Old Swinford Hospital School

Founded in 1667 by Thomas Foley, the school is a Christian foundation that welcomes students of all faiths or none. It emphasizes a balance between tradition and innovation, aiming to develop students' independence, resilience, and a sense of service to the wider community, encapsulated by the motto 'ut prosim' (That I May Serve).

The school offers a broad and balanced curriculum leading to GCSE and A level qualifications. The academic programme is supported by a tailored careers education and a focus on developing key skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication. The school is currently transitioning to full co-education across all year groups.

Pupils achieve strong results at GCSE and A level, with recent leavers progressing to universities including Oxford and Cambridge, as well as competitive apprenticeships with organizations such as HSBC, Sky News, and JP Morgan. The school is rated 'Outstanding' for boarding by Ofsted.

The school provides pastoral support through boarding staff and mentoring groups, including the MAFIA (Mentoring And Friendships In Action) programme where older students mentor younger peers. Additional support is available through the SEN department, which provides resources such as laptops and reading pens.

Old Swinford Hospital offers three types of places: Tailored Boarding, Flexi-Boarding, and Day places, with primary entry points in Year 7 and Year 12. Admissions for Year 7 involve registration, aptitude assessments for Flexi-Boarding, and boarding interviews for residential applicants, while Day places are allocated via the Local Authority. In-year applications for Years 7–10 are considered subject to capacity, and all applicants must hold full UK nationality or approved residential status.

The school operates on a term-based system, with specific dates for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 academic years available on the school website. The academic year typically includes three terms, with major admissions events such as Open Mornings held in the autumn.

The campus features historic grounds and modernised facilities, including the Swinford Court Refectory, a new gym for the Athlete Development Programme, and renovated boarding houses. Specialized learning spaces include dedicated laboratories, art studios, and a dance studio. The school also maintains off-site sports pitches at Treherns Fields.

The school provides over 45 clubs and activities, including a well-established Combined Cadet Force (CCF) with Army and Air Force sections, and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award. Creative and performing arts are central to school life, featuring various music ensembles, choirs, and drama opportunities. Sports are highly active, with extensive fixtures in rugby, netball, hockey, football, and athletics, supported by representative teams and development pathways.