Thornton Senior School
Thornton is a leading independent day and boarding school for girls. It is one of the most successful non-selective schools in the UK and offers a warm and nurturing educational environment alongside a rigorous and exciting curriculum. At Thornton we get the very best out of every girl who joins us – not only in the classroom, but in creative and performing arts and on the sports field. Main entry points to the school are in Year 7 and Year 9. In addition to the Year 6 girls who move up from our Prep School, a large number of girls join us from local primary, regional and national state and independent schools. If there are places available, we can sometimes welcome new girls into Years 8 and 10.
The School is set in a secure site within 25 acres of beautiful parkland just outside Buckingham on the Buckinghamshire/Northamptonshire border. It is within easy reach of Milton Keynes, Bicester and Northampton. We are a Catholic school with a strong Christian ethos. Children of all Christian denominations, of other faiths and of no faith are welcome in our school. All are equally valued and all are equally important.
Why Thornton College
Students receive an outstanding education and make excellent progress at Thornton. Your daughter would be encouraged and expected to achieve her personal best in all she does. We believe that teaching and learning should be both challenging and enjoyable for students of all abilities and we aim for the highest possible standards. Whether she is the most gifted academically, a good all-rounder or needs additional help in some areas, your daughter will receive a stimulating and rewarding educational experience suited to her needs. Our academic results are testament to the way the girls are challenged and motivated to give their best in all they do.
Book A Tour
Watch our latest video
Galleries
Academic Success
Thornton College is one of the top performing non-selective schools in the UK with an enviable reputation for academic success. In 2020 100% of our A Level students achieved their first choice university withy 75% of students achieving one or more A*/A grade and 92% of all grades A* – C. Our Year 11 students achieved a 98% pass rate in their GCSE with over 88% achieving A*-C. Girls achieve excellent examination results. Thornton is regularly featured in ‘The Times’ Top Schools’. Placement in these tables are based on the percentage of A*/A grades at GCSE. We have also been placed among the top 40 state and independent schools in the UK in the value added tables. This means that the School is one of the most successful in the country for helping girls to achieve their very best, irrespective of their academic ability when they join.
Single Sex Education
We are committed to single-sex education in the Senior School at Thornton. Based on educational research and our experience, we know that single-sex education offers girls the greatest chance to ignore stereotypes, develop strong self-worth, grow in confidence and achieve the best academic results of which they are capable. Our learning environment is tailored to their needs and interests, and our girls show fewer inhibitions, take on leadership roles and take more risks.
School Fees
Fees for Academic Year 2020/21
Senior Day Student
£5,605 per term
Senior Weekly Boarder
£7,815 per term
Senior Termly Boarder
£9,525 per term
All fees are inclusive of school lunches and excludes any school extras such as, bus transport, wrap around care and exam fees etc. Boarding fees are inclusive of term time accommodation, meals and tuition, textbooks and laundry except for the occasional dry cleaning. This is not inclusive of weekend activities. English as a Foreign Language (ESOL) teaching is charged at £580 per term.