Suffolk &amp; Cambs


<p><strong>Finborough Senior School and Sixth Form</strong> is all about equipping students with the skills they need to thrive in the real world – while still letting them be teenagers. Finborough is an all-through school (ages 6 months–18 years), and this seamless integration gives older pupils the freedom to grow at their own pace, with no pressure to rush adulthood, while embracing their role as mentors and role models. It&#8217;s a place where teenagers are expected to be leaders and listeners, readers to nursery children, and ambassadors for younger peers. All this in a <strong>phone-free</strong>, family-feel school where freedom, opportunity, and character development are the driving force.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/06/FINBOROUGH_14012025_©tomsoperphotography_109-copy-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-44767" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/06/FINBOROUGH_14012025_©tomsoperphotography_109-copy-2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/06/FINBOROUGH_14012025_©tomsoperphotography_109-copy-2-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/06/FINBOROUGH_14012025_©tomsoperphotography_109-copy-2-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where">WHAT? WHERE?</h3>



<p>Set in the stunning <strong>18th-century Georgian Finborough Hall</strong>, this independent day and boarding school sprawls across <strong>40 acres of idyllic Suffolk countryside</strong>, just outside <strong>Stowmarket</strong>. The grand marble fireplace in the reception sets the tone for a school that balances heritage with forward-thinking innovation. Finborough is now part of the <strong>Forfar Education group</strong>, known for curating a network of high-quality independent schools across the UK and Europe.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/06/FINBOROUGH_14012025_©tomsoperphotography_147-copy.jpg" alt="Finborough" class="wp-image-44768" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/06/FINBOROUGH_14012025_©tomsoperphotography_147-copy.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/06/FINBOROUGH_14012025_©tomsoperphotography_147-copy-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/06/FINBOROUGH_14012025_©tomsoperphotography_147-copy-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">FACILITIES</h3>



<p>Senior School pupils benefit from specialist teaching spaces, small class sizes (A-level groups average 4–5), and the kind of personalised support you’d expect from a school with a strong pastoral ethos and a firm eye on future pathways.</p>



<p>Whether students are aiming for <strong>top universities</strong>, <strong>vocational training</strong>, or <strong>degree apprenticeships</strong>, the support is there – including <strong>UCAT test prep</strong>, <strong>Oxbridge/medicine guidance</strong>, and <strong>career coaching</strong>. Add to that a jam-packed <strong>co-curricular calendar</strong> (robotics teams that compete at world level, award-winning drama, national-level sport), and you’ve got a school that nurtures every kind of spark.</p>



<p>There&#8217;s a big focus on <strong>resilience and personal growth</strong>, driven by the school’s “learnability” model, <strong>Seven Habits programme</strong>, and <strong>character coaching</strong>. And yes, they’re serious about <strong>life beyond school</strong>, helping students build confidence, compassion, and real-world readiness.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/06/finborough-school-2-1000x667.png" alt="Finborough" class="wp-image-44987" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/06/finborough-school-2-1000x667.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/06/finborough-school-2-800x533.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/06/finborough-school-2-400x267.png 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/06/finborough-school-2.png 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Artists&#8217; impression image</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">BOARDING</h3>



<p>Boarding is available from Year 3, but it’s the <strong>Sixth Form offering</strong> that really stands out. A scheduled refurbishment will bring <strong>university-style common rooms</strong> to life, giving students a taste of the independence they’re soon to enjoy. Sixth Formers are trusted and treated like the young adults they are, supported by a full pastoral team (including a resident nurse and evening wellbeing clinics), but encouraged to take ownership of their routines and ambitions.</p>



<p>Boarders also enjoy an exciting and varied activity programme at the weekends. The pupils have full access to all the facilities seven days a week. </p>



