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Rossall School

United Kingdom, Fleetwood

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees £14,616 - 59,940
Ages 0 - 18 years
Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Opened 1844
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum, IB (DP), BTEC Qualification
Taught languages French, German, Spanish, Latin, Mandarin
Strengths Performing Arts, STEM, Visual and Creative Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Infant/Toddler Care, Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

Rossall School is an independent, co-educational boarding and day school in Fleetwood, Lancashire, delivering a British curriculum framework alongside the International Baccalaureate Diploma and a BTEC qualification. The school caters for ages 0 to 18, with a Pre-Prep and Prep phase and a broad Rossall Experience that weaves sport, arts and service into learning. The 160-acre campus on the Fylde coast features Beecham Music School, the Art Department and extensive performing arts facilities including the Performing Arts Studio, Big School and the Museum Theatre. On-site sports range from a 25m indoor pool and gym to squash courts, a floodlit pitch and a beach-based RosHockey programme. A Design and Technology workshop supports practical projects, while Broadway Academy offers BTEC Performing Arts and weekly dance. Notable programs include the World Challenge Expedition, Duke of Edinburgh, and student-led initiatives such as Oxbridge Entrance Test Training and guest speakers in Astronomy and Astrophysics. today.

Rossall School, Broadway, Fleetwood, Lancashire FY7 8JW, United Kingdom

The Essentials

Rossall School has instruction in English.

Location

The school is located on Broadway, Fleetwood, Lancashire FY7 8JW, United Kingdom. It sits on a 160‑acre campus in the coastal town of Fleetwood. There is a regular train service from nearby Poulton‑le‑Fylde station, and weekly boarders can travel to and from Rossall by train.

Stages

Rossall accepts boys and girls as day pupils from ages 0 to 18 and boarders from ages 7 to 18.

Type

The school is an independent co‑educational boarding and day school.

Additional learning support

The school offers tailored English as an Additional Language (EAL) tuition and programmes designed for international students.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements

Boarding is offered in nine houses: Anchor (Junior Boarding House for boys and girls aged 11–14) and eight Senior Houses (Rose, Wren, Dolphin for girls; Maltese Cross, Mitre Fleur de Lys, Spread Eagle, Pelican and Dragon for boys). Flexible options include weekly boarding and flexi boarding, with triple, double and single bedrooms in the senior houses. Boarders join day pupils to eat in the Dining Hall, where meals are served to suit every taste.

Uniform Requirement

The school requires a full uniform worn at all times, including the official school games kit. Uniform is available to buy via SchoolBlazer, with fittings in RosShop and direct-to-school delivery for boarding students. Senior uniform includes a navy crested blazer, trousers or tartan kilt, a house tie and related accessories.

Food Options

Boarding meals are served in the Dining Hall alongside day pupils; breakfasts are the cooked and fresh variety, lunches offer hot dishes with vegetarian options, a pasta bar, baked potatoes, soups and desserts, and evenings provide a light supper with choices. In Senior Houses snacks are available as well.

House System

Anchor is the Junior Boarding House for ages 11–14 and is co-educational. Eight senior houses are Rose, Wren and Dolphin (girls) and Maltese Cross, Mitre Fleur de Lys, Spread Eagle, Pelican and Dragon (boys).

Governance and Ownership

The School's governing body was incorporated under the Royal Charter in 1890 and is made up of up to 24 people. Rossall Council governs in all matters to ensure high-quality general education, supported by committees including Finance and General Purposes, Education and Welfare, Compliance and Safeguarding, Senior Remuneration, Health and Safety, and Nominations; Council and sub-committees meet once per term.
Fees

Annual tuition at Rossall School ranges from GBP 14,616 to GBP 59,940 for 2026/27.

Application & registration fees
- International Registration Fee: GBP 250.
- Visa Administration Fee (for overseas students requiring visa paperwork): GBP 425.
- UK Registration Fee: GBP 160.
- Nursery Registration Fee: GBP 50.

