Devizes, United Kingdom Day & boarding · Co-ed Age range 11–18 837 pupils Founded 1542Dauntsey's School
Dauntsey's School offers a vibrant and dynamic educational environment that encourages students to flourish both academically and personally. With a rich h...
About Dauntsey's School
Dauntsey's School was founded in 1542 in accordance with the will of William Dauntesey, a master of the Worshipful Company of Mercers — one of the great City of London livery companies. Dauntesey bequeathed funds for a free school in the Wiltshire village of West Lavington, near his Manor of Lavington, and placed the foundation under the perpetual governance of the Mercers' Company. The arrangement has continued unbroken for the 480+ years since: the Mercers continue to trustee the school, and the Visitor of the school is ex officio the Archbishop of Canterbury. Dauntsey's moved to its present site within West Lavington in 1895 and now occupies approximately 65 acres on the northern edge of Salisbury Plain.
The school is co-educational, educates ages 11-18, and is a member of the HMC, the BSA and ISI. The Headmaster from September 2024 is John Davies, previously Deputy Headmaster of Eton.
Dauntsey's most distinctive feature among English public schools is its sailing programme. The school owns and crews the Jolie Brise, a 1913 Le Havre Pilot Cutter and three-time winner of the Fastnet Race (1925, 1929, 1930) — the iconic yacht of British offshore racing. The Jolie Brise was rescued from disrepair by Dauntsey's in 1977 and has been actively sailed by Dauntsey's pupils ever since, including across the Atlantic and through major offshore races. The school's combined sailing and academic programme is unusual among inland public schools and has produced a steady pipeline of Royal Navy officers and competitive offshore sailors.
The alumni list — