Established in 1584 by Archdeacon Robert Johnson, Uppingham School is an attractive place of gateways and quadrangles set in 120 acres of beautiful countryside. Since the 17th Century, academic success has secured pupils places at Oxford and Cambridge. Former pupils include TV chef Rick Stein and actor and comedian Stephen Fry.Whilst not open to the public, organised groups are taken on tours during school holidays. The original school building can be found behind the church.
The school’s current Headmaster, Richard Harman MA, is a member of the Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference and the school is a member of the Rugby Group of independent schools in the United Kingdom.
The Reverend Edward Thring (headmaster 1853-1887) is perhaps the school’s best-known headmaster. His many innovative changes to the school’s curriculum were later adopted in other English public schools. During his headship the school moved temporarily to Borth in Wales after an outbreak of typhoid ravaged the town. The move to Borth is commemorated in an annual service, held in the school chapel.
Uppingham has a tradition for high musical standards based on the work of Paul David and Robert Sterndale Bennett and has recently opened a new music school, a fusion of new and old buildings named after the first Director of Music, Paul David. Its current Director of Music is Stephen Williams.
Uppingham has the greatest area of playing fields of any school in England