Deposits
- Deposit (Overseas and non-UK residents): GBP 6,000.
- Deposit (UK Boarder): GBP 2,000.
- Deposit (Day Student): GBP 1,000.
- Deposit treatment and refunds: the deposit is credited (without interest) against the final bill when a pupil leaves; the deposit is not refundable if a pupil does not take up a place except where the School fills the vacancy, in which case the deposit may be refunded less reasonable administration costs. Specific withdrawal and deposit conditions are set out in the School's acceptance/parent contract.

Tuition fees — per term and per year group (per term shown first, then annual figure = per term × 3)
- Nursery (sessional and full-day options): Breakfast Club GBP 6.60 per day; Morning or Afternoon Session GBP 36 per session; Full Day GBP 66 per day; Full Week GBP 318 per week. (Nursery operates 50 weeks; funded hours may be stretched.)

- Pre-Preparatory School: Per term GBP 4,872; Per year GBP 14,616.

- Preparatory School (Years 3–6): Day — Per term GBP 4,872; Per year GBP 14,616. Weekly boarder — Per term GBP 8,604; Per year GBP 25,812. Full boarder — Per term GBP 12,789; Per year GBP 38,367.

- Lower School (Years 7–8): Day — Per term GBP 6,435; Per year GBP 19,305. Weekly boarder — Per term GBP 10,770; Per year GBP 32,310. Full boarder — Per term GBP 15,318; Per year GBP 45,954.

- Senior School (Year 9 and above): Day — Per term GBP 6,984; Per year GBP 20,952. Weekly boarder — Per term GBP 12,828; Per year GBP 38,484. Full boarder — Per term GBP 19,128; Per year GBP 57,384. Boarder Year 11 (IGCSE rate) — Per term GBP 19,980; Per year GBP 59,940.

- Senior School — International Baccalaureate (IB): Day — Per term GBP 7,830; Per year GBP 23,490. Weekly boarder — Per term GBP 13,686; Per year GBP 41,058. Full boarder — Per term GBP 19,980; Per year GBP 59,940. Day Plus (Year 10 and above) — Per term GBP 9,626; Per year GBP 28,878.

Boarding-specific items
- Boarding fees (shown above) include accommodation, supervised prep, meals (breakfast, lunch, tea) and laundry as part of the boarding charge. Temporary boarding (per night) is charged separately: Years 5–8 GBP 90 per night; Years 9–13 GBP 108 per night.

Other fees and regular extras
- Lunch (compulsory for day pupils): Pre-Preparatory — Per term GBP 380 (Per year GBP 1,140). Preparatory & Senior — Per term GBP 426 (Per year GBP 1,278).
- Learning support (per term): 2 lessons per fortnight GBP 276; 4 lessons per fortnight GBP 480; 6 lessons per fortnight GBP 624; Over 6 lessons per fortnight GBP 690. Annual figures are three times the per-term amounts.
- Academy/extra programme fees (per term): Football — Junior (Years 7–9) GBP 1,326; Intermediate (Years 10–11) GBP 2,205; Senior (Years 12–13) GBP 2,646. Piano GBP 2,286. Dance GBP 1,575. These are charged in addition to standard tuition.
- Extras that may be charged separately include textbooks, examination fees, specialist materials, optional trips, academy fees, the school bus service, and other incidental costs. Lunches and similar ‘extras' are invoiced termly.
- Uniform: Uniform items are purchased through SchoolBlazer; the School shop (RosShop) keeps a small stock of ties and stormproof coats and can assist with ordering. Individual item prices vary by supplier and item.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Academic year structure and invoices: The School operates three terms per academic year. All standard fees are invoiced per term. Fees are due and payable on or before the first day of each term; supplemental charges (lunches, trips, extras) are invoiced termly and must be paid before term starts.
- Direct debit option: The School's preferred payment method is monthly Direct Debit (UK bank accounts only). Net fees (after scholarships/bursaries) may be collected by 10 equal monthly Direct Debit payments on the 1st working day of each month from 1 August to 1 May. Charges for lunches and other extras continue to be billed termly.
- Monthly/annual instalment alternatives: For UK residents there is a 12-month repayment option via the School Fee Plan (a third‑party credit arrangement). The School also administers an in‑advance (fees‑in‑advance) option under separate FIA terms where applicable.
- Payment methods accepted: Direct Debit, bank transfer, cheque, and debit/credit card (note: American Express and UnionPay are not accepted). Bank details (for transfers) are provided by the School's billing team and must include the pupil's full name as the payment reference. Specific card/online payment terms are handled through the School's online payment provider.
- Late payment and recovery: Invoices not paid on time may attract interest and recovery costs; persistent non‑payment can lead to refusal of attendance, withholding of references, and withdrawal of visa sponsorship where applicable. The School may charge interest on late payments and recover reasonable costs incurred in collection.

