Why Lancing
It’s difficult to quantify the magic of a Lancing education. It’s more than the sum of its parts and it is the safe and supportive environment in which pupils grow that allows them to become dynamic, adventurous, caring individuals, each on their own incredible journey.
From the moment that pupils join Lancing they become part of a community and – wherever they lay their heads at night – they all benefit from the all-inclusive care and support of a boarding school ethos. Lancing is a place of scholarship where pupils learn with integrity. We teach our students to be curious and to think deeply, for themselves and for the right reasons, underpinned by the essential attributes of learning. Our school is not an exam factory and our teachers take delight in going far beyond teaching to the test. Our learning is deeper and our excellent exam results are a wonderful by-product of the more profound and long-lasting scholarly rigour that underpins all that we do.
Parents and children that choose to come to Lancing often talk about it feeling right for their child, and we invite you to come to see for yourself.
My daughter chose it and fell in love with it when we visited. When she got home she said ‘I’m going to Lancing’, she just loved the whole place and the vibe of it.
Lancing Parent
Our educational approach
Underpinning what is so special at Lancing is a holistic, well-developed and future-thinking approach to education. This is a coherent view of what education is about and how the various elements of a Lancing education combine to allow each pupil to grow in their own way throughout their time at the College. Lancing seeks to offer academic excellence, inspiration and enrichment for every pupil; this approach means that we take time to value each individual and to give them space to grow – supported and encouraged as they develop.
‘We wanted a school that wasn’t just a super-selective exam factory. We wanted a school that wasn’t “wishy-washy”. We also wanted a school that would take the teaching of values and thoughtfulness for others seriously, whilst also accepting that sometimes kids are kids, and mistakes are made.’
Lancing Parent
A living, caring and thriving community
The sense of community and collective support that lays central to the Lancing experience is evident to anyone who visits Lancing. This warmth and genuine care for each other is expressed throughout our shared and individual interactions and is especially evident in our Houses, in the partnership between family and school, the Chapel and the spiritual life of the school, our peer supporters network and at College events such as Charities Term. Strong friendships develop and former pupils keep in touch with each other and with the staff who inspired them.
‘The warmth of the staff and teachers and the passion with which they teach; the feel and essence of Lancing college which is hard to put into words. It was the perfect school for my child and I felt very very reassured that he was going to be well looked after, which after his first year I can say that he was.’
Lancing Parent
A wealth of opportunities to explore
Learning in a vibrant boarding school suffuses all of the elements of College life. In order to become the impressive people who go on to lead fulfilling and successful lives, our students have to experience a number of life changing opportunities. We give great thought to our wider curriculum, offering a vast array of possibilities to explore, enhance and challenge the mind and the body. More structured programmes such as CCF and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award combine with eclectic musical groups, sports, societies and clubs, student-led committees and new initiatives by inspired pupils.
Whilst some pupils focus on developing existing skills, many others are encouraged to try and experience new things they would never have previously considered. These experiences travel with them long after they leave school.
‘Wonderfully challenging environment offering all a chance to be involved in a wide range of endeavours.’
Lancing Parent
Taking their place in the world
We are continually reminded about the important role that Lancing plays in preparing its students to thrive and succeed as global citizens.
Across the Lancing day and in our Houses, pupils often consciously focus on other perspectives, imagining themselves in the shoes of others through art, drama, trips and visits, time in the Chapel and assemblies. We celebrate the diversity of our 40+ different pupil and staff nationalities, representing many different social, familial and cultural backgrounds. The whole experience of boarding is a long-playing exercise in flexibility, cooperation and acknowledging the boundaries of others; leadership and ‘service’ is experienced daily. The practical “Leaving Lancing” programme has been designed and developed in partnership with pupils to prepare them for a truly independent life.
‘Preparation for life after Lancing is very good. The College encourages individual growth in pupils, both emotionally and intellectually, and to stretch and move you beyond your comfort zone.’
Sixth Form leaver


