Harrow School: HistoryEurope is home to some of the world’s most prestigious and historic boarding schools. These institutions have shaped generations of leaders, thinkers, and innovators. With a history stretching back centuries, the oldest boarding schools in Europe have long been symbols of academic excellence, tradition, and cultural significance.

In this article, we explore 15 of the oldest boarding schools across Europe, their contributions to education, and how they have evolved over time to remain relevant in today’s world.

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For ages 9-12, our junior summer courses are hosted at renowned boarding schools including Harrow School, Eton College, and St. John's Beaumont. For ages 13-24, our summer courses are hosted in Cambridge and Oxford University colleges. Apply now to secure your spot in one of our prestigious summer courses.

1. The King’s School, Canterbury (England, Founded in 597)

Why it’s significant:

The King’s School, Canterbury, is widely regarded as the oldest continuously operating school in the world. Founded by Saint Augustine in 597, the school has been at the forefront of British education for over 1,400 years. It has a rich history closely tied to the Canterbury Cathedral, where many school events still take place today.

Key milestones in its history:

• During the Reformation in the 16th century, the school transitioned from a religious institution to a secular one.
• In the 19th century, King’s School introduced modern curricula, blending tradition with progressive educational reforms.

Modern-day King’s School:

The school continues to uphold its traditions, offering a rigorous academic programme while also focusing on personal development. King’s School is known for its excellent arts, music, and sports programmes, with students going on to study at prestigious universities worldwide.

Links to resources:

• The King’s School: History

2. St Peter’s School, York (England, Founded in 627)

Why it’s significant:

Founded in 627, St Peter’s School is the third-oldest school in the UK and one of the oldest in Europe. It was established by Saint Paulinus, who brought Christianity to northern England. Over the centuries, the school has maintained its reputation for academic excellence and has educated several prominent historical figures, including the infamous Guy Fawkes.

Key milestones in its history:

• The school weathered many political and religious changes, including the dissolution of monasteries and the English Civil War.
• In 1901, the school moved to its current location near the River Ouse in York, offering state-of-the-art facilities.

Modern-day St Peter’s School:

St Peter’s School continues to thrive, offering both day and boarding options. It is known for its well-rounded education, combining academics with opportunities in sports, arts, and outdoor activities. The school has a particularly strong focus on science and technology, making it a leader in modern education.

Links to resources:

• St Peter’s School: History

3. Sherborne School (England, Founded in 705)

Why it’s significant:

Sherborne School, located in the picturesque town of Sherborne in Dorset, was founded in 705 by Aldhelm, the first Bishop of Sherborne. With a history of over 1,300 years, Sherborne has adapted and evolved through the centuries, always maintaining a focus on academic rigour and personal growth.

Key milestones in its history:

• Sherborne School played a key role in educating the clergy in medieval times.
• During the 16th century, the school transitioned into a grammar school under the reign of Elizabeth I.

Modern-day Sherborne School:

Today, Sherborne is a prestigious all-boys school that offers a range of academic and extracurricular opportunities. It places a strong emphasis on pastoral care and personal development, with many students excelling in both academics and sports.

Links to resources:

• Sherborne School: History

4. Shrewsbury School (England, Founded in 1552)

Why it’s significant:

Shrewsbury School, founded in 1552, is one of England's great independent schools. It has a distinguished history and has educated some of Britain’s most influential figures, including Charles Darwin, who attended the school in the 1820s.

Key milestones in its history:

• The school moved to its current location on the banks of the River Severn in the 1880s, providing expansive grounds and excellent facilities.
• In the 20th century, Shrewsbury became a hub for scientific and intellectual development, with students going on to excel in a variety of fields.

Modern-day Shrewsbury School:

Today, Shrewsbury is a co-educational school offering a well-rounded education with a particular focus on science, arts, and sports. It’s known for its rowing programme and is one of the leading rowing schools in the UK.

Links to resources:

• Shrewsbury School: History

5. Gymnasium Carolinum (Germany, Founded in 804)

Why it’s significant:

The Gymnasium Carolinum in Osnabrück, Germany, is one of the oldest schools in Europe, founded by Charlemagne in 804. As one of the first grammar schools on the continent, it has played a significant role in the development of German education.

Key milestones in its history:

• Throughout the Middle Ages, the school served as an important centre for clerical education.
• The school has undergone several transformations, adapting to the changing political landscape of Germany.

Modern-day Gymnasium Carolinum:

Gymnasium Carolinum remains one of the most prestigious schools in Germany. It offers a rigorous academic curriculum with a strong emphasis on languages, sciences, and humanities.

