About Rugby School
Rugby School was founded in 1567 by Lawrence Sheriff, a spice purveyor to Queen Elizabeth I.
Since the time of Thomas Arnold, the School has embraced a holistic model, integrating academic, artistic, spiritual and sporting pursuits into an indivisible whole.
Rugby’s rich history is reflected in the School’s monuments and buildings. Notably, in 1823, William Webb Ellis, a student, famously disregarded the rules of football by catching the ball and running with it in his arms, thus creating the game of rugby football.
As the birthplace of the game, in 2023 the School marked the 200th anniversary of rugby football with a range of prestigious events that attracted a global audience.
Learning with purpose
Sample the life of a Rugby School student with a two-week academic adventure designed especially for international learners aged 13–17.
This enriching programme combines intensive English language development with a challenging blend of academic subjects, offering a window into the depth, variety and individuality that defines a Rugby education.
Whether you’re looking to strengthen your English skills or push beyond your academic comfort zone, this immersive experience invites curious minds to explore new disciplines in an inspiring and historic setting.
History & tradition
When you join our programme, you’ll step into history and live the legacy. Our students will reside and learn within the very heart of Rugby School – the original School House building and the iconic quad classrooms where many Rugbean scholars have walked before them.
To study and live in this historic building, is a rare privilege – making yourself part of an unbroken thread of heritage, where every stone, corridor, and archway tells a centuries-old story of ambition, intellect, and achievement.
A place where young achievers can thrive.
RSSC offers a stepping stone to future success.
Our vision
To shape a global community of curious, confident learners prepared for the academic and cultural demands of an international future.
Our mission
We offer short courses that go beyond expectations, blending academic excellence, co-curricular adventure, and British boarding life to create unforgettable experiences for ambitious young people from around the world.
Our values
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
PERSONAL GROWTH
RESPONSIBILITY AND LEADERSHIP
WHOLE-PERSON EDUCATION
BEHAVING WITH INTEGRITY