WHAT? WHERE?

Dauntsey’s School is a co-ed day and boarding school for ages 11-18, in the village of West Lavington, South of Devizes. As locations go, it’s an absolute stunner – the school enjoys views over Wiltshire’s rolling downs and Salisbury plan.

Dauntsey’s was founded in 1542 and moved to its current site in 1895. The main school campus occupies a whopping 150 acres of land, with 865 pupils enjoying a vast rural setting and sprawling open spaces. Most pupils come from within an hour’s commute of the school (both day and boarders, with bus routes running as far as Swindon, Hungerford, Andover, Bath and Trowbridge), as well as London, Yorkshire and Scotland. International pupils (around 7%) come from across the globe. The current intake including students from Hong Kong, Spain and Vietnam

The school has a strong family feel, is down to earth and totally unpretentious, with children coming equally from local prep schools and state primary schools. Their homely intentions are clear from the off, with the reception area’s roaring open fire, comfy sofas and welcoming staff.

FACILITIES

A handsome Victorian red brick main building greets you, and is backed up by sympathetically-added modern additions, including some very attractive wood-clad structures and others with vast glass windows.

The sports facilities are seriously impressive, as is the vast Memorial Hall. As well as assemblies and drama productions this plays hosts to the seasonal programme of Mercer’s Lectures, which attract big names including broadcaster Clare Balding, travel journalist Simon Calder and renowned clinical psychologist Tanya Byron. In keeping with the school’s community spirit, these are open to the public and totally free to attend.

The science block strikes a balance between state-of-the art labs and sweet little greenhouses, where gardening and experiments take place. The corridors have the feel of a particularly accessible science museum, with engaging displays and models. Last but not least is the tuck shop, a break time favourite when it comes to treats and warm, freshly baked cookies.

SPORT

Sport is important here, with all teams well supported. You’ll find Headmaster John Davies in amongst it on match days, and he’ll referee the younger rugby matches when he gets a chance. Rugby, hockey, cricket, netball, athletics and football are biggies, but for those who prefer a different dose of adventure there’s everything from yoga to fencing and rock climbing.

The very shiny sports pavilion is something of a showstopper, with its eco-friendly credentials and 180-degree views across the school’s Astros. Word has it from the parents that the match teas are also second to none. Alongside the two large Astros there’s also a sports hall with climbing wall and an athletics track, specifically designed for disabled athletes. All this is used frequently by clubs in the local community. In fact community spirit is big here, with everything from netball to dance camps offered, free of charge, to children in the area.

A glassy 25m swimming pool is available for training, fitness and fun. Many choose to enjoy an early morning swim, and there’s the option to do a lifeguarding qualification further up the school. Once earned, this translates into paid lifeguarding sessions for those wanting to earn a bit of cash. Students also enjoy PT sessions in the swanky gym. This has recently been updated, adding in several power racks and shiny weights equipment.

The Firsts’ rugby and cricket pitch is truly gorgeous, sitting at the heart of the school in front of the impressive main building. Unsurprisingly, the big matches attract a lot of spectators.

MUSIC, ART & DRAMA

The performing arts are championed at Dauntsey’s. The Memorial Hall is one of Wiltshire’s biggest venues and pretty impressive. It houses weekly chapel services as well as assemblies, concerts, and drama and dance performances. A Summer Festival also runs every two years – a mini Edinburgh Fringe with plays, jazz nights, even busking taking place in halls, classrooms and marquees across the school grounds.

Two drama studios and a large dance studio offer every form of dance, from ballet to contemporary. Indeed, dance (as well as other performing arts) is a large part of life at Dauntsey’s and dance lessons are on the curriculum in the lower years, for boys as well as girls. There is even a boys-only dance group called GNI (Girls Not Invited) which is very popular.

The art block is tucked away in a peaceful spot across the playing fields from the main entrance, and has a dedicated photographic suite. From the displays it’s clear that this is a talented bunch, who aren’t afraid to push boundaries. The large DT block is very smart too – metal work, wood work and laser cutting equipment is state of the art.

