Ages 
Given its location, tradition and history may run deep in SCS’s veins. But don’t let that fool you – this is definitely not a school living in the past. With a forward-thinking, dynamic head, this charming little prep has an admirable combination of unpressurised purposefulness. It’s clearly brimming with opportunity for musical maestros but should be at the top of your list even if music isn’t your everything.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 225 ·
- Offers boarding
- Yes ·
- Fees
- Day £9,372- £18,774; Boarding £25,689 - £29,466 pa
- Local authority
- Wiltshire Council
Headteacher
Head
Sally Moulton
Since September 2024, Sally Moulton. Rather fittingly, given the school’s musical endeavours, her undergraduate degree includes music, alongside English literature (University of Leeds). A PGCE in secondary education followed (English and drama as
Entrance
New ‘home from home’ day nursery (50 weeks of the year) means children can now join from 2, which Mrs Moulton introduced: ‘I wanted to make life easier for working parents and enable them to have one place to come to.’
School is non-selective
- Open days
- Welcome parents to visit the school at any time. If parents prefer to visit on Open Mornings, details can be found on the school website.
Exit
Very few leave after year 6. Those that do head to local grammars or state secondary. At 13, all tend to get their first-choice school. Most go to an independent in the southwest: Sherborne, Marlborough, Winchester (once every couple of years),
Latest results
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Learning support & SEN
Boarders
Capacity for 45 boarders but usually more like 20 on any given evening and about 12 at the weekends. Full (usually for military families and choristers), flexi and casual boarding available – the latter marketed as ‘cheaper than a babysitter’.
Pupils
Money matters
Some means-tested bursaries available. Majority of fee discounts for military families (15 per cent) and choristers (30 per cent). The more unusual organ scholarship (two at any one time in years 7 and 8) gets a 20 per cent fee remission (more if
- Fee information
- Day £9,372- £18,774; Boarding £25,689 - £29,466 pa
Our view
A stone’s throw from Salisbury Cathedral, cossetted within the close, this prep feels calm and spacious as it sits within 27 acres of church land, remarkable given its proximity to the city centre. Established in 1091 to educate choristers, the
The last word
Given its location, tradition and history may run deep in SCS’s veins. But don’t let that fool you – this is definitely not a school living in the past. With a forward-thinking, dynamic head, this charming little prep has an admirable combination of
