Royal Hospital School

The Royal Hospital School is an independent co-educational boarding and day school for 11-18 year olds, providing an outstanding, full and broad education enriched by a unique naval heritage and fit for the modern world. Founded in 1712 in Greenwich, London, it moved to its spectacular site, set in 200 acres of Suffolk countryside overlooking the River Stour, in 1933. The School has continued to develop its spectacular purpose-built site and grow in size and reputation to become one of East Anglia's leading independent schools.

Our Mission is 'to understand each young person’s strengths, to help them to make the right choices at the right time, navigating through their critical formative years and ensuring their education becomes the foundation for their happiness and success.'

This Mission is underpinned by the following educational aims:

• To develop intellectual curiosity and academic confidence;
• To enable every pupil to fulfil their potential, grow into the person they wish to become and be prepared for life after school;
• To inspire leadership, adventure and self-discovery;
• To foster creativity and imagination;
• To provide a secure and nurturing community which promotes wellbeing, fitness and healthy competition;
• To instil the values of service, loyalty and commitment and uphold the School’s unique and rich heritage; and
• To cultivate a global outlook and environmental responsibility.

We are immensely proud of our historic links and discovery, exploration and challenge continue to shape our ethos. The traditional values of loyalty, commitment, courage, respect, service and integrity have underpinned the School’s philosophy from the very beginning; three hundred years later, they are as relevant to the education we provide now as they were then.

Today the Royal Hospital School is a modern, forward-thinking HMC school anchored on 300 years of history and achievement. It enjoys a stunning location in rural Suffolk and school life is enriched by a strong naval tradition. It is owned by the Crown Charity, Greenwich Hospital and the School's purpose is to contribute to society through excellence in the teaching and learning of 11-18 year old boys and girls.

The School was founded in 1712 as part of Greenwich Hospital, a 'charitable institution for the aged, infirm or young', and was established to provide boys from seafaring backgrounds with the rare privilege of learning arithmetic and navigation. It was at this time located in the spectacular buildings which now house the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, London.