Independent School Options

EDUCATION CHOICES MAGAZINE RECOMMENDED SCHOOLS

Bath Academy

Bath Academy is an independent college and language school located near the famous Jane Austen Centre. It specialises in tailored and personalised education for its students, offering tutorial support in academic and English language courses. It aims to meet the needs of each individual student and help them fulfil their academic potential in whatever they choose to pursue. Students attend the Academy from various backgrounds and cultures, and all are able to carve out their own academic journey, receiving the best chance to apply to high quality universities. This year was a record year for the school, with a record number of students offered places at their chosen destinations. www.bathacademy.co.uk

Blundell’s School and Prep School

Blundell’s School is an independent co-educational day and boarding school located in Tiverton, Devon. Regardless of whether a student starts at their Pre-Prep or Sixth Form, Blundell’s ensures that every pupil gets the complete “Blundell’s Experience”. They possess a strong academic ethos whilst also maintaining traditional values of family life, viewing education as a means of developing students into young men and women who are prepared to make a meaningful difference within their communities. The school motto, ‘Non Sibi’, encourages three values: courtesy, selflessness and empathy, which enables students to go on to enjoy lives of consequence and fulfilment. www.blundells.org

Bryanston School

Bryanston School is a co-educational day and boarding school for students aged 3 to 18. Renowned for its success in creative thinking, Bryanston fosters an inspiring, open-minded culture, and strives to help children find and pursue their individual passions. Every child at Bryanston reaches their fullest academic potential and is given the opportunity to become the very best they can be. The school promises that the education they provide will give their students confidence, strength, purpose, and a mind prepared for anything. www.bryanston.co.uk

Canford School

One of the few remaining full boarding schools for pupils aged 13 to 18, and with strong academic results (including 41% A, 75% A*/A at A Level 2022), Canford equips Upper Sixth leavers for bright futures, whatever their chosen pathway. “Making a difference” is central to the school’s ethos, and pupils are encouraged to work hard and support both their peers and beyond in the wider community, following four core values: Humble Ambition, Gracious Leadership, Courageous Attitude and Purposeful Engagement. Ultimately, their aim is for every pupil to “Explore, Express and Excel” within a dynamic, caring, and inspirational school environment. www.canford.com

Castle Court School

Castle Court School is a co-educational preparatory school for students aged between 2 and 13, located near the village of Corfe Mullen in Dorset. Students at Castle Court are intellectually curious and possess a deep capacity for critical thinking, and the outstanding pastoral and tutor team are dedicated to honouring each child’s unique abilities and talents. Students are given numerous opportunities to connect with the world around them, and are equipped with the necessary tools to succeed well beyond their time at Castle Court. In their recent ISI inspection, the school was rated ‘Excellent’ across all areas, or ‘Compliant’. www.castlecourt.com

Chard School

Chard School is a small independent school for children aged 4 to 11 with an excellent academic record. It is situated in Chard, close to the meeting point of Somerset, Devon and Dorset. Their pupils are happy and motivated learners who truly benefit from the individual tuition our small class sizes can give them, and who also have the opportunity to become involved in the many artistic, musical, and sporting activities on offer. As an intentionally small school, their guiding principle is to find the most effective teaching approach for each and every child, and to instill a sense of fun and discovery into the learning process. www.chardschool.co.uk

Clayesmore School and Prep School

From students aged 8 in the Prep School to aged 18 in the Sixth Form, Clayesmore School is a co-educational day and boarding school in Dorset committed to becoming a sustainable centre for educational excellence. They believe that a ‘one size fits all’ approach is limiting, meaning the promotion of kindness, integrity and equality are vital to their school’s community. With the Prep school on the same site, the transition is seamless. www.clayesmore.com

