Warminster School

Three centuries of history sit beneath the Wren Doorway at Warminster School, where tradition and innovation coexist on a 60-acre campus in the heart of Wiltshire. Founded in 1707 by Thomas Thynne, 1st Viscount Weymouth, to educate the sons of his Longleat estate workers, the school has evolved into a fully co-educational boarding and day school serving pupils from age 2 to 18. The campus blends Georgian heritage with modern facilities, including the state-of-the-art Wessex Science Centre and the Thomas Arnold Hall concert venue. With approximately 530 pupils, including around 200 boarders, Warminster offers the intimacy of a smaller school where every child is known by name.

The original School House, with its doorway believed designed by Sir Christopher Wren for Longleat House, sets the architectural tone for a campus where centuries of educational heritage unfold. Beyond the Georgian frontage, purpose-built facilities speak to ongoing investment, including science laboratories and a Design Centre equipped with laser cutters and 3D printers.

Matt Williams, the current Headmaster, brings a philosophy that balances tradition with calculated risk-taking. A parent himself at the school, Williams emphasises that what happens outside the classroom matters as much as what happens inside it. The school's values centre on integrity, service, compassion, and kindness, qualities that staff actively cultivate rather than simply display on walls.

The 1973 merger of Lord Weymouth's Grammar School for boys and St Monica's School for girls created the co-educational institution known today as Warminster School. The school celebrated 50 years of coeducation in September 2023, launching the Verlucian Community to connect alumni and current families. This heritage informs a genuine sense of belonging that spans generations.

The April 2024 ISI inspection under the new Framework 23 found that the school meets the required standards across all areas assessed. Under this framework, schools no longer receive graded judgements, but the report highlighted positive findings regarding teaching quality, pupil progress, and pastoral support.

GCSE Results

The GCSE cohort is relatively small, which creates both opportunity and statistical volatility. The school's Attainment 8 score of 34 reflects a mixed-ability intake that includes pupils joining at various entry points and from diverse educational backgrounds. For families comparing this figure to the England average of 45.9, context matters: Warminster is not academically selective at entry, and many pupils arrive needing additional support or English language development.

In the FindMySchool GCSE rankings, Warminster sits at 3,774th in England, reflecting performance in line with many independent schools that prioritise broad development over exam factory approaches. Locally, the school ranks 2nd among schools in Warminster.

A-Level Results

The sixth form picture is notably stronger. At A-level, 50.7% of grades achieved A*-B, with 27.1% at A*/A. This compares favourably to the England average of 47.2% at A*-B. The school ranks 1,062nd in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in line with the middle 35% of schools in England, a solid performance given the non-selective intake.

The sixth form also offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme as an alternative to A-levels, making Warminster one of only two schools in the ASIS Federation to provide this option. The IB pathway includes Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service components that develop research and critical thinking skills beyond examination syllabi. For students seeking a more vocational route, the IB Career-related Programme combines academic study with Cambridge Technical courses and substantial work experience.

University Destinations

According to the most recent DfE data for 2023/24 leavers, 42% of the cohort progressed to university, with 5% entering further education, 2% starting apprenticeships, and 13% moving directly into employment. The diversity of destinations reflects the school's broad curriculum offering and genuine support for varied pathways.

The school does not publish Russell Group percentages, and no specific Oxbridge acceptances were recorded in the available data. For families where elite university placement is the primary consideration, this honest picture allows informed decision-making.

The curriculum spans from EYFS in the Courtyard Nursery through to A-levels and the IB Diploma. Class sizes remain modest throughout, allowing for the individualised attention that smaller schools can provide.

In the Senior School, pupils follow the iGCSE and A-level specifications alongside the IB options. The Wessex Science Centre provides individually designed laboratories for practical work. The Design Centre supports STEM learning with industry-standard equipment including laser cutters and 3D printing facilities.

Learning support is embedded within the fee structure as an additional service. Individual sessions cost £56 plus VAT, with group sessions at £34 plus VAT. For pupils requiring English as an Additional Language support, fees range from £690 to £1,120 per term depending on intensity of provision. The inspection found that pupils with SEND make consistently good progress, with staff working to overcome significant barriers to learning.

The curriculum at Years 7-9 includes French from the outset, with Latin available and a lively programme of drama incorporating diverse theatre genres and performance techniques. Setting arrangements allow appropriate challenge across ability levels.

Approximately 200 boarders, representing roughly half the senior school population, live across four boarding houses. The school operates a diamond boarding system introduced in September 2020.

St Monica serves as the junior co-ed boarding house for Years 3-8, incorporating the Ivy Annexe wing for girls. Spacious accommodation includes separate wings for boys and girls who come together in light-filled communal spaces with computer facilities and kitchen areas. Younger boarders benefit from a large garden for outdoor play.

Ivy House and St Boniface provide intermediate boarding for girls and boys respectively. Stratton House accommodates sixth form students in co-ed arrangements, providing greater independence as pupils prepare for university life.

