Wells Cathedral School
Wells Cathedral School
Wells, England
Ask about Wells Cathedral in England, and you’ll hear immediately: The music school! And yes, that’s true—the music program is excellent and renowned nationwide. But Wells offers much more. Behind the city’s historic backdrop and ancient stone walls lies one of Europe’s oldest and most versatile schools: alongside a broad sports and creative program, there’s an “Advanced Mathematics” program designed specifically to nurture math enthusiasts. And starting September 2026, there will be a new focus: football, in partnership with none other than FC Chelsea.
The Details
The Academics
At Wells Cathedral School, pupils can take both GCSEs and A-Levels. Academically, the school is not highly selective but achieves solid results: in 2024, 49% of GCSE grades were between 9 and 7, and 34% of A-Level grades were A grades. Mathematics is a particular strength, with targeted support through the "Specialist Maths Scheme."
Of course, music remains the school's flagship, but Wells is far from being solely a music school. With small classes, 175 dedicated teachers, and a very personal learning atmosphere, the school offers convincing academic quality beyond the stage. A hidden gem is geology, taught in its own building with carefully curated fossil cabinets. The small library, housed in a former stable, is charming and well used.
Languages Taught
English, French, Latin, German and Spanish.
The Boarding
About half of the pupils board, living in Victorian townhouses spread around the campus. Because these houses blend so well into the townscape, they feel more like normal homes—open, friendly, and right in the heart of life. Not a boarding cliché, but genuine comfortable living.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
The musical program at Wells is legendary. Whether orchestras, choirs, jazz bands, or chamber music ensembles — music is performed at the highest level in an atmosphere that remains open and welcoming. Performances and rehearsals take place in truly special venues: the impressive Cedar Hall with 350 seats and excellent acoustics, the Quilter Hall, numerous practice rooms — and of course in the Cathedral itself, which is a musical and architectural experience. A real highlight is the digital recording studio for music production and mixing.
Wells offers a diverse and well-structured sports program: hockey, tennis, football, rugby, cricket, basketball, athletics, swimming, and much more are all part of the curriculum. Pupils train on spacious grass fields, all-weather hockey pitches, in a modern sports hall, a fitness studio, a dance studio with a sprung floor, and at the school’s own climbing wall.
The school's location in the heart of the charming small town of Wells in beautiful Somerset is certainly a big bonus!
Weaknesses
Wells Cathedral School is one of the oldest schools in England, and some of its buildings are historic, carrying the special charm of centuries past. Of course, this also means that some areas are not quite up to modern standards. The school is aware of this and is investing step by step in preservation and modernization.
Location
Wells Cathedral School is located in the charming town of Wells, known for its impressive cathedral and authentic English atmosphere. The vibrant university city of Bristol, with its international airport, is just an hour away. London Heathrow is also reachable within about two and a half hours.
Absolutely perfect for all music aficionados — but not only!
Be sure to visit Wells Cathedral, preferably early in the morning or just before closing time when there are few visitors — then a very special magic surrounds the place.
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