MixedIndependentBoarding

Wells Cathedral School

Wells, Somerset, South West · BA5 2ST

Founded in 909 and one of the oldest schools in the country, Wells Cathedral School carries a Christian heritage rooted in its cathedral connection, and is best known today as one of the specialist music schools of England. Spanning ages 2 to 19, this medium-sized, mixed independent school of around 733 pupils offers both day and boarding places. The Independent Schools Inspectorate rated it excellent in both education and personal development, with all compliance requirements met. With a chorister tradition and an unusually broad menu of scholarships, it appeals particularly to families seeking a serious musical or performing-arts education alongside academic study.

733

Pupils

excellent

ISI

£30,255

Day fees / yr

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Overview & data

Gender: Mixed
Type: independent (fee-paying) school
Age range: 2-19
Pupils: 733
Location: Wells, Somerset, South West
Website: https://wells.cathedral.school
Telephone: 01749 834200

Entrance & admissions

Entry age: 11

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Headteacher

Head Alastair Tighe

Latest results

Attainment 8

29.9

National average 46.9

GCSE grade 5+ (English & Maths)

National average 47%

GCSE grade 9-7

49%

A-level A*-A

33%

A-level A*-B

66%

Teaching & academics

Music sits at the heart of academic life, ranking among the most popular subjects at both GCSE and A-level, alongside sciences, mathematics and drama. At A-level, a third of grades were A*-A and two thirds reached A*-B. Headline GCSE figures look low against national benchmarks - an Attainment 8 of 29.9 versus 46.9 and 0% achieving grade 5+ in English and Maths - though 49% of grades fell in the 9-7 band, a pattern worth discussing directly with the school given its specialist intake and notably high level of SEN support at over 31%.

Sixth form

Sixth-form pupils: 178

Popular A-level subjects

MusicMusic TechnologyMathematicsEnglish LiteraturePhysicsChemistryBiologyDrama and Theatre StudiesPhysical EducationEconomicsPsychology

Qualifications offered

GCSEA-levelEPQ

Learning support & SEN

SEN support: 31.2%
EHC plans: 0.54%

Arts & extracurricular

Scholarships

Specialist music scholarshipsChoristershipsAcademic scholarshipsSport scholarshipsArt scholarshipsDrama scholarshipsMaths scholarshipsGeneral music scholarships

Languages

Spanish

Popular GCSE subjects

MusicPhysical EducationGeographyDrama & Theatre StudiesArt & DesignChemistryBiologyPhysics

Sport

Main sports

Hockey

Beyond the classroom

Hockey is the main team sport, and the school's specialist focus shines through its scholarship offer, which spans music, choristerships, sport, art, drama and academics. An EPQ is available in the sixth form for those wanting to extend independent study.

Ethos & heritage

Founded: 909
Religious character: Christian
Boarding: Yes

Mobile phone policy

Mobile phones should not be seen or around school site. Years 7-9: all mobile phones must be handed into houses before 8.40am and collected after 3.55pm. Years 10-upper sixth: hidden phone policy during school day - phones off, away in bags and out of sight

Money matters

Day fees (per year): £11,448 - £30,255
Boarding fees (per year): £30,603 - £49,494

Some means-tested bursaries offered

Inspection reports

ISI rating: excellent
ISI personal development: excellent
Last inspected: 25 April 2023

Read the full inspection report ↗

The last word

A historic cathedral school where musical talent is taken seriously and nurtured. Best suited to families drawn to its specialist arts ethos, with fees and entry expectations explored in person.

The Passmate verdict