Thornton College
Catholic, Founded 1917
Updated July 2026
National Curriculum (England)
IGCSELanguages
English
JapaneseThornton College is an award-winning independent day and boarding school for girls aged 3–19, located near Buckingham. It is a highly successful non-selective school known for its nurturing environment and academically rigorous, future-focused curriculum.
Term structure
Teaching approach
Thornton College is a Catholic school with a strong Christian ethos that welcomes students of all faiths and none. It promotes an all-girls environment to foster confidence, independence, and resilience, free from gender stereotypes. The school values traditional values, academic rigour, and a nurturing community where students are encouraged to achieve their personal best.
Programmes
The school provides a seamless education from Pre-Reception through to Sixth Form. The curriculum includes a creative focus in the Prep School, a broad range of GCSE subjects—such as Separate Sciences, Psychology, and Photography—and A Level/Vocational qualifications in the Sixth Form. The school also offers an Oxbridge programme and specialized vocational courses in Forensic and Criminology.
Outcomes
Thornton College is a non-selective school that consistently achieves results exceeding national averages. In 2020, 100% of Sixth Formers secured their first-choice university, with students progressing to Oxbridge, Russell Group institutions, and corporate apprenticeships. The school is accredited by the National Association for Able Children in Education (NACE) and is consistently rated 'Excellent' by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI).
Student support
Learning support
The school emphasizes individual attention, with small class sizes averaging 11–14 students. Pastoral care is a central focus, supported by a chaplaincy and ethos committee, and the school provides a dedicated careers education programme starting in Year 9.
Frequently asked questions(6)
- What curriculum does Thornton College offer?
- Thornton College offers National Curriculum (England), IGCSE and Cambridge A-Level.
- How much is tuition at Thornton College?
- Annual tuition at Thornton College is £16K–£48.9K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- What ages does Thornton College teach?
- Thornton College enrolls students aged 3 to 19.
- Is Thornton College a day or boarding school?
- Thornton College is a day and boarding school.
- Is Thornton College co-educational?
- Thornton College is a girls school.
- Where is Thornton College located?
- Thornton College is an international school in Milton Keynes, United Kingdom.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026-2027| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Reception & Year 1 | 4–5 | £16K |
| Year 2 | 6–6 | £17.5K |
| Year 3 (Day Student) | 7–7 | £17.5K |
| Year 3 (Weekly Boarder) | 7–7 | £28.5K |
| Year 3 (Termly Boarder) | 7–7 | £36.7K |
| Year 4 - Year 6 (Day Student) | 8–10 | £20K |
| Year 4 - Year 6 (Day Boarder) | 8–10 | £27.5K |
| Year 4 - Year 6 (Weekly Boarder) | 8–10 | £31.1K |
| Year 4 - Year 6 (Termly Boarder) | 8–10 | £39.4K |
| Year 7 - Year 13 (Day Student) | 11–18 | £25.5K |
| Year 7 - Year 13 (Day Boarder) | 11–18 | £33.1K |
| Year 7 - Year 13 (Weekly Boarder) | 11–18 | £39.4K |
| Year 7 - Year 13 (Termly Boarder) | 11–18 | £48.9K |
Other fees(3)
| Mealsterm· Compulsory lunch for Reception & Year 1 | £310 |
|---|---|
| Mealsterm· Compulsory lunch for Year 2 to Year 6 | £330 |
| Mealsterm· Compulsory lunch for Year 7 to Year 13 | £355 |
Discounts
- Sibling discount: 5%
- Sibling discount: 10%
- Full-payment discount: 2.5%
Admissions
Thornton College admits girls throughout the year, offering a simple enquiry and admissions process. Prospective families are encouraged to attend Open Days or arrange personal visits to the school. The admissions team provides support for families, including those from overseas, and the school offers specific guidance for Armed Forces families.
Calendar
The school operates on a termly basis, with term dates published for the 2025/26 and 2026/27 academic years. Fees are billed at the beginning of each term, and the school provides flexible wraparound care and occasional boarding options to support working parents.
Facilities
About the campus
Set in 25 acres of parkland, the campus features a 14th-century Chapel, a library with a dedicated Pre-Prep section, and two ICT suites equipped with 3D printers and robotics. Sports facilities include a heated swimming pool, a sports hall, hockey pitches, tennis courts, and a gym. The school also maintains a Forest School with a den-making zone, eco-pond, and fire pit, alongside specialized studios for Art, Dance, Drama, and Science.
Co-curriculars
The school offers an extensive programme of over 80 clubs each week, most of which are included in the fees. Activities include Duke of Edinburgh (with students achieving Gold Awards), nature walks, eco-clubs, and various sports. Additionally, the Co-Curricular Programme provides paid lessons in ballet, musical instruments, singing, and speech and drama.
- Dr. Louise ShawHeadteacher
Dr. Louise Shaw serves as the Headteacher of Thornton College. She is described as leading a community where girls thrive through outstanding pastoral care and a broad, creative curriculum.
- Mrs. Jane SandersClerk to the Governors and School Bursar
Mrs. Jane Sanders serves as the Clerk to the Governors and School Bursar.