Today, the British Isle remains notable for its numerous fine private schools. One of the oldest, Repton School, traces its roots back a few years before the birth of the famous playwright William Shakespeare (1564-1616). Established in 1557, Repton School today serves both boys and girls in South Derbyshire. The 640 members of its student body range in age from 13 to 18 years.

This venerable academic institution reports it receives offers to send an estimated 10% of its graduates to either Oxford or Cambridge every year. The school provides a broadly based, rigorous liberal arts education, coupled with over 25 different athletic and sports opportunities. These activities include swimming, cricket, hockey, tennis, golf, riding, and rugby.

A Co-educational Boarding School

Today, many students reside in dormitories on campus (sometimes describes as “houses” in the British system). Repton School furnishes separate houses for boys and girls. It supplies a comfortable setting for study and recreation. A resident Matron supervises each dormitory building. Repton School’s ten boarding houses include the Priory, the School House, the Mitre, the Latham House, the New House, the Cross, the Field House, the Garden, and the Abbey. Every dormitory includes a dining hall with meals prepared by a chef. Each of the Repton houses also serves visiting day pupils.

Some Famous Alumni

As one of the UK’s leading private schools, Repton School today boasts many illustrious alumni. The South African actor Basil Rathbone, widely known for playing Sherlock Holmes decades ago in films, graduated from Repton. Screenwriter Roald Dahl and track star Harold Abrahams also matriculated from the South Derbyshire school. Today, a few of the school’s famous alumni include British journalist Jeremy Clarkson, Member of Parliament Hilary Benn, producer Dominic Dromgoole, actor George Rainsford, actor Nick Burns, and musician Blair Dunlop.