Wells Cathedral School

Independent

National rank

265

193=

Rank last year

63.9%

A-level

A-level

A*-B

48.9%

GCSE

GCSE

A*/A/9/8/7

Need to know

Head teacher

Alastair Tighe

Gender of entry

Mixed

Total pupils

780 (2-18)

Head teacher

Alastair Tighe

Gender of entry

Mixed

Total pupils

780 (2-18)

Head teacher

Alastair Tighe

Gender of entry

Mixed

Total pupils

780 (2-18)

UK day fees per term*

£7,737-£8,759 (11-18)

UK boarding fees per term*

£11,465-£14,329 (11-18)

*Fee correct as of November 21, 2024
Our methodology
Results

A-level 2024 rank: 275

Grade

%

A*

13.7

A

20.4

B

29.8

A*/A

34

A*-B

63.9

GCSE 2024 rank: 250

Grade

%

A*/9/8

28.3

A/7

20.6

A*/A/9/8/7

48.9

What the school inspection says

Date of report
2023
Verdict
Excellent
“The school aims to nurture a community where pupils are encouraged to be themselves to the very best of their abilities … Pupils’ knowledge, skills and understanding are excellent in all areas of the curriculum and develop strongly as they move through the school … Their moral awareness is excellent — they can deal with complex and difficult moral issues sensitively. Collaboration is the instinctive approach across all areas of school life. Pupils involved in both the cathedral choir and symphony orchestra demonstrate the effectiveness of a wide age range working harmoniously with each other towards a common aim.”
Read the full report
Read report

About the school

  • Wells Cathedral School, a co-ed day and boarding school in Somerset, is one of five specialist music schools in the UK and one of the best for music in the world. It counts among its alumni Michael Eavis, the founder of Glastonbury Festival.
  • It has a world-leading choristry programme and more than 80 orchestras and ensembles. Choirs stage in excess of 200 concerts a year. Pupils win international competitions, lead youth orchestras and take part in international exchange programmes. Beyond music, there are more than 100 extracurricular activities on offer.
  • The school’s motto, Esto Quod Es (be what you are), represents its core philosophy, and staff work with parents and carers to identify pupils’ needs. A number of staff are trained in mental health first aid.
  • Students can take GCSE music in Year 9 and proceed on to the Wells Specialist Music Certificate.
  • Bursaries are available, as are scholarships, fee discounts for siblings and financial assistance for musicians via means-tested government awards.
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