Search Britain, School and University Register Books 1264-1930

The records consist of digitised copies of school and university register books. They include a full register of former pupils. The lists often include biographical details like birth year, father’s name, employment after school and family information. Most of the books will include a full history of the institute, followed by lists of previous headmasters, tutors, sporting teams and illustrations or photographs.

We have register books from 41 different schools and universities. Below is a list of every institute. For further detail about what each register book includes, review our ‘discover more’ section. We have also included search tips to help you to discover your ancestor.

• Ackworth School, Yorkshire, England (1879-1930)
• Balliol College Oxford, Oxfordshire, England (1832-1914)
• Blundell's School, Devon, England (1770-1882)
• Carlisle Grammar School, Cumberland, England, (1264-1924)
• Charterhouse School, London, England (1614-1900)
• Charterhouse School, Surrey, England (1872-1900)
• Clifton College, Gloucestershire, England (1862-1912)
• Derby School, Derbyshire, England (1570-1901)
• Duke of Northumberland's School, Northumberland, England (1811-1911)
• Dulwich College, Surrey, England (1619-1926)
• Durham School, Durham, England (1840-1912)
• Edinburgh Academy, Midlothian, Scotland (1824-1914)
• Epsom College, Surrey, England (1855-1905)
• Eton College, Berkshire, England (1893-1899)
• Exeter College Oxford, Oxfordshire, England (1318-1878)
• Free Grammar School of Queen Elizabeth, Lincolnshire, England (1854-1894)
• Free Grammar School of Queen Elizabeth, Yorkshire, England (1591-1891)
• Giggleswick School, Yorkshire, England (1499-1921)
• Haileybury School, Hertfordshire, England (1862-1900)
• Harrow School, Middlesex, England (1801-1893)
• Keble College Oxford, Oxfordshire, England (1870-1925)
• King's College Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England (1797-1925)
• King's School, Kent, England (1835-1920)
• Kingswood School, Somersetshire, England (1746-1897)
• Leys School, Cambridgeshire, England (1872-1911)
• Loretto School, Midlothian, Scotland (1825-1925)
• Manchester Free Grammar School, Lancashire, England (1730-1807)
• Merchant Taylor's School, Middlesex, England (1871-1900)
• Merchiston Castle School, Midlothian, Scotland (1833-1903)
• Radley College Oxford, Oxfordshire, England (1847-1904)
• Repton School, Derbyshire, England (1557-1905)
• Rossall School, Lancashire, England (1844-1894)
• Rugby School, Warwickshire, England (1675-1905)
• Sedbergh School, Yorkshire, England (1546-1909)
• Sherborne School, Dorset, England (1823-1892)
• Shrewsbury School, Shropshire, England (1798-1898)
• St Lawrence College, Kent, England (1879-1924)
• St Peter's School, Yorkshire, England (1828-1844)
• Winchester College, Hampshire, England (1836-1890)
• Wellington College, Berkshire, England (1859-1923)
  
  We have separated the school and universities by country and county. In the lists below you will find even greater detail about each individual book.

• Edinburgh Academy, Midlothian, Scotland (1824-1914)
  
  ‘The Edinburgh academy register’
  
  The document consists of lists of rectors, master, treasurers and directors. One of the school’s most famous directors was Sir Walter Scott, poet and novelist, from 1828 to 1832. Plus, read through the names of the school’s sporting teams; such as, cricket, rugby, gymnastics and shooting. The register encompasses biographical details of scholars and index of names.
  
• Loretto School, Midlothian, Scotland (1825-1925)
  
  ‘The Loretto register, 1825 to 1925’
  
  Loretto is Scotland’s oldest boarding school. The register was published in 1927, including details of scholars, lists of sporting teams and competitions. The register features biographical details like birth date, residence, profession or military career and references to relatives who were Loretto scholars.
  
• Merchiston Castle School, Midlothian, Scotland (1833-1903)
  
  ‘Merchiston Castle School register, 1833-1903’
  
  The boarding school was founded in 1833. The register, published in 1906, consists of a full index of scholars’ names, plus some include biographical details such as leaving date, military career and death date.

• Carlisle Grammar School, Cumberland, England, (1264-1924)
  
  ‘Carlisle Grammar School memorial register’
  
  The register features illustrations, a historical sketch of the school, biographical information of the head masters and pupils. Biographical information includes admission date, father’s name, residential address, employment after leaving date and death date. The names of school masters are traced as far back as 1264.
  