Downside School

Founded in 1617, Downside School is a leading co-educational Catholic boarding and day school for pupils aged between 11 and 18, located in Stratton-on-the-Fosse, Radstock. As a Catholic and Benedictine school, Downside’s vision is to inspire service in the world, and to be a bright light in education. The school’s aims include: being uncompromising in pursuit of academic excellence, developing students’ characters and confidence not only through academics but also through sport and various co-curricular activities on offer, and maintaining a positive school environment and culture of love, humility, integrity and leadership through service. www.downside.co.uk

Dumpton School

People often remark that there is something special about Dumpton. Their smiling, purposeful pupils clearly live by the school motto: “You can because you think you can”; a quick look at the array of academic and co-curricular achievements is testament to that. The beautiful surroundings and impressive facilities create an excellent environment for children to learn, and a committed, caring staff work hard to ensure that every child has the opportunity to fulfil their potential. But it is the tangible sense of the positive culture amongst pupils, staff and parents - a culture built around strong relationships and the two school values of “Be Kind” and “Aim High” - that really shines through. www.dumpton.com

Exeter School

Founded in 1633, Exeter School is a selective co-educational school for pupils aged between 7 and 18. The school aims to uphold high standards of academic teaching, pastoral care and pupil conduct within a safe, tolerant, and friendly environment, and ensures that every student is supported in developing their academic, personal and physical potential. It prides itself on the wide range of activities offered for all students, such as swimming, indoor shooting, art and music, which enables them to deliver excellence in both a wide range of subject areas and their own personal interests. www.exeterschool.org.uk

Hanford School

Hanford School is a leading independent all-girls’ boarding and day school in Dorset for 7 to 13 year olds. They believe girls are best prepared for their senior schools and adult lives when they are free to develop in their own time and enjoy as diverse and carefree an environment as possible. Their pupils learn to be independent, confident in who they are, curious, inquisitive and creative; once they finish with us, they are absolutely ready to move on and excel at the senior school of their choice. By means of their inspiring and adventurous education, they achieve impressive results year after year, not only in the classroom, but also on the pitch and in any passions they choose to pursue. www.hanfordschool.co.uk

Hazlegrove Prep School

Hazlegrove Preparatory School is a non-selective, co-educational school in Sparkford, Somerset. The school welcomes children from ages 2 to 7 in the Pre-Prep and 7 to 13 in the Prep School, and encourages individuality, compassion and kindness in its students. Housing state-of-the-art facilities such as the Teaching and Learning Centre, a sports hall, an indoor swimming pool, and a theatre, Hazlegrove provides many different opportunities and experiences for students and prides itself on its all-round excellence, with students winning awards in various disciplines. www.hazlegrove.co.uk

Highgate Hill House School

Highgate Hill House School is a co-educational special school in Whitstone, Devon, for children aged between 5 and 16 with Special Educational Needs. Highgate Hill House School takes a holistic approach to education, taking into account students’ academic capabilities as well as social, emotional and sensory needs, which are brought together to form an overall picture of the individual. The school’s highly skilled staff are dedicated to creating a supportive, safe environment for students, which will enable them to thrive in all aspects of their school lives. www.hhhschool.co.uk

King Edward’s School

Recognised as Bath’s oldest school, founded in 1552, King Edward’s School is an independent, co-educational day school for pupils aged between 3 and 18 years. King Edward’s is a family of three schools, and the pre-prep, junior and senior sections all maintain an inspiring, supportive environment for the whole school community. Students are encouraged and nurtured to live up to their full potential, so that they can live happy, successful and fulfilled lives both in education and beyond it. www.kesbath.com

King’s College, Taunton

King’s provides day and boarding education for boys and girls aged 2 to 18. It comprises King’s Prep for children from nursery to Year 8, and King’s College Senior School from Year 9 to Sixth Form. The schools are situated on separate sites in the heart of the Somerset countryside and combine traditional values with state-of-the-art facilities. With a long-established boarding tradition, all pupils belong to a boarding house, making their house their home. As well as academic excellence, the breadth of sport and other cocurricular activities are unparalleled for a school of King’s size. 11+, 13+ and 16+ scholarships are available. www.kings-taunton.co.uk

