Dauntsey's School
Devizes, Wiltshire, South West · SN10 4HE
Founded in 1542, Dauntsey's is a co-educational independent boarding and day school set in the Wiltshire countryside near Devizes. With 830 pupils and an unusually generous pupil-to-teacher ratio of 7.5, classes are small and teaching attention is plentiful. The Independent Schools Inspectorate rated the school excellent for both education and personal development in its most recent inspection, and a striking 100 per cent bursary scheme at 11+ and 16+ entry signals a genuine commitment to widening access. A notable feature is the Jolie Brise sail-training programme, reflected in the school's all-rounder awards.
830
Pupils
excellent
ISI
£28,395
Day fees / yr
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- Gender
- Mixed
- Type
- independent (fee-paying) school
- Age range
- 11-18
- Pupils
- 830
- Pupil:teacher ratio
- 7.5
- Location
- Devizes, Wiltshire, South West
- Website
- www.dauntseys.org
- Telephone
- 01380 814500
Entrance & admissions
- Entry age
- 11
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Headteacher
Headmaster Mr John Davies
Latest results
Attainment 8
29.4
National average 46.9
GCSE grade 5+ (English & Maths)
0%
National average 47%
GCSE grade 9-7
62%
A-level A*-A
46%
A-level A*-B
75%
Teaching & academics
Results at the top end are strong, with 62 per cent of GCSEs graded 7-9 and nearly half of A-levels at A*-A. Sciences are clearly a draw, with Physics, Chemistry and Biology popular at both GCSE and A-level, alongside Mathematics, Economics and History in the sixth form. The school offers the EPQ as well as GCSEs and A-levels, and just over a third of pupils receive SEN support, pointing to a willingness to accommodate a range of learning needs. Parents should note that the published headline measures - an Attainment 8 of 29.4 and 0 per cent achieving grade 5+ in English and Maths against a national average of 47 per cent - sit oddly against the strong grade profile, so it is worth asking the school directly how its results are reported.
Sixth form
- Sixth-form pupils
- 280
Popular A-level subjects
Qualifications offered
Learning support & SEN
- SEN support
- 35.24%
- EHC plans
- 0%
Arts & extracurricular
Scholarships
Languages
Popular GCSE subjects
Sport
Main sports
Beyond the classroom
Sport is a real strength, with rugby, hockey, cricket, tennis, netball and football all part of the offer, and dedicated sport awards on the scholarship list. Drama and performing arts are similarly recognised through scholarships, and the school's Jolie Brise sailing tradition gives an adventurous dimension few schools can match. French and Chinese are taught for those keen on languages.
Ethos & heritage
- Founded
- 1542
- Religious character
- Christian
- Boarding
- Yes
Mobile phone policy
Lower and middle school pupils do not have access to their phones during the school day. In the sixth form, invisible phone policy whereby they are allowed to have their phones with them and use them in specified areas, but should not be seen using them when walking around the school.
Money matters
- Day fees (per year)
- £28,395
- Boarding fees (per year)
- £46,950
- Bursaries up to
- 100% of fees
100 per cent bursary place scheme for 11+ and 16+ entry
Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- excellent
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 21 June 2023
The last word
A historic, small-class boarding school where sailing, sport and the arts sit alongside academic ambition, made genuinely accessible by full bursary places.
The Passmate verdict
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Dauntsey's School 11+: frequently asked questions
Where is Dauntsey's School located?
Dauntsey's School is located at West Lavington, Devizes, SN10 4HE.
What type of school is Dauntsey's School?
Dauntsey's School is an independent (fee-paying) school in South West.
How many pupils attend Dauntsey's School?
Dauntsey's School has approximately 830 pupils on roll.
What is Dauntsey's School's inspection rating?
Dauntsey's School is inspected by the ISI and was judged "excellent" at its inspection on 21 June 2023.
Compiled from public data. Last checked June 2026.