<p>Flexible, weekly, and full boarding options are available, and with weekly boarding for years 7-8 starting at £11,025, and full boarding fees for sixth formers from £14,707 per term, this is a serious option for families looking for a home-away-from-home during exam years.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/06/FINBOROUGH_14012025_©tomsoperphotography_269-copy-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-44770" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/06/FINBOROUGH_14012025_©tomsoperphotography_269-copy-2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/06/FINBOROUGH_14012025_©tomsoperphotography_269-copy-2-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/06/FINBOROUGH_14012025_©tomsoperphotography_269-copy-2-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">SPORT</h3>



<p>Sporty kids, rejoice – Finborough’s senior school facilities are Olympic-standard, and there’s plenty of flex between excellence and enjoyment. <strong>Rugby and netball dominate</strong> (with alumni reaching international levels). Currently, four pupils have been selected to play rugby for England and Ireland, and the Head of Rugby has Northampton Saints on speed dial. But there’s also golf, tennis to take advantage of, too.</p>



<p>Boys dance. Rugby players act. Girls smash it on the netball court. And 21 Year 10s recently canoed <strong>35km of the River Great Ouse</strong> as part of their Silver Duke of Edinburgh expedition. Sport here is big, bold, and inclusive, and no one is left on the bench. In fact, the DoE award programme is HUGE at Finborough – this year has seen more gold awards than ever before.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/06/FinboroughSch-promo-July2024-2-copy-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-44771" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/06/FinboroughSch-promo-July2024-2-copy-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/06/FinboroughSch-promo-July2024-2-copy-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/06/FinboroughSch-promo-July2024-2-copy-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/06/FinboroughSch-promo-July2024-2-copy-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/06/FinboroughSch-promo-July2024-2-copy.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">MUSIC, ART &amp; DRAMA</h3>



<p>Performing arts are integral to life at Finborough. Music is inclusive and diverse: students explore everything from Samba to Zimmer, and there&#8217;s a state-of-the-art recording studio on campus. Everyone is encouraged to take part, from leading roles to backstage heroes. Their recent <em>Grease</em> production starred seniors and sixth formers – a reflection of the school’s ambition and creative spirit.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/06/FinboroughSch-promo-July2024-69-copy-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-44772" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/06/FinboroughSch-promo-July2024-69-copy-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/06/FinboroughSch-promo-July2024-69-copy-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/06/FinboroughSch-promo-July2024-69-copy-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/06/FinboroughSch-promo-July2024-69-copy-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/06/FinboroughSch-promo-July2024-69-copy.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">ACADEMICS</h3>



<p>It&#8217;s not just about results, though they’re strong. Finborough champions learning how to learn. Their &#8220;learnability&#8221; model helps students of all abilities unlock their potential, and academic support is woven through every stage.</p>



<p>From Lego-mad robotics teams to top-tier A-Level mentoring, Finborough is all about turning childhood passions into lifelong skills, and even careers.</p>



<p>When it comes to scholarships, the Head is critical of the traditional programmes. The Finborough view scholarships as more than just recognition of talent, but as a tool for holistic personal development. They want scholarships to challenge students and help them build character, rather than simply rewarding existing abilities.</p>



<p>Finborough also offer a generous military discount for all serving personnel, with tailored fees designed to work alongside the Continuity of Education Allowance.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">PASTORAL CARE</h3>



<p>Here, every student has a Lead Teacher, echoing the nurturing style of the Prep years. These teachers are the go-to for everything pastoral and academic, helping build deep relationships and strong foundations. Afternoon tutorial periods allow for proper check-ins and meaningful conversations. This is not a school where anyone gets lost.</p>



<p>There’s also counselling, Emotional Literacy Support Assistants (ELSAs), mental health programmes, and a whole-school ethos that prioritises wellbeing, confidence, and belonging.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/06/finborough-school-1000x667.png" alt="" class="wp-image-44977" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/06/finborough-school-1000x667.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/06/finborough-school-800x533.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/06/finborough-school-400x267.png 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/06/finborough-school.png 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">SIXTH FORM &amp; SCHOLARSHIPS</h3>



<p>In the Sixth Form, standards are high, and so is the dress code: think sharp, professional, and “ready for the real world” attire. It’s a subtle but meaningful reminder that students are heading into adult life.</p>



