Royal High Bath

Since January 2025, Heidi-Jayne Boyes, previously head of Wakefield Girls’ High School. Originally from East Yorkshire, she studied geography at King's College London before 13 years travelling, honing her business and customer relations skills by

Mostly at year 7 by means of the school’s own entrance assessment (creative writing), if coming from anywhere other than the prep school (eg local primaries and other preps), plus interview where they are asked to ‘bring along something of which they

About a quarter leave after GCSEs in search of greater subject choice, a change of scene or – frankly – boys, but strenuous efforts are made to retain them. The vast majority of sixth form leavers go on to university (50 per cent to Russell Group).

In 2025, 68 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 40 per cent A*/A at A level (72 per cent A*-B). Average IB point score 42.

An unashamedly academic curriculum from the outset, but not one, we think, lacking fun or creativity. Particularly strong on languages, with three modern languages in year 7 (French all year, German and Spanish half a year each) with Mandarin added

This is not the place for girls needing significant learning support, but those with mild SpLD (especially dyslexia) or autism will find a well-staffed department comprising two teachers and three TAs, one specialising in English and a second in

Music is exceptionally well blessed with the fabulous new Steinway music school, complete with eponymous pianos, chamber organ, recording studio, charming recital space – and head of department simply bursting with pride. Historically music has long

Verdant pitches do not roll as far as the eye can see, but school has used every bit of its relatively compact site, cramming in tennis and netball courts, an Astro for hockey, sports hall and fitness suite. Unlike many of the other Bath schools, the

The Royal High occupies its position as the only GDST school to offer boarding rather well. Imaginative conversion (think split-level dorms with some beds on mezzanines) of the lofty top floors of the main building mean wonderful views over Bath and

Taken very seriously here, with a dedicated space (the hive), an oasis of quiet and a muted colour palette away from the hubbub of school life, including areas for quiet study. We saw eight girls just sitting in the darkened contemplation room…

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

A mixture of Bath families and those who reckon RHSB is worth a bus journey; school lays on buses from all points of the compass, making the school accessible from Frome, Tetbury, Chippenham and east Bristol. The chance to make friends in other year

Like all GDST schools, good value for money even for boarding, partially provided by its buying power and economies of scale. Extras such as lunches, exam fees and individual learning support lessons are charged separately and transparently set out

While not the place for the bad-ass rebel seeking an entirely digital curriculum, RHSB occupies a niche in Bath for sparky ambitious girls keen to make their mark in any arena and – crucially – be themselves