Sidcot School
Sidcot School
Winscombe, England
The Sidcot School is set in the idyllic county of Somerset and exudes a particularly warm, friendly atmosphere. Creativity is highly valued here—the Art Department, with its inspiring teachers and fantastic studios, is among the best in the country. Equestrian enthusiasts are also well catered for: Sidcot has its own riding facilities, offers lessons at every level, and those who wish can even bring their own horse. It’s a school for free spirits, animal lovers, and all who want to thrive in a relaxed environment.
The Details
The Academics
Sidcot School offers GCSEs, A-Levels, and the IB as graduation options — all with plenty of individual support. The school is deliberately not highly selective: grades alone are not the only measure here. Instead, teachers get to know applicants through personal interviews. In 2024, 36% of A-Level grades were A or higher, 23% of GCSEs were between 9 and 7, and the IB average was a solid 32 points.
The teaching goes beyond rote learning — the school encourages intellectual curiosity, independent thinking, and creative approaches. Particularly strong are the subjects of Art and Mathematics.
Languages Taught
English as a Foreign Language, French, German and Spanish.
The Boarding
30% of students live in the boarding houses. There are five cozy boarding houses where students share rooms with two or three others until upper school, after which single rooms become available.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
The especially friendly atmosphere is probably the first thing you notice at Sidcot – this school is definitely one of the nicest boarding schools in England. Rooted in Quaker values such as respect, tolerance, and mindfulness, this spirit of community runs through every aspect of school life – from lessons to leisure. The teachers are dedicated, approachable, and support their pupils with genuine interest and great patience.
A real highlight is the creative program: art, ceramics, media design, and product design are taught at an excellent level. The workshops are modernly equipped, and the inspiring atmosphere invites experimentation.
Sidcot also offers plenty in sports – while the focus is less on competition, it emphasizes health and joy in movement. Riding stands out in particular: with its own stables, 50 school horses, and beautiful surroundings, it’s a true highlight for horse lovers. Other sports include swimming, rugby, yoga, climbing, and dance. There’s something here for everyone.
Weaknesses
We wish there were a few more boarders — but we acknowledge how much effort Sidcot School puts into creating a true community between day pupils and boarders. No one is left out here, and the social cohesion works remarkably well.
Location
The Sidcot School is located in the charming village of Winscombe, in the county of Somerset, with stunning views over the Mendip Hills, a designated “Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.” Despite its peaceful setting, the school is well connected: Bristol Airport is only about 20 minutes away, and Bath or Bristol city can be reached in just under an hour.
Bristol Temple Meads Railway Station - 30 mins by car
Bristol - 35 mins by car
A great school for children who are creative and sometimes need a bit of extra support.
A special feature of Sidcot is the "Yurt Village" — a unique area on the school grounds made up of traditional Mongolian yurts. These are used in many ways, such as for workshops, meditation sessions, or as an inspiring learning environment.
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