King’s School and Nursery

King’s School and Nursery is a co-educational independent school based in Plymouth, Devon, for students from nursery up to 11 years old. The school has a warm and nurturing nature, and throughout there is a familial atmosphere with a strong sense of community. A focus is placed on developing students’ individual personalities and teaching them to possess thoughtfulness for others and good manners. Students are encouraged to take responsibility for their actions, while increasing their self-discipline, maturity and self-confidence. www.kingsschool-plymouth.co.uk

Kingswood School

Founded in 1748 by John Wesley, Kingswood School is an independent, co-educational day and boarding school in Bath, Somerset. It strives to ignite the potential of every student, caring for them on an individual basis and nurturing each student’s talents and skill sets with an inclusive, caring community and outstanding pastoral care. The Prep School teaches students from ages 9 months to 11 years, and the Senior School teaches ages 11 to 18 years. Both offer a holistic education, encouraging pupils to develop high levels of personal motivation and self-assurance. A positive environment is maintained at Kingswood, where pupils are able to consistently achieve excellent academic results as they progress well beyond their natural potential. www.kingswood.bath.sch.uk

Leweston School

Leweston School is a day and boarding school near Sherborne, Dorset. It consists of a Nursery, Prep School, Senior School and Sixth Form. The school prides itself on its vibrant and engaging community, where children are encouraged to act and think independently and to try every opportunity offered to them so they can discover and nurture their personal talents and passions. At Leweston, success is celebrated, whilst mistakes are treated as windows to new experiences which enable students to discover who they are and what they can achieve. This discovery process allows the school to ensure it is bringing out the best in every student, helping them to achieve highly and exceed expectations. www.leweston.co.uk

Millfield School and Prep School

Millfield is a leading co-educational boarding and day school for ages 2 to 18 across both their Prep and Senior school, set in 240 acres of Somerset countryside. The school offers a diverse range of subjects, sports, creative arts and activities, supported by outstanding facilities. These include an Olympic-sized swimming pool, an equestrian centre, indoor golf and cricket centres, and a 350-seat concert hall. The school’s aim is to ensure every child can discover their brilliance across all aspects of school life. Students and staff live by the school values: Be Kind, Be Authentic, Be Disruptors, Be Curious and Be Brilliant. www.millfieldschool.com

Milton Abbey School

Milton Abbey School is a day and boarding school located in Milton Abbas, Dorset. To prepare students for life beyond school, an extensive range of both traditional and vocational qualifications are on offer, from Biology and Economics to Equine Management and Film & TV Production. As well as learning curriculum content, students are taught to develop self-belief, positive attitudes and healthy habits for success throughout life. The small size of the school ensures that children are known by staff on an individual level, so effective and personalised targets are set for each child. Each student has access to excellent pastoral care, and can benefit from inspiration, challenge and encouragement from the incredible team of staff. www.miltonabbey.co.uk

Monkton Combe School

Monkton Combe School is an independent day and boarding school located in the village of Monkton Combe, near Bath, Somerset. It is a member of the Rugby Group of independent boarding schools, and offers both boarding and day options for students aged between 2 and 18 years. The school culture maintains self-confidence underpinned by humility, ensuring that students have integrity and are able to celebrate any failures by gaining the ability to reflect on their mistakes. Students are also encouraged to service the school community and beyond. www.monktoncombeschool.com

Park School

Park School is one of the United Kingdom’s longest running alternative primary schools, welcoming children from any and all cultural backgrounds. The school fosters a holistic learning environment, focused on nurturing and developing all aspects of its students’ lives, including their social and emotional resilience, their physical, intellectual, and spiritual self, and their sense of wellbeing. Children are taught self-respect, respect of others, and respect of the world around them, and Park School aims to encourage its students to grow into caring, compassionate and confident members of society. www.parkschoolonline.com

