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The Arts

Redefine
the Arts

Art inspires visual curiosity, offering students the chance to explore a wide range of media, techniques, and ideas. From drawing and painting to sculpture and digital work, students develop technical skills while expressing personal vision. Through experimentation, critique, and exhibition, they grow as independent thinkers and confident creators.

The performing arts bring together music and drama in a vibrant celebration of creativity and expression. Whether rehearsing in practice rooms, composing with music technology, working with visiting professionals, or stepping into the spotlight, students develop their skills, share their talents, and grow in confidence. The arts nurture creativity, resilience, and self-belief — skills that prepare pupils not just for the stage or the studio, but for life.

Theatre, Film
And Performance

Whether your interests lie in performing, backstage, design (graphic, costume, set, props) or the business of theatre / film, you can explore your creativity with multiple shows, clubs and workshops, receiving advice from our team at the school, our alumni and contacts beyond.

Develop existing skills, build confidence ready for interviews and presentations or try something new – our drama offerings help inspire, question and interrogate the world around us, opening doors or simply helping you to grow, form friendships and cultivate team working and leadership skills.

Alongside your academic studies, you can work towards LAMDA qualifications, have singing lessons (and take grades) gaining valuable points for university applications. Find your passion and bring your own ideas, you are the creators of tomorrow.

What’s On at Scarborough College

Visual Art

The Art Department offers pupils an extraordinary breadth of opportunity to think, create and explore. Through disciplines such as ceramics, sculpture, construction, drawing, painting, printmaking, photography or installation; pupils are encouraged to experiment across media and discover their individual creative voice. We emphasise both technical skill and critical thought: learning how to see, how to question, and how to communicate ideas visually. 

 

Studio practice is enriched by discussion, gallery visits, and engagement with contemporary artists, fostering cultural awareness and intellectual curiosity. Beyond developing artistic fluency, pupils gain resilience, problem-solving ability and confidence in self-expression: qualities that extend far beyond the studio.

Within the realm of Visual Arts, pupils do not simply make images; they learn to shape ideas, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to the visual culture of tomorrow.

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Music

Music is a fundamental part of life at the College, offering every student the chance to take part and to shine. Performances range from informal gatherings that nurture confidence to ambitious high-profile events where you are challenged to excel.

Opportunities extend beyond the stage, with rehearsals, composition, and music technology providing space to create and experiment. Visiting professionals bring fresh inspiration through masterclasses and workshops, while competitions and concerts encourage you to aim high and embrace the experience of performance.

With support that builds confidence and opportunities that stretch ambition, pupils not only grow as musicians but also develop creativity, confidence, and collaboration — qualities that prepare them not just for the stage, but for life.

What’s On at Scarborough College

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Beyond the Door

Redefine the
Classroom

Beyond the door lies adventure and adventure requires courage, resilience and a touch of Yorkshire Grit. Our definition of a classroom extends beyond four walls, and beyond the classroom door.

200

Approx number of Yorkshire Grit hours for each student

42

Miles on the Lyke Wake Walk in Year 12

30

Domestic, overseas trips and visits each year

Beyond the Door

School life outside of the classroom

Yorkshire
Grit

Award-wining and a Scarborough College staple, Yorkshire Grit is offered to every student in Years 7 to 9. Its rich blend of activities – designed to encourage resilience, team-building and leadership among many others – include sailing, surfing, public speaking and self-defence. Yorkshire Grit takes place every week and is integrated into the timetable.

100%

Percentage of students in Years 7 – 9 participating

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Duke of
Edinburgh

Continuing where Yorkshire Grit leaves students in Year 9, the DofE programme further develops skills, volunteering and adventurous exploration. The Bronze DofE is offered in Year 9, while students in Year 10 and 11 can complete their Silver. Sixth Formers can participate in the Gold award, which is the most challenging DofE programme.

92%

Percentage of Year 9 students participating in 2024 and 2025

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Surf
Academy

The youngest member of the Beyond the Door programme, surfing has long featured on the College calendar due to our unique location. Students enrolled in the Surf Academy can choose between two programmes. The first is designed for keen enthusiasts and beginners while the advanced programme exists for students wishing to compete, both nationally and internationally, and learn coaching skills.