Refunds, notice and termination (fee liabilities and refunds)
- Deposit: The deposit is held as security and is credited against the final invoice when a pupil leaves. If a pupil does not take up the place, the deposit is generally not refundable unless the School fills the vacancy; administrative deductions may apply.
- Notice: A term's written notice (given and acknowledged by the School by the first day of the term preceding the term to which the notice relates) is required to withdraw a pupil without liability for the subsequent term's fees. Failure to give proper notice will normally result in a term's fees being payable.
- Absence and fee reduction: Fees and any prepaid supplemental charges are not normally reduced for absence due to illness, study leave, or otherwise.
- Exceptional circumstances: Where the School withdraws an award (scholarship or bursary) or other extraordinary events occur, specific contractual provisions in the Parent Contract and Schedule of Fees set out the financial consequences.

Practical notes on invoicing and contacts
- Invoicing timing: Termly invoices (and supplemental invoices for lunches/extras) are issued in line with term dates and are payable on or before the first day of term unless an agreed monthly/direct debit plan is in place. Direct Debit instalments run from 1 August to 1 May when used.
- Billing contact and queries: The School's invoicing/billing team handles payment plans, direct debit set‑up and billing queries. Specific email contacts are provided for fee enquiries and Direct Debit arrangements.

Summary of the most common additional charges
- Registration/visa/admin fees and deposits (one‑off on registration).
- Per‑term tuition (amounts vary by year group and by day/weekly/full boarding; see the tuition list above).
- Lunch charges, learning support, academy programmes, exam and trip costs, uniform, and incidental schoolshop purchases.
Academics

Rossall School teaches British Curriculum, IB (DP), BTEC Qualification for students aged 0 to 18.

Curriculum

Rossall's curriculum equips students with the knowledge, skills, attributes and values to meet 21st‑century challenges. It balances broad subject exploration with mastery of core subjects. Each subject has a progressive learning journey that fosters curiosity, skills and critical thinking. Learning is delivered through the Teaching and Learning Core, a set of common practices applied in every lesson. A Pre-Prep and Prep curriculum supports younger pupils, and the Rossall Experience integrates co‑curricular activities to enrich the education.

Exam Results

The Sixth Form offers a two‑year curriculum leading to examinations recognised by universities worldwide. Examinations are offered through the A Level route or the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB). Rossall has been an IB World School since 1998 and has extensive experience delivering the IB Diploma. In 2024, 80% of Rossall graduates went on to Top 20 or Russell Group universities.

Higher Education Progression

Graduates commonly pursue higher education at leading UK and international universities. In 2024, 80% of Rossall graduates went on to Top 20 or Russell Group universities. The Sixth Form prepares students for university study through A Levels or the IB Diploma, with emphasis on independent study, critical thinking and a broad curriculum to support future study, including Oxbridge entry.

