Step through the gates at King Edward's School and you're walking on ground steeped in nearly five centuries of learning. Founded in 1552 through a Royal Charter granted by King Edward VI, this independent day school now educates roughly 1,150 pupils from nursery through sixth form across three beautifully distinct sites. Named the Independent Secondary School of the Year in the South West for 2026 by the Sunday Times Parent Power Guide, King Edward's combines remarkable academic results with an unusually extensive co-curricular programme that treats music, drama, sport, and intellectual pursuits as equally fundamental to school life. The school sits in the top 2% of schools in England for GCSE results and top 10% for A-level, with nearly one in five pupils receiving means-tested bursaries, making this elite academic environment accessible to families across the socioeconomic spectrum.
King Edward's occupies a sprawling 19-acre campus in North Road, the secondary and junior sites sharing grounds that blend Victorian architecture with contemporary facilities. The senior school buildings speak to the institution's evolution; the iconic 1754 building on Broad Street remains a Grade II* listed structure, while modern additions like the three-storey Wessex Building (opened 2015) and the acclaimed Rose drama centre demonstrate ongoing investment in educational spaces.
King Edward's School, Bath in Bath, Bath has a clear sense of identity shaped by its setting and community. In the 1990s, when Headmaster Peter Winter led the transition from boys-only to fully coeducational, the shift was deliberate and complete. Today boys and girls navigate the corridors with equal ease. Under current Headmaster Martin Boden, who has led since approximately 2014, the school has maintained that balance between tradition and modernity. The school's stated values centre on opportunity, engagement, and aspiration, though these are lived experiences rather than empty catchphrases. Teachers speak of pupils from "a variety of socio-economic backgrounds," a direct consequence of the bursary programme that has distributed over £1.1 million annually to roughly 20% of the senior school cohort.
Pupils appear visibly known within their year groups. Form tutors oversee groups of approximately six to eight students, while the leadership structure of Deputy Head (Pastoral) and Heads of Year ensures that individual wellbeing sits at the operational centre of school life, not as an afterthought.
King Edward's ranked 86th for GCSE outcomes, placing it in the elite tier, the top 2% in England (FindMySchool ranking). Locally, it holds the first position among Bath schools.
In 2024, the school's GCSE cohort achieved 84% of entries at grades 9–7 (A* to A equivalent). This compares dramatically to the England average of 54%. The strength was particularly pronounced at the very top end; 67% of grades awarded were 9–8, well above the England average of 54% for this grade band.
At A-level, the school ranked 111th, placing it in the top 10% in England (FindMySchool ranking), where it also ranks first locally. The 2024 results showed 82% of entries graded A*–B, compared to the England average of 47% for these top grades. The distribution reflects a genuinely strong sixth form; 30% of entries were A* grades, 32% grade A, and 21% grade B, demonstrating consistent excellence across the ability range rather than concentration at a single grade.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
81.88%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
GCSE 9–7
84.12%
% of students achieving grades 9-7
In the 2024 leaver cohort, three students secured places at Cambridge and none at Oxford, with a combined Oxbridge acceptance rate of 7% (3 acceptances from 42 applications). This represents a meaningful pipeline to Britain's most selective universities, though not the overwhelming Oxbridge dominance found in some independent schools.
Beyond Oxbridge, 50% of the 2024 leavers progressed to university, with a further 31% entering direct employment and 2% to further education. The university destinations span the full range of prestigious institutions. Leavers have gone on to study at Bath, Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Cardiff, Durham, Edinburgh, Exeter, Imperial College London, King's College London, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Oxford, St Andrews, and UCL. This breadth suggests that students are pursuing serious academic paths across diverse disciplines rather than clustering in a narrow range of elite universities.
The curriculum across all phases follows the national framework, though with notable enrichment. In the junior school, French begins in Year 1, taught by specialists. Mathematics is set from Year 4 onwards, allowing targeted instruction for different ability groups.
In the senior school, the curriculum maintains academic rigour. Sciences are taught separately from Year 7. At GCSE and A-level, 26 subjects are available at the senior level, with entries spanning classics (Latin and Greek), further mathematics, and modern languages. The breadth indicates that students can pursue genuine intellectual breadth rather than being funnelled into a narrow range of popular subjects.
