Millfield School Review: Academic and Sporting Excellence
Welcome to our in-depth exploration of Millfield School, an icon of academic and sporting prowess nestled in the heart of Somerset. As we delve into this prestigious institution, we uncover the secrets behind its renowned reputation for excellence in both scholarly pursuits and athletic feats. Join us on a journey to uncover the unique blend of educational rigour and sporting passion that defines the Millfield experience.
Table of Contents
Key Features of Millfield School
- Local authority: Somerset
- Pupils: 1,319; sixth formers: 618
- Ages: 13-18
- Religion: Christian Inter-denominational
- Fees: Day: £31,095; Boarding: £47,775 pa
- Open days: 11 May 2024, 5 October 2024
Millfield School Results
GCSE Results (2023): 70% achieved grades 9-7.
A Level Results (2023): 65% A*/A grades, with 93% achieving A*-B.
Pre-Pandemic Results (2019):
GCSE Results: 46% achieved grades 9-7.
A Level Results: 30% A*/A grades, with 59% achieving A*-B.
Boarding Experience in Millfield School
With a substantial three-quarters of students opting for boarding, the school offers a comprehensive and nurturing environment across its expansive 240-acre campus.
Diverse Boarding Houses:
- Nineteen boarding houses are strategically scattered across the campus, each offering a unique sense of community and camaraderie. For Year 9 students, dedicated houses ensure a seamless transition into boarding life, fostering solid friendships within the year group.
- Common rooms provide congenial spaces for socialising, featuring amenities like pool tables and ping pong tables, promoting face-to-face interaction over screens.
Outdoor and Social Spaces:
- Pleasant outdoor areas, designed for barbecues and summer socialising, encourage students to enjoy the natural beauty of the campus and connect with their peers in a relaxed setting.
Engaging Weekend Activities:
- With a variety of activities and events organised, weekends are far from dull. The school ensures there’s plenty to keep students occupied, fostering a sense of community and inclusivity among boarders.
High Staff Support:
- The school prides itself on its high staff-to-student ratio, ensuring that every student receives the attention and support they need. The presence of a well-equipped medical centre, complete with a physio clinic, further underscores Millfield’s commitment to student welfare and holistic development.
Extracurricular Activities in Millfield School
At Millfield, the vibrant extracurricular landscape empowers students to explore new talents and passions, fostering a culture of personal growth and discovery. The school’s dynamic environment encourages students to excel beyond the confines of their academic pursuits.
Arts and Design Technology:
- Art and Design Technology thrive in a spacious, well-equipped block, facilitating creativity and innovation. The renowned Atkinson Gallery hosts prestigious exhibitions, while the sculpture trail showcases commissioned or purchased works, providing students with exposure to professional artistic endeavors.
Musical Excellence:
- Millfield’s musical prowess is celebrated, with opportunities for students to engage in orchestral instrument learning during their first year. The school’s music programme is of exceptional quality, with major concerts held in the historic Wells Cathedral, enriching students’ musical experiences.
Dramatic Pursuits:
- Drama is a popular and well-resourced facet of Millfield’s extracurricular offerings, with state-of-the-art studios and the esteemed Meyer Theatre. While the school hosts one whole-school production annually, students can participate in various theatrical endeavours, from sketch shows to foreign language plays, with strong support for applications to drama schools.
Innovative Initiatives:
- The Millfield Activities Programme (MAP) boasts an impressive array of 100 diverse pursuits, encouraging students to explore interests beyond the curriculum. From French cinema to skiing race training, the programme offers a breadth of experiences. Additionally, opportunities for local volunteering underscore the school’s commitment to community engagement and social responsibility.
Sports in Millfield School: How Good is it?
Millfield stands as a beacon for aspiring athletes, cultivating a culture of sporting excellence that has propelled numerous individuals to the highest echelons of competition. The school’s remarkable track record of producing top-flight athletes is a testament to its unwavering dedication to sports development.
Olympic Calibre:
- Millfield is synonymous with nurturing future Olympians, with a legacy of producing elite athletes across various disciplines. The school’s commitment to sports excellence is evident in its impressive alumni, including representatives in prestigious events like the Guinness Six Nations rugby championships.
