WHAT? WHERE?

A day and boarding school for students aged 3-18, Godolphin has a prime position in the cathedral city of Salisbury. Its peaceful 16-acre site has views over the rolling chalk downs, yet a brisk five-minute walk takes you right to the heart of the city.

Godolphin was established back in 1726 from a bequest made by Elizabeth Godolphin, a visionary educationalist who saw her girls having as much opportunity as their brothers. It moved to its present 16-acre site in Milford Hill in 1891, and has strong links with Salisbury Cathedral, with the bishop and chapter still represented on the governing body.

There are currently around 430 students, of which 100 are sixth form, 300 seniors and 50 in the prep. Most students come from within an hour’s radius, many from Winchester and Southampton. Around 60% board – from military families, from London or further afield in the UK, with 10% international students. There are houses for day students as well as boarders and the large library is refreshingly full of books (surprisingly, this isn’t always the case).

Importantly, there are a few exciting changes afoot. As of September 2024, Godolphin is set to welcome both boys and girls into the mix. The journey to co-education begins in the Prep, with the Senior school following in September 2025. It’s a bold move, but one that will fulfil the rising demand for co-education, and the increase in families wanting all their children to have a shared school experience.

FACILITIES

The main school building sits in prime position in the middle of the campus, with Godolphin Prep, Godolphin Sixth, the art block, science block, performing arts centre, boarding houses and playing fields surrounding. While the original red brick building is the main looker on site, skilful use of space makes for a calm, rural feel, with stunning views. Inside is a vaulted neo-gothic school hall, with stained-glass windows representing each house. The oak-panelled walls are lined with honour boards naming past head students, and Godolphin Sixth enjoy the enviable privilege of participating in events and prayers from the lofty gallery. All in all it’s an impressive space, with a vast model of a life size squid suspended from the roof (as you do).

SPORT

A fitness centre, spotless 25m indoor pool, gym and hall fill the sports centre, with plenty of outdoor pitches.

Although lacrosse dominates the agenda (with four students recently selected for the England Academy), netball, hockey and tennis are also played to a high level. Lacrosse credentials are undeniably impressive though – the 1st team was recently awarded 2nd place in the National Schools Championships, and an Upper Sixth student is lauded as the most valuable attacker in the UK.

During the summer months, cricket and tennis are popular too, while the athletics team is still revelling in its haul of gold medals from the Wiltshire County tournament. One-to-one tennis coaching is also heavily subscribed, but there’s a light touch too. Parent student tennis matches are hotly contested, and parents and staff recently challenged the students to an exhilarating game of hockey.

From September 2024, Godolphin looks forward to welcoming Richard Hall as the new Director of Sport. Fresh from a decade as Director of Sport at the Kuwait English School, he brings years of co-educational experience and expertise.

CREATIVE ARTS

The cherry on the cake is the oh-so-impressive PAC (performing arts centre) featuring a roundel theatre, ample lobby and practice rooms. It’s a haven for all things drama and music, where classes, school plays, LAMDA exams and smaller performances take place throughout the year, alongside community events and festivals. The school’s many orchestras, instrumental groups and choirs take advantage of this special place too.

Music is a massive part of life at Godolphin – the school is a Centre of Excellence in chamber music performance, and 2023 saw three students storm their way to a coveted victory at the national Pro Corda Schools Festival. Students regularly perform in venues ranging from Salisbury Cathedral to the Royal Albert Hall, but it’s not all Bach and Beethoven here. Director of music, William Ings, is just as keen on Coldplay, and from the popular open mic nights to the steel pan band, there is something for anyone musically-minded to get their teeth into.

Art & Design also shares the spotlight here, and we saw some incredible displays of GCSE and A’ Level pieces, including ceramics, fashion design and spectacular paintings. The department is housed in its own light-filled building and there’s a big emphasis on developing all-round creatives who are inspired to explore 3D modelling, photography and textiles, as well as ceramics, sketching and painting. Students are regularly encouraged to showcase their work, and it’s not surprising that many of them go on to art-related courses at university level. It’s obviously a part of the school close to many hearts, as is head of art Nick Eggleton.

LITTLIES

Godolphin Prep is a stone’s throw from the senior school and takes students from 3-11 (although more usually from 4). Around 90% of students move up to the senior school, with the added bonus of not having to be assessed for entry. It’s a small school, currently of just 50, and offers wrap-around care with arrivals from 8am and plenty of after school activities. Students can board from Prep Year 3 (Y3) and day students can stay until 6pm.