Teaching standards receive external validation. The 2023 ISI inspection rated the school Excellent for the quality of education. Inspectors noted that "pupils, both at the junior and senior level, have achieved strongly in team sports" and highlighted that "pupils' performance skills are excellent, supported by the provision of high-quality opportunities to perform in music and drama." Teachers are described across the school as caring and compassionate, with expertise that "speaks for itself."
King Edward's distinctive character emerges most clearly in its approach to co-curricular life. Rather than a scattered collection of clubs, the school operates across several powerful pillars; music, drama, sport, STEM, and scholarship are each woven into the fabric of school identity.
The Rose, a £1.2 million drama centre opened in 2019, incorporates two full-size studios and additional rehearsal spaces. This facility, designed to replicate professional theatre working conditions, fundamentally changed what the drama department can offer. The school produces at least three full-scale productions annually; one for Years 10–13, one for Years 8–9, and one for Year 7, each mounting productions of exceptional technical and artistic ambition. Recent productions include We Will Rock You (with live professional musicians), Alice in Wonderland, Treasure Island, Antigone, and the school's original musical, POP!, for which pupils recorded a live studio album.
The drama department's reach extends to Edinburgh. Upper school and sixth form pupils have formed a professional theatre company to stage productions at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, achieving sell-out audiences and critical acclaim for shows including Takeaway (adapted from Jackie Kay) and Hansel and Gretel (Kneehigh Theatre). This is no amateur fringe experience; these are serious productions designed to serious standards.
Drama exam pupils attend a minimum of three live theatre performances annually at prestigious venues including the Globe, National Theatre, the Swan, and the Royal Court. Lower and middle school pupils also benefit from regular theatre trips. The school offers over 50 LAMDA lessons per week, with all 2023 exam candidates achieving pass with Merit or Distinction. An internship programme exists for gap year students wishing to develop theatrical experience before university.
Music sits at the core of school identity. The school operates a partnership with Bath Philharmonia, providing "outstanding learning and performance opportunities." The school describes music as being "at the heart of our school," and this is substantive; multiple ensembles exist (specifics include partnerships with professional musicians and conservatoire-level training). Over 50 LAMDA performance lessons are offered weekly alongside instrumental tuition delivered by qualified teachers at £408 per term for 11 lessons.
The sporting programme balances elite achievement with universal participation. Major sports include rugby, hockey, cricket, and netball. Minor sports span athletics, cross-country, tennis, football, rounders, badminton, dance, gymnastics, and table tennis. The school runs an innovative gender-neutral cricket programme, broadening engagement in a traditionally gendered sport.
The sporting infrastructure includes partnerships with Bath Rugby Academy and the England Hockey Academy (based in Bath), supporting elite players while maintaining opportunities for all. Recent achievements include winning the Rosslyn Park Under 18 Vase (the biggest national sevens rugby tournament) and fielding competitors selected to U16 England Hockey Squads. In 2024, 15 players were identified within Bath Rugby, Bristol Bears, and County pathways, while 12 netballers represented at national level through Team Bath and Avon County programmes. A further 10 cricketers were selected to represent Somerset and Glamorgan at various levels.
The emphasis on participation is real; 100% of Year 7 pupils participate in sports fixtures during Autumn and Spring terms. The school offers 100+ places in its CCF (Combined Cadet Force), one of the oldest school contingents in the country (founded 1900), and over 200 pupils participate in Duke of Edinburgh across all three levels (Bronze, Silver, and Gold). Recent Gold expeditions have included a 5-day residential, while lower levels complete 2–3 night expeditions in the Mendips or Marlborough Downs.
The school runs academic clubs including Model United Nations, KES Pride (advocacy society), and newer programmes in esports, coding, F1 in Schools, and cipher challenges. A creative writing club publishes an annual anthology of short stories and poems. A textiles and crafty club serves pupils with hands-on creative interests. The school provides a flagship multimedia suite developed in partnership with Lenovo, supporting the expanding STEM programmes.
