Small class sizes and above-average contact time with teachers mean academic outcomes are excellent, with impressive value-added. The lower-school pupils follow a bespoke Compass Programme, which focuses on fields such as critical thinking, digital literacy and presentation skills to enhance their academic work. A scholars’ programme runs in all years to stretch the most able, while the excellent learning-support department offers one-to-one, group and study-support sessions. 

At GCSE, pupils take nine or 10 subjects, with many vocational options such as media studies and PE. Sixth-formers have a huge choice of options – about 20 A-level subjects and BTECs in enterprise and entrepreneurship, media and sports science. They can select a mix of both A-levels and BTECs and in the lower sixth can also complete an elective – EPQs, core maths, AS drama and sports coaching or sailing qualifications are popular. RHS+ provides PSHE, careers advice and life skills, while the RHS Xtra programme enriches and broadens horizons through a series of lectures, which pupils told us they find particularly inspiring. 

Everyone has a Microsoft Surface Pro (the school has just been awarded Microsoft Showcase School status) and technology is fully integrated into learning, as is the dedicated one-to-one careers service, RHS Futures, which begins as early as Year 7, helping pupils think about what they want in life beyond school well before they leave. Most go to university, but apprenticeships are also popular and about 10 per cent join the armed forces.

Co-curricular

With incredible sports facilities – including 96 acres of sports fields, multiple fitness suites, a climbing wall, golf course, equestrian facilities and sailing academy – you’d expect nothing but the best when it comes to sport…and that is exactly what pupils get. Core sports are rugby for boys, netball for girls, and hockey, cricket and athletics for both, with two games sessions per week and one on Saturday afternoon. There are plenty of fixtures and everyone is encouraged to play in a team. Elite pathways are available for gifted players, with year-round specialist training and wellbeing support offered. Sailing is an additional core sport every term – all Year 7s spend a week learning how to sail to see if they would like to take it further. Many do and the school has produced a number of Olympians. 

Music is also fantastic. The director of music, Ed Allen, runs an inspiring department and opportunities to get involved are endless, from choirs and orchestras to ensembles and marching bands. Every week there are 400 one-to-one lessons, and this year there are 28 music scholars at the school. The school’s naval ties mean there are some wonderful performance opportunities too, such as aboard HMS Diamond and on an aircraft carrier in Portsmouth, and in October the chapel choir sang in St Paul’s Cathedral as part of the annual National Service for Seafarers. Everyone gathers three times a week to sing in chapel, raising the roof of the 1,000-capacity space, which has one of the loudest organs in Europe. 

A huge atrium links the art and D&T departments, which are housed in their own bespoke set of buildings, where pupils can explore their creativity in a wide range of disciplines, from fine art, photography and sculpture to textiles, printing and ceramics. CAD and food technology are also on offer in the design department. 

The lower school has timetabled drama and it’s also an option at GCSE, although not at A-level. There is, however, a sixth-form theatre company for budding thespians, and LAMDA exams can be taken. Productions include musicals, plays and operas, with pupils given the opportunity to write and produce too. 

Among the 80 clubs on offer, climbing, Pilates, yoga and CCF are the most popular. The school has all four branches of CCF, which is a rarity, and in Years 9 and 10 it’s compulsory, with many choosing to carry it on into sixth form. All Year 9s also do DofE; every year about 100 pupils work towards their gold award. There are usually about 100 pupils involved in Model United Nations too, which sees them participating in up to eight inter-school conferences a year. The two debating societies also take part in external competitions. 

Boarding

The school offers a great deal of flexibility when it comes to boarding: full, weekly, three nights a week, a ‘boarding bundle’ of 15 nights a term flexi boarding, and ad hoc boarding for day pupils within certain parameters. Around 60 per cent of pupils board some nights, with about half of pupils full or weekly boarders. The four boarding houses are all spacious and well equipped, with kitchens, games rooms, quiet spaces and TV rooms. The upper-sixth house is modelled on a university hall of residence, with single study bedrooms instead of dorms and lots of freedom – and responsibility – to prepare Year 13s for life beyond school. 

