Dauntsey's School
Dauntsey's School
West Lavington, England
Founded in 1542, Dauntsey’s School combines down to earth values with a warm atmosphere. Pupils are supported to reach their full potential – both academically and beyond the classroom. The strong exam results speak for themselves. Dauntsey’s impresses with a diverse sports and leisure programme, standing out particularly in theatre, music and sailing. Its idyllic location in the southern English county of Wiltshire offers plenty of outdoor activities, while the school’s own offshore sailing ship and adventure programme are real highlights.
The Details
The Academics
The pupils at Dauntsey’s School – known as the “Dauntseians” – achieve impressive exam results year after year. In 2024, 42 percent of graduates earned an A in their A Levels, and 64 percent of pupils achieved grades between 9 and 7 in their GCSEs. This is a notable achievement that reflects the strong support provided here.
Whether particularly gifted or facing mild learning difficulties such as dyslexia or dyspraxia, Dauntsey’s places great emphasis on individual support.
A special highlight: pupils can even take theatre at A Level – a true rarity!
Languages Taught
English, French, Spanish, German, Latin and Ancient Greek.
The Boarding
For younger pupils up to Year 8, “The Manor” is their home away from home. This charming Victorian manor house offers a safe and communal environment, separated by gender and cared for by houseparents who provide a family atmosphere. Older girls move into “Evans” and “Jeanne” houses from Year 9 onwards, while boys live in “Fitzmaurice” and “Mercers.” Lower year groups typically share double rooms, while Upper Sixth pupils enjoy the privacy of single rooms.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
Dauntsey’s School is renowned for its impressive theatre productions. Every year, the school stages major classics like Les Misérables, Billy Elliot and Mamma Mia – performed with such passion and professionalism that the public is regularly invited as an audience. The performances consistently receive excellent reviews and are firmly established in the school’s annual calendar.
The school also offers a lot musically: over 500 individual music lessons take place here each week, complemented by more than 70 concerts a year. From chamber music, choir and orchestra to rock music. The school’s rehearsal rooms are modern and well equipped, and musical development is as broad as it is dedicated.
In the stunning Wiltshire countryside, outdoor learning is a fixed part of daily school life. There is an outstanding Adventure Education programme covering outdoor activities such as hiking, climbing, orienteering and adventurous expeditions.
A special highlight is the Jolie Brise, the school’s own sailing ship. Dauntsey’s is one of the few boarding schools in the UK with such a historic vessel. Every Year 10 pupil has the opportunity to spend 24 hours on board and experience life at sea firsthand. Those who catch the sailing bug can join the sailing team or take part in exciting expeditions to Norway or Iceland.
Weaknesses
As in many boarding schools, there are also compulsory exeat weekends here, which pose organisational challenges for the families of international boarders.
Location
Dauntsey’s School is idyllically situated on a 150 hectare estate in the Vale of Pewsey, just about half an hour from Salisbury and Stonehenge. London is reachable within two and a half hours, and the nearby Westbury station offers fast connections to London Paddington.
Salisbury - 40mins by car
An exceptional boarding school for sport, adventure and community.
We especially love Dauntsey’s ‘Adventure Programme’. The school even employs its own Head of Adventure, who creates exciting and challenging programmes for the pupils.
Take a look at similar schools
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