Plymouth College

Plymouth College is a co-educational independent school that aims to educate, enrich and empower its students. A liberal, progressive, dynamic, and adventurous environment has been created, and each child is emotionally and intellectually stimulated through the utilisation of holistic education. Students are empowered to become champions and leaders of their favourite activities, causes, subjects and the school’s values. In 2022, 76% of Plymouth College A Level students achieved A*-C grades. www.plymouthcollege.com

Prior Park College

Prior Park College is a co-educational Roman Catholic day and boarding school, located on a hill overlooking the city of Bath. Prior Park seeks to inspire children and teach them to think critically, enabling them to shape their own future and communicate effectively. The school offers a broad and balanced curriculum, to ensure that students are able to pursue their personal interests and also gain the qualifications they need to access the next stage of their education. Many students from Prior Park go on to study at their first-choice university, which for many includes Oxford, Cambridge, other Russell Group Universities, and medical school, while other students are encouraged to consider more vocational routes through tertiary education. www.priorparkcollege.com

Queen’s College

Queen’s College is an independent co-educational school located in Taunton, Somerset. The school is committed to fulfilling the potential of each individual, and each staff member cares deeply about the personal education journey of each child. Students are nurtured to reach their full potential, and a community of mutual respect and positivity encourages students to take informed risks and make mistakes, and teaches them to learn in an empowered and supportive way. www.queenscollege.org.uk

Sands School

Sands School is an alternative independent school for students aged 11 to 17 years old. Providing innovative education since 1987, this school ensures its teaching is child-centred through the implementation of small class sizes and a democratic ethos, which promotes mutual respect, self-directed learning, and trust among students. At Sands School, students are taught to think and choose for themselves, and are trusted to make key decisions about both their education and the daily running of the school. Students and staff work together to ensure Sands is a unique and enjoyable place to partake in study, work and play. www.sands-school.co.uk

Shebbear College

Shebbear College is an independent day and boarding school for students aged between 4 and 18 years old, founded by the Bible Christian Society in 1829. Graded “Excellent” in all areas of its 2021 ISI Inspection, the school maintains a busy community filled with academic purpose, outdoor adventure, creative discovery, and a wide range of cocurricular activities. The rural campus is 85 acres, containing high-quality facilities such as a music centre, art studios, hockey and football pitches, rugby fields, and outdoor tennis and netball courts, as well as a Sports Hall. www.shebbearcollege.co.uk

Sherborne Girls’ School

Sherborne Girls’ School is an all-girls’ independent day and boarding school for students aged between 11 and 18 years old. The school is committed to providing every student in its community with an excellent education that will help her choose her own path and succeed in life. The environment is a friendly and compassionate one which nurtures every girl’s talents, interests and strengths. Diverse opportunities are also on offer within both academic study and extracurricular activities, helping students to become kind, spiritually mature, inquisitive and aspirational. www.sherborne.com

Sherborne International School

Sherborne International School is a co-educational independent school for students from over 30 countries aged between 8 and 17 years old. It offers world-leading short course programmes, providing students with the opportunity to transform their English language skills whilst at the same time being introduced to British culture and the education system. The combination of small classes, highly qualified staff, and world-class facilities ensures students receive an incredible education; this is reinforced by the results of the ISI inspection, in which Sherborne International was judged to be “Excellent” in every category. www.sherborne-international.org

Sherborne Preparatory School

Sherborne Preparatory School is a non-selective, co-educational school in Sherborne, Dorset, welcoming children into the Pre-Prep from ages 3 to 7, and the Prep School from ages 7 to 13. As a school, they believe wholeheartedly in children being children, encouraging curiosity and inquisitiveness from their students. They aim to promote excellent work ethic through fostering passion, initiative, and a joy of learning, while helping children uncover and develop their own personalities and talents. www.sherborneprep.org

