Gresham’s School in Holt, North Norfolk has been crowned Best Public School at the prestigious Tatler Schools Awards, surpassing rivals such as Eton and Brighton College to take the top spot.
The award celebrates Gresham’s dedication to academic excellence, its vibrant boarding life, first-class facilities and its ongoing commitment to developing confident and compassionate pupils.
Headmaster Douglas Robb shared his delight at the recognition:
“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 honour further establishes Gresham’s as one of Britain’s foremost independent schools, offering a first-class education and an environment in which students can thrive.
In the past year, the school has focused on innovation and development to stay ahead in a changing educational landscape. The appointment of England’s most capped rugby player, Ben Youngs, as Head of Performance Sport has strengthened the school’s sporting provision, giving pupils the opportunity to train under an elite professional.
Work has also commenced on the relocation of Gresham’s Prep School, funded by a £40 million donation from distinguished alumnus Sir James Dyson. This ambitious project will see the creation of a new 86-acre campus inspired by the Senior School’s Dyson Building, known for its emphasis on STEAM learning – Science, Technology, Arts, Engineering and Maths – and is set to open in 2027.
Gresham’s has long been associated with nurturing talent across many disciplines, from the creative arts to science and sport. Among its most notable alumni are composer Benjamin Britten, poet W.H. Auden, painter Ben Nicholson, filmmaker Stephen Frears, innovator 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”.
Nestled within 200 acres of parkland and woodland just a few miles from the North Norfolk coast, Gresham’s enjoys a location of exceptional natural beauty.
