The Purcell School
Hertfordshire, East of England · WD23 2TS
Founded in 1962, The Purcell School is a specialist music school where talented young musicians pursue a demanding academic education alongside intensive musical training. With just 195 pupils, including 89 in the sixth form, it is a small and selective community in Hertfordshire that boards as well as teaches day pupils from age 11. The Independent Schools Inspectorate rated the school excellent in its most recent inspection, judging personal development excellent too and confirming all compliance standards were met. Most remarkable is the funding model: over 140 of its places are supported by the government's Music and Dance Scheme or by the school's own bursaries and scholarships, opening this rarefied training to families who could not otherwise meet the fees.
195
Pupils
excellent
ISI
£40,864
Day fees / yr
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Open in Google Maps ↗Overview & data
- Gender
- Mixed
- Type
- independent (fee-paying) school
- Age range
- 11-18
- Pupils
- 195
- Location
- Hertfordshire, East of England
- Website
- www.purcell-school.org
- Telephone
- 01923 331100
Entrance & admissions
- Entry age
- 11
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Headteacher
Principal Paul Bambrough
Latest results
Attainment 8
47.7
National average 46.9
GCSE grade 5+ (English & Maths)
54%
National average 47%
GCSE grade 9-7
58%
A-level A*-A
30%
A-level A*-B
54%
Teaching & academics
Academic results sit comfortably above national benchmarks, with an Attainment 8 score of 47.7 against the national average of 46.9 and 54% of pupils gaining grade 5 or above in English and Maths, ahead of the 47% national figure. At A-level, 30% of entries reach A*-A and 54% reach A*-B. The curriculum runs through GCSE and A-level, and the popular subjects tell the school's story plainly: Music and Music Technology lead the way, alongside Fine Art, English Literature and Mathematics. With 15.9% of pupils receiving SEN support, the school combines its specialist focus with attention to individual needs.
Sixth form
- Sixth-form pupils
- 89
Popular A-level subjects
Qualifications offered
Learning support & SEN
- SEN support
- 15.9%
- EHC plans
- 1.03%
Arts & extracurricular
Scholarships
Languages
Popular GCSE subjects
Beyond the classroom
Music is not an add-on here but the organising principle of school life, reflected in the dedicated Music scholarships and the prominence of performance and Music Technology throughout the timetable. The arts extend into Fine Art and Media studies, and boarding allows pupils to immerse themselves fully in the school's musical culture.
Ethos & heritage
- Founded
- 1962
- Boarding
- Yes
Mobile phone policy
Years 7-9 may not have phones during school day. Years 10-11 may keep phones in bags but not use them. Sixth form may keep and use phones but not in lessons or communal areas except common rooms. All boarders up to Year 11 must hand in phones, tablets and laptops overnight.
Money matters
- Day fees (per year)
- £40,864
- Boarding fees (per year)
- £52,175
Majority of places (over 140) are funded by government's music and dance assisted places scheme or by school bursary or scholarship
Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- excellent
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 29 April 2025
The last word
An unusual and serious institution for the genuinely gifted young musician, where extensive bursary funding means talent, rather than wealth, is the price of entry.
The Passmate verdict
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The Purcell School 11+: frequently asked questions
Where is The Purcell School located?
The Purcell School is located at Aldenham Road, Bushey, WD23 2TS.
What type of school is The Purcell School?
The Purcell School is an independent (fee-paying) school in East of England.
How many pupils attend The Purcell School?
The Purcell School has approximately 195 pupils on roll.
What is The Purcell School's inspection rating?
The Purcell School is inspected by the ISI and was judged "excellent" at its inspection on 29 April 2025.
Compiled from public data. Last checked June 2026.