Our
Philosophy
of
Holistic Education

Uppingham provides a well-rounded education – integrating academic study, music, sports, artistic creativity, performing arts, and wider life-enhancing co-curricular experiences.

Our philosophy stems from Edward Thring, the holistic educator who was Uppingham School's Headmaster from 1853 to 1887.

Edward Thring valued each child at school equally and gave each pupil a chance to shine.

Uppingham was founded in the UK in 1584 and Thring – sometimes known as its second founder – was appointed Headmaster at the age of 31 in 1853, where he remained until his death in 1887.

Thring transformed Uppingham from a small country grammar school of 25 boys into a thriving, nationally renowned boarding school known for its ‘all round education’.

An educational pioneer, Thring believed education must involve every aspect of life, including moral, spiritual, physical and intellectual wellbeing.

In 1859 Thring opened the first school gymnasium in England, and provided a swimming pool.

Thring broadened the curriculum beyond the classics and mathematics and introduced the study of languages, humanities and sport.

In 1865, Thring opened Uppingham’s first music school and appointed a director of music. By 1869, he had founded the Headmasters’ Conference, an organisation that greatly influenced the English public school education.

Thring’s major work, Theory and Practice of Teaching (1883) offered critical advice on teaching an teaching education.

Uppingham Hung Yen pupils will pass Thring’s statue daily on the Hung Yen campus, as a reminder of his outstanding legacy as a supportive educator.