Gifted and Talented

Rossall offers scholarships across academics, sports, performing and creative arts, including Academic, Sports (Signature Football and Golf) and Arts scholarships. Means-tested bursaries are available, including the Changing Lives Bursary for talented Sixth Form day pupils (up to 100% of tuition fees) and the Jackson Bursary (up to 80% of fees). Named awards such as the Trapnell Scholarship can cover all school fees and extras.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

PSHE defines the knowledge, skills and understanding pupils need to lead confident, healthy and independent lives. The programme supports SMSC development and British values, and is delivered as Wellbeing and Relationships in the Prep/Pre-Prep years by class teachers, with weekly assemblies and form periods supplementing the curriculum. In the Senior School, PSHE is timetabled once per fortnight and reinforced through the Tutorial Programme, with assemblies led by the Director of Wellbeing and other staff and involvement from external speakers. The PSHE offer uses external agencies and NHS input on health topics such as smoking, mindfulness and RSE, and the Police visit to support Staying Safe objectives. The Head of Health and Wellbeing Centre and a Mental Health Nurse provide confidential listening and support within the PSHE programme, contributing to a broader focus on wellbeing, relationships, safety and resilience.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The school provides for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, with the Learning Development Department coordinating support and communicating needs to staff. All pupils have a right to access the curriculum, and provision reflects a range of needs through differentiation and targeted support, in line with the SEND Code of Practice and the Children and Families Act 2014. SEND provision is led by Fiona Quartermain (Senior School SENCo) and Karie Diver (Pre-Prep/Prep SENCo), with joint planning and shared responsibility under the Headmaster. The aims include early identification, ongoing progress review with parents and staff, provision mapping and collaboration with external agencies as needed, including appropriate exam access arrangements. A culture of inclusion and open communication underpins the provision, with involvement from parents and the Learning Development Department to ensure broad access to the curriculum and school life.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The school is committed to inclusion and ensures EAL pupils are fully supported in accessing the curriculum and all areas of school life. Language learning needs are identified early and monitored, with aims for pupils to use English confidently across contexts, across learning areas and in social situations. EAL provision includes courses to develop language skills, preparation for a range of examinations in English as an Additional Language, and support for acculturation and study habits, with CPD for colleagues. Pre-arrival assessment uses the Cambridge English Placement Test, and students entering directly into mainstream at various years are assigned appropriate courses and, if needed, may follow a reduced curriculum. The EAL Department, led by the Head of EAL and comprising additional qualified staff, delivers EAL across the Senior School (excluding Year 7) with defined hours by year group, integrates EAL with mainstream subjects, provides cross‑curricular support, and offers examination pathways such as IELTS in the Sixth Form.

Mental Wellbeing

Mental wellbeing is central to the pastoral framework. The Head of Wellbeing coordinates PSHE and related wellbeing initiatives, supported by the Head of Health and Wellbeing Centre and a Mental Health Nurse who provide confidential listening and advice within the PSHE programme. NHS input and external speakers contribute to health topics, mindfulness and safety education, reinforcing a proactive approach to mental health. An open-door pastoral approach, CPOMS reporting and collaboration between the SENCo, pastoral team and Wellbeing staff ensure timely support for students facing emotional or mental health difficulties. The school emphasizes resilience, coping skills and timely access to appropriate support for all pupils.

Safeguarding

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the physical, mental and emotional welfare of every pupil, employing a whole‑school preventative approach that places pupil wellbeing at the forefront. The policy applies to all stakeholders and outlines staff responsibilities to identify concerns, share information and take prompt action, with safeguarding training and oversight by designated safeguarding leads (DSLs). It aligns with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), Working Together to Safeguard Children and Prevent guidance, and sets out procedures for reporting concerns, handling disclosures, and engaging with external agencies. Safeguarding arrangements cover the entire school, including the EYFS, and specify contacts within the school (Governors, DSLs and Prevent Leads) and external contacts (LADO, MASH, police, NSPCC, DBS and TRA) for safeguarding matters. The policy also details management of safeguarding in activities, staff conduct, safer recruitment and responses to safeguarding concerns involving staff, volunteers or external organisations.
Parent Experience