Activities Week, held in the penultimate week of each year, removes pupils from timetabled schooling for a week of curated experiences. Year 7 travels together to an outdoor activity centre in Dorset for team challenges. Years 8–10 choose from cultural trips (Paris, Nice, Berlin, Cologne, Barcelona, Venice, Marbella), subject-focused expeditions (Iceland, Pompeii), water sports in Bude, tall ships sailing, and home-based activities including adventure sports and coding.
The school has launched more ambitious expeditions in recent years. A Kenya expedition combined project work with Moving Mountains Trust alongside trekking Mt Kenya and a safari experience. U16 rugby, netball, and hockey touring squads have travelled to Canada. These are substantive opportunities for self-reliance and cultural expansion, not perfunctory school trips.
Day fees for 2025–26 are £7,254 per term (£21,762 annually) for Years 7–11 and £7,380 per term for the sixth form, with slightly lower fees for younger pupils (£4,818 per term in Reception–Year 2; £5,736 for Years 3–6). These figures place King Edward's squarely in the mid-to-upper independent school bracket regionally. The school notes that it offers "cracking value compared to some local competitors," and the Telegraph has rated it "Very Good" in its Best Value Private Schools Guide.
What distinguishes the school financially is its genuine commitment to access. Over £1.1 million is distributed annually as means-tested bursaries, supporting approximately 20% of the senior school cohort. Bursaries are typically awarded at entry to Years 7 and 12, continue throughout the pupil's tenure unless parental circumstances change, and can cover up to 100% of fees. The school also awards scholarships for academic, music, art, sport, and all-round achievement, though these are "relatively small value" (10–25% reduction typical) and function more as recognition than transformative financial aid.
Additional costs include school lunches (optional, £350 per term in autumn), instrumental tuition (£408 per term), LAMDA lessons (£43.20 for 30-minute individual lessons), and optional clubs subject to VAT where separate coaching is involved.
*Bursaries may be available for eligible families.
Basis: per term
The school's pastoral structure places wellbeing at the operational centre. Form tutors oversee cohorts of six to eight pupils, building relationships over years. Heads of Year and a Deputy Head (Pastoral) provide additional oversight. Sixth Form Prefects support younger students.
The school explicitly monitors the "busiest pupils" to prevent overextension. Teachers coordinate across departments to enable students to participate in music, drama, sport, and academic pursuits without burnout. Mental health support is explicitly mentioned, with the school committed to ensuring pupils understand that "good mental health is supported by maintaining an effective balance between work, rest and play."
The 2023 ISI inspection found that pupils are "highly self-aware and resilient" and demonstrate "an assured and quiet self-confidence." Pupils show "deeply embedded sense of public service to both their school and the wider community." Respect for diversity and cultural understanding were rated Excellent. The inspection team observed "consistently supportive relationships, both with peers and staff, creating a strongly cohesive school culture of mutual support."
The school operates entry points at Reception, Years 3, 5, 7, 9, and 12. Senior School entry (Year 7) involves an application fee of £120 (non-refundable), school reference from the current institution, a meeting with the Head of Year in January, and entrance examinations conducted by the school itself in late January. The school seeks candidates who can thrive in an academically rigorous environment; entrance does not require exceptional prior attainment but assumes readiness for fast-paced instruction and independent learning.
The admissions process is described as "friendly" and accessible; families are encouraged to visit and ask questions. Open days are held regularly (typically October and November), and the school offers virtual tours via its website.
Academic Pace: The curriculum moves quickly. Year 4 setting in mathematics and Year 1 French instruction signal early specialisation. Pupils who thrive on breadth and slower processing times may find the pace demanding.
Financial Commitment: While bursaries mitigate this significantly, the basic fee of £21,762 annually (or £7,254 per term) remains substantial. Families should assess affordability realistically and explore bursary eligibility early.
Independent School Assumptions: As an independent school, King Edward's operates outside the state system. Entry is selective (though not grammar-selective); the school chooses pupils. Curriculum flexibility is greater than in state schools, but so is parental financial obligation.