• Eton College, Berkshire, England (1893-1899)
  
  ‘The Eton register, being a continuation of Stapylton’s Eton school lists’
  
  Compiled by the Old Etonian Association, the register covers 1893-1899, featuring scholars lists and list of those who served in the Boer War. It includes a register of provosts, fellows, masters and assistant master from 1891.
  
• King's College Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England (1797-1925)
  
  ‘Register of admission to King’s College, Cambridge’
  
  The register was published in 1929 by John J. Withers. It consists of short biographical notes of former students including family details, employment history, address and club membership. Entries are listed by year. On page 16 you will find notes on terms and abbreviations to help with reading through the register. The college was founded in 1441 by Henry VI.
  
• Leys School, Cambridgeshire, England (1872-1911)
  
  ‘Handbook of the Leys school, Cambridge’
  
  The handbook was published by the Old Leysian Union in 1912, compiled by J.C. Isard. It consists of the school history, lyrics of Leys songs and many photographs. The register includes admission and leaving years and school achievements.
  
• Wellington College, Berkshire, England (1859-1923)
  
  ‘Wellington College register, January 1859 – December 1923’
  
  This fifth edition of the register was compiled by Charles T. Hunt, the registers consist of a list of winners of cadets’ trophy, athletic challenge cup, dormitory athletic shield and those who won the Victoria Cross after leaving college. You will also find lists of tutors, organists, medical officers, house badges and visitors including Queen Victoria, King Edward VII and King George V. The register lists includes the pupil’s father’s name and school achievements.

• Blundell's School, Devon, England (1770-1882)
  
  ‘Blundell’s School Register, Tiverton’
  
  Read through a detailed introduction, extensive appendices and view illustrations. Biographical details of students include father’s name, birth date and year admitted into school. The register includes a full alphabetical index of Blundell’s School scholars.
  
• Derby School, Derbyshire, England (1570-1901)
  
  ‘The Derby School Register, 1570-1901’
  
  The register stretches across centuries of the school’s history, edited by B. Tacchella, assistant master of Derby School, the document includes lists of head masters, prize donors, captains of school and sports. The scholars list begins in 1570 with Thomas Hadley and continues through to 1901. You will find biographical details such as father’s name, leaving date and employment information after school years.
  
• Repton School, Derbyshire, England (1557-1905)
  
  ‘Repton School register, 1557 to 1905’
  
  The register was edited by G.S. Messiter and consists of historical notes about the school, masters, headmasters, governors and biographical details of scholars. Biographical details consist of admission and leaving year, father’s name, school achievements, profession and death date.
  
• Sherborne School, Dorset, England (1823-1892)
  
  ‘The Sherborne Register, 1823 to 1892’
  
  Compiled and arranged by H. H. House, the register was published in 1893. It features three colour plans of the school, history of the school, lists of prize winners and headmasters. You can find scholar’s father’s name, residence, admission year, age at admission and profession after school.

• Clifton College, Gloucestershire, England (1862-1922)
  
  ‘Clifton College annals and register, 1862-1912’
  
  Edited by F. Borwick, assistant master at Clifton College. Read about the founding of the school, achievements in school athletics and Roll of Honour from the Boer War. To assist with reading through the register you can find a list of abbreviations starting on page 148. A full school register begins on page 152 with admission date, father’s name, leaving date, post education employment and residence.
  
• Durham School, Durham, England (1840-1912)
  
  ‘Durham School register’
  
  This second edition of the school register consists of historical notes about the school, lists of headmasters and school athletic teams. It was published in June 1912 and edited by Charles S. Earle and Lawrence A. Body. The register features many photographs and lists headmasters as far back as 1541. Find biographical details of alumni including admission and leaving years, father’s name, career, years of service, address and death date.
  
• Haileybury School, Hertfordshire, England (1862-1900)
  
  ‘Haileybury Register’
  
  Published in 1900 and edited by L.S. Milford, the register lists names of master, school prize winners and sporting teams. It includes a full alphabetical index of scholars’ names and a history of the school. On page 52 you will find a list of abbreviations to assist you with reading through the register of students. The register includes biographical details such as, career details after leaving school, spouse names and death date.
  
• Winchester College, Hampshire, England (1836-1890)
  
  ‘Winchester commoners, 1836-1890’
  
  The document consists of a register of commoners who attended Winchester College. It includes biographical notes like further education and profession, plus an alphabetical index. The register was published in 1891 by Clifford W. Holgate.
  

