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Britain's 7 Oldest Schools – Celebrating Centuries of Learning

Updated: 5 days ago

The King’s School Canterbury (597 CE) – Canterbury, Kent


For more than a millennium, these ancient schools have blended history, innovation, and education to inspire every new generation.



Explore the rich heritage of Britain’s oldest schools, institutions that have shaped education, society and culture for over a millennium. Here are the seven longest-standing schools in England, each still making its mark today.




1. The King’s School Canterbury (597 CE) – Canterbury, Kent



The King’s School Canterbury (597 CE) – Canterbury, Kent


Established in 597 CE, The King’s School in Canterbury claims to be the oldest continuously operating school in the world. Located in the precincts of Canterbury Cathedral, this school has a legacy stretching back to the mission of Augustine of Canterbury. According to its website:


“We began as the monastic school of Canterbury Cathedral… 1400 years on, our three schools are inspired, not constrained by this illustrious and unmatched history.”


Today the school offers day and boarding options for pupils aged 3–18, with a blend of tradition and modern education.






2. King’s School Rochester (604 CE) – Rochester, Kent



King’s School Rochester (604 CE) – Rochester, Kent


Founded around 604 CE in the precinct of Rochester Cathedral, King’s School Rochester is one of the oldest schools in the UK.


“Pupils have been educated for over 1,400 years under the watchful gaze of Rochester Cathedral and Rochester Castle.”


Located in the heart of Rochester, the school combines historic heritage with contemporary education from nursery through Sixth Form.






3. St Peter’s School York (627 CE) – York, England



St Peter’s School York (627 CE) – York, England


Set beside the River Ouse in the ancient city of York, St Peter’s School is a co-educational independent boarding and day school with a history stretching back to AD 627. Founded by St Paulinus of York, it proudly holds its place as the fourth-oldest school in the world and is rated by experts as one of the country’s leading schools.


“Our aim is to develop confident, rounded young men and women who make the most of their abilities… situated just minutes from the heart of York.”






4. Thetford Grammar School (c. 631 CE) – Thetford, Norfolk



Thetford Grammar School (c. 631 CE)


Located in Thetford, Norfolk, Thetford Grammar School is a co-educational independent day school that may trace its roots to the 7th century—placing it among the oldest schools in Britain.


Located in Thetford, Norfolk, it serves pupils from 3 to 18. While it has undergone various refoundations, its heritage remains among the oldest in England.






5. Royal Grammar School Worcester (685 CE) – Worcester, Worcestershire



Royal Grammar School Worcester


Set in the heart of Worcester, The Royal Grammar School Worcester is a co-educational day school and sixth form for pupils aged 11 to 18. With origins possibly reaching back to 685, it is one of Britain’s oldest independent schools, blending centuries of tradition with a modern approach to education.


“The School was originally founded in Worcester around 685 … making it the fifth-oldest school in the United Kingdom and reputedly the sixth oldest in the world.”


Website: rgsw.org.uk





6. Beverley Grammar School (700 CE) – Beverley, East Riding of Yorkshire



Beverley Grammar School (700 CE)


Dating back to around 700 CE, Beverley Grammar School is thought to be the oldest state school in England. Rooted in centuries of tradition yet driven by innovation, it blends its remarkable history with modern educational approaches to inspire and nurture each new generation.






7. Sherborne School (705 CE) – Sherborne, Dorset



Sherborne School (705 CE)


Nestled beside the ancient Sherborne Abbey in Dorset, Sherborne School is a full-boarding school for boys aged 13 to 18. For more than 1,300 years, learning has taken place on this same historic site — a testament to one of Britain’s longest educational traditions.


Website: sherborne.org





Together, these seven remarkable schools form a living link to Britain’s earliest traditions of learning and leadership. From Canterbury to Sherborne, they have shaped generations of thinkers, innovators, and explorers while continually adapting to the needs of a changing world. Their enduring presence is not only a testament to Britain’s educational heritage but also to the timeless power of knowledge to inspire across the centuries.





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