Each house is led by houseparents who live on site with their families, supported by residential tutors. The pastoral structure creates family-style communities within the larger school. Weekends remain busy with over 70 clubs and societies, plus organised trips ranging from paintballing to airhop activities.

Flexible boarding at £62 plus VAT per night allows day pupils to experience boarding life or stay overnight when family circumstances require.

Every pupil has a personal tutor whose role extends beyond academic oversight to ensure pastoral happiness. The school's philosophy recognises that academic success flows from emotional wellbeing. Staff work to create honest and supportive relationships with pupils.

The health and wellbeing provision includes a dedicated coach working with sports scholars on personalised programmes. The inspection confirmed that the school promotes physical and mental health effectively, with strong safeguarding practices in place.

The house system provides natural pastoral communities. House staff know their charges well, noticing when individuals are struggling and intervening early. Senior pupils take responsibility for supporting younger students, creating a mentoring culture that develops leadership alongside care.

Sport

Sport plays a central role in school life, with two hours of weekly games for each year group. Years 7-10 focus on five core sports: rugby, hockey, netball, cricket, and tennis. From Year 11 onwards, the range expands to include badminton, yoga, football, and golf.

The facilities support both participation and excellence. Outdoors, a full-size resurfaced Astroturf pitch hosts hockey fixtures, while a seven-a-side Astro serves the Prep School. Five rugby pitches, two football pitches, and a grass cricket square with artificial wicket provide capacity for concurrent fixtures. A 400-metre grass athletics track includes long jump and triple jump pits, throwing areas, and a high jump bed. The 20-yard outdoor swimming pool opens during summer term.

Indoor facilities include sports courts, cricket nets, indoor tennis courts, squash courts, and a recently redeveloped gymnasium with fully equipped fitness studio.

The WASP (Warminster School Performance) development programme supports elite athletes with bespoke training. Sports scholars receive personal mentors, access to a Health and Wellbeing coach, and personalised training programmes. The school maintains links with local clubs, encouraging pupils to develop their sport beyond school hours. Visits to Bath University for physiological testing and to Bath Rugby's training facility provide insight into elite performance environments.

All pupils selected to represent the school play at least half a game, ensuring meaningful participation rather than token appearances.

Music and Drama

The Thomas Arnold Hall provides an excellent concert space for musical performances. Over 40 performances annually include concerts, drama productions, and large-scale musical theatre. The flagship Cabaret event brings a significant proportion of the school together to celebrate musical variety.

Recent productions include Mary Poppins, The Lion King, and Matilda Jr. (2024). The Music and Drama departments collaborate on these ambitious shows, drawing on talent across year groups.

The Drama Department operates two studio spaces equipped with lighting and sound. Years 7-9 follow a lively programme covering diverse theatre genres and performance techniques. At GCSE, pupils study iGCSE Drama (60% practical, 40% written examination). A-level Theatre Studies follows the AQA specification, involving analysis and performance of three plays alongside the study of renowned theatre practitioners.

Upper Sixth drama pupils have performed on the Royal Mile at the Edinburgh Festival. Annual events include a Lower School Show for Years 7-9, a Senior School Show for Years 10-13 (biennial), and the Senior School Musical. Performances take place in local professional theatres, giving pupils experience of working in authentic venues.

STEM

The Wessex Science Centre houses individually designed laboratories supporting practical investigation across the sciences. The Design Centre's laser cutters and 3D printer enable pupils to bring designs from concept to reality.

STEM scholarships are available at 11+, 13+, and 16+ entry points, recognising outstanding ability and potential in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Co-curricular Programme

The Combined Cadet Force, formed in 1972, accepts pupils from Year 9 onwards. As a tri-service organisation, it develops leadership, responsibility, self-reliance, and resourcefulness through disciplined training. CCF activities count towards Duke of Edinburgh Award requirements.

The Duke of Edinburgh scheme runs at Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels. Bronze includes two walking expeditions; Gold offers walking or sea kayaking options. Ten Tors, the annual Dartmoor endurance event covering 35-55 miles, tests navigation, resilience, and survival skills.

International expeditions extend learning beyond the UK, with recent trips to Ecuador, Ghana, Morocco, and Tanzania. Cultural visits to Paris, Berlin, and Venice support language and history studies.

LAMDA examinations develop speaking and communication skills. The school describes over 70 clubs and societies operating throughout the week, though not all are listed individually on the website.

Day fees for Years 7-11 and A-level Sixth Form are £8,686 per term, with the IB Sixth Form at £9,802 per term. Weekly boarding ranges from £12,741 to £15,602 per term depending on year group. Full boarding fees span £14,165 to £17,642 per term.

Prep School fees begin at £4,337 per term for Reception, rising to £6,935 per term for Years 5-6 (day). Boarding is available from Year 3.