Links to resources:

• Gymnasium Carolinum: History

6. Winchester College (England, Founded in 1382)

Why it’s significant:

Founded by William of Wykeham in 1382, Winchester College is one of England’s most prestigious boarding schools. The school has a long history of educating influential political figures, scholars, and leaders.

Key milestones in its history:

• Winchester College played a pivotal role in shaping the English public school system, and many of its traditions are still followed by schools across the UK today.
• The school has always been renowned for its classical curriculum, including Latin and Greek studies.

Modern-day Winchester College:

Winchester continues to be a leader in academic excellence, with a strong emphasis on scholarly pursuit and intellectual development. The school also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, from sports to arts and music.

Links to resources:

• Winchester College: History

7. Uppsala Cathedral School (Sweden, Founded in 1246)

Why it’s significant:

The Uppsala Cathedral School is Sweden’s oldest educational institution, founded in 1246 to train priests for the Catholic Church. Over the centuries, it has evolved into a prestigious academic institution, offering a broad curriculum to students from around the world.

Key milestones in its history:

• The school was originally established to educate clergy but later expanded to offer a more general curriculum.
• Uppsala Cathedral School played a crucial role in the formation of Sweden’s modern education system.

Modern-day Uppsala Cathedral School:

Today, Uppsala Cathedral School offers a comprehensive academic programme with a focus on sciences and humanities. It has a strong international reputation and attracts students from across Europe.

Links to resources:

• Uppsala Cathedral School: History

8. Westminster School (England, Founded in 1179)

Why it’s significant:

Founded in 1179 by Benedictine monks, Westminster School in London is one of the most prestigious boarding schools in the UK. It has a long history of educating British political leaders and scholars.

Key milestones in its history:

• Westminster has always been closely tied to Westminster Abbey, where many of the school’s significant events take place.
• The school played an important role in the development of the House of Commons, as many alumni went on to become influential MPs.

Modern-day Westminster School:

Westminster remains one of the top-performing academic institutions in the UK, with students excelling in both academics and extracurricular activities. The school offers day and boarding options and continues to produce leaders in politics, business, and the arts.

Links to resources:

• Westminster School: History

9. Charterhouse School (England, Founded in 1611)

Why it’s significant:

Charterhouse was originally founded in 1611 in London, but the school later moved to Godalming, Surrey, in the 19th century. It has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and for producing many prominent political and military leaders.

Key milestones in its history:

• During the 19th century, Charterhouse transitioned from its London site to the picturesque countryside of Surrey, marking a new chapter in its history.
• The school has produced a number of notable alumni, including political figures, military generals, and authors.

Modern-day Charterhouse School:

Charterhouse today offers both day and boarding options and provides a broad curriculum with a particular emphasis on humanities, science, and sports. The school is known for its impressive facilities and strong alumni network.

Links to resources:

• Charterhouse School: History

10. St. Albans School (England, Founded in 948)

Why it’s significant:

Founded in 948, St. Albans School is one of the oldest schools in the UK. It is located in the historic city of St Albans, near the site of the St Albans Cathedral, and has a rich heritage intertwined with the Benedictine Abbey.

Key milestones in its history:

• The school has a long tradition of educating clergy, dating back to its origins as a monastic school.
• The school’s influence on medieval scholarship made it a key institution for learning during that era.

Modern-day St Albans School:

Today, St Albans offers an excellent co-educational programme and continues to place a high emphasis on both academic achievement and extracurricular activities, including a strong focus on the arts and sports.

Links to resources:

• St Albans School: History

11. Harrow School (England, Founded in 1572)

Why it’s significant:

Founded in 1572, Harrow School is one of the most prestigious all-boys boarding schools in the UK. Known for its rich traditions, Harrow has produced numerous world leaders, including Sir Winston Churchill.

Key milestones in its history:

• Harrow became one of the key public schools in England, with a strong influence on British culture and education.
• The school has maintained many of its old traditions, such as wearing Harrow hats and morning suits.

Modern-day Harrow School:

Harrow is still considered one of the UK’s leading schools for academic excellence, with a wide range of subjects and extracurricular activities. It is particularly strong in sports, arts, and leadership development.

Links to resources:

• Harrow School: History

12. Eton College (England, Founded in 1440)

Why it’s significant:

Eton College, founded by King Henry VI in 1440, is perhaps the most famous boarding school in the world. Known for its rigorous academic standards and for producing many of the UK’s prime ministers, including David Cameron and Boris Johnson, Eton remains a symbol of elite education.

Key milestones in its history:

• Eton has played a significant role in shaping the British aristocracy and political landscape for centuries.
• The school is renowned for its strict traditions and customs, such as the Eton wall game and uniformed dress code.