40

Number of sessions per term on the Surf Academy

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Visits, Trips
& Exchanges

Many visits are standard items on the timetable and various departments offer the opportunity for day trips as well as longer excursions. These include trips in the UK as well as abroad. In addition, there are sports trips, and annual skiing and scuba diving trips, as well as the chance to travel during our end of year Activities Week. We partner several schools across the globe for student exchanges.

9

Number of College students on school exchanges in 2024 and 2025

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  • Yorkshire Grit

  • Yorkshire Grit was first offered in 2016 to provide a varied and accessible character-building programme to the youngest students in the Senior School. The weekly off-timetable programme is designed to instill renowned Yorkshire traits such as resilience, courage, a can-do spirit and a sense of humour.

    Students are challenged – and encouraged – to brave the icy cold waters of the North Sea as they start surfing lessons or rely on and develop their teambuilding skills as they build rafts together. Other activities, which are all offered as a carousel throughout the Academic Year, include martial arts, orienteering, rock climbing and even public speaking.

    Another successful addition are integrated mindfulness lessons that feature yoga, stress-management and first aid lessons. By taking students out of their comfort zone, Yorkshire Grit develops confidence, teamwork, determination and – above all – lifelong friendships.

  • Duke of Edinburgh

  • The DofE programme needs little explanation. Founded in 1956 by Prince Philip, this programme is globally recognised and encourages young people to challenge themselves, gain new skills and contribute to their communities.

    Scarborough College is an official DofE centre and annually, around 80 children, or 20 percent of the Senior School participate in either the Bronze, Silver or Gold awards. The students who complete their Gold award have their names immortalised on the special DofE board in the Senior School.

    Students typically complete four core sections, which are: volunteering, skills, physical and an expedition. The programme is designed to build resilience, teamwork, leadership, independence, and confidence, while also promoting physical and mental well-being. The College’s Yorkshire Grit programme provides a seamless transition to the requirements of the DofE programme.

  • Surf Academy

  • Surfing has long been a staple on the College’s curriculum, as part of the Enrichment programme, a Yorkshire Grit activity or a boarding trip. The College’s location means we are a stone’s throw from some of the north’s best surfing spots.

    The Surf Academy features two programmes. The Surf Club is designed for budding surfers as well as absolute beginners. This programme includes lessons on the Enrichment Programme, a changing robe and rash vest. Students should expect approximately 20 sessions per term, ten of which are wet sessions.

    The Surf Academy programme is by invitation only and students must show their surfing ability. Students receive 40 sessions per term, split into theoretical and practical lessons on the Enrichment programme. Other training includes strength and conditioning and visits to the Wave or other wave pools.

    For further information about the Surf Academy, take a look at our brochure.

  • Visits, Trips & Exchanges

  • Scarborough College offer opportunities to go on domestic and overseas trips. The Prep School Juniors are offered a number of overnight trips and most prominently among those are the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge in Year 6. Both students in the Senior School and Prep School children can participate in the ski trips.

    During Activity Week, a number of options are available. While Year 7 departs for Lake District adventures, Year 8 delves into WWI history on their Battlefields Trip. The MFL Department invites their students on their trips to Spanish- or French-speaking destinations and there are active scuba-diving and DofE trips abroad.

    The sports department runs a variety of sports tours for hockey, rugby and cricket. For all trips, a list is circulated three years in advance, which means parents can find out about the right trips and plan ahead.

Box Office and Events

Join us for our upcoming events

The Scarborough College Box Office is your gateway to the wide range of events that bring our school community together. From ambitious drama and musical productions to our vibrant programme of classical recitals, TEDx talks and the much-anticipated OSA Ball, there is always something to enjoy.

These events celebrate the talents of our pupils and staff, while also providing opportunities for parents, families and members of the wider community to share in the life of the College. Through the Box Office, you can find details of upcoming performances, book tickets and stay connected to our exciting calendar of events.

Featured Event

Lisvane Recital Programme

As part of our ongoing commitment to music and performing arts, Scarborough College is delighted to present the Lisvane Recital Programme 2026.

The Lisvane Recital Programme will run throughout 2026. The aim of the series is to bring both emerging and established artists to the Yorkshire Coast, establishing Scarborough College as a hub for high-quality live performances.

More information on each recital in the series can be found below. Each concert is a “Pay What You Can” even, ensuring music lovers across the community can attend.

News

Events

What’s On

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The Owl Magazine

Read the latest edition of the Owl Magazine – your half termly update of news and events at Scarborough College.

