Dauntsey’s School: A Comprehensive Review
This Dauntsey’s School review explores one of Wiltshire’s leading co-educational boarding and day schools, offering pupils aged 11–18 a blend of strong academics, adventure, and personal development on a 150-acre campus in West Lavington. Known for its ethos of resilience, curiosity, and kindness, Dauntsey’s combines traditional values with modern teaching to help pupils thrive inside and outside the classroom.
Table of Contents
Key Features of Dauntsey's School
- Boarding: Yes
- Local authority: Wiltshire
- Pupils: 830; sixth formers: 280
- Ages: 11-18
- Religion: Christian
- Fees: Day £9,465 per term; Boarding £18,075 per term (inclusive of VAT)
Dauntsey's School Results
Latest Results:
- A Level Results (2025): 46% A*/A
- GCSE Results (2025): 62% 9-7
Past Results:
- A Level Results (2024): 25% A*/A
- GCSE Results (2024): 64% 9-7
Teaching and Learning at Dauntsey's School
Teaching and learning at Dauntsey’s School focus on developing capable, adaptable, and resilient learners, not just students who produce strong exam results. Lessons challenge pupils to think independently, solve problems, and apply knowledge in practical ways. Teachers encourage curiosity and risk-taking in learning, so pupils feel confident asking questions, testing ideas, and learning from mistakes. This approach helps students build intellectual confidence and prepares them for the demands of higher education and an unpredictable future.
Importantly, Dauntsey’s connects academic study with real-world thinking and experiential learning. Subjects often link theory to practice, while outdoor education, leadership opportunities, and collaborative projects reinforce classroom learning. Structured prep routines, clear academic expectations, and close pastoral oversight ensure pupils stay focused and supported. As a result, learning at Dauntsey’s feels purposeful, dynamic, and strongly connected to life beyond school.
Boarding Experience in Dauntsey's School
Boarding lies at the heart of life at Dauntsey’s School, with pupils becoming part of a close-knit community that supports both academic progress and social growth. Lower School boarders (Years 7–9) live in The Manor, a Victorian boarding house set in 65 acres near the main school site. This co-educational house allows younger pupils to form strong friendships and settle into school life before transitioning to Upper School houses.
As pupils move into Upper School, they join one of the single-sex boarding houses , such as Evans, Jeanne, Fitzmaurice and Mercers, each led by a Housemaster or Housemistress and supported by tutors who oversee daily routines, pastoral care and activities. Boarders follow a balanced daily schedule that includes academic lessons, supervised study, meals, and social time, with weekend activities like quizzes, theatre trips and outdoor events organised to build community and enrich life outside the classroom.
Extracurricular Activities in Dauntsey's School
Dauntsey’s offers a wide and varied extracurricular programme that encourages pupils to explore interests, develop talents and build confidence. Existing clubs and activities include:
Clubs & Societies
- Chinese Club
- Computing Club
- Cookery Club
- Equestrian Club
- Fencing Club
- Filmmaking Club
- Enterprise in Action
Upper School Debating Society
Music & Performing Arts
- Concert Band
- Dance Clubs and Dance Companies
- Dauntsey’s Female Voices
- Senior Choir
- Musical productions and theatre performances
Sports & Adventure
- Sailing Club (including experiences on the historic Jolie Brise)
- Basketball Club
- Running Club
- Volleyball
Admissions Process: Entering Dauntsey's School
Initial Enquiry (Ages 10–16)
Families usually begin by submitting an enquiry and arranging a school visit or open day, which allows parents and pupils to experience lessons, boarding houses, and daily school life.
Registration (Typically 2–3 years before entry)
After visiting, parents complete the registration form for their chosen entry point. Dauntsey’s main entry years are Year 7 (age 11), Year 9 (age 13), and Sixth Form / Year 12 (age 16).
Assessments and Interview
Applicants sit age-appropriate entrance assessments, which may include written papers, online tests, and an interview or taster day. These steps help the school assess academic potential, attitude to learning, and overall suitability.
School Reference and Review
Dauntsey’s requests a reference from the current school and reviews assessment results alongside interview feedback.
Offer and Acceptance
Successful applicants receive a formal offer. Families then confirm the place by accepting the offer and paying the deposit, after which transition support begins.
SEN Support in Dauntsey's School
Dauntsey’s School supports pupils with mild to moderate learning needs within a mainstream setting, including:
- Dyslexia
- Dyspraxia
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD)
- Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN)
- Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs (SEMH)
Frequently Asked Questions about Dauntsey's School
Dauntsey’s welcomes pupils primarily at Year 7, Year 9, and Sixth Form (Year 12), although occasional places may be available in other years.
Yes. Dauntsey’s offers scholarships and means-tested bursaries to recognise talent and support families who require financial assistance.
Dauntsey’s suits pupils who enjoy being challenged, value independence, and are open to learning through experience. Students who like combining academics with outdoor activity, teamwork, and practical problem-solving often thrive.
Outdoor education forms a key part of Dauntsey’s ethos. Activities such as expeditions, adventure learning, and teamwork challenges reinforce resilience, problem-solving, and collaboration beyond the classroom.
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