When families first hear that Rugby School is one of England's Great Nine Schools, a common question follows:

 What does that actually mean?

The story begins in the middle of the nineteenth century.

In 1861, the British Government established the Clarendon Commission, a Royal Commission tasked with examining the country's most prominent public schools. Over several years, the Commission reviewed their governance, educational standards, traditions and influence on British society.

Its findings identified nine schools whose historical significance and contribution to education were considered exceptional: Eton, Harrow, Rugby, Winchester, Westminster, Charterhouse, Shrewsbury, Merchant Taylors' and St Paul's.

These institutions would later become known collectively as England's Great Nine Schools. More than a list of prestigious schools, they represented a group of institutions that helped shape the development of British education, influencing generations of leaders, scholars, scientists, writers, public servants and innovators over centuries.

Rugby School's inclusion reflected not only its long history since 1567, but also its profound influence on educational thinking.

In particular, Rugby School became widely associated with the educational reforms of Dr Thomas Arnold, who served as Headmaster from 1828 to 1842. At a time when many schools focused primarily on academic instruction and discipline, Arnold championed a broader vision of education — one that sought to develop character alongside intellect.

He believed that schools should help young people become responsible, principled and compassionate individuals, preparing them not only for examinations, but for life. His ideas on leadership, service, pastoral care and character development would go on to influence schools across Britain and throughout the English-speaking world.

Today, nearly two centuries later, these principles remain at the heart of the Rugby philosophy.

At Rugby School, education has always been about more than academic achievement alone. It is about nurturing curiosity, resilience, integrity, kindness and a sense of responsibility towards others.

This belief is captured in a phrase that continues to guide Rugby schools around the world:

The Whole Person is the Whole Point.

As Rugby School Hanoi prepares to welcome its first students, we are proud to continue a tradition that began more than 450 years ago and has influenced generations of young people around the world.

Being part of a Great Nine School is not simply about heritage.

It is about carrying forward an enduring belief in what education can and should be.