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WHO WE

ARE

The Royal Hospital School is a co-educational day and boarding school for 11–18 year olds, where learning goes far beyond the classroom.

Alongside a strong academic foundation, we offer a broad and enriching education designed to help every young person grow in confidence, develop character, and discover their passions.

With more than 100 co-curricular opportunities to explore, from sport, music, and art to sailing, adventure, and leadership, our pupils are encouraged to try new things, embrace challenges, and find what truly inspires them.

OUR

LOCATION

Set within 200 acres of beautiful Suffolk countryside, yet less than an hour from London by train, our riverside campus offers the perfect environment to thrive.

Pupils enjoy the tranquillity of wide open green spaces and the security of a close-knit community, with the Headmaster and some staff living on site.

Our stunning setting is just a short walk from Alton Water, making it an ideal playground for our enthusiastic sailors and water-sports lovers.

Royal Hospital School in Holbrook Suffolk

 

OUR

FACILITIES

Alongside the natural beauty of our grounds, pupils benefit from an impressive range of facilities.

These include a purpose-built music school, 96 acres of sports fields, dedicated art studios with an atrium gallery, and an on-site health centre and dentist.

Together, these resources create a unique balance of calm and energy, supporting every aspect of school life.

OUR

HERITAGE

Founded in 1712 in Greenwich, London, our school has deep roots in a proud naval tradition. In 1933, we moved to our beautiful campus overlooking the River Stour. Our heritage continues to shape our values of courage, resilience, and community.

SAILING

All pupils are given the opportunity to learn to sail, and talent in sailing is encouraged and developed throughout the School.

ART, CRAFT AND DESIGN A LEVEL

FLAG CEREMONY

The daily raising and lowering of the School Ensign, referred to by pupils and staff as 'Flag'.

A group of pupils gathered on a grassy area, raising the Royal Hospital School flag.

DIVISIONS

All pupils receive a naval uniform and learn basic marching for formal parades, known as Divisions. These impressive ceremonies, held throughout the year, instill pride in both pupils and parents, with five key events aligning with annual traditions: Harvest Festival, Remembrance Service, Founders' Day, Easter, and Sports Day.

The image shows a pupil in a naval uniform leading a group of pupils in a formal procession, with a body of water, the river Stour, visible in the background.

MARCHING BAND

The School has an impressive Marching Band trained to the highest standards by the School Bandmaster who is a former Director of Music of the Royal Marines Band.

Royal Hospital School Marching Band

CORPS OF DRUMS

The Corps of elite side and bass drum players performs impressive displays and is in much demand for ceremonial events throughout the country.

A group of pupils in band uniforms performing on a stage with a starry night sky backdrop.

NAVAL COMMEMORATIONS

We have a tradition of marking key naval events, such as celebrating victory at the Battle of Trafalgar.

Royal Hospital School pupils in Chapel

HOUSES

The School Houses are named after prominent naval figures.

Royal Hospital School pupils walk in front of Nelson House

RHS

TIMELINE

1712

Greenwich Hospital School is formed.

1892

A series of royal visits and inspections culminates in the official adoption of the title the Royal Hospital School.

1928

Building of the new school in Holbrook begins and HRH The Duke of York lays the Foundation Stone.

1933

HRH Edward The Prince of Wales opens Royal Hospital School, Holbrook.

1938

Visit of Queen Mary.

1960

Combined Cadet Force (CCF) is established at RHS and Lord Mountbatten visits the school.

1968

Visit of HM Queen Elizabeth to open the Sixth Form block.

1991

The school becomes co-educational and the first girls’ house, Hood, is opened.

2008

Opening of the Reade Music School by John Rutter CBE.

2019

RHS recognised as sector leader in the use of technology in teaching and learning at the Edtech 50 Schools awards.

2025

RHS pupils take part in the Lady Mayor’s Show.

 

The de Neumann Archive

The de Neumann Archive of the Royal Hospital School contains nearly 20,000 entries including magazines, periodicals, RHSA publications, photographs, historic documents and much more.

The archive has been named in honour of British mathematician, computer scientist, inventor, and naval historian Professor Bernard de Neumann (1943 - 2018). Professor de Neumann (Nelson 1961) was instrumental in preserving the School’s history for future generations.

This digital resource is FREE to use and open to ALL and can be accessed below:

Visit digital archive

Wave Divider

LOOKING

AHEAD

We are proud of our heritage, but our focus is firmly on the future.

In 2025, RHS entered an exciting new chapter as part of the Inspired Learning Group (ILG). This partnership strengthens our ability to deliver an exceptional education while preserving everything that makes RHS unique, our traditions, our character, and our community spirit.

As one of East Anglia’s leading independent schools, we remain dedicated to preparing young people for life beyond the classroom, equipping them with the knowledge, confidence, and integrity to make a positive difference in the world.

From the moment pupils join us, they are supported at every step. Our guidance extends beyond their time at RHS, offering tailored support for careers, higher education, and life beyond school. Wherever their journeys take them, they remain part of the RHS family.

With our centenary at Holbrook on the horizon, we're commited to further strategic investment, to continue to develop our educational provision and  facilities, ensuring that, with ILG’s partnership, RHS continues to thrive for generations to come.

OUR

MISSION

Our Mission is 'to understand each young person’s strengths, to help them to make the right choices at the right time, navigating through their critical formative years and ensuring their education becomes the foundation for their happiness and success.'

EDUCATIONAL

AIMS

This Mission is underpinned by our educational aims to develop our young people as individuals who:

  • develop intellectual curiosity and academic confidence and fulfil their potential in all of their endeavours;
  • are adaptable, resilient and equipped to live healthy and fulfilling lives after school;
  • inspire others through a combination of leadership and teamwork;
  • develop the ability to think and act creatively and imaginatively;
  • are ambitious and adventurous and have a strong sense of self-awareness
  • value the benefits of service, loyalty and commitment;
  • uphold the School’s unique and rich heritage and contribute to the life of the school and their community;
  • embrace a global outlook with a respect for individuality and difference.

OUR

ETHOS

We are immensely proud of our historic links and discovery, exploration and challenge continue to shape our ethos. The traditional values of loyalty, commitment, courage, respect, service and integrity have underpinned the School’s philosophy from the very beginning; three hundred years later, they are as relevant to the education we provide now as they were then.

A MODERN, FORWARD-THINKING

HMC SCHOOL

Today the Royal Hospital School is a modern, forward-thinking HMC school anchored on 300 years of history and achievement. It enjoys a stunning location in rural Suffolk and school life is enriched by a strong naval tradition. Our purpose is to contribute to society through excellence in the teaching and learning of 11-18 year old boys and girls.

FIND OUT

MORE

Meet Our Headmaster

Find out more about our Headmaster.

Our Future

Learn more about our future plans and developments.

ISI Inspection

Read the latest ISI report of our school.

Awards & Reviews

Learn about our latest reviews and national awards.

How To Find Us

See how we support spiritual growth and reflection at RHS.

Governance & Leadership