Sherborne School

Sherborne School is an all-boys’ boarding school located in north west Dorset. They are committed to providing students with an education that is shaped for the 21st century, creating the time and space to nurture their students’ individuality and prepare them for the future. All students are given the opportunity to pursue both academic study and a wide range of extracurricular interests, including art, music, drama and sport. Achievements within all areas, both academic and beyond, are celebrated by the entire school community. www.sherborne.org

St John’s School

St John’s School is an independent day and boarding school located in Sidmouth, Devon. Students are aged between 2 and 18, and attend their studies on a stunning campus which overlooks the sea. The campus has excellent facilities, including playing fields, tennis courts, an indoor sports hall, and an adventure playground. St John’s prides itself on its warm and happy atmosphere, housing a community which maintains a safe and caring environment for all. Students are encouraged to ask questions and be curious about the world, and small class sizes ensure that staff can get to know students on an individual level and help them reach their full potential. www.stjohnsdevon.co.uk

St Joseph’s School

St Joseph’s School is a happy, caring, and vibrant community which gives its students, aged between 4 and 16, a high-quality education. The school also provides resources for students to become confident and decisive, with the motivation and ability to reach their full potential. The whole school aims to nurture every child as an individual, valuing both academic achievement and extracurriculars equally. Pupils are given the encouragement to become competent individuals who are fully prepared for life beyond school. www.stjosephscornwall.co.uk

St Martin’s School

St Martin’s School has a strong ethos of love and care within a Christian community, and places a strong emphasis on ensuring pupils build secure relationships in which they can flourish and thrive. Each child is treated as an individual, with their uniqueness cherished and supported thoroughly. As a Church of England school, St Martin’s welcomes families of all faiths and none, believing that diversity enriches the school community and prepares children for the diverse world that they are living in. www.stmartinscranbrook.devon.sch.uk

St Petroc’s Early Years

St Petroc’s Early Years provides a high-class education for boys and girls aged 3 months to 4 years old. It is one of the most popular schools in the area of Bude and is only a short walk from the stunning North Cornwall coastline. Their aim is to surround students with a positive environment, enabling them to grow up into confident and balanced children who are prepared for their journey through school and beyond. www.stpetrocs-cornwall.co.uk

Sunninghill Preparatory School

Sunninghill Preparatory School is an independent school for pupils aged between 2 years, 9 months and 13 years old, located in the heart of Dorchester, Devon. The school is organised into three areas: Nursery and Reception, Junior Prep, and Senior Prep; there are dedicated aims for each area of the school, ensuring that each age group has its own set of goals that fits their needs at that stage in their education. Sunninghill Preparatory is passionate about ensuring pupils are equipped to be their best selves by nurturing and challenging them to possess both skills and ambition. Small class sizes in both the Junior Prep and Senior Prep enable the focus to be placed on individual pupils, ensuring their personal needs are met and they are equipped to thrive. www.sunninghillprep.co.uk

Talbot Heath School

Talbot Heath is a Church of England School founded in 1886, for girls aged 3 to 18. They offer a holistic education which is focused on preparing students for life beyond school, teaching them to be creative thinkers, digitally proficient, adaptable, resilient, and capable of working both collaboratively and independently. Talbot Heath believes pupils should be competent in all areas of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics). Students are actively encouraged to think and dream big, and the school provides a variety of opportunities which enable students to work on projects that they enjoy, from robotics to art installations to baking. www.talbotheath.org

Talbot House Prep School

Talbot House Preparatory School aims to nurture, challenge, and encourage its pupils to be the best they can be. The school takes pride in the quality education it provides and the happy, successful environment that is maintained within the school community. Talbot House wishes for its students to come in each day wanting to learn and having the motivation to do their best, and the small class sizes ensure that children get the personalised help they need to succeed; this is supported by the dedicated staff who are committed to helping the pupils reach their full potential as individuals. www.talbothouseschool.co.uk

