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: Boys / 410 Girls
Day pupils: 345
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
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
Equestrian Team
Forrest 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
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 November for the following September entry.
Scholarships available for entry into Year 7 and Year 9 and are offered for 3 or 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
2022/2023
Reception – Year 2: £3,730 – £4,070 per term
Prep (Years 4-6)
Day Student – £4,660 per term
Weekly Boarder – £6,610 per term
Termly Boarder – £8,220 per term
Senior School (Years 7-13)
Day Student – £5,945 per term
Weekly Boarder – £8,365 per term
Termly Boarder – £10,195 per term
Affiliations/Memberships
GSA, ISA, BSA, BBSN, CISC, Forest School, Eco Schools
Downloadable Resources
OPEN DAYS
All visits are welcome, please contact the school
If you would like to arrange a personalised school tour, virtual tour or taster day visit please email admissions@thorntoncollege.com.
Alternatively, please visit our Virtual Tour