Head of prep Julia Miller has been at the helm since 2014, and is instantly warm and engaging. In fact, the atmosphere at the Prep is pretty serene, although the students didn’t hesitate to step forward when asked to introduce their artwork. They are certainly right to feel proud – the walls are lined with seriously impressive sketches, and some spectacular sculpture too.

A massive plus in the Prep is the specialist subject teachers for every subject from the word go. Prep students are very much part of the larger school too, joining forces for assemblies, concerts and events. This proximity – along with the fact they are mentored and helped by older students – makes for a seamless transition when it’s time to move up.

Prep students benefit from the whole school facilities, including the 25m swimming pool, full-sized pitches and performing arts centre. To prepare them for the senior school tea-and-toast culture, after school “bun time” is sacrosanct here. You won’t find a Godolphin Prep student doing anything else at 4pm.

In 2024, Godolphin launched Little Godolphin Toddler Group which welcomes 30 families from the local community every Wednesday. Little Godolphin Nursery is also set to fire into action come September 2024.

SIXTH

Godolphin Sixth have their own block, with a study centre, seminar room and smart modern cafe, plus their boarding houses (day students get their own bedroom too, complete with a desk, so they have a quiet place to work). Head of Sixth Julian Leang’s weekly “Call Over” gatherings update everyone on news, achievements and issues and serve as useful bonding time.

Sixth students also get to eschew uniform in favour of their own suits, in a bid to get them set for the world at large. For many, the icing on the cake is the Winter Ball, plus the long-awaited chance to win a few laughs in the beloved Ents show. With its tradition of impersonating the teachers, it’s a rite of passage and adored by the entire school.

The careers department, Bright Futures, deserves a special shout-out for its robust support, especially when it comes to university applications, college opportunities and gap years. The strength of the Alumnae (OG) network is also pretty remarkable, and alumni are only too happy to help with internships, advice and interview practice. They regularly return to Godolphin for Find your Future Fridays, when they give the sixth an insight into jobs ranging from law, to podcast creation, psychology and equine health.

When it comes to options, the school goes to great lengths to facilitate what the students want. The two-year Leith’s Academy diploma is offered as a popular extra. Science is strong – an extraordinary 70% of students choose a science at A-Level, and the Scholar’s programme is, unusually, open to everyone. Around 20 subjects are offered at A-level, including psychology, computer science and business, as well as the usual suspects.

Recent leavers’ destinations include Durham, Newcastle, Exeter, Oxford and Cambridge. Sciences, arts, music and business are all popular choices, and students also gained degree apprenticeships and internships at organisations including Roke, Thales, Dyson and Google.

ACADEMICS

While the school’s A Level and GCSE results are at an all-time high, Godolphin is a genuine all-rounder. The emphasis is as much about developing the whole person as it is about getting top notch academics (impressive though these may be).

The school was awarded Southwest Independent Secondary School of The Year 2019 by Sunday Times School Guide, and it certainly hasn’t rested on its laurels since. 2022 saw record-setting A’ Level and GCSE results, and it has since achieved excellent inspection results from the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), which particularly rated its well-rounded education and positive learning ethos.

Students tend to come from a mixture of local primaries, independent prep schools and, of course, Godolphin Prep. While those coming up from Godolphin Prep don’t sit assessments, students applying from outside take maths and English papers at 11+, or maths, English and science at 13+.

Godolphin is pastorally-minded and isn’t only about seeking out the cream of the academic crop – it’s more about ensuring applicants will be able to access the curriculum and thrive. Indeed, a written report from the previous head and an informal interview with Godolphin head Jenny Price are just as important as academic potential. If a student has a talent for sport, music, art or drama this forms an integral part of the application process, together with academic ability.

Results are excellent, as is value added (GSCEs and A Levels sit at 1.1+). In fact, results have soared across the board over the last four years, with 49% of A-level grades hitting grade A and and 79% between A*-B. GCSE’s are very positive too, with 52% of students gaining grades between 7-9. As you’d hope, there was also a 100% A Level pass rate, with 97% getting into their first choice of university in 2023.

With around 18 subjects on offer, the curriculum is unusually well-rounded and broad-based, with real strength in arts subjects as well as sciences. That said, it really isn’t all about the academics here.

