Founded in 1896, Scarborough College is an independent co-educational day and boarding school for students aged 3 to 18, set within a stunning 14-acre campus overlooking Scarborough’s South Bay. With a unique combination of academic ambition, pastoral care and co-curricular opportunity, Scarborough College offers a distinctly different education.
Scarborough College is proudly non-selective, yet our expectations are ambitious. Academic programmes include GCSE/iGCSE in Years 10–11, followed by the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in Sixth Form. The IB is a globally respected qualification that not only opens doors to universities worldwide but also develops independence, critical thinking and a global outlook – qualities that boarding life naturally complements.
We offer both full and weekly boarding from the age of 11. The boarding community comprises approximately one third of the Senior School, with boarders drawn from around 30 different countries. Houses are within a ten-minute walk of the main campus, each offering a lounge, kitchen, WiFi, shared spaces, games and outdoor areas.
Boarding Houses
Weaponness House (co-ed Sixth Form, up to 60 students): Fully renovated and extended in 2021, featuring open-plan and single-sex lounges and a modern, award-winning design.
Lodge House (senior house for Years 10–12): Acquired in 2024, offering contemporary en-suite rooms, a lounge with patio access and sea views.
Willersley House (girls, Years 7–12): A warm, family-oriented house with garden, arts room, library and characterful period features.
Denys Crews House (junior boys, Years 7–10): A smaller, homely environment with communal lounge, kitchen and traditional charm.
Boarding at Scarborough College is more than accommodation – it is a community where students develop independence, resilience and lifelong friendships. Our boarders enjoy a home-from-home atmosphere and excellent pastoral support through a strong network of tutors, teachers and wellbeing staff, ensuring that they are known as individuals and given the guidance they need to flourish both personally and academically.
Sport is woven into daily life at Scarborough College, with opportunities for every pupil to participate and excel. Boarders benefit from expert coaching in rugby, hockey, cricket, netball, tennis, surfing and athletics, alongside a broad fixture programme. Our sporting facilities include a new 400-metre athletics track, all-weather pitches, cricket nets and access to Scarborough’s exceptional natural environment. Scarborough College teams compete successfully at county and regional level. Talented athletes are supported through specialist coaching, while every student is encouraged to embrace sport for fitness, teamwork and enjoyment.
Boarding life is enriched by an extensive co-curricular programme. From drama productions, music ensembles and debating to Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, taking to the waves with the newly launched Surf Academy, expeditions and international trips, there is something for every interest. Evenings and weekends are filled with opportunities to socialise, explore and develop new skills, ensuring boarders experience a vibrant and fulfilling school life.
Scarborough is well connected by road and rail, with direct services to York and Leeds. The College is within reach of several major cities including York, Leeds, Newcastle, Hull and Manchester. International travel is convenient, with Manchester Airport and Leeds Bradford Airport nearby, making Scarborough College easily accessible for families across the UK and overseas.
