Quinton House School Review 2026: Heritage and Holism in Northampton

Approaching Quinton House School feels less like the school run and more like visiting a National Trust property. Housed in the Grade I listed Upton Hall, the school sits in 31 acres of parkland on the edge of Northampton. It serves as an all-through co-educational independent school for ages 2 to 18, offering a seamless journey from nursery to sixth form.

While the setting is grand, the atmosphere is grounded. This is not an academic hothouse but a broad-ability school that prides itself on knowing every child. Part of the Cognita group since 2004, it benefits from significant investment and a global network while retaining a distinct family feel. The small class sizes and emphasis on character development appeal to families seeking confidence over pure league table dominance.

The main building, Upton Hall, dates back to the Middle Ages and was remodelled in the 18th century. Students study in rooms with high ceilings and views over rolling parkland. The integration of modern facilities into this heritage setting is generally successful, though the layout can be eccentric in places.

Mr Thomas Muskin has led the school since 2022. His approach emphasises individual attention and mental wellbeing. There is a palpable sense of community here; students hold doors open and eye contact is the norm. The school operates a house system that cuts vertically through age groups, fostering genuine mentorship between seniors and juniors.

The school motto, Per Vias Rectas (By Right Paths), underpins a culture that values moral navigation as much as academic success. The most recent ISI Educational Quality Inspection reflected this, rating the personal development of pupils as Excellent.

Quinton House is non-selective and the results reflect a mixed-ability intake that often outperforms expectations through value-added progress.

In 2024, the school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 46.4 at GCSE, which aligns with the national average. The school ranks 14th in Northampton for secondary outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and sits in the 'national typical' band, placing it in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile).

At A-level, the performance is solid for a small cohort. In 2024, 38.7% of grades were A*-B. The school ranks 12th in Northampton for A-level outcomes. While the overall rank falls into the 'national lower' band, this statistic masks individual successes; the top end of the cohort achieves highly, evidenced by the successful Oxbridge acceptance in the 2024 cycle.

The curriculum follows the National Curriculum framework but with the independence to diverge where beneficial. In the Prep School, specialist teaching is introduced early, particularly in languages, music, and sport. By the time students reach Senior School, they are accustomed to moving between subject specialists.

Teaching is characterised by support rather than sheer pace. Teachers have time to identify who is struggling and who needs extension. The Learning Support department is well-regarded, providing tailored help for students with mild learning needs, ensuring they access the full curriculum.

Sixth Form students enjoy a more tutorial-style relationship with staff, benefiting from the small class sizes that are a hallmark of the school. The focus is on finding the right course for the student, whether that is traditional A-levels or vocational pathways.

Destinations are diverse, reflecting the broad ability range of the student body. In 2024, 67% of leavers progressed to university, while 22% moved directly into employment or apprenticeships.

The school supports varied ambitions. While the majority head to first-choice universities, including Russell Group institutions, there is a healthy respect for degree apprenticeships and creative pathways. In 2024, one student secured a place at Cambridge, demonstrating that academic ceilings here are high for those with the aptitude.

Quinton House is broadly non-selective academically. The priority is to ensure the school can meet the child's needs and that the family aligns with the school's ethos.

For entry into the Prep School, children are invited for a taster session to observe their social interaction and readiness to learn. Entry into the Senior School (Year 7) involves a taster day which includes assessment papers in English and Mathematics. These are used primarily for setting purposes rather than strict selection.

Families are encouraged to register interest early. Open days are held termly, typically in October and March, offering a chance to tour Upton Hall and meet Mr Muskin.

Pastoral care is a headline strength. The size of the school ensures no child falls through the gaps. Form tutors are the first point of contact, supported by Heads of Section.

The school has invested in mental health first aid training for staff. A school counsellor is available, but much of the support is informal and proactive. The latest ISI inspection praised the pupils' self-knowledge, self-esteem, and self-confidence, noting that they are resilient and accept failure as part of learning.

The extracurricular programme utilises the extensive grounds. Sport is a major pillar, with fixtures played against local independent and state schools. Rugby, hockey, netball, and cricket are the staples, but the PE department also offers cross-country running through the parkland.

The arts are vibrant. The ballroom of Upton Hall serves as a dramatic backdrop for concerts and recitals. Drama productions involve large casts and backstage crews, giving opportunities for all talents to shine.

Notable clubs include the Formula 24 Greenpower racing team, where students build and race electric cars, and a thriving Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme which sees high participation rates at Bronze and Silver levels.

Fees for the 2024-2025 academic year range from £4,578 per term in Reception to £5,478 per term in Years 5 and 6. Senior School fees are higher, reflecting the specialist teaching and facilities required at secondary level.

As a member of the Cognita group, the school does not offer the same range of bursaries as some charitable trust schools, but scholarships are available. These are awarded for excellence in academic subjects, sport, and the performing arts, typically carrying a fee remission and the expectation of contribution to school life.

The school day runs from 8:30am to 3:45pm for the Senior School, with slightly staggered times for Prep. Wraparound care is available; breakfast club starts at 7:30am, and after-school care runs until 6:00pm, providing crucial support for working parents.

An extensive network of school bus routes covers Northamptonshire and parts of Buckinghamshire, making the school accessible from Daventry, Towcester, and Milton Keynes.

Heritage constraints. While Upton Hall is beautiful, Grade I listing limits unparalleled modernisation. Some classrooms are uniquely shaped, and the site layout requires navigating stairs and outdoor paths which may not suit those with mobility issues.

Academic pace. Families seeking a cut-throat academic hothouse with top-tier league table rankings may find the pace here too gentle. The focus is on individual progress rather than collective drilling for grades.

Cost. As an independent school, fees are significant. While comparable to local competitors, families must budget for extras such as uniform, trips, and transport which are not included in the headline tuition figures.

Quinton House School offers a distinctive education where history and modernity meet. It provides a nurturing, supportive environment that suits children who might be swallowed up in larger, more aggressive schools. Best suited to families who value confidence, character, and individual attention as highly as examination grades. The main challenge is not getting in, but deciding if the gentle, heritage-rich environment is the right fit for your child's energy.