The Maynard School

The Maynard School is the leading independent day school for girls aged between 4 and 16, located in the city of Exeter. It is the second oldest girls’ school in the United Kingdom, having been founded in 1658. As a selective school, it is a top academic school, and students consistently achieve outstanding public examination results, placing The Maynard School as one of the highest performing schools in the South West. Furthermore, the school has built up an outstanding reputation for excellence in the Arts, Sport and Music, and the extra-curricular programme has been carefully designed to strengthen useful attributes, including independence, awareness and self-confidence. www.maynard.co.uk

Totnes Progressive School

Totnes Progressive School is an independent school for children aged between 11 and 16 years. The school’s small classes, positive ethos of “Love, Acceptance, Respect and Safety”, bespoke activities program, and focus on nurturing relationships give students confidence and the support to genuinely enjoy their learning and reach their full potential. GCSE courses are started in Year 9 in order to give students the time to fully explore the subject content without the time constraints of the traditional GCSE syllabus timetable of two years. www.totnesprogressiveschool.devon.sch.uk

Trinity School

Trinity School prides itself on its commitment to excellence, both in academic and personal development. Its students are courageous and confident in their abilities, possess a strong passion for learning, and have curiosity about the wider world; they are encouraged to develop a personal vision, to show leadership and responsibility, and to service their community. In the most recent ISI inspection, the school’s pastoral care was rated “Excellent”, and Trinity School ensures that it works closely with families, generating a warm, familial atmosphere within the school community. www.trinityschool.co.uk

Truro High School

Winner of ‘Small Independent School of the Year’ in 2020, Truro High School fuels ambitious young girls - regardless of whether they are a day student or boarder - from the prep school all the way through to their Sixth Form. Particular focus is placed upon nurturing students into independent learners, who will sustain a lifelong intellectual curiosity throughout their time at the school and beyond. Pupils are frequently stretched and challenged beyond the curriculum, and are given the opportunity to take part in a variety of academic enrichment opportunities, as well as professional training qualifications and enterprise projects. www.trurohigh.co.uk

Truro School

Truro School is the largest co-educational independent school in Cornwall, educating over 1,050 students from pre-prep through to sixth form. This day and boarding school is situated across two campuses: one houses the Prep School, located next to the Royal Cornwall Hospital, and the other houses the Senior School, located within 40 acres of open spaces and sports fields overlooking Truro and its famous Cathedral. The school has high academic standards for its students, who have access to excellent pastoral support, high-quality facilities, and a range of co-curricular activities. www.truroschool.com

Wellington School

Wellington School is a co-educational independent day and boarding school located in Wellington, Somerset, for students aged between 3 and 18 years old. The school’s overall ethos rests on three pillars: building outstanding relationships formed by core values like kindness, inclusivity, trust and tolerance; the pursuit of excellence in everything that is attempted; and a genuine love for learning and education. Every single day at Wellington School is shaped by passion, imagination and excitement. Beyond the classroom, children attend Forest School once a week, where they are exposed to age-appropriate challenges, scenarios, and elements of risk in a controlled environment, building up self-esteem, confidence, independence and resilience. www.wellington-school.org.uk

Wells Cathedral School

Wells Cathedral School is a co-educational independent school located in Wells, Somerset. One of five specialist musical schools for school-aged children in the United Kingdom, the school houses an accepting community where being friends with others possessing extraordinary talent is the norm. Their motto, ‘Esto Quod Es’ (“Be What You Are”), represents the school’s core philosophy which shapes each pupil’s individual experience. Wells prides itself on producing well-rounded pupils who go on to be successful individuals within society. www.wells.cathedral.school

West Buckland School

West Buckland is a co-educational day and boarding school for students aged between 3 and 18, located on a stunning rural campus in Barnstaple. The school believes that academic excellence opens doors in pupils’ futures, and as a school they teach students to challenge their knowledge and develop as accomplished and well-rounded members of society who will have real impact. Pupils are encouraged to develop belief in their own abilities, make good judgements, and take risks. www.westbuckland.com