Message from the Headmaster

Writing in 2025, it feels as if the first half of this decade has probably been one of the more turbulent periods Uppingham has experienced. We started the decade locked down under Covid-19 restrictions, unsure what controls on travel and behaviour meant for boarding schools. Then, since 2022, global political and economic turbulence has impacted us all, wherever we live in the world. Today, the political climate in the United Kingdom is as challenging for schools like ours as it has ever been.

In amongst all the apparent doom and gloom there are positives. We know our school has a strong sense of philosophy and purpose. We know the vibrancy of our community spirit is palpable to anyone who visits Uppingham. We are fortunate to have a community of alumni who treasure, support, and advocate for our school. Families are drawn to Uppingham, and the School remains effervescent with over eight hundred and twenty pupils enjoying the experience of living and studying here.

Nevertheless, we have to be ready and willing to adapt. Since Covid, the expectations of our families have changed. The affordability of boarding fees is even more difficult. The independent school market is increasingly strained. And, most importantly, we have to envision an educational experience that adequately prepares young people for the uncertainties of the future. All of which means standing still whilst hoping everything will be well is not a sensible option.

Last year, we opened Li Kwok Po House, our first dedicated day house. Now in its second year, LKP is growing and flourishing. This September we opened a lower school in Lorne House. Twenty-four pupils joined in September in years seven and eight, ahead of their six or seven year journey through Uppingham. As more families relocate to live closer to Uppingham, the lower school in Lorne is likely to be an increasingly attractive entry point for families whose children start as day pupils and move into boarding as they mature.

We have seen more families drawn to sixth form boarding. As you know, The Lodge has been a happy destination for sixth form girls for many years. This September, Farleigh has undergone a deep modernisation and now has fifty-five single bedrooms for sixth form boys. Packed to the gunnels this year, Farleigh allows older boys to move into full boarding and enjoy a sixth form immersed in the Uppingham experience.

This summer, we were delighted by the public examination results. Over the past two years, our pupils have achieved 85% A*–B at A level and BTEC, placing us very well nationally when compared with peer schools. Our GCSE results were equally impressive, with 67% of grades awarded at ‘9-7’. This means that over two-thirds of this year’s GCSE results were at least an ‘A’ grade against the old measure.

Importantly, these academic accomplishments do not come at the expense of our holistic approach; in fact, we would assert that those fabulous results come about because of the richness of our educational philosophy. From an outstanding choir tour to Uppingham Cairo, to genuinely one of the finest school productions of Romeo and Juliet I have seen in the theatre, to our shortlisting for Independent School of the Year for Sporting Achievement, we have much to be proud of. If you would like to keep abreast of the many achievements of our pupils, I would encourage you to follow the School’s Instagram account.

We do value the support and friendship of the OU Community enormously and know we are privileged to have such loyal alumni. With your continued encouragement and involvement, Uppingham will continue to thrive. During challenging times, our whole community joining together sustains and inspires us as we navigate the future.

Dr Richard Maloney