These figures exclude VAT and represent 2025-26 rates. Fees are charged annually but divided into three termly payments. School Fee Plan allows monthly payment arrangements.

Additional costs include wrap-around care (early sessions from 7:15am at £5; after-school £8-£15), music lessons (£25.50 individual or £13 shared, plus VAT), and learning support where required.

A 5% sibling discount and 10% Old Verlucian discount (for children of former pupils) provide reductions for eligible families.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available at Year 7, Year 9, and Year 12 entry points across eight categories: Academic, Art, Drama, Music, Sport, STEM, the Warminster Scholarship (recognising broad talents), and the Headmaster's Scholarship (selected personally by the Headmaster for pupils who align with school values). Scholarships carry a maximum fee remission of 10% for the duration of the pupil's time at school.

Candidates may apply for a maximum of two scholarships and must be recommended by their current headteacher. The deadline for 2026 entry is 17 October 2025, with Scholarship Day on 20 January 2026 and offers made the following week.

Two scholarships of up to 50% are available each year for outstanding academic Indian pupils.

Bursaries

Means-tested bursaries offer up to a maximum 40% fee reduction, reviewed annually by the Bursar and Governors' Finance Committee. Applicants must meet academic standards for their year of entry, and the Headmaster must believe the prospective pupil will make a positive contribution to the school community.

The school works with the SpringBoard Bursary Foundation, supporting several pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds who would not otherwise access independent education. The 1707 Bursary Fund, named for the founding year, provides additional support for families facing financial barriers.

Entry points exist throughout the school, with main entry at Year 7, Year 9, and Year 12. Prep School entry is assessed through taster days rather than formal examinations.

The registration fee is £150, with a £500 deposit payable via Flywire upon acceptance of a place.

Key Dates for 2026 Entry

The deadline for registration and scholarship entry is Friday 17 October 2025. Online assessments complete by end of December 2025. Scholarship Day takes place on Tuesday 20 January 2026, with offers made the week commencing 26 January 2026.

The school hosts Mini Open Events throughout the year for prospective families to experience Warminster firsthand. Open events typically run during autumn term; contact the admissions team for specific dates.

The Courtyard Nursery accepts children from age 2, providing EYFS education with variable session fees. Reception pupils pay £4,337 per term, with Years 1-2 at £4,690.

Boarding becomes available from Year 3, when Prep School fees rise to £5,536 per term (day) or £11,047 (full boarding). This early boarding option suits service families and those living abroad.

The Prep School occupies its own campus areas with dedicated facilities including a seven-a-side Astro pitch. Pupils are assessed through taster days rather than formal entrance tests, allowing the school to understand each child's needs and potential in a natural setting.

For nursery fee details, contact the school directly. Government-funded hours are available for eligible families.

The school day runs from 8:30am to approximately 5:30pm for senior pupils, with academic lessons ending earlier and co-curricular activities extending the afternoon. Prep School hours are shorter.

Wrap-around care extends the day from 7:15am for those requiring early drop-off. After-school sessions run until 6pm.

Warminster town centre sits within walking distance, with the school accessed from Church Street. The A36 connects to Bath (20 miles) and Salisbury (19 miles). Warminster railway station provides direct services to Bath, Bristol, and London Waterloo via Salisbury.

The 60-acre campus provides extensive space for outdoor activities. Salisbury Plain lies nearby, used for CCF training and outdoor pursuits.

Mixed academic results. GCSE outcomes place the school below the England average, reflecting a genuinely non-selective intake that includes pupils with additional learning needs, English language learners, and those who thrive outside examination systems. Families seeking consistently top grades should examine the data carefully.

Remote location. Warminster is a small market town in rural Wiltshire. While beautiful, the setting means limited local entertainment for teenagers accustomed to urban life. Boarders rely on organised activities; day pupils need reliable transport.

Military connections. The school maintains strong ties to the armed forces, serving many children of service personnel. The CCF formed in 1972 remains popular. Families uncomfortable with military associations should consider whether this culture suits their values.

Boarding integration. With roughly half the senior school boarding, day pupils must integrate with a community that operates seven days a week. Day families should consider how their child will participate in weekend activities and maintain friendships with boarding peers.

Warminster School offers a genuinely broad education where academic achievement sits alongside character development, outdoor challenge, and creative expression. The small school size means pastoral care is personal rather than systemic. The range of pathways, from A-levels to the IB Diploma and Career-related Programme, accommodates different learning styles and aspirations.

Best suited to families seeking a traditional boarding school experience without the competitive pressure of highly selective institutions. The school works well for children who will engage with opportunities beyond the classroom, who value community belonging, and who benefit from being known as individuals rather than statistics. Service families, international students, and those seeking a balanced education in a beautiful rural setting will find much to appreciate.

The main consideration is academic selectivity. Families whose priority is elite examination results and Oxbridge preparation should look elsewhere. For those who value the whole child, Warminster delivers an education that prepares young people for life, not just examinations.