Godolphin’s Future Skills Programme officially launched in 2024 and now forms part of the curriculum across all years. The initiative is designed to equip students with essential skills for their personal lives and careers, and covers everything from financial awareness, to personal development, mental health and car maintenance. It’s a structured course, which neatly aligns with Godolphin’s four core values; ambition, authenticity, courage and kindness.

PASTORAL CARE

Head Jenny Price has over a decade of pastoral experience under her belt, and so it’s perhaps no surprise that Godolphin has been ahead of the curve in this department.

In 2023 Nicola Daubeney took over the role of Deputy Head Pastoral,
bringing her experience as the former Head of Upper School. Nicola heads up a dedicated pastoral team, including the house teams and house matrons, placing the health and wellbeing of students as a priority.

With three counsellors on site, as well as a team of nurses and a matron in each house, students report that they get rapid and robust support. The counsellors come highly rated by students too.

Navigating the teenage years is tough for parents, but support is there in the shape of expert talks, tackling tough issues ranging from self-harm to eating disorders. And at the slightest whiff of a problem, Mrs Price will invite you in for a chat. She’s a very present kind of head, who also welcomes students knocking on her door.

BOARDING

While Godolphin is more of a day school than it was in previous years, around 60% of students board. With all the co-curricular clubs and activities on offer, the school very much has the feel of a boarding school too.

Students can sign up for midweek boarding (3 nights), weekly boarding (5 nights) or full boarding (7 nights). Ad hoc b&b nights are on offer too (particularly popular after CCF night) and once a student has a taste for a ‘sleepover’ they usually decide they want to do more. Although there is no Saturday school there are Saturday fixtures and plenty of weekend activities and evening socials. Think Park Runs, Harry Potter night, Chinese New Year, Easter egg hunts, Zumba marathons and you’ve got the idea. Just Dance is also a popular down-time activity.

There are four boarding houses – Walters (Junior House, 7-12 years), Cooper (Senior House, 13-16 years) and Jerred and School House (Godolphin Sixth, 16-18 years). All are modern and purpose built, light and bright. No spider-filled attic rooms here.

There is a homely, informal feel to all four, with table tennis tables, tea-and-toast and even the odd ice lolly to punctuate the day. If you board for three nights you get your own bed, and when it comes to roommates, students are encouraged to shake it up termly, to broaden friendship groups. Want to know more? Ah, handily we have a film on Boarding Life at Godolphin.

THE HEAD

Jenny Price was appointed head in January 2023, after a five-year tenure as the school’s Deputy Head Pastoral. She’s warm, sparky and the kind of person you can imagine having a good natter with on the side of a hockey pitch.

A talented musician (she studied music at Durham, before heading on to Cambridge), Price plays the piano in assemblies, the trumpet in the orchestra and runs her own weekly orchestral group too. She teaches music to the First Year and students will happily knock at her door if they want a chat (no doubt her secret stash of chocolate coins adds to the allure).

Price’s previous pastoral experience makes her an approachable kind of head – on our visit she knew every student by name and stopped to wish several students luck in their exams. She clearly isn’t afraid to roll up her sleeves and get stuck in, whether that’s joining the students running the Race for Life or being ‘sponged’ as part of a charity fundraiser. The Ten Tors team also told us how touched they were when she made the 2.5 hour drive down to Devon, to welcome them over the finish line. With two daughters (one still at Godolphin, the other now at Oxford), it’s reassuring to know she also sees school life through a parent lens.

While Price is proud of the school’s record-beating exam results, she is emphatic that academics are only part (albeit an important part) of the picture. In her view, what gives students the edge is the co-curricular offering, whether that’s hiking through Dartmoor in a downpour or sorting out their differences on D of E. Ultimately, that’s where they get their ‘story’ and their skills from – and later on their university places and jobs.

Her plans for the future include embarking on the move to co-education at Godolphin Prep from September 2024 and Godolphin Senior from 2025. With the school’s tercentenary on the horizon, plans are also currently afoot (and Westminster Abbey booked) for some major celebrations in 2026.

QUIRKS

Students enthusiastically take part in the gruelling Dartmoor Ten Tors expedition (no mean feat), with the school fielding an impressive 28 teams over the last decade. At 96-strong, the Combined Cadet Force is also one of the largest student forces in the country. Although it’s optional, it’s an incredibly popular part of Godolphin life, as is The Duke of Edinburgh Award.
 
