‘Small classes, personal attention, all the extras, pastorally excellent, all-round quality’ was a mother’s nutshell review when we asked her what she liked best about the school.
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Unlock to accessOverview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 153 ·
- Offers boarding
- Yes ·
- Religion
- None
- Fees
- Day £11,382 - £23,202; Boarding + £2,833 pa
- Local authority
- Wiltshire Council
- School ownership
- United Learning
Headteacher
Headmaster
Simon Head
Since 2016, Simon Head, previously headmaster of Moreton Hall School in Suffolk. Educated at Cranmore and Stonyhurst, he held a short service limited commission with the Royal Green Jackets (‘good fun and a great leveller’) before studying classics,
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Learn what pupils and parents really think of this school, along with our expert opinion on the headteacher’s leadership style, the school’s academic results and facilities, the focus on pastoral care, and the range of extra-curricular activities.
Entrance
Non-selective entry, usually by visit and taster day. Pupils join at every age, including at 11+, and most come from a roughly 25-minute radius of Salisbury. School now runs to 16+ (previously it was 13+) – the first cohort will progress into year 9
- Open days
- Check school website
Exit
Around a third leave at the end of year 6 mainly heading for Bishop Wordsworth’s and south Wiltshire grammar schools. Indeed, the school now prides itself on fully preparing children for the 11+. Some also to near-ish Dauntsey’s (which does not
Latest results
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Teaching & learning
Learning support & SEN
Boarders
Head calls Chafyn ‘a day school with boarding as an additional sphere’. Around a dozen full boarders and a dozen flexi boarders knock around in the homely and pleasant accommodation. Boys and girls each get their own floors but share common rooms.
Mobile phone policy
A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.
Mobile phone policy
Mobile phones are not allowed - any phones brought in are left with the front office and collected at the end of the day.
Pupils
Money matters
Forces discounts (normally 10 per cent day and 15 per cent full boarding) and sibling discounts from five to 15 per cent available. Means-tested bursaries typically range between 10 and 40 per cent of the fees.
- Fee information
- Day £11,382 - £23,202; Boarding + £2,833 pa
Our view
Founded in 1876 as Salisbury School for ages 11-18, the school changed its name and age range in 1916 following an endowment by Lady Chafyn Grove. Around 195 pupils age 3-13 now roam its 12-acre site. Spanish and French from nursery. Latin begins in
The last word
‘Small classes, personal attention, all the extras, pastorally excellent, all-round quality’ was a mother’s nutshell review when we asked her what she liked best about the school.