Monkton Combe School

Since January 2026, Bradley Salisbury, previously head of Dean Close School. The son of a vicar, he was educated at Monkton Combe. Theology degree from Leeds, PGCE and MEd from Bristol. RS teacher at Gordano School, then head of RS, and of years 10

About half come from Monkton Prep, where there is a through offer. A few also from All Hallows Prep, recently merged with Monkton. For external entry into year 9, assessment day includes interview, team tasks, problem solving and creative thinking.

Between 10 and 20 per cent leave after GCSEs, most to local state schools, with a few others to schools offering IB. The vast majority move on to university, and of those, 60 per cent to Russell Group including Exeter, Loughborough, Reading and

In 2024, 51 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 40 per cent A*/A at A level (71 per cent A*-B). In 2023, 51 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 31 per cent A*/A at A level (64 per cent A*-B).

‘Academically, we focus on staff asking questions rather than giving answers,’ says school. This was certainly in evidence in the English class we sat in on, where a class of year 10 students were being asked to grapple with Rudyard Kipling’s ‘If’,

A team of three supports a small number of pupils with ongoing learning needs, but no provisions for those with EHCPs requiring in-class support. Weekly one-to-one sessions for those with dyslexia or dyspraxia, although one parent said it was the

Musicians are well served by a modern music centre, housing a performance space designed with acoustics in mind, numerous practice rooms and a soundproof recording studio and production suite. Plenty of options for activities, ranging from the

Facilities are good, with an indoor sports centre, hockey Astro, tennis and squash courts and one of the country’s loveliest cricket pitches, according to Wisden. Additional facilities available at Monkton Prep, although a few mumbles from pupils on

Roughly half board in year 9, rising to three-quarters by sixth form. Boarding being pushed hard – to the slight consternation of one day parent – and chances are a new boarding house will be built in the next few years. Three boys’ and three girls’

School believes that the boarding element allows for full pastoral provision over and above day schools. ‘It is the downtime that is often the most pastorally fruitful,’ time which is not so readily available in regular school hours. All teaching

A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.

Many families with both parents working full time in order to pay the fees. The long days are of obvious appeal to parents who can swing by on their way back from the office. Social events such as quiz nights help keep parents involved, as do yearly

A limited number of bursaries, with priority given to families of clergy and missionaries. Boarders from military families can receive 10 per cent fee reduction. Discounts for siblings. Scholarships, whether academic, creative, sporting or the

Not the largest or most academically selective in the area, and no trophy cabinet groaning under the weight of sporting silverware. But there is plenty to suit all tastes at Monkton Combe, overlaid with a culture that allows pupils to grow at their