There are lessons on Saturday mornings from Year 8 and from Year 9, and Saturday afternoon sports or fixtures. Year 7s can come in for an optional activities programme, and pretty much all of them do. Most pupils go home after Saturday games; those who stay get involved in the various activities that are laid on by the new weekend coordinator.

School community

RHS is well known for its fantastic pastoral care. House matrons diligently look out for their pupils, newcomers are buddied up to help them settle in and sixth-formers train as academic mentors to younger pupils. The large medical centre is staffed by a nurse, doctor, dentist and counsellor. As well as the magnificent dining hall, which is the centrepiece of the school, there’s also the new Heritage Café offering a less formal dining option. Lots of parents come here, especially in fine weather when you can sit on the terrace and take in the view down to the river. Parents are a mix of locals, military and overseas families, and there’s always a good turnout for the Divisions parades and music performances.

And finally....

This school really takes your breath away with its size and scope. Facilities are next level, and the breadth of education it offers pupils is very impressive. It feels like a place where everyone can find their thing and be nurtured to fly with it.

Gallery See All

boy playing hockey
boy and girl studying together
boy in mid air playing basketball
girl playing the violin
girl bowling in cricket
girl in a navy jumper painting
boy in a shirt and tie holding a guitar
Senior pupils sitting around a table outside chatting
Girls in pink vests on sports day
  • Academic results

    GCSE results
    A level results
    Download results as PDF
  • University destinations

    34% of leavers went on to a Russell Group university.
    2% of leavers went on to an American university.
    3% of leavers went on to an overseas university.
    92% of leavers went on to their first choice university.
  • Subjects offered

    GCSE

    Art & Design
    Biology
    Business Studies
    Chemistry
    Computer Science
    Design and Technology
    Drama and Theatre Studies
    English Language
    English Literature
    Food Technology
    French
    Geography
    History
    Mathematics
    Media Studies
    Music
    Physical Education
    Physics
    Religious Studies
    Spanish
    Art & Design
    Biology
    Business Studies
    Chemistry
    Computer Science
    Design and Technology
    Drama and Theatre Studies
    English Language
    English Literature
    Food Technology
    French
    Geography
    History
    Mathematics
    Media Studies
    Music
    Physical Education
    Physics
    Religious Studies
    Spanish
    Combined Science

    A Level

    Art & Design
    Biology
    Business Studies
    Chemistry
    Computer Science
    Economics
    English Language
    English Literature
    French
    Further Mathematics
    Geography
    History
    Mathematics
    Music
    Physics
    Politics
    Psychology
    Religious Studies
    Spanish
    Art & Design
    Biology
    Business Studies
    Chemistry
    Computer Science
    Economics
    English Language
    English Literature
    French
    Further Mathematics
    Geography
    History
    Mathematics
    Music
    Physics
    Politics
    Psychology
    Religious Studies
    Spanish
  • Fees and bursaries

    Day fees per term

    Year 7£7,010
    Year 8 £7,010
    Year 9 £8,154
    Year 10£8,154
    Year 11£8,154
    Year 12£8,154
    Year 13£8,154
    Boarding fees per term

    Year 7£12,350
    Year 8 £12,350
    Year 9 £15,901
    Year 10 £15,901
    Year 11£15,901
    Year 12£15,901
    Year 13£15,901




    Bursary contact:
    Admissions Team
    admissions@royalhospitalschool.org
  • SEND

    This school currently provides the following support for pupils' mental health needs
    Excellent wellbeing programmes. Information across the school and online. Pupils can self-refer.

  • Transport links

    School Transport
    School daily bus network

    Public Transport
    Nearest mainline train station: Ipswich and Manningtree
    Journey time to London by train: 68 minutes
    Nearest international airport: London Stansted (48 miles)


School Updates

  • Former The Apprentice Finalist Claire Young Inspires Pupils at RHS Careers Fair

    The Royal Hospital School welcomed entrepreneur and former The Apprentice finalist Claire Young as the keynote speaker for its Careers Fair 2025 on Wednesday, 22nd January.
    Former The Apprentice Finalist Claire Young Inspires Pupils at RHS Careers Fair
  • RHS Equestrian Team Triumphs at National Championships Qualifier

