Stonar School
Stonar School
Atworth, England
Stonar School is a small, family-oriented boarding school located in the southwest of England, set within a beautiful parkland near the spa town of Bath in Wiltshire. The gentle hills and expansive fields surrounding the school make it an ideal place for nature lovers and active sports enthusiasts. Stonar is especially renowned for its outstanding equestrian center—one of the best in the entire country. Those passionate about riding will find perfect conditions here, with top-class facilities and professional care. Academically, the school also impresses: thanks to individualized support and dedicated teachers, students’ exam results consistently exceed the national average year after year.
The Details
The Academics
Stonar ranks among the top 100 schools in the UK for GCSE results. Nearly all graduates are accepted into their universities of choice. This success is the result of the school's dedicated efforts and ongoing commitment to maintaining high standards. Consequently, the admissions process has clear requirements: all applicants must complete an online assessment with tests in English, Mathematics, as well as verbal and non-verbal reasoning. Additionally, a personal interview is conducted with the Headmaster and the Head of the respective year group.
Languages Taught
English as a Foreign Language, French and Spanish.
The Boarding
About half of the pupils board at the school and are accommodated across three houses. Senior girls live in “York,” while boys and Year 11 girls reside in “Hart.” “Ganbrook” is home to girls in Years 5 to 10. Younger boarders share large rooms with up to six peers, while older pupils usually have rooms shared with one or two others—some even have single rooms.
Each house features comfortable common rooms, modern bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and small kitchens for snacks between meals. Main meals are served in the school’s own dining hall, “La Cantina.” House parents live on-site and are approachable, as is the medical staff.
Stonar deliberately avoids exeat weekends and Saturday classes. This keeps the campus lively even on weekends, with riding lessons, sports activities, or trips to Bath, just 25 minutes away. Pupils enjoy their free time with plenty of freedom, but always within a well-structured environment—a benefit highly valued by many parents and students alike.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
Stonar School is considered one of the best equestrian boarding schools in the UK and is a true paradise for horse lovers. The school’s own Equestrian Centre is excellently equipped, professionally managed, and an integral part of daily life for many students. Riding activities are offered at every level, whether for leisure riding, show jumping, or ambitious competition training.
Stonar is much more than just a riding school. In a very personal, family-like atmosphere, students are supported intensively not only academically but also athletically and in terms of character development. The teachers know their students well, guide them closely through daily school life, and, together with the houseparents, provide a stable and supportive learning environment.
The idyllic surroundings, with plenty of greenery, hills, and riding trails, invite not only to horseback rides but also to outdoor activities such as mountain biking, walking, or team sports. The modern sports facilities, three lovingly cared-for boarding houses, and the concept of free weekends ensure that Stonar quickly becomes a second home for many students.
Weaknesses
The foreign language offerings at Stonar School are currently limited to Spanish and French. For many of our families who desire a greater linguistic variety, including languages such as Latin, German, or Mandarin, this is somewhat insufficient.
Location
The Stonar School is located in rural Wiltshire, nestled within an expansive parkland about 25 minutes from the historic spa town of Bath. It also has excellent connections to London, with a travel time of around one and a half hours, making the school both peaceful and close to nature, yet conveniently accessible.
London Gatwick - 3 hrs by car
Bath - 25 mins by car
An ideal boarding school for passionate riders and anyone who feels comfortable in a close-knit, family-like environment.
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