Culford School

Since 2023, Claire Bentley MEd, previously acting head and before that deputy head.

Entry into nursery via taster sessions, pre-prep by day’s assessment and taster session. Prep by entrance exam, entry to senior school automatic from prep, entrance exam if external student. Largeish intake at year 7, mainly from the state, and la

Very, very unusual to have a pupil not make the grade for transfer to senior school. The odd one leaves to board elsewhere, usually following family tradition. About 30-40 per cent leave after year 11, most to vocational courses or, again, to boar

In 2024, 48 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 42 per cent A*/A at A level (65 per cent A*-B).

Good results for a school that does not claim to be highly academic. Spanish and French available at GCSE and A level, and taught in prep as well. All senior school pupils do one language, not many do two and unusual for all three to be taken. Mat

No pupils with an EHCP but 55 on the list for extra help. ‘Learning support is excellent, staff are supportive and reassuring.’ ‘They know what is needed. My child was supported throughout the school to A levels and got excellent results.’ Lots o

Music and drama are both popular. Music centre in the beautiful Culford Hall, lots of rooms available for quiet practice. Many have individual singing and instrumental lessons. Loads of choirs, ensembles, orchestras and productions. ‘Pupils are ma

Sport is king at this school, particularly tennis. Rated the best coeducational school in the country for tennis by the LTA, Culford attracts pupils from all over the world because of it. Elite athlete programmes on offer for tennis, golf, swimmin

Boys' boarding full, girls' growing rapidly. Flexi boarding popular throughout. Pupils staying three nights a week always have the same bed. Parents appreciate that there is always a bed available if necessary. Extended day option available: pupil

Located not far from Bury St Edmunds, the school is situated in beautiful grounds, just shy of 500 acres. Entering through impressive gates you drive through the estate past a very pretty church, used by the school and very popular for marriages o

Every parent we spoke to praised pastoral care. To be honest they raved about it. ‘They pick up on problems – even at home – so quickly and are incredibly proactive,’ said one parent. All spoke about the ‘paternal’ atmosphere and the sense of secu

A strong community of parents who are focused on a good all-round education. These parents aren’t just concentrating on exam results but on the development of well-rounded individuals. Most parents are working hard to afford the fees and very grat

Academic and sports scholarships are available, offering discounts off fees for years 7, 9 and 12. Sports and music awards. Discounts for siblings and Forces families.

This small school, housed in beautiful surroundings, really is a home from home, complete with dogs and other pets. Flexible boarding and extended days take much of the strain away from busy families: happy children and parents. The Culford Bubble