Thornton College

An award-winning leading day and boarding independent school for girls ages 3 – 18 years

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    Thornton College

    Thornton College is the leading boarding and day school for girls in the Milton Keynes area, consistently ranking one of the top non-selective girls schools in the UK. Set in a 14th Century Manor House in 25 acres of beautiful grounds in Buckinghamshire, Thornton is proud of its rich history and today is a forward looking school offering exciting opportunities in and outside the classroom. Thornton College is part of an international family of schools in twenty eight countries around the world giving students a unique global outlook and understanding. Girls of all faiths and none are welcome.

    Boarding is ‘upstairs’ in our main manor house offering a home from home experience. The boarding bedrooms and living room areas are bright and spacious. Thornton offers flexi, weekly and termly boarding for UK and international students with a full programme of exciting evening and weekend activities.

    Thornton College offers exceptional teaching and excellent pastoral care where each girl is known and encouraged to develop her strengths to pursue, with confidence, the next stage of life.

    Category: Nursery, Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory, Senior, Sixth Form

    Pupils: Girls

    Type: Boarding and Day

    Religious Affiliation: Roman Catholic

    Roll: 0 Boys / 402 Girls

    Day pupils: 337

    Boarder Number: 65

    Age Range: 3-18 Years

    Founded: 1917

    Location Description

    Thornton College is situated just outside Milton Keynes in North Buckinghamshire, just 45 minutes from Luton and 1.5 hours from Heathrow. By train, Milton Keynes to London Euston is just 32 minutes.

    School Contact Details

    Headteacher: Dr Louise Shaw

    Contact for enquiries:Admissions: Alice Ho

    College Lane, Thornton, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, MK17 0HJ

    Tel: 01280 812610

    Email: admissions@thorntoncollege.com

    www.thorntoncollege.com

    Facilities

    The school’s facilities are first-class for a school of this size.  The school is housed in a 14th Century Manor House within 25 acres of grounds which include:

    Expressive Arts Studio for Dance & Drama, AstroTurf, Swimming Pool (heated outdoor – perfect for boarding parties), Tennis Courts, Netball courts, Hockey Pitches, Athletics / running tracks and facilities, Indoor Sports Hall, Indoor Exercise Gym, Equestrian Team, Forest School, Eco Park including Pond Dipping Orchard, Walled Garden, Cross Country Trail, Nature Trail, Library & Resource Centre, Assembly Hall, IT suites, Senior and Sixth Form Common Rooms, Sixth Form, Parents and Staff Café, Music Chambers, Ensembles and Choirs, LAMDA.

    A new boarding facility opened in 2022, Parlour Wing, with additional accommodation for girls in Years 6 – 9.

    Scholarships

    Yes

    Overseas Students are able to apply but they must be able to attend the school for assessment days and interviews.

    Application deadline for scholarships is in September for the following September entry.

    Scholarships, available for entry into Year 7, are offered for 5 years to the end of GCSE study in Year 11. Scholarships are also available for entry into Year 12 for the two year course. They are not available for short term study.

    Scholarship Brochure is available on our website. All scholarship applicants must first be registered for entry into the school and school reports / references must have been received.

    Entrance Requirements

    We welcome boarders from age 8 however most of our non UK international boarders join Thornton from Year 7 and our intake has mixed ability English.

    We ask agents to provide any information they may have about the applicants level of English and we seek a copy of their latest school report and any supporting documentation e.g. certificates.  The applicant and family / agent may be invited for an online interview with our Head Teacher.  We do not request the registration fee until a place has been offered.

    ENGLISH LEVELS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY TO THE SCHOOL

    • We do not request applicants to sit English tests or to have reached specific English levels.
    • Sixth Form: we require students to have a level of English to ensure they are able to access A level Curriculum and cope with the demands of courses.
    • We consider each individual application.

    Fees

    Fees:

    2024/2025 

    Reception – Year 2: £4,620 – £4,235 per term

    Prep (Years 4-6)

    Day Student – £5,290 per term

    Weekly Boarder – £7,980 per term

    Termly Boarder – £9,930 per term

    Senior School (Years 7-13)

    Day Student – £6,740 per term

    Weekly Boarder – £10,105 per term

    Termly Boarder – £12,310 per term

    Affiliations/Memberships

    GSA, ISA, BSA, BBSN, CISC, Forest School, Eco Schools, British Council International School

    Downloadable Resources

    OPEN DAYS

    All visits are welcome, please contact the school

    For details, to arrange a personalised school tour, virtual tour or taster day please contact a member of our Admissions Team on 01280 812610 or email admissions@thorntoncollege.com

    Alternatively, please visit our Virtual Tour

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