• Charterhouse School, London, England (1614-1900)
  
  Two volumes:
  
  ‘Alumni Carthusiani - Foundation scholars of charterhouse’ Includes detailed history of the school, scholars list from 1614 to 1679, admission records from 1680 to 1874 and lists of schoolmasters, preachers and governors.
  
  ‘Charterhouse school register’ Register ranges from 1872 to 1900, including biographical details of students, lists of masters, headmasters and governors.
  
• Free Grammar School of Queen Elizabeth, Lincolnshire, England (1854-1894)
  
  ‘The Horncastle Grammar school’
  
  The document consists of a history of the school from 1599 to 1894 and a transcript of the school register. The register starts from page 110, listed alphabetically by year.
  
• King's School, Kent, England (1835-1920)
  
  ‘The Roffensian register’
  
  The register of the King’s School, Rochester was published in 1920. It includes all members of the school from 1835-1920, plus names of headmasters from 1552 and second masters from 1599. The register details pupil’s address, achievements at school and activities after leaving school such as professions and military careers.
  
  
• Manchester Free Grammar School, Lancashire, England (1730-1807)
  
  ‘Admission register of Manchester Free Grammar school, vols I & II’
  
  The register covers 1730-1807, across two volumes. Edited by Rev. Jeremiah Finch and published by the Chetham Society, it encompasses the names of pupils, followed by father’s name, occupation and some include additional detailed annotation about the pupil’s family.
  
• Rossall School, Lancashire, England (1844-1894)
  
  ‘The Rossall register, 1844 to 1894’
  
  Published in 1895, the register features historical notes about the school, honours lists, house cups and athletic records. Edited by T.W. Ashworth, it includes 250 pages of names of Rossallians with some biographical notes. Abbreviations can be found on page 8 to assist with reading the register.
  
• St Lawrence College, Kent, England (1879-1924)
  
  ‘Register of St. Lawrence College’
  
  This second edition of the register was published in 1925. It features a full list of St. Lawrence scholars with annotated biographical details like birth date, school achievements, athletic records, leaving date, military career, profession and death date. The register also includes a World War 1 Roll of Honour.
  

• Balliol College Oxford, Oxfordshire, England (1832-1914)
  
  ‘Balliol College Oxford Register’
  
  College register includes biographical details of pupils like birth date, father’s name, career details after leaving education, residence at time of publication and spouse name. The register also includes a Who’s Who of Balliol, 1914.
  
• Duke of Northumberland's School, Northumberland, England (1811-1911)
  
  ‘Admission register of Duke of Northumberland’s school, Alnwick’
  
  Discover excellent biographical material of schools including professions and address. Also includes a full alphabetical index of scholars’ names.
  
  
• Exeter College Oxford, Oxfordshire, England (1318-1878)
  
  ‘Register of the rectors, fellows, scholars etc. of Exeter College Oxford’
  
  The register, printed in 1879, contains lists of the rectors, fellows and scholars with fantastic biographical details, as well as exhibitioners and bible clerks of Exeter College, Oxford. You will find scholars’ fathers’ names, dates of admission and leaving and further notes of accomplishments. It features an extensive history of the college by Rev. Charles William Boase with illustrations.
  
• Harrow School, Middlesex, England (1801-1893)
  
  ‘The Harrow school register, 1801-1893’
  
  Published in 1894, edited by R. Courtenay Welch, it records thousands of Harrovians. The register includes biographical details of former pupils, such as father’s name, career information and death date. The register is arranged alphabetically by entrance year.
  
• Keble College Oxford, Oxfordshire, England (1870-1925)
  
  ‘Keble College register, 1870 to 1925’
  
  Published in 1927 and compiled by Major O.C.C. Nicolls for the Keble Association. The document lists wardens, tutors, bursars, presidents of clubs and societies and sporting teams. The register is listed alphabetically by year in a table form. The table comprises name, birth date, education history, profession, marital status and address.
  
• Merchant Taylors’ School, Middlesex, England (1871-1900)
  
  ‘Merchant Taylors’ school register, 1871-1900’
  
  The register lists prize winners, sporting teams and assistant masters, plus includes historical notes about the independent school for boys. Published in 1907, the register includes the pupil’s father’s name, school achievements, birth date and profession.
  