State-of-the-Art Facilities:
- The school boasts unparalleled provisions and facilities, including the renowned 50-metre Olympic swimming pool equipped with cutting-edge technology and expert coaches. Additionally, investments in equipment like the Swingulator for rowers underscore Millfield’s dedication to providing world-class training environments.
Comprehensive Offerings:
- While Millfield excels in niche sports like riding and fencing, its commitment to mainstream sports is equally impressive. The school’s unparalleled facilities cater to a diverse range of athletic pursuits, ensuring that students have access to the resources needed to excel in their chosen disciplines.
Admissions Process: Entering Millfield School
Year 9 Admissions:
- 200 pupils are admitted, with half from Millfield Prep and the other half from 120 different prep schools worldwide.
Year 10 Admissions:
- Between 30 and 50 places are available.
- Selection criteria include:
- Interview with a senior staff member.
- Online verbal and non-verbal reasoning assessment, emphasising readiness over preparation.
- Reference from the current school.
Sixth Form Admissions:
- Approximately 100 to 130 students join.
- Criteria for A Level students:
- Minimum of 30 points from their best six GCSE subjects, including English and maths.
- Criteria for BTEC students:
- Minimum of 20 points from their best five GCSE subjects.
Current Status:
- Year 9 day pupil and year 12 boarding placements have waiting lists, reflecting high demand for admission opportunities.
SEN Support at Millfield School
Here is a list of special educational needs that the school is able to support:
- Aspergers
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders
- Dyscalculia
- Dysgraphia
- Dyslexia
- Dyspraxia
- Mental health
Millfield School Testimonials and Reviews
It’s always a joy to come back to my Alma Mater, even after forty years. Especially, when a new generation of my family is lucky enough to go to school here.
The facilities are terrific as is the pastoral care and character building. How many other schools focus on kindness as a core value? Or have generous scholarship programs?
Students from 70 countries study here. And the school provides extra support for these students and their parents letting them come to visit the boarding houses and meet the house parents a day before the other students. There is even a welcome BBQ for the international Millfield community.
And the Millfield Year 9 programme (Year 9s are in dedicated boarding houses at the heart of the campus) is innovative and unique.
What a privilege it is to study here. And to be able to visit as a family member of a pupil here.
My son Harry attended Millfield for the last 3 years of his schooling. He has had a truly fantastic experience there. The Headmaster is a dynamic, positive and inspiring leader. His house parents, and teachers are faultless and the accommodation and grounds are outstanding. We are so thankful that he has had this experience.
Having had 2 children at Millfield, I can honestly say the school is unique. Fantastic opportunities within a beautiful setting, with really great pastoral care… the school really does help each student develop individually and to the best of their potential. As International parents, it has been reassuring to know they are in such good care and with each child’s best interest at heart. Our children have some truly amazing memories of their school days… education as it should be – enjoyable and fulfilling!
We’ve had two children go through Millfield and without exception can clearly state that both children have had a wonderful experience. Our daughter went through to GCSE’s and left when we re-located to Mauritius. Our son left at the same time but six years her junior. He decided to return as a boarder in Y10. So we’ve experienced the academic and sporting heritage of Millfield as well as day scholars and a long distance boarding experience. Pretty much seen it all. The Millfield support is beyond anything we have experienced else where and the professionalism and level of all staff if exceptional. Millfield for us as parents has been a great experience and we wholeheartedly recommend the school.
Frequently Asked Questions about Millfield School
Millfield School is not especially academically selective. The academic results are more than decent considering: in 2023, GCSE results yielded 41% 9-7 grades and A-Levels a decent enough 29% A-grades. Bottom line is though that Millfield School’s focus lies with sport, not academic hothousery.
Millfield has been named as the number one sports school in the country. The rankings, published annually by School Sports Magazine, sees Millfield claim top spot for the tenth time in eleven years. This is in recognition of both Millfield and Millfield Prep School’s continued success across a variety of sports.
Millfield is one of the leading UK independent schools for boys and girls, aged 2-18 years.
Places on a full A Level programme are offered after interview, subject to achieving four B and two C grades at GCSE or international equivalent.
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