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Sport

£2.5m

Investment in sporting facilities since 2020

175

Number of teams playing across 15 sports (2024-25)

102

Number of students with regional and/or national honours since 2021

Cricket

One of the top performing cricket schools with a Centre of Excellence for both boys and girls.

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Hockey

Scarborough College is among the best hockey schools in the country, offering both indoor and outdoor hockey.

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Rugby

Continued investment means that Scarborough College is starting to compete with the top rugby schools in England.

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Athletics

Almost all track and field events can be pursued on our brand new athletics facilities – in lessons or part of our Integrated Athletics Programme.

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Netball

With two representative teams in the local league and netball coaching from the age of four, our netball is thriving.

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Other Sports

From our equestrian team to national squash champions, competitive tennis squad to football, we encourage many additional sports.

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  • Cricket

  • Scarborough is synonymous with cricket and in recent years, top cricket has become synonymous with Scarborough College.

    4

    National Trophies won by Scarborough College teams since 2024

    17

    Number of students representing their country since 2022

    203

    Number of fixtures across the College (2025)

    Scarborough Cricket Centre of Excellence

    Scarborough College provides cricket coaching to all boys and girls, which starts when children are four years old. The Cricket of Excellence, founded in 2020, was an initiative that sought to combine intensive and high level cricket coaching with school and club fixtures.

    This provides aspiring cricketers with the opportunity to train and play in school while established players can test themselves in more competitive environments, suitable to their ability. The three different levels offered at the CCoE allows for players of all abilities to develop their skill sets and reach their potential.

    Children who enjoy the sport can benefit from the CCoE through the sessions provided by the professional coaches and coaching clinics from specialised guest coaches that have included former Ashes and World Cup winners and leading coaches in their specialties.  We invite all children of all abilities to discover and play cricket.

    CCoE students are given a tailor-made programme that addresses the specific needs of each player.  In addition to the right number and level of fixtures, the programme also focuses on aspects such as strength and conditioning and nutritional advice.

  • Hockey

  • 14

    National finals since 2023

    10+

    Number of student nationalities representing the first teams since 2020

    191

    Number of field hockey fixtures across all age groups (2024 – 2025)

    One of the Best Hockey Schools in England

    Scarborough College has been a hockey school for many decades and joined the very best of independent schools’ hockey in England a few years ago. Several international players started their hockey career on the Scarborough College pitches.

    The hockey journey starts in the Prep School where children as young as four or five receive training from qualified coaches during their Games sessions every day. Fixtures against local opposition, Prep Schools and other independent schools, start in Year 3.

    Students in the Senior School continue their hockey development in both the autumn and spring terms with regular training sessions and fixtures on Wednesdays and Saturdays. From Year 7, students can receive 1:1 hockey coaching sessions within the academic day, and from Year 10 there is also the opportunity to be selected for one of the representative indoor or outdoor sides.

    Scarborough College plays in the England Hockey Tier 1 league and ISHC Cup competition. Players enjoy regular hockey training from top coaches and due to our partnerships with various nearby hockey clubs, including York HC, they have the opportunity to play at the highest level of club hockey on the weekends.

  • Rugby

  • 100+

    Number of fixtures every year (15-a-side and 7-a-side formats)

    4

    Teams competing at the international Rosslyn Park Sevens

    3

    Average hours of weekly training for all pupils up to and including Year 10

    A force in English school rugby

    In the 2024 – 2025 Academic Year, the 1st XV reached the quarter final of the National Vase Competition.  In the same year, the 1st VII won their group at Rosslyn Park. With the appointment of Mr Ben Foden in September 2025, we have made a clear commitment to continue our ambition.

    In the Prep School boys receive daily coaching in the Autumn Term. Tag rugby fixtures start in Year 3 and we offer a tour to Scotland in Year 6. Senior School students receive a minimum of two hours’ training. Boys wishing to push their rugby can receive additional hours to train over four hours a week.  This includes one-to-one coaching, weekly fixtures and video analysis.

    We provide two rugby terms with the format changing to sevens in the Spring Term, hosting our own Seaside Sevens tournament and travelling to Rosslyn Park. For boys individually, Scarborough College enjoys connections with Scarborough RFC, Driffield RFC and Malton RFC. We offer annual rugby exchanges to esteemed schools in South Africa every year. A number of College pupils are represented in the Yorkshire Academy Squad.

