Sidcot School

The Academics:

A-Levels, the IB and GCSEs on offer.

Sidcot is non-selective and very deliberately so. The school feels grades are too restrictive a measure to assess pupil's eligibility. In 2023, 22% of A-Level grades were As, 22% of GCSE grades 9-7 and a 33 point average for the IB.

Sidcot's overriding goal is to offer pupils an individualised, supportive learning environment that suits each child's needs. Moreover there's a strong emphasis on harnessing the childrens' natural curiosity, creativity and creative confidence. That said, Sidcot School has a reputation for teaching maths especially well!

With regards to languages, German, French and Spanish are on offer.

Boarding:

30% of pupils board.

There are five boarding houses, each of which has its own personality. All houses are homely and tidy. Pupils up to 6th-Form share with two or three others. In the 6th Form pupils share with one other or get single rooms.

Exeat weekends exist but are not compulsory.

Strengths:

The friendly, caring atmosphere! Sidcot School is undoubtedly one of the friendliest schools we know. The school's Quaker values are entrenched deep in the school's fabric and pupils adhere to its tenants of mutual respect, tolerance and looking out for each other. This spirit is also evident in the classroom: teachers are enormously supportive here.

The school's creative offer is one of the strongest we know. Art, ceramics, textiles, design and media are all taught to a very high standard in an atmosphere that is both infectiously creative and innovative.

Sidcot School's extracurricular offer is very good and broad. The sports is geared more for wellbeing than competition, but from rugby to riding (excellent here!) there's something for everyone.

Weaknesses:

Sidcot School could do with a few more boarding pupils. The school does an amazing job at integrating its boarding community though!