Co-Curricular Intensity: The volume of opportunities, 100+ clubs, regular productions, sports fixtures, CCF, Duke of Edinburgh, can create pressure to participate widely. The school acknowledges this explicitly and supports pupils in balancing engagement with rest, but families should prepare for a culture where co-curricular involvement is expected as normal rather than optional.
Bath Location: The school is intrinsically linked to Bath. For families relocating from elsewhere or considering further relocation, transport logistics matter. The school's playing fields are located a mile away in Bathampton; daily access to facilities requires travel.
King Edward's School stands among the strongest independent schools in the South West, combining serious academic results (elite tier GCSE, top 10% A-level) with an unusually rich co-curricular culture where drama, music, sport, and scholarship are genuinely integrated into daily life. The school's commitment to financial access, with one in five pupils on bursaries, distinguishes it from schools where excellence correlates primarily with family wealth.
Best suited to academically able families seeking an independent education in a genuine community atmosphere. The school works well for pupils who thrive on challenge, who value breadth and performance opportunity, and whose families can afford the £21,762 annual base cost or who qualify for bursarial support. It is not ideally suited to pupils requiring slow pace, narrow specialisation, or families prioritising state sector educational philosophy and governance.
For families in Bath and beyond meeting these criteria, King Edward's delivers measurable excellence paired with genuine care for individual flourishing.
Yes. The school ranks in the elite tier for GCSE (top 2% in England; 1st in Bath) and top 10% for A-level results. The 2023 ISI inspection rated the school Excellent in all areas, with particular praise for "pupils' engagement with the broad and varied extra-curricular programme." The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026 named it Independent Secondary School of the Year in the South West.
Day fees are £7,254 per term (£21,762 annually) for Years 7–11 and £7,380 per term for Years 12–13. Fees for younger pupils are lower (£4,818 per term for Reception–Year 2). These are 2025–26 figures and increase annually. Additional costs include optional lunches, instrumental tuition, and certain clubs.
The school provides over £1.1 million annually in means-tested bursaries, supporting approximately 20% of the senior school cohort. Bursaries can cover up to 100% of fees and are typically awarded at entry to Years 7 and 12. Scholarships for academic, music, art, sport, and all-round achievement are also available, though these are generally smaller in value (10–25% reduction typical).
The Rose drama centre, opened in 2019, provides two full-size studios and professional-standard facilities. The school produces at least three full-scale productions annually (one per year group) with professional lighting, sound, set design, and in some cases live musicians. Sixth formers regularly perform at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe to sell-out audiences. Over 50 LAMDA lessons are offered weekly, and drama exam candidates attend minimum three live professional theatre performances annually.
The school partners with Bath Rugby Academy and the England Hockey Academy for elite player development. Major sports are rugby, hockey, cricket, and netball, with secondary opportunities in 12 additional sports. Recent achievements include winning the Rosslyn Park Under 18 Vase (national rugby sevens tournament). One hundred percent of Year 7 pupils participate in fixtures during Autumn and Spring terms. The school also maintains a highly active CCF (founded 1900, one of the oldest in the country) and runs Duke of Edinburgh across all three levels with high completion rates.
Form tutors oversee small cohorts (six to eight pupils) over years, building consistent relationships. The school explicitly monitors "busiest pupils" and coordinates across departments to prevent overextension. Teachers work together to enable participation in multiple activities whilst preserving rest and downtime. The 2023 inspection noted "consistently supportive relationships, both with peers and staff, creating a strongly cohesive school culture of mutual support."
Entry involves a non-refundable application fee of £120, current school reference, a meeting with Head of Year 7 in January, and entrance examinations conducted by the school in late January. The school does not publish pass rates or explicit pass marks. Entry is selective but not grammar-selective. The school seeks pupils ready for academic pace rather than those who were necessarily top at primary school.
Yes. The school is unusual in committing over £1.1 million annually to means-tested bursaries supporting 20% of the senior school. Pupils explicitly come from "a variety of socio-economic backgrounds." The school's founding charter (1552) required it to support "ten poor persons from within the community," and this commitment to financial accessibility persists as core to institutional identity.
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