Over 400 musical instrument lessons are scheduled each week, on the full range of orchestral instruments, as well as piano, guitar, organ and singing. Pupils taking music tuition are encouraged to join the in-house bands, orchestras, chamber ensembles and choirs. There’s an annual Rock Fest too, when pupils from First Form through to Sixth Form and even staff strut their stuff on stage to a packed Memorial Hall

Last but not least is the tuck shop, a break time favourite when it comes to treats and warm, freshly-baked cookies.

ACADEMIC

A Levels are strong. In 2024, 13% of the grades awarded were at A*, 40% at A* – A and 74% A* – B. Of 144 pupils, 94% achieved a place at their preferred Uni (of which top ones were Oxford, Exeter, Warwick, Durham, UCL, Birmingham, London Guildhall of Music, Central St Martins).

For GCSEs, in 2024, 40% of pupils gained a clean sweep of 9 and 8 grades, while 64% achieved at least seven 9 – 7 grades.

A particular “have-a-go” attitude to science is striking, and seems to lead to even initially reluctant pupils catching the science bug. Scholarships are up for grabs too, and the Oxbridge pathway is currently being honed, with potential candidates identified and (gently) supported from an early age.

SEN are well provided for, with over one hundred pupils receiving some form of learning support. There is also an EAL department.

SIXTH FORM

There are 290 in the sixth form, with some joining from other schools. A broad range of 29 subjects are offered. Around 50% of the sixth form study maths, with science coming a close second (maths and science-based subjects are also the most popular university choices for leavers). Psychology is hugely popular too, as are languages, particularly German and Spanish. Arts subjects are not only popular but encouraged, with plenty of artists and art historians in the Sixth Form. All pupils take three or four subjects at A Level, plus an EPQ or equivalent. They don’t have to choose from strict modules, so any subject combination goes.

When it comes to next steps, Jenna Jones, the recently appointed Head of Futures, is ideally placed to guide and advise. She arrived in September 2024, fresh from five years with the Undergraduate Student Recruitment and Admissions team at the University of Bath. Popular university destinations include Exeter, Cardiff, Manchester, Durham, Newcastle, Bath and UCL, with others going to Oxford, studying abroad or to art foundation courses.

Sixth formers wear their own clothes and have more freedom than younger years. They have their own mezzanine area in the library for study and even have their own (recently revamped) café/common, The Pig & Whistle. This is a great space where they can exercise some independence, eating pizza, playing pool and drinking barista coffees. They are free to use the space for celebrations too, like birthday parties.

THE HEAD

John Davies took the helm in September 2024. He joined Dauntsey’s from Kingswood in Bath, where he had a hugely successful tenure as Senior Deputy Head and Vice Principal. He’s tremendously open, engaging, big on baking sourdough and passionate about knowing every child and their story. His own daughter is also thriving at the school.

John is a very present kind of Head – you’ll find him welcoming pupils off their buses in the morning, refereeing rugby and chatting to parents at match teas. A keen drummer, singer and actor, he’s enthusiastic about putting his talents to good use on the school stage. He’s also big on uniting the Dauntsey’s community in music and song, largely because it’s a great way to boost endorphins and enhance connection.

He may be refreshingly down-to-earth, but John’s focus is laser sharp. He’s ambitious for the school and he exudes just the sort of quiet yet robust confidence we’d all hope to instil in our children. He’s also very forward-thinking when it comes to education, and passionate that the independent sector has a responsibility to use its freedom to innovate. To that end, he’s intent on exploring creative curriculum options that can weave in AI literacy, as well as emotional intelligence, collaborative skills, leadership and entrepreneurial thinking.

The facilities here are already spot-on, but he’d like to expand the Sixth Former’s area, perhaps with a dedicated centre that offers a pre-university feel. He’s also keen to up the ante on the seating in the Memorial Hall, to make it an even more powerful hub for the creative arts.

When it comes to preparing pupils for life beyond Dauntsey’s, John is big on launching young adults who can be nimble at a time of rapid change. The world of work is rapidly evolving but finding your niche involves understanding what really makes you tick. He’s intent on raising young people to be ambitious, brave and compassionate – and if they get those things right, they will find success.