History

Rossall School was founded in 1844 by Rev. St Vincent Beechey as the Northern Church of England Boarding School, opened on 22 August 1844 with 70 boys. It was renamed Rossall College under its first Headmaster, Dr John Woolley, and the school was established with the support of patrons including Sir Peter Hesketh Fleetwood, who leased Rossall Hall to the school on a 21-year lease with an option to purchase for £7,000 in the first ten years. The institution was granted a Royal Charter on 21 October 1890. Girls joined in the 1970s and now make up about half of the student body. The school is often referred to as ‘The Eton of the North.'

Community

Rossall maintains a vibrant school community with a calendar of events and cultural activities. The Rossall Rose Society organises social events each term, including Open Day, Leavers Ball, and Colour Run, with additional committee meetings and ambassadors events throughout the year. The school communicates through newsletters and calendars that highlight performances, exhibitions, and community gatherings such as theatre productions and Open Day visits. Cultural celebrations, such as school festivals, illustrate the collaborative and inclusive spirit of the Rossall community.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

The campus sits on a 160-acre site on the Fylde Coast. The Performing Arts Studio (PAS), opened in 2018, is used for theatre and musical recitals. Big School provides a large-scale venue for whole-school productions, the Museum Theatre was built in 1894 for performances, and the School Chapel is a regular performance space. Outdoor spaces include the Hall Garden and the Square for open-air performances. Beecham Music School is located on campus, alongside other arts facilities such as the Art Department.

Sports Facilities

On-site facilities include vast playing fields, a floodlit all-weather pitch, and a gymnasium. There are five squash courts, a climbing wall, Fives courts, and a 25-metre heated indoor swimming pool, along with a cricket pavilion and a shooting range. The Sports Centre includes a classroom and strength and conditioning facilities, and three new hard courts for netball, tennis and basketball, plus eight badminton courts. The McKee Sports Hall hosts indoor hockey, basketball, futsal, badminton and indoor cricket. RosHockey is played on the beach.

Academic Facilities

A Design and Technology workshop includes woodworking equipment, including a wood disc cutting machine. Beecham Music School is located on campus. The Art Department is on campus. Broadway Academy offers an extensive performing arts curriculum, including a BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Performing Arts (Musical Theatre) and weekly dance lessons for pupils.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Rossall offers a wide range of extracurricular activities supported by on-site facilities. Sport includes inter-house competitions, camps, tournaments and national/international tours. RosHockey is played on the school beach. The Golf Academy center features simulators for practice. Performing arts and music opportunities are provided by Broadway Academy, including a timetable of classes and the BTEC Performing Arts program. The campus also hosts Beecham Music School and the Art Department for creative activities.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

The school has Debating Club and Robotics to develop critical thinking and technical problem-solving. The school has Coding, Maths Fun Board Games, Cipher Club and Astronomy & Astrophysics to challenge reasoning and curiosity. The school has Astronomy & Astrophysics with access to the Astronomy Centre and a Planetarium, and opportunities to hear guest speakers through the Speaker Series. The school has Oxbridge Entrance Test Training to support preparation for selective universities.

Arts & Creative

The school has Art Club, Photoshop Club, Photography, Design and Arts Technology, and Creative Writing. The school has a comprehensive Performing Arts programme with Choir, Wind Band, Orchestra and a Rock Band. The school has regular drama productions in the Senior School, with opportunities to participate on stage and behind the scenes. The Broadway Academy expands performing arts through a dedicated pathway in musical theatre.

Cultural & Language

The school has French Club and Mandarin Club. The school has International Cookery. The school offers language and culture-related activities as part of the broader extra-curricular programme.