Modern-day Eton College:

Eton continues to offer a world-class education and attracts students from around the globe. The school excels in academics, leadership, and athletics, with many of its alumni continuing to shape global politics and business.

Links to resources:

• Eton College: History

13. Fettes College (Scotland, Founded in 1870)

Why it’s significant:

Fettes College is one of Scotland’s most prestigious boarding schools, founded in 1870 by Sir William Fettes. Often referred to as "the Eton of the North," Fettes is known for its high academic standards and its beautiful French Gothic architecture.

Key milestones in its history:

• Fettes has been associated with academic excellence, sending many students to top universities, particularly Oxford and Cambridge.
• The school has produced many notable alumni, including Tony Blair, the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

Modern-day Fettes College:

Fettes offers both day and boarding options and provides a well-rounded education with a focus on leadership and personal development. It has strong programmes in the arts, science, and sports.

Links to resources:

• Fettes College: History

14. The Leys School (England, Founded in 1875)

Why it’s significant:

Founded in 1875, The Leys School is the only co-educational boarding school in Cambridge. It has a rich history intertwined with the academic life of Cambridge University, making it one of the most academically respected schools in the region.

Key milestones in its history:

• The school has long been associated with excellence in academics, particularly in STEM subjects.
• The Leys School has a history of close collaboration with Cambridge University, providing students with unique academic opportunities.

Modern-day The Leys School:

Today, The Leys offers a diverse co-educational programme with a strong emphasis on academic achievement, personal development, and extracurricular involvement.

Links to resources:

• The Leys School: History

15. Stonyhurst College (England, Founded in 1593)

Why it’s significant:

Stonyhurst College, founded by Jesuits in 1593, is one of the oldest Catholic boarding schools in the UK. Located in Lancashire, the school has a rich history and is known for its strong focus on faith-based education.

Key milestones in its history:

• The school has a deep connection to the Catholic Church and was originally founded to educate English Catholic boys during times of religious persecution.
• Stonyhurst has a long history of producing clergy and scholars who have made significant contributions to British society.

Modern-day Stonyhurst College:

Stonyhurst continues to offer a rigorous academic programme with a focus on religious education, the arts, and sciences. The school is known for its strong sense of community and its emphasis on moral and ethical development.

Links to resources:

• Stonyhurst College: History

FAQs About the Oldest Boarding Schools in Europe

1. What are the oldest boarding schools in Europe?

Some of the oldest boarding schools in Europe include The King’s School, Canterbury (founded in 597), St Peter’s School, York (founded in 627), and Sherborne School (founded in 705). These schools have a long-standing history of academic excellence and have educated generations of influential leaders.

2. Why are these schools considered prestigious?

These schools are prestigious due to their long histories, academic rigour, and notable alumni. Many have been centres of excellence for centuries and continue to provide top-tier education, offering a blend of traditional and modern learning. Their strong reputation attracts students from around the world.

3. Can international students attend these schools?

Yes, most of these historic boarding schools welcome international students, offering them the opportunity to experience high-quality education and the rich traditions of these institutions. Many schools also have dedicated support systems for students coming from different countries.

4. What types of programmes are available at Oxford Summer Courses for younger students?

For students aged 9-12, Oxford Summer Courses offers junior summer programmes at renowned boarding schools such as Harrow School and Eton College. These courses focus on a wide range of subjects, helping students build their academic skills in an inspiring and supportive environment.

5. What makes boarding school education unique?

Boarding school education provides students with a unique combination of academic learning and personal development. Living on campus allows students to engage more deeply in school activities, build independence, and form strong bonds with peers and teachers. These schools also emphasise traditions and values that help shape future leaders.

Conclusion

The oldest boarding schools in Europe are more than just educational institutions—they are steeped in tradition, excellence, and centuries of history. These schools have nurtured generations of leaders, scholars, and innovators, making them key players in shaping the future. By combining academic rigour with a strong sense of heritage, these institutions continue to inspire students from around the world.

At Oxford Summer Courses, we offer students aged 9-12 the opportunity to experience life at some of the most prestigious boarding schools, including Harrow School and Eton College. Our junior summer courses provide a unique academic environment where students can learn from expert tutors and immerse themselves in the historic surroundings of these world-renowned institutions.

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About the author

Rhys Mackenzie is the Website Marketing Manager at Oxford Summer Courses. With extensive experience in SEO and digital content management, they are passionate about showcasing the best that Oxford has to offer. Their previous role at Experience Oxfordshire gave them a deep appreciation for the city's unique cultural and academic offerings. Learn more about Rhys here.