Duncombe School
Hertford, Hertfordshire, East of England · SG14 3JA
A small independent prep in Hertford, Duncombe School educates around 231 boys and girls from age two through to eleven. The Independent Schools Inspectorate awarded the school its highest grade of 'excellent', both for the quality of pupils' education and for their personal development, while compliance requirements were met in full. With a modest roll and a wide age span, the school offers a close-knit setting in which children can be known well as they progress from the nursery to the top of the school. The school is led by headteacher Mr Jeremy Phelan.
231
Pupils
excellent
ISI
£17,955
Day fees / yr
Free month · No card needed · Cancel anytime
Schools nearby
Open in Google Maps ↗Overview & data
- Gender
- Mixed
- Type
- independent (fee-paying) school
- Age range
- 2-11
- Pupils
- 231
- Location
- Hertford, Hertfordshire, East of England
- Website
- https://www.duncombe-school.co.uk/
- Telephone
- 01992 414100
Headteacher
Head Mr Jeremy Phelan
Want your child to win a place at Duncombe School?
Passmate builds a personalised practice plan from your target schools' exact 11+ topics - so every session moves your child closer to a place.
- Practice matched to Duncombe School's 11+ format
- See precisely where your child stands, topic by topic
- A profile of how they think - not just scores
Free month · No card needed
Teaching & academics
An 'excellent' ISI judgement places Duncombe among the more highly regarded prep schools, reflecting strong achievement across the primary years. Around 6.6 per cent of pupils receive SEN support, suggesting the school accommodates a range of learning needs alongside its academic provision. The small size allows teaching to remain personal as children prepare for the move on at eleven.
Learning support & SEN
- SEN support
- 6.64%
- EHC plans
- 0.37%
Ethos & heritage
- Boarding
- No
Mobile phone policy
Only year 6 can have a phone but they are handed in and kept in the school office during the day, not allowed to keep them with them.
Money matters
- Day fees (per year)
- £13,365 - £17,955
Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- excellent
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 1 July 2025
The last word
A small, high-performing prep where children can be known individually from nursery to eleven, backed by an 'excellent' inspection across the board.
The Passmate verdict
Have you considered?
Rhodes Wood Hospital School
East of England
Queenswood School
Hatfield, East of England
St Albans High School for Girls Prep
Wheathampstead, East of England
East Hall School
Hitchin, East of England
Saint Nicholas School
Essex, East of England
Manor Lodge School
Shenley, East of England
Duncombe School 11+: frequently asked questions
Where is Duncombe School located?
Duncombe School is located at 4 Warren Park Road, Bengeo, Hertford, Hertford, SG14 3JA.
What type of school is Duncombe School?
Duncombe School is an independent (fee-paying) school in East of England.
How many pupils attend Duncombe School?
Duncombe School has approximately 231 pupils on roll.
What is Duncombe School's inspection rating?
Duncombe School is inspected by the ISI and was judged "excellent" at its inspection on 1 July 2025.
Compiled from public data. Last checked June 2026.