Dauntsey's School
Dauntsey's School is a co-ed boarding and day school in Devizes, Wiltshire, educating pupils aged 11 - 18 and founded in 1542. Boarding fees are £15,650 - £18,075 per term. Our advice on this school is independent and free.
- Type
- Co-ed boarding & day
- Boarders from
- 11 - 18
- Ethos
- Non-denominational
- Guardian required
- Yes
About Dauntsey's
The story, ethos and character of Dauntsey's.
- Setting
- Rural
- Ethos
- Non-denominational
- Head
- Mr John Davies
Dauntsey's is a leading co-educational boarding and day school for 11-18 year olds in South West England. Set in an estate of 150 acres of idyllic countryside, on the northern edge of Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, the school is home to some 840 pupils, 40% of which are boarders.
Dauntsey's prides itself on its first-class facilities and high academic standards, but the unique ethos and family atmosphere is equally as important. It aims to be a school where everyone can be themselves, where friendship and kindness really matter and where pupils make the most of their talents and abilities.
Pupils are supported in developing the skills and characteristics, such as resilience, flexibility and a willingness to have a go, which we all need to have a successful, happy life.
It is a kind and caring community, focused on the happiness of all pupils and staff. The belief is, when a pupil is happy, results will follow. Beyond this, Dauntsey's is known as a school that offers an adventurous education, both inside and outside of the classroom.
School history Dauntsey's was founded in West Lavington, Wiltshire, in 1542, under the will of Alderman William Dauntesey, Master of the Worshipful Company of Mercers. From these humble beginnings over four and a half centuries ago, Dauntsey's has grown into a thriving, modern co-educational school with more than 850 pupils, with continued links with the Mercers' Company.
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Academics at Dauntsey's
What pupils study at Dauntsey's — and where it takes them.
The timetable offers a great deal of flexibility; there are no set options columns at I/GCSE and A level, allowing pupils freedom of choice to accommodate their different interests and aptitudes. The focus on adventure extends into the classroom, where teachers and pupils are encouraged to question and explore intellectually, approach topics from unexpected angles, unpick and rebuild ideas and attitudes.
We promote independent learning, enabling pupils to fulfil their potential and develop the skills they will need in later life. Alongside the academic curriculum, they have developed their own complementary curriculum which covers important aspects of life beyond study, including current affairs, mindfulness, critical thinking and money management.
Programmes offered
Subjects offered
Where our leavers go
Of the 144 pupils three quarters of the grades awarded were A*-B, with impressive performances throughout the year group. 15% of the grades awarded were at A*, 42% at A* - A and 75% A* - B, while twenty-seven pupils achieved all A* and A grades.
These results have secured pupils places at top institutions in the UK, including Oxford, Exeter, Durham, UCL, Birmingham, Warwick, Manchester, Nottingham, , London Guildhall of Music, Central St Martins and The Courtauld Institute. Over the past five years we have seen around 70% move on to Russell Group or Times Top 15/Sutton 30 universities.
We currently have approximately 12 ODs studying overseas and pupils in the past have secured coveted degree apprenticeships with Vodafone, Dyson and Jaguar Land Rover
Figures are indicative — contact us for the latest results.
Boarding at Dauntsey's
Day-to-day boarding life and pastoral care at Dauntsey's.
- Boarding houses
- Girls 2, Boys 2, Mixed 1
- Exeat weekends
- Yes
- Guardian required
- Yes
- Saturday lessons
- Yes
With around 170 new pupils from over 100 different schools, creating a community that is both diverse and welcoming. It is easy for pupils to find friends who share their interests, and with more than half of pupils having a sibling at the school, there is a genuine sense of warmth and familiarity.
Boarders sit at the heart of the community, with every pupil becoming part of one of five houses. These are co-educational in the Lower School and single sex in the Upper School. Each house is led by a Housemaster or Housemistress, supported by a dedicated team of tutors who take a and active interest in pupils' academic progress and social wellbeing, while encouraging them to make the most of everything on offer.
A genuine home away from home
at Dauntsey's. The House is named after Edmund Fitzmaurice, Lord Lansdowne, whose family seat is at Bowood House, near Chippenham. He was a leading politician at the turn of the 20th century, and, as well as representing Calne in the House of Commons, was a member of the David Lloyd George's cabinet during the First World War.
He was a member of the school's Governing Body from 1893 and was heavily involved in the re-establishment of the School on its present site at the end of the 19th century. Today, the House accommodates 59 boys across 44 rooms, with each member of the Sixth Form having his own room.
We can arrange trusted UK guardianship for international families.
Dauntsey's admissions
How children join Dauntsey's, and how we make it simple.
Tell us about your child
Share their age, interests and what you're looking for. Our advice is completely free.
We shortlist & introduce
We match you to the right schools and make the introductions to their admissions teams.
Assessment, offer & enrolment
We guide you through entrance assessments and interviews, and handle visas and guardianship if needed.
What you'll typically need
- Recent school reports or transcript
- Passport copy
- English-language evidence (if applicable)
- Completed registration form
- A reference from the current school
Special notes to agents about entry to the school Initial enquiries should be accompanied by a recent school report and agent review, outlining hobbies, interests and academic ability. These enquiries are then reviewed by the Admissions Team and then, if appropriate, candidates are invited to formally register.
Application procedure and entrance tests Those whose first is not English and/or who live overseas take the entrance examinations either at their agent's offices, their own school, or at British Council offices. Interviews are by arrangement, either in during a visit following entrance exams, or via Microsoft Teams.
As your advisors we manage the application end-to-end at no cost.
Dauntsey's fees & funding
What Dauntsey's costs, what's included, and how we help with funding.
What termly boarding fees include
- Tuition
- Boarding accommodation
- All meals
- Pastoral & house care
- Most academic materials
Funding & scholarships
Registration deposits, EAL tuition, uniform and trips are usually charged separately. Many schools offer academic, sport, music and art scholarships plus means-tested bursaries — ask us and we'll send a full, current breakdown for Dauntsey's.
Fees change year to year and by entry point. As your independent advisors we hold up-to-date figures and can compare Dauntsey's against similar schools so you know exactly what to budget.
Figures shown are the latest we hold — we'll confirm current fees on enquiry.
Dauntsey's location & travel
Where Dauntsey's is, and how to get there.
Travel details Address West Lavington, Devizes, Wiltshire, SN10 4HE, England Airport transfer Transport to and from London Heathrow Airport and Bristol Airport is arranged for all Half-terms and School holidays. Travel time to London by train Less than 1 hour Telephone +44 (0)1380 814 504 Website https://www.
dauntseys. org/ Most convenient airports Airport Distance (miles) Drive time (minutes) 1. London Heathrow 68 90 2. Bristol 32 70 3. Southampton 36 70 4. London Gatwick 106 120 Most convenient train stations Station Distance (miles) Drive time (minutes) 1.
Inside Dauntsey's
Dauntsey's — frequently asked questions
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