Gresham’s School, based in Holt, North Norfolk, has been named Best Public School at the acclaimed Tatler Schools Awards, surpassing prestigious rivals such as Eton and Brighton College.
This distinguished award acknowledges Gresham’s dedication to academic distinction, a lively boarding culture, exceptional facilities and its ethos of developing well-rounded and forward-thinking students.
Headmaster Douglas Robb expressed his delight at receiving the honour:
“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.”
The recognition cements Gresham’s status as one of the country’s foremost independent schools, renowned for delivering a first-class education in a supportive and inspiring setting.
In the past year, the school has continued to progress and expand its offering. Rugby star Ben Youngs, England’s most capped player, joined as Head of Performance Sport to mentor aspiring professional athletes and strengthen the school’s sports provision.
Further investment is underway with the relocation of Gresham’s Prep School to a purpose-built 86-acre campus, funded by a £40 million gift from alumnus Sir James Dyson. Scheduled to open in 2027, the new school will echo the innovative Dyson Building at the Senior School, with a strong focus on STEAM learning – Science, Technology, Arts, Engineering and Maths.
Gresham’s is recognised for its tradition of producing accomplished alumni in diverse fields including the arts, sciences and business. Notable Old Greshamians include composer Benjamin Britten, poet W.H. Auden, painter Ben Nicholson, director Stephen Frears, entrepreneur Sir James Dyson and Oscar-winning actress Olivia Colman.
The Tatler Schools team stated:
“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 in 200 acres of countryside and woodland just four miles from the North Norfolk coast, Gresham’s offers pupils a beautiful natural setting in which to study, explore and excel.