<p>Scholarships are available in the <strong>arts, sport and academics</strong> – not financial, but prestigious and packed with mentoring, enrichment and tailored development programmes. These are designed for students who want to lead, grow and excel.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/06/finborough-school-1-1000x667.png" alt="" class="wp-image-44981" style="aspect-ratio:1.4992503748125936;width:640px;height:auto" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/06/finborough-school-1-1000x667.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/06/finborough-school-1-800x533.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/06/finborough-school-1-400x267.png 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/06/finborough-school-1.png 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-head">HEAD</h3>



<p>You can read all about headteacher Steven Clark on our review of the Finborough Prep School, here. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">QUIRKS</h3>



<p>Summer Holiday Clubs at Finborough senior school are <strong>open to all</strong>, not just pupils, and run right up to Year 13, offering a fun, inclusive mix of activities in July and August.</p>



<p>Another standout? Sixth Formers still regularly interact with the youngest pupils. Whether that’s mentoring, reading or helping at forest school, it’s part of what makes the culture here feel warm, respectful, and distinctly Finborough.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/06/FINBOROUGH_14012025_©tomsoperphotography_178-copy-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-44769" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/06/FINBOROUGH_14012025_©tomsoperphotography_178-copy-2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/06/FINBOROUGH_14012025_©tomsoperphotography_178-copy-2-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/06/FINBOROUGH_14012025_©tomsoperphotography_178-copy-2-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mobile-phone-policy">MOBILE PHONE POLICY</h3>



<p>The school is a phone-free environment. They introduced this policy recently, not necessarily keep the students safer, but to reduce distractions and help students engage more fully in school activities. The goal is about preventing constant digital interruption. Initially, some parents and children were hesitant, but many have found it liberating. The headmaster believes that by providing rich co-curricular activities and opportunities, students won&#8217;t miss their phones. For teenagers, the school helps them develop skills to use technology responsibly during PSHE lessons, particularly around social media, while maintaining boundaries.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/06/finborough-school-3-1000x667.png" alt="" class="wp-image-44988" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/06/finborough-school-3-1000x667.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/06/finborough-school-3-800x533.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/06/finborough-school-3-400x267.png 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/06/finborough-school-3.png 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transport">TRANSPORT</h3>



<p>Perfectly located just minutes from Stowmarket train station with a daily shuttle bus for those travelling by train, the Finborough is one of the most accessible boarding schools in the UK. Whether you’re based in Cambridge, Ipswich, Colchester or Norwich or even further afield, the excellent transport links, including direct train routes and a dedicated school bus service, make daily travel and weekend visits simple and convenient. They run minibuses across West Suffolk and North East Essex, bringing children to Finborough from homes in and around Colchester, Sudbury and Bury St Edmunds.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">FEES</h3>



<p>Finborough Senior School fees start from <strong>£5,750 per term (Years 7–9)</strong> and rise to <strong>£6,518 per term (Years 10–13)</strong>. Full boarding for seniors starts at <strong>£13,959</strong>, rising to <strong>£14,707</strong> in Sixth Form.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict"><strong>THE MUDDY VERDICT</strong></h3>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong> Families looking for a warm, inclusive, character-driven school where academic ambition sits comfortably alongside emotional wellbeing, sports, arts and everything in between. Great for all-rounders and late bloomers alike.</p>



<p><strong>Not for:</strong> If your teen prefers to hide behind their phone or isn’t up for being part of a tight-knit, proactive community, this might feel a little full-on.</p>



<p><strong>Dare to Disagree?</strong> Book a <a href="https://www.finboroughschool.co.uk/admissions/visiting-and-open-days/">visit</a> – but leave the phone in your bag. You won’t miss it.</p>



<p>Finborough School, The Hall, Great Finborough, Stowmarket, Suffolk, IP14 3EF. Tel: 01449 773600</p>


Finborough Senior School & Sixth Form

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