Prior Park College

Since 2019, Ben Horan. Initially wanted to be a Catholic priest, then spent his latter teens considering the army, but during his time at Oxford (ancient and modern history at Magdalen College), the world of teaching won him over. He puts it down to

Academically selective but not fearsomely so. Entry into year 7 and 9 includes online assessments, a recent school report and a reference. Attending a taster day is encouraged. For year 12, a reference and predicted GCSE grades needed (minimum of six

About 20 per cent leave after GCSEs for local state secondaries and sixth form colleges. Post A level, current university favourites are Manchester, Nottingham, Exeter, Reading, Liverpool and Imperial. Some go to the US and other universities abroad.

In 2025, 52 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 36 per cent A*/A at A level (63 per cent A*-B). In 2024, 50 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 39 per cent A*/A at A level (65 per cent A*-B).

Bags of thought and effort to make teaching and learning at Prior as enjoyable as possible. One parent said, ‘I wanted my child to thrive, not be pushed, and it really does make a huge effort to get them excited about learning.’ Exam factory it is

Great option for a child with learning needs (dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, ASC all welcome and will consider those with an ECHP). Curriculum is flexible and huge strides made in class to support a variety of needs: changes can be made to a course

Plenty on offer to whet the appetite. DT championed as top-notch by parents and pupils. Excellent equipment including a sixth form block that aims to replicate that of a university workshop. Art department is in airy rooms with sixth formers having

Good on-site facilities – newish sports centre has large sports hall, fitness suite and PE teaching rooms (GCSE and A level PE on offer) with an attractive balcony overlooking the cricket pitches; plenty of other pitches too plus Astros and netball

Just over 20 per cent of pupils board with the vast majority being international full boarders; remaining few come from the rest of the UK, primarily as weekly boarders. The two boarding houses (one girls’, one boys’) run all the way from year 7 to

Pastoral care is gold standard and one of the key reasons parents select it. A senior teacher explained, ‘Wellbeing is at the foundation of our offering for children. There are just so many places for a pupil to reach out for support.’ How is this

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

Majority from Bath and surrounding area. Local feel balanced by a fifth of the pupils being international. Some short stay international students (tends to be years 10 and 12) too, several of whom persuade parents to extend their stay – a testament

Fees competitive with others locally (certainly not the priciest) and plenty of bang for your buck. Academic and special talent scholarships for years 7, 9 and 12 entries. Scholars receive 10 per cent fee reduction; music scholars receive two

Prior Park is a thriving, nurturing school, popular with both local and international families, where wellbeing and high expectations are the norm. An interesting, well-crafted academic curriculum is enhanced by myriad extracurricular opportunities –