Wells Cathedral School

Students at Wells Cathedral are able to focus on where their talents lie, whether in a breadth of academic qualifications or tailored to a more specific field, such as music. 29 A Level options and the EPQ ensure that all interests and talents are supported whilst the ISC offers pre-GCSE and pre-A Level courses for international students. Almost half of A Level candidates achieve A*/A whilst a third of leavers go on to Russell group universities and a fifth go to leading colleges of music.

All the boarding houses are beautiful medieval or eighteenth century buildings with gardens for the boarders’ own use and all the modern conveniences a boarder could want – including WiFi! There are 20-30 boarders per house along with some day pupils and the aim of the resident houseparent and assistant is to make the school a home from home. A range of in-house activities strengthens friendships, whilst inter-house rivalry in sport, drama and public speaking fosters a sense of community.

Sport is viewed as integral to developing essential character qualities – all pupils do some physical activity every week and there are regular competitive fixtures. Facilities include a sports hall, a fitness suite, a swimming pool, a climbing wall, a newly-resurfaced all-weather for hockey and tennis, tennis hard courts and extensive playing fields. Former England Rugby Coach Brian Ashton mentors the school’s coaches and well-known performance psychologist Steve Bull is a consultant.

All Lower School pupils take an integrated arts programme with the option to pursue individual subjects to GCSE and A level. Tuition is available in speech, drama, musical theatre and a range of dance disciplines and the School is a recipient of the Arts Council’s Artsmark Gold Award. The recital hall of the School’s performing arts centre accommodates an orchestra of 60 and an audience of 250. Hundreds of concerts are held each year and ambitious drama productions are held in local theatres.