Academic Life

Academic life at Uppingham focuses on developing intellectually curious, independent-minded young adults who are well equipped for dynamic and fulfilling lives beyond school. 

We know that the attitudes, intellectual habits and work ethic you develop at school will stay with you for life. That’s why our pupils are encouraged to question received wisdoms, to think deeply and to interrogate new ideas across a broad range of academic disciplines. 

The increasing ease of access to information means that educators today have a more important role than ever in teaching the traditional skills of evaluation, discernment and analysis.

Our classrooms are places where pupils feel confident to speak out, to question, to articulate their own thoughts and discuss ideas. 

Outstanding exam grades are a by-product of our dedication to nurturing inquisitive, critical and enthusiastic learners. We know that if you develop the right attitudes and skills, exam results will come naturally. Excellent grades at GCSE and A level pave the way for successful applications to university, while the understanding, skills and thirst for knowledge that pupils develop provide the foundations for success in any walk of life.

Challenging and flexible curriculum.

The Uppingham curriculum is challenging, so we insist on a certain level of academic ability in the pupils we admit. The breadth and flexibility of the curriculum enables us to personalise learning to suit each pupil’s interests, aptitudes and aspirations. We understand that every child navigates through education differently, and pupils thrive when they follow a curriculum that enables them to shine. 

Our first year (Fourth Form) curriculum enables pupils to experience the full range of subjects available. In the second and third years (Lower Fifth and Upper Fifth) all pupils take the core GCSE subjects – English, Mathematics, Sciences and a modern foreign language – alongside their chosen options. 

In the Sixth Form, we offer an unusually wide range of 26 A level subjects, as well as a BTEC in Sport, allowing pupils to opt for specialised or broader combinations.

We aim to give pupils as much freedom as possible in their choice of subjects at this level. The Sixth Form also adds research-based programmes and stimulating enrichment opportunities, to help mould the multi-dimensional young people that universities and employers value.