ENTRY

Entry points are Years 7, 9 and 12. Those entering in Year 7 take a combination of written and online assessments, plus an interview. It’s worth knowing that the bursaries model is currently changing to allow for more partial bursaries to be offered. These will be means-tested of course.

BOARDING

40% of pupils board at Dauntsey’s (and more would like to – there’s a waiting list) – the structure is full boarding only (no flexi), however the model is relaxed enough that pupils can go home after matches on Saturday afternoon and return Sunday night or even Monday morning.

There is Saturday school for all, and the rest of the weekend is pretty busy too, with an average of two-thirds of all boarders staying at school to enjoy a varied Saturday night programme and frequent Sunday excursions – think ice-skating or trampolining. Many pupils start as day students, drifting into boarding further up the school. The house system is the cornerstone of life at Dauntsey’s and, whether children are boarders or day pupils, they are mentored, tutored and cared for by the house staff.

A special mention must go to The Manor, the lower school (Year 7-9) co-ed boarding house. A truly stunning building on an even more stunning 65-acre site a rural ten minute walk from school, it has its own golf course, sports pitches and woodlands. Lovingly (and very prettily) decorated for each season, it is homely and fun – the perfect introduction to boarding life. In fact, the arrangement of a lower school boarding house makes for a very easy transition from prep school as it is very much a family setting, with seven members of staff on site and only pupils from years 7 to 9 living there.

Boarding for years 10-13 is in single-sex houses on the main school site, with each house having their own, very homely, sitting room and kitchen, where older pupils can make their own snacks. Adjacent outside seating areas provide lovely spots for al fresco prep or socialising.

WRAP-AROUND CARE

Clubs and co-curricular are big here, with around 80 on offer. These range from fencing to hockey, rifle shooting, craft and model railway. Not matter your strengths, there is something to help you feel good about yourself. This includes food too – local catering company Vaughan’s Kitchen run cookery courses in Years 10 and 11, as well as a professional-standard course in the Sixth Form. There’s also a strong, student led eco movement, Big Green Thing (BGT) which consistently works on reducing the school’s carbon footprint.

The vast majority of day pupils catch one of the many school buses – 13 arrive each morning, coming from across Wiltshire and beyond. Pupils are in for 8.25am registration, so buses will pick up around 7.30am for many. If required, day pupils can join the 7.45am boarder’s breakfast. The day ends at 4pm, followed by tea and prep / club time, with transport leaving at 5.30pm. There are loads of bus routes on offer, stopping off at towns including Chippenham, Hungerford, Andover, Frome and Swindon.

WHAT ELSE?

Believe it or not, Dauntsey’s has its own tall ship, the Jolie Brise, based at Hamble on the south coast. This 70ft, 110-year-old pilot cutter was acquired by the school in 1977 and is sailed by Dauntsey’s pupils throughout the year. Everyone gets a go, spending 24 hours on board ship during Year 10. If pupils catch the bug, a place on the sailing team beckons, or sailing expeditions to Norway or Iceland. The school even has a full-time Head of Sailing, and is skippered by a crew that includes Old Dauntseian Harriet Steptoe, who captained a crew in this year’s Tall Ships series.

ADVENTURE EDUCATION

High sea adventures are just a snippet of the jaunts offered at Dauntsey’s. Sam Moore is the school’s Head of Adventure, encouraging and inspiring adventure education throughout the school. Pupils take part in challenges and expeditions far and wide across the globe, and every year sixteen Lower Sixth-formers tackle the Devizes to Westminster canoe race. This 127-mile ultra-marathon is an incredible undertaking – pupils tackle it over four days, camping at night. It’s a life-changing experience, any many ex-students are still involved in the race today.

Each year group takes part in its own adventure programme with numerous options to try new things, from kayaking to mountain climbing, outdoor cookery, night hiking and life saving. It is all about building confidence, starting with Moonrakers in Year 9 when students work through a series of adventures including sub aqua and orienteering, culminating in a 6-day camp in North Wales where they are let loose to put their outward bound skills to the test.