• Radley College Oxford, Oxfordshire, England (1847-1904)
  
  ‘St. Peter’s college, Radley register, 1847-1904’
  
  Published in 1905, this covers 1847 to 1904 and lists those who served in the Boer War, participated in sporting teams and prize winners. You can find abbreviations on page 14 to help with reading the register. The register includes leaving date, education details, profession and spouse’s name.
  
• Shrewsbury School, Shropshire, England (1798-1898)
  
  ‘Shrewsbury school register’
  
  Compiled by J.E.Auden and published in 1898. The register lists school teams, head boys and includes two colour plans of the school. You will find biographical details of the former students, such as birth date, leaving date, medals achieved, profession after school and death date.

• Dulwich College, Surrey, England (1619-1926)
  
  ‘Dulwich College Register, 1619-1926'
  
  Compiled by Thomas Lane Ormiston, the register includes biographical information about the scholars including dates of entrance and leaving. Also, find lists of school staff, sporting teams, college governors, clerks and editors of the college magazine, ‘Alleynian,’ first published in 1873. Review a detailed history of the founding of Dulwich College and the founder, Edward Alleyn.
  
• Epsom College, Surrey, England (1855-1905)
  
  ‘Epsom College Register from October 1855 to July 1905’
  
  The register was printed in 1905 in London. It lists headmasters, assistant masters, houses and house masters plus includes photographs. The register includes a transcript of college admission registers with biographical notes, prize lists and scholarships. Abbreviations are explained on pages 55 and 56 to assist you with understanding the register notes.
  
• Kingswood School, Somersetshire, England (1746-1897)
  
  ‘The History of Kingswood School’
  
  The document includes an extensive history of the school and a register of pupils of Kingswood. The details within the list is brief and includes birth year, death year, residence and employment after school.
  
  
• Rugby School, Warwickshire, England (1901-1905)
  
  Two volumes
  
  ‘Rugby School Yearbooks 1901-1905’ include the names of all pupils from upper, middle and lower classes, members of cadet corps and general information about the school. The yearbooks list students by year and then in classes.
  
  ‘Companion to the Rugby School Register’ is register of one of the most famous schools in England, published in 1871. It includes a useful index of names and names of distinguished Rugbeians from 1675 to 1871. The register features detailed and extensive biographical information consisting of father’s name, residence, professional career and death date.
  

• Ackworth School, Yorkshire, England (1879-1930)
  
  ‘History of Ackworth School’ and associated publications
  
  Read through the history of Ackworth School’s first one hundred years written by Henry Thompson, including illustrations by Mary Hudson. The publications includes photographs of staff and students and detailed biographies of notable Ackworth scholars. Also, a list of members of the Old Scholars' Association from 1901.
  
• Free Grammar School of Queen Elizabeth, Yorkshire, England (1591-1891)
  
  ‘History of the Free Grammar School of Queen Elizabeth at Wakefield’
  
  Compiled by Matthew Henry Peacock. The school was founded by charter of Queen Elizabeth in 1591. The history was written to commemorate the school’s 300th anniversary. It includes illustrations of the school and head masters. The register of the pupils includes some biographical notes.
  
• Giggleswick School, Yorkshire, England (1499-1921)
  
  ‘The Giggleswick School register, 1499 to 1921’
  
  Published in 1922, edited by H.B. Atkinson, the register includes biographical details of scholars from 1499-1921 for instance, career information, activities during the Great War and death date. It features lists of headmasters, staff and names of sports team members as well as a Roll of Honour for those who served and fell in World War One
  
• Sedbergh School, Yorkshire, England (1546-1909)
  
  ‘The Sedbergh School register, 1546 to 1909’
  
  The register was published in 1909 and includes biographical details about scholars like employment after school. It features a Boer War Roll of Honour, illustrated plans of the school and photographs of headmasters. Additionally, read through the History of Sedbergh School, 1525 to 1925, by Henry Lowther Clarke, beginning on page 762.
  
• St Peter's School, Yorkshire, England (1828-1844)
  
  ‘History of St. Peter’s school: York, A.D. 627 to the present day’
  
  Written by Angelo Raine and published in 1926 with a forward written by Rt. Rev. G. F. Browne, D. D. the late Bishop of Bristol, the register consists of a history of St. Peter’s School from 627 AD to twentieth century.
  
  Four out of the thirteen Gunpowder Plotters were educated at St. Peter’s, including Guy Fawkes. Interestingly, appendix C on page 228 includes a transcript of the indenture, a legal contract, written by Guy Fawkes to St. Peter’s School, for the sale of lands on which the school now stands.