Social & Hobbies

The school has Chess Club. The school has Rock Band and Dance. The school has Yoga, Scrabble and other recreational activities. The school has a broad range of social and hobby clubs including Photography, Knitting and Cookery.

Community & Service

The school has Charity Support & Volunteering. The World Challenge Expedition is offered to Sixth Form students as a life-changing experiential programme. The school engages students in beach cleans and regular volunteering in the local community.

Leadership & Professional

The school has the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. The Cadets programme allows progression through ranks and additional training. The school offers the Student Investor Challenge to develop financial literacy and enterprise skills.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

The school has a 25-metre heated indoor swimming pool and a modern sports centre. The on-site facilities include a gym, outdoor and indoor courts, a climbing wall and multiple sport spaces. The school offers fitness sessions, yoga and zumba. The Rossall Golf Academy provides indoor and outdoor facilities for golf training.
Languages

Language Provision

English is the language of instruction at Rossall. The Immersion Course provides English-language development for international pupils and uses CEFR levels to place learners into appropriate groups. The course integrates with other subjects taught in English, and participants have opportunities to study alongside British students.

Immersion Programs

Rossall offers the Immersion programme as a five-week English-language taster for international students. Groups are formed by CEFR levels and cover subjects across the curriculum, including English, Maths, Science, Art, Business Studies, History and Games. Teaching totals about 36 hours per week. There is wider integration with British students, with around 40 hours per week including weekends, and students share boarding houses and activities.
Admissions

Admissions

Step 1 - Enquiry: Start a conversation with the Admissions Team to learn more about Rossall and whether it is the right fit for the child. The Headmaster and the Admissions Team answer questions and provide guidance on entry requirements, programmes and campus life. Enquiries can be made through the Enquiry Form and the team can offer personalised assistance. Step 2 - Complete a Registration Form: When ready to apply, complete a Registration Form. A copy of the child's passport is required. A non-refundable deposit of £120 per UK pupil or £250 per international pupil is payable at this stage or upon acceptance. The last two school reports from the previous school are required. Step 3 - Book a Visit: Book a visit to see the Senior School, meet staff and get a feel for the school through Open Days or a personalised individual visit. Step 4 - Assessments & scholarships: All pupils entering Year 7 and Year 9 sit the Rossall School Entrance Examination in English, Mathematics and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Scholarships are available for entry into Year 7 and Year 9 and are awarded for merit in academics, sport, music, art and performing arts/drama; scholarship application deadlines are at the end of the Michaelmas Term the year before entry. Pupils entering Years 8 and 10 sit placement tests in English and Mathematics. All pupils applying will have an interview with the Headmaster and provide a handwritten personal statement of up to two sides of A4. Step 5 - Enjoy a taster day: A taster day is offered for further exploration without additional cost. Step 6 - Offer & acceptance of a place: If space allows, an offer is issued. Upon acceptance, a deposit of £1,000 for UK pupils or £6,000 for overseas pupils is required, and a welcome pack with relevant information and forms is provided.

Scholarships

The Rossall Scholarships & Bursaries programme includes named awards and means-tested bursaries. The Trapnell Scholarship is open to exceptional Year 7–12 entrants with strong interests in mathematics and science and covers all school fees and essential extras for the duration. The Changing Lives Bursary is means-tested for Sixth Form day pupils, providing up to 100% of tuition fees and essential extras. The Jackson Bursary is means-tested for exceptional pupils with strong academic potential, character and commitment, providing up to 80% of school fees. The Forces Bursary offers additional discounts for families with MOD CEA support, reducing parental contribution to the minimum 10%; if CEA is unavailable, families may apply for a means-tested bursary. Clergy Bursaries support children of clergy through means-tested bursaries. Scholarship process and key information include: Applications open in September; complete a Scholarship Application Form by 7 November; means-tested bursary applications deadline 12 November; assessment day follows with offers issued from 1 December; a Scholarship Tea may be held in April for recipients.
School Events
The school has not added events