This college is one of the proprietary schools which have arisen in the nineteenth century, and was founded to provide a classical, mathematical and general education of the highest order on moderate terms. This was, as early as 1828, a well-known school of medicine, but on its incorporation as a college, engineering, theology, science, law and literature, were included in its curriculum. The chief attention is now paid to theology and medicine, many candidates for the ministry being trained here. The college was incorporated by Royal Charter in 1845. There are exhibitions to Oxford and Cambridge and numerous foundation scholarships.
Admission is by nomination and annual payment.
To perpetuate the memory of Arthur, first Duke of Wellington, a public subscription was raised to provide for the education of the sons of deceased officers of the army of England and India. The college was not opened until 1859. This is one of the largest and best of colleges for women, and provides for the education of some nine hundred students, of whom about one half are boarders. Students are prepared for the Arts and Science degrees of the London University, the subjects being taught chiefly by women. The discipline and constitution of the school are based on the Rugby model.