Mount Kelly

Since 2019, Guy Ayling, previously head of Llandovery College in Carmarthenshire. Before that he spent 15 years at Sedbergh in Cumbria (becoming a housemaster and senior master). ‘I move between National Parks,’ he jokes.

Educated at Bilton

Most prep pupils move up to the college at 13+. The rest arrive from all over – some are very local but swimmers come from across the UK, plus international boarders. The school looks for pupils with a have-a-go approach, teens who are keen ‘to get

Around 70 per cent progress to the sixth form. The rest mostly head off to local colleges (Exeter College and Callywith College in Bodmin), either because they want a change or are keen to do different subjects. Most sixth form leavers opt for

In 2024, 38 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 31 per cent A*/A at A level (56 per cent A*-B). In 2023, 36 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 20 per cent A*/A at A level (46 per cent A*-B).

Twenty subjects on offer at A level, plus BTECs in applied science, performing arts practice and sports coaching. Given that the school isn’t academically selective, overall results are respectable rather than stellar, although there’s a very strong

Learning support is known as personalised learning and the school caters well for mild to moderate needs. The majority of those accessing support are dyslexic or have slow processing speeds but a number are on the autistic spectrum and following the

Around 200 music lessons every week (some pupils learn more than one instrument) and there are myriad ensembles to join – orchestra, string ensemble, soul band and rock bands. The school has a fine tradition of choral singing – the 22-strong college

Not surprisingly, given its location, vast site and outdoor facilities, Mount Kelly is a very sporty school. Swimming is its pièce de résistance and many pupils swim at both national and international level (the school has produced more than 100

More than half of pupils board (nearly 200 at the time of our visit) and most are full boarders, although they can go home at the weekends if they choose. Two boarding houses for boys and two for girls, plus a boys’ day house and a girls’ day house,

Mount Kelly’s values of compassion, courage, humility, respect, commitment and integrity are displayed prominently everywhere you turn. Each pupil has a tutor to offer academic and pastoral support and they are the first port of call when issues crop

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

‘They are really nice kids, very decent, grounded and generous-spirited,’ says the head. ‘I say to them: “You are going into a tough world but if you work hard and dig in and use one hand on the ladder to help other people up you will be fine.” They

Scholarships of up to 10 per cent – academic, sport, music, art, DT and choral in year 9 and academic, sport and girls’ football in year 12. Swimming scholarships are available from year 7. Means-tested bursaries are available (around 10 per cent of

Teens who love the outdoors will be in their element in this stunning location on the edge of Dartmoor. Talented swimmers and sports enthusiasts undoubtedly get top-notch coaching but Mount Kelly is a school where all can thrive if they’re happy to