    The Royal Hospital School (RHS) is celebrating its equestrian team after they delivered an outstanding performance at the Forest Edge Equestrian Centre.
    RHS Equestrian Team Triumphs at National Championships Qualifier
  • Royal Hospital School Pupils Celebrate Outstanding Musical Achievements

    The Royal Hospital School (RHS) is delighted to announce two extraordinary accomplishments by its young Music Scholars, Beau Lloyd (Year 11) and Joshua Burgess (Year 8), who have reached remarkable achievements.
    Royal Hospital School Pupils Celebrate Outstanding Musical Achievements
  • Royal Hospital School Welcomes New Chaplain, Reverend Katherine Page

    The Royal Hospital School (RHS) in Holbrook, Suffolk, has welcomed its new Chaplain, Reverend Katherine Page, who will begin her new role on 1st January 2025.
    Royal Hospital School Welcomes New Chaplain, Reverend Katherine Page
  • Royal Hospital School Shortlisted in the IDPE Development Awards!

    Royal Hospital School (RHS) in Holbrook, Suffolk, is pleased to share that its Futures and Alumni Office has been shortlisted for the IDPE (Institute of Development Professionals in Education) Development Awards in the Engagement Campaign category.
    Royal Hospital School Shortlisted in the IDPE Development Awards!
  • Royal Hospital School to host its annual Christmas Fayre this December

    On Saturday 7th December the Royal Hospital School (RHS) in Holbrook will once again open its doors to the public for its hugely successful Christmas Fayre.
    Royal Hospital School to host its annual Christmas Fayre this December
  • Royal Hospital School Observes Remembrance Sunday with Ceremonial Parade and Chapel Service

    The Royal Hospital School commemorated Remembrance Sunday on 10th November 2024, with a moving parade and chapel services.
    Royal Hospital School Observes Remembrance Sunday with Ceremonial Parade and Chapel Service
  • Royal Hospital School Teams Shine in Suffolk County Sports Competitions

    The Royal Hospital School (RHS) in Holbrook, Suffolk is celebrating a series of outstanding athletic achievements recently across hockey, rugby, and football.
    Royal Hospital School Teams Shine in Suffolk County Sports Competitions
  • Royal Hospital School Hosts Suffolk Schools’ Cross Country Trials

    The Royal Hospital School (RHS) successfully hosted the first Suffolk Schools’ Cross Country Trials of the 2024-2025 season on the 17th of October 2024.
    Royal Hospital School Hosts Suffolk Schools’ Cross Country Trials
  • Royal Hospital School Pupil Wins 2nd Place in Prestigious Poetry Competition

    The Royal Hospital School (RHS) is proud to announce that Daniel Otsapa, one of its talented pupils in year 9, has won 2nd place in the 12-18-year-old category of the Oxford Canal Festival Poetry Competition.
    Royal Hospital School Pupil Wins 2nd Place in Prestigious Poetry Competition
  • Royal Hospital School Chapel Choir Sings at St Paul’s Cathedral

    The Royal Hospital School’s (RHS) Chapel Choir had the honour of playing a leading role at the prestigious Annual National Service for Seafarers, held at St Paul’s Cathedral on Wednesday, 9th October 2024.
    Royal Hospital School Chapel Choir Sings at St Paul’s Cathedral
  • Royal Hospital School Sailing Pupils Selected for Athena Under 21 Squad

    The Royal Hospital School (RHS) in Holbrook, Suffolk, is proud to share that two of its talented sailing pupils, Harriet George, Year 13 and Toby Smith, Year 12, have earned coveted places in the highly esteemed Athena Under 21 Squad.
    Royal Hospital School Sailing Pupils Selected for Athena Under 21 Squad
  • See Royal Hospital School in our Senior Boarding Schools Guide

    See Royal Hospital School in our Senior Boarding Schools Guide

Essentials

Address
Holbrook, Ipswich, Suffolk IP9 2RX

Contact
admissions@royalhospitalschool.org
01473 326136

Website
royalhospitalschool.org

ISI Report

Fees

Term Dates


Open Days

Open days and how to visit View Open Days Register for open Day

Whole School Open Morning
29 March 2025


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