Every November, Godolphin’s Upper Sixth students and staff gather at Westminster Abbey for a service of thanksgiving and commemoration for founder Elizabeth Godolphin, who is laid to rest in the west cloister. During this ceremony, Godolphin’s Head and the Head & Deputy Head Students lay a wreath at the base of Elizabeth’s Memorial, honouring her enduring legacy.

Notable alumnae include authors Jilly Cooper, Minette Walters and Dorothy Sayers, and entrepreneur Deborah Meaden.

WRAP AROUND CARE

All day students can stay from 8am (with breakfast option) to 6pm, with the choice of staying for supper and part-time/occasional boarding. While ad hoc overnights are ideally booked a week in advance, staff are very accommodating and will happily dig out a toothbrush and towel should the need arise last-minute (handy for parents working further afield).

SEN PROVISION

Around 10% of the students have some form of special educational needs, including dyslexia and slow processing. While they learn alongside their peers, specialist teachers also give extra lessons in Brome, a standalone red brick building on site. It’s worth noting that this support came highly rated in the latest ISI inspection, which noted that pupils with SEND make “particularly good” progress in English, maths and science as a result.

ISI REPORT

The 2023 ISI report rated the school as “excellent in all areas.”

MOBILE PHONES/ TECH

At a junior level, the mobile policy is zero tolerance – phones are collected at the start of the school day, stored and then returned at home time. From Fourth Year (Y10) upwards, there’s a ‘no see, no hear’ policy in place. Teachers have no qualms about asking students to put them away if they are spotted, and there are definite no-no’s too. Scrolling in the dining room is out, as is staring at a screen while you wander round school.

All students now use a Surface Pro, except for the Sixth when they choose their own devices. While Price admits the shift has been a steep learning curve for everyone involved, she sees it as a hugely positive step, and one that’s giving each student skills for life.

TRANSPORT

With Salisbury station a 20-minute walk away and six bus routes, transport is well covered. The school is also a hop and a skip from the A36, making light work of access, and 1.5 hours from Heathrow and Bournemouth airports.

WHAT ELSE?

The co-curricular offering is a broad, inventive selection. It includes Combined Cadet Force, Duke of Edinburgh, First Lego League, Zumba, self-defence, debating, young architects, cyber discovery, current affairs, ceramics, poetry and product design, as well as the more obvious sport, drama etc. There are also orchestras, musical groups and choirs, with over 350 instrumental lessons taking place every week.

In 2023, a group of Godolphin students launched Include, which plays a crucial role in advancing social justice, equality, diversity and inclusivity at the school. By addressing systemic barriers, promoting awareness and fostering an inclusive community, this student group helps create an environment where everyone can thrive, regardless of their background or ethnicity.

For growing youngsters, Godolphin has the best of both worlds – perched on the edge of town with plentiful space, while enjoying a strong bond with the city, its cathedral and community. The students are involved in a growing number of charity events and will think nothing of organising cakes and an annual tea party for local Alzheimer’s group, a flash mob or sleeping out to raise funds for charity.

FEES

Termly senior school day fees are £7,900 (First and Second year, or Year 7 and 8), £8,780 (Third Year, or Year 9, to Upper Sixth). Senior boarding starts from £12,475 for 3-day boarding, up to £13,340 for full boarding for UK-based students.

For the prep school, day fees are £2,980 for Reception, rising to £5,785, and boarding for UK students from £7,900 (3 day) – £10,515 (full time). See the full schedule of fees here.

WORD ON THE GROUND

The flexible approach to boarding and wrap-around care is hugely appreciated, and parents are really impressed with the pastoral provision. They also respect the school’s commitment to going the extra mile in meeting every student’s needs.

THE MUDDY VERDICT

Good for: Parents looking for an all-round quality education where the big emphasis on the arts, sport and co-curricular doesn’t come at the cost of academic excellence. Those after flexible boarding and a family feel.

Not for: Students who might thrive in a larger cohort. Those after tree-lined driveways and tons of glitzy facilities – the emphasis here is on offering value for money rather than showmanship.

Dare to disagree? Godolphin prefers Snapshot Fridays to full-on open days. These give a max of 10 families the chance to truly experience the school, without formal presentations and carefully-crafted exhibitions. The next ones are on 8 November and 29 November (Senior). Sign up here, or contact Director of Admissions, Corinna Florence florencec@godolphin.org. In the meantime, have a look at their school film.

Godolphin, Milford Hill, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP1 2RA. Tel: 01722 430509.

Godolphin, Salisbury

You may also like