Sidcot School

Since January 2024, James Jones, previously deputy head at Wycombe Abbey. After reading history at the University of Sheffield he became an assistant housemaster at Brighton College before moving to Bromsgrove School as a teacher and senior boarding

Gentle testing of numeracy and literacy accompanies a two-day taster session for the junior school. Non-selective with children joining at every stage. A ‘surge’ in new starters usually in year 5 seeking to avoid exam pressures in other settings.

Around 10 per cent of junior school pupils head elsewhere, some to the local grammar schools. Post GCSE, 35 per cent head elsewhere looking for larger pools or more specific vocational courses from the neighbouring state sixth form colleges of

In 2025, 29 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 32 per cent A*/A at A level (55 per cent A*-B) Average IB point score of 33.

Lessons were calm with students fully engaged and hands shooting up to answer any questions. Children in the junior school were astoundingly eloquent and self-reflective, explaining to us what they had been working on and what skills they had used.

The school has separate (but collaborating) academic learning and emotional support teams, with the latter handled through the wellbeing centre, evocatively called Rose Cottage. Set calmly outside the main school, this houses a dedicated safeguarding

Art is wow-factor here. The art department boasts specialist rooms and leading-level equipment in ceramics, photography, textiles and fine art and is a hive of enthusiasm and exhibitions. Frequent trips, including recent ones to Italy and New York,

Fantastic facilities, and sport is good in an area where competition is high (Millfield is a short distance away). Parents say school ‘is making good gains in its provision’ and ‘is always determined to offer training and match opportunities to every

International boarding is a valued asset at this school and 80 per cent of the boarders are from countries outside the UK. No one country dominates and there is a high level of cultural fusion and fascination that leads to a wonderfully diverse and

‘Welcoming’, ‘warm’, ‘nurturing’ and ‘inspiring’ were words we heard repeatedly from pupils and parents when describing this school. The pastoral care, gentle approach to learning and determination to ensure inclusivity make this a kind and accepting

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

Open, curious, inspired by their education and calmly confident in their ability to make a difference is how these pupils come across. International pupils praised how quickly they had been welcomed into the school by fellow pupils. Pupil

This is a school with a strong social conscience and a healthy 10 per cent of the fee income is offered out again in the form of means-tested bursaries with several alternative funding pots to draw on; both the 150-year-old Sidcot Bursary Trust and

A calm, respectful and reflective school, gently educating children into a social and academic confidence that they can make a difference to this world.