Founded in 1542, Dauntsey’s is a leading co-educational boarding and day school for 11–18 year olds, set in a 150-acre estate on the edge of Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire. We offer our 840 pupils challenge and inspiration, both inside and outside the classroom.
Academic endeavour is at the heart of all that we do, and we expect pupils to leave with strong exam results and a love of learning. But our ethos is about much more than exam grades. Drama, music, art and sport all flourish here and the rural surroundings provide an ideal setting for many outdoor activities. Our extensive adventure education programme encourages our pupils to develop important life skills, such as resilience, communication, creativity and teamwork.
The school’s uniquely lively and friendly atmosphere encourages pupils ‘to have a go’, try new things and so develop their self-confidence and self-belief. Our school community thrives on a culture of kindness and mutual respect which leads to a real sense of belonging.
For more information please visit our website www.dauntseys.org which provides a real flavour of life at Dauntsey’s. The community. Our house system is the cornerstone of our community, giving pupils a secure source of support and guidance on every aspect of life, as well as the chance to get together and have fun. Every pupil joins either a boarding or day house, which are co-educational in the Lower School (ages 11 to 13) and single sex in the Upper School (ages 14 to 18). Each house is run by a housemaster or housemistress and a team of tutors who take a close and active interest in pupils’ academic and social development, as well as encouraging them to make the most of the activities on offer. Above all, they really do make sure that the house is a home from home.
Curriculum. Throughout the school, the curriculum is broad and balanced, offering the opportunity to study an extensive range of subjects. The academic curriculum is well balanced, wide-ranging and offers a good amount of choice. The timetable offers a great deal of flexibility, with well-structured weekly lessons and extensive options that cater for the different interests and aptitudes of all our pupils. Dauntsey’s promotes independent learning, enabling pupils to fulfil their potential and develop the key skills they will need in later life. Gifted and talented pupils have access to work and experiences at the higher cognitive levels, to stimulate interest and develop advanced thinking skills, while pupils with mild learning difficulties get expert help and support from a dedicated team of specialist teachers.
Games. The major sports are rugby, football, hockey, cricket and netball. Other games options include tennis, squash, athletics, swimming, soccer, water polo, fencing, badminton and basketball. In the Sixth Form, further options include triathlon training, canoeing, basketball, rifle-shooting, yoga, cross-country, ballet and dance. Sixth Formers can also choose to do volunteer work within the community.
Extracurricular activities. Our adventure education and extracurricular programmes set us apart, encouraging pupils to try new experiences. From drama, dance, music, sport and a huge range of clubs and societies, to our lecture series, adventure programmes and volunteering initiatives – there are opportunities to suit everyone. We aim to push our pupils out of their comfort zone, inside and outside the classroom, and we bring that spirit of adventure to everything we do.
Fees per term 2024-2025. Boarders: £15,050; Day Pupils: £9,100. There are no compulsory extras. (Fees inclusive of VAT.)
Admission. Boys and girls are admitted at 11 and 13 (13+ entry is for boarding places only) by examination, school report and interview; to the Sixth Form by I/GCSE grade predictions or equivalent and interview.
Scholarships and bursaries. Scholarships and awards are available for boarding and day places at 11+, 13+ and 16+ and carry a maximum fee remission of 10%. For further details please contact the Registrar.
Charitable status. Dauntsey’s School is a Registered Charity, number 1115638. It is dedicated to the education of boys and girls.
Governors & Staff:
Chair of Governors:
Veryan Nield, BSc, MBA
Head Master: Mr John Davies, MA Oxon, MEd
Second Master: Mr A Collins, BA, MSc Oxon
Deputy Head (Pastoral): Mr H Thomas, LLB, MEd, MSt Oxon
Deputy Head (Academic): Mr D Noble, MA Oxon, MA, MBA
Deputy Head (Lower School): Miss E S Conidaris, BSc
Bursar: Mr James Davey, MEng
Head of Admissions: Mrs H Sullivan
Head Master’s Secretary: Mrs K Oldfield