Ages
A small historic bastion of a school that is absolutely booming in the 21st century. The icing on the cake for parents heading for the artistically inspired and gastronomically fuelled escapism of Bruton’s rolling countryside. As one parent put it, ‘King’s is not grand so does not attract those seeking this. We are wonderfully under the radar and all the better for it.’
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Unlike other websites, schools can't pay to be included in The Good Schools Guide. This means our review of this school is independent, critical and fair, and written with parents' best interests at heart.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 352 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 145 ·
- Offers boarding
- Yes ·
- Religion
- Anglican/Christian
- Fees
- Day £30,966; Boarding £44,754 pa
- Local authority
- Somerset County Council
- Linked schools
Headteacher
Headmaster
Mr Ian Wilmshurst, MA (Cantab)
Since 2009, Ian Wilmshurst MA PGCE, a Scotsman by birth. After reading geography at Cambridge and the briefest of flirtations with the army, he spent two terms sampling teaching at the Dragon School before returning to his old college for his PGCE
Entrance
Based on school reports and interview for all year groups, plus predicted results for Common Entrance for year 9 entry or GCSEs for sixth form and an informal interview/meeting with the head. Scholarships are awarded based on papers in six subject
- Open days
- Prospective parents are invited for individual visits.
Exit
About 10 students leave post GCSEs, some to seek the comparative economic or pastoral freedom and wider BTEC options at local sixth form colleges (school has addressed the latter by expanding its own BTEC offering). Post A level, to a wide range o
Latest results
In 2024, 43 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 35 per cent A*/A at A level (63 per cent A*-B).
% of pupils achieving AAB or higher, including at least 2 facilitating subjects (2024)
What is this?
Facilitating A levels are ones that are commonly needed for entry to leading universities. They are: biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, further mathematics, geography, history, English literature and classical or modern languages. The % of pupils achieving AAB or higher may therefore decrease if many pupils have opted not to take two or more of the facilitating subjects mentioned.
Teaching & learning
Not overly selective, King’s prides itself on accommodating all academic abilities via ‘dynamic and nimble’ teaching. Teachers are, in the main, young and vibrant, including several Old Brutonians, newly qualified and raring to teach. Head has no
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- BTEC
- EPQ
- GCSE
Learning support & SEN
Assessment for all on arrival. The staff of two, plus other prominent teaching staff with SEN qualifications, address a range of SEN, mainly dyslexia and dyspraxia but also processing difficulties. Speech therapist and ed psych visit routinely. Tw
Arts & extracurricular
The Queen herself opened the Queen Elizabeth Music School on site in 2019. Music is of a scope and standard befitting a much bigger school. From the military band and numerous choirs to fully functioning recording studios and soundproofed percussi
Sport
Taken seriously. Extensive facilities include ubiquitous sports hall, grass pitches, two Astroturfs (one floodlit), eight tennis/netball courts. The fitness suite boasts a full-time head of strength and conditioning offering a bespoke ‘athlete dev
Boarders
Over half (13 per cent from overseas) board in six single-sex houses where day students are fully integrated; there is no separate day house. The houses are scattered throughout the grounds or within five minutes’ walk through the beautiful town.
Ethos & heritage
Ancient (sits on the site of a Benedictine monastery dissolved in 1537 – one wall survives). Three generous Bruton-born benefactors decided to found the first school here. Varying (mis)fortunes meant it was down to just one boy in 1812, but the fi
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
The tutor system ensures a close understanding and overview of each child, which parents can easily feed into with any emotional or academic concerns. Supported by a diligent and ‘hugely approachable’ matron and houseparent network, with parents f
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
Provided by the school and not part of our review
The King’s Bruton mobile phone policy has been updated in accordance with the Department for Education’s ‘Guidance for schools on prohibiting the use of mobile phone throughout the school day’ (February 2024). Risks involving the use of mobile phones in schools may include loss of focus in lessons, classroom disruption and bullying. Pupils will be informed of these risks as well as being taught the benefits of a mobile phone-free environment. Mobile phones are prohibited on the King’s Bruton main campus throughout the school day, including lessons, the time between lessons and at breaktimes. Mobile phones are prohibited in the Dining Hall at all times.
Pupils & parents
Pupils we met were an engaging bunch – enthusiastic, modest and considerate. ‘There is no one mould fits all – they are unique individuals who are compassionate, kind and full of friendship,’ said a parent. Boarders from southern England, Europe,
Money matters
Impressively strong financial performance at the end of a tricky global pandemic period speaks volumes about the successful management of this school. Scholarships available to a maximum value of 20 per cent of fees. Bursarial help available on ap
- Fee information
- Day £30,966; Boarding £44,754 pa
The last word
A small historic bastion of a school that is absolutely booming in the 21st century. The icing on the cake for parents heading for the artistically inspired and gastronomically fuelled escapism of Bruton’s rolling countryside. As one parent put it
