Gresham’s School, located in Holt, North Norfolk, has been named Best Public School at the highly regarded Tatler Schools Awards, outshining renowned institutions such as Eton and Brighton College.
The recognition reflects Gresham’s reputation for academic strength, a dynamic boarding community, excellent facilities and its emphasis on developing pupils who excel both in their studies and as individuals.
Headmaster Douglas Robb welcomed the accolade, saying:
“This recognition by Tatler is a huge honour for Gresham’s. It reflects the extraordinary spirit and achievements of our pupils, the unwavering support of parents and the commitment of our dedicated staff. We strive to develop confident and compassionate young people who are ready to contribute positively to the world and this award is a testament to that mission.”
This latest award reaffirms Gresham’s standing as a leading independent school in the UK, known for creating an environment where students can achieve academic success and personal growth.
Over the last year, Gresham’s has embarked on significant initiatives to enhance its educational offering. Rugby legend Ben Youngs, England’s most capped player, joined as Head of Performance Sport to mentor young athletes aiming for professional careers.
Meanwhile, work is underway to relocate Gresham’s Prep School to a new 86-acre campus following a transformative £40 million gift from alumnus Sir James Dyson. The forthcoming school will continue the focus on innovation established by the Senior School’s Dyson Building, renowned for advancing STEAM disciplines – Science, Technology, Arts, Engineering and Maths – and is planned to open in 2027.
Gresham’s boasts a distinguished list of alumni who have excelled in fields ranging from the arts and engineering to sport and entrepreneurship. Among them are composer Benjamin Britten, poet W.H. Auden, artist Ben Nicholson, director Stephen Frears, inventor Sir James Dyson and Academy Award-winning actress Olivia Colman.
The Tatler Schools team said:
“we reviewed schools and heard first-hand from pupils, parents and staff about what makes their school stand out. Thousands of questionnaire responses were scrutinised, every detail considered, before the final selection made. Out of the country’s many hundreds of schools, only 250 achieve the coveted distinction of inclusion in the Tatler Schools Guide 2026 and amongst these schools, some schools sparkle even brighter. Whether through pioneering teaching, remarkable pastoral care, extraordinary facilities, or sheer, consistent brilliance, these schools demand special recognition”.
Surrounded by 200 acres of rolling countryside and woodland, just four miles from the stunning North Norfolk coastline, Gresham’s offers its pupils an inspiring environment in which to learn and grow.