Adventure Education at Dauntsey’s is entirely authentic: pupils camp in mountain huts, cross rivers, build rafts with barrels and planks to escape sandbars – all safe of course, but they are taught to be aware of consequences (like the tide coming in!). Older pupils choose from accessible adventures that need no experience to high adventures that require skills and training, achieving serious results at the end.

Trips are big here too. On our tour the Sixth Formers recount fond memories of a geography adventure in Iceland. A group of Second Form pupils even spent time in the North of Sweden on an ‘Arctic Adventure’ of a lifetime, tackling challenges including an alpine luge competition, ice fishing, cross country ski-ing, igloo building, snow shoeing, building campfires and husky sledding.

But it doesn’t have to be the big stuff – adventure at Dauntsey’s is about small scale challenges too. The school expects pupils to take part, try new things and ‘have a go’, even if that’s merely standing up on stage in front of their peers. The atmosphere is such that pupils feel supported, even if they fail. Nobody laughs. The whole adventure programme is consciously non-competitive. The aim, apart from fun and fitness, is to teach kids to be organised, flexible, collaborative and not risk-averse.

PASTORAL CARE

Pupils have several options if they need a helping hand, starting with their older student mentors. Student-run counselling body The Listening Service has a whopping 40 trained student members who are available at any time for a chat. Other ports of call are their tutor and Housemistress and Student Voice, an online platform where children can report anything that’s on their mind. There are also two full time counsellors in the well-being centre, where there’s the option for quiet space with a hot chocolate and Hollie, the resident therapy Cavapoo.

Here at Dauntsey’s, the pastoral framework is deeply embedded in all aspects of day-to-day life. In fact, Eleni Conidaris (Head of Lower School) says the emphasis is on building confidence long before pupils walk into school on their first day. Instead of just sitting entrance exams, prospective pupils get stuck into fun art and science activities. There’s a newcomer’s lunch over the summer, with parents and even grandparents encouraged to join in. By September, every pupil has received a postcard from a Second Form “buddy,” who gives a warm welcome on that all-important first day.

QURIKS

You had me at their own tall ship.

If that’s not enough, they’ve got an apiary for bee keeping enthusiasts.

ISI REPORTS

Dauntsey’s nailed an ‘Excellent’ rating by the ISI (Independent Schools Inspectorate) in 2018; The school was awarded the rating in all aspects of the report which assessed by the quality of education and other achievements and the pupil’s personal development. Read the reports here.

WORD ON THE STREET

The school engenders great loyalty from past and present pupils. The OD community is thriving, and many ex pupils send their children and even grandchildren here too. Try bringing it up and I bet you’ll be met with a loving sigh of “Ahhh Dauntsey’s!” .

FEES

Day pupils £23,730 (£7,910 per term) per term, Boarding pupils £39,270 (£13,090 per term), International boarding pupils £15,110 per term. A 10% discount on boarding fees will apply for second and subsequent pupils from the same family attending Dauntsey’s together.

THE MUDDY VERDICT

In our book, Dauntsey’s is an unpretentious, thriving, go-getting school with a truly magical feel – a school very much going places. This is a lively, engaged school, with multi-million-pound facilities, strong academics and an excellent reputation in the area. A friendly, happy place with confident, grounded, well-balanced kids. This feels like a low-key boarding school, or a day school with incredible boarding facilities. Park the bling at the door and you’ll be quite at home.

GOOD FOR: Pretty much everyone. Dauntsey’s can support the brightest and yet, being the size they are, will catch those who might fall between the cracks elsewhere. Adventure education like nowhere else, so future Bear Grylls-types are sure to thrive. Academic results are consistently strong and the atmosphere is family at its best.

PROBABLY NOT FOR: Pupils who don’t like trying their hand at lots of different things. You’ve got to get stuck in here!

Open day: Put the next date in your diary now: 5 May 2025. Open Days get booked up fast! If you can’t make it, the school also organises small group tours throughout the year to fit parents’ schedules.

Dauntsey’s School, High Street, West Lavington, Devizes SN10 4HE, Tel: 01380 814500, dauntseys.org

Dauntsey’s, Devizes

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