  • Athletics

  • 12

    Number of students participating in the 2025 National Finals

    27

    Number of medals won in 2025 County Championships

    247

    Number of students using the track and receiving coaching

    Full-time Coaching and a Clear Focus on the Future

    In 2023, the Bramcote Athletics Facilities were officially opened by Steve Cram, OBE. Following the opening of our track, the majority of College athletics records have been broken and continue to be broken.

    Athletics is currently offered all-year-round as enrichment programme activities and Senior Games provision. These sessions include run, jump and throw clubs. In addition, there is an integrated athletics programme for elite athletes and athletes who wish to take their talent and dedication to the next level.

    With the track opened almost every day of the week, including evenings and weekends, boarding pupils and committed members of the public also join the training sessions. These sessions  range from all track events to most field events, even including the pole vault.

    College athletes have the opportunity to compete in a variety of competitions, including regional and national meets as well as the England age group championships and England Schools’ Championships. Athletes must be selected to compete and more information is available upon request.

  • Netball

  • 3

    Senior Teams in the Adult District League

    122

    Fixtures over the 2024-25 season

    £200,000

    Investment in netball facilities

    Part of the regional netball community

    Following continued investment in coaching and facilities, netball has gone from strength to strength in recent years. From one team in the Adult District League in previous years, we are proud to start 2025 with three Representative teams.

    Netball coaching starts in the Prep School with girls enjoying a fixture list from U8 level. The Senior teams start their netball season in September while the netball term for all other girls starts in January.

    The Senior Teams, all represented in the various leagues of the Scarborough District, play two whole terms. The Owls is Scarborough College’s First VII, while the Gibbons consist of younger girls, usually from Year 10 to Lower Sixth. The latest addition to the adult league are the SC Kites. With the Kites in the evening league, Scarborough College has over 30 girls playing two terms of competitive netball.

  • Other Sports

  • A focus on all sports

    In addition to our main five sports, Scarborough College is a school that enjoys a wide variety of sports. A lot of our students pursue other sports and elite athletes are encouraged to maintain their training hours. We will help where we can and provide support and guidance alongside our S&C provision and competitive opportunities in National competitions. For more information on the Surf Academy, please surf to our Beyond the Door pages.

    Among the sports that can also be enjoyed at Scarborough College, a number stand out. Squash is an important sport on the Enrichment Programme calendar as well as Yorkshire Grit. Scarborough College has a squash team that represents the College in a variety of school tournaments.

    With South Cliff Golf Club on our doorstep, a large number of boarding and day students can make use of the facilities along with coaching from our PGA Pro as part of the Golf academy. A student membership is available for keen golfers and Scarborough College has a golf squad that competes against other schools.

    Where there are cricket, hockey, tennis and rugby players; there are football players. In addition to football featuring in boarding games and the enrichment programme, we have a representative team of Senior football players who enjoy regular competitive games and compete in the ISFA competition.

    In the Summer Term, the College astro is fitted with tennis courts and the tennis term commences. A full fixture list is provided for students from Year 7 to Upper Sixth and coaching sessions are provided in Games and as part of the Enrichment Programme.

    While Scarborough College does not have any horses, the equestrian team have successfully competed against the very best equestrian schools in the country including the Royal Windsor. To find out more about the Equestrian Team, please contact the Admissions Team.

    We also have a newly launched Surf Academy – for both beginners and more advanced wave riders. For more information download our brochure or visit our Beyond the Door page.

Boarding

Boarding at Scarborough College

Students at Scarborough College can start boarding in Year 7. The boarding community represents one third of the Senior School and approximately one third of the boarding community are British boarders. The international students typically come from 30 different countries with Mainland European countries providing the largest number of overseas students.

 

Although the school days are incredibly busy and academic work is demanding, we ensure there is plenty to do during free time. A testament to the College’s commitment to this is the number of UK full boarding students. A full weekend activities programme is supplemented with a number of evening activities throughout the week. All activities and weekend trips are included in the Full Boarding Fees.

Support and Care at the Heart of Boarding

There is no place like home but the boarding community is as diverse and inclusive as it is caring and supportive.  Houseparents look after the house and are supported by a team of visiting Academic Tutors, four weekday evenings, and a live-in assistant houseparent.

The boarding houses are located off-site, all within a ten-minute walk from the main campus. Each house features at least one spacious lounge area, a generously stocked kitchen, an outside area and various games. In addition, all houses are equipped with wifi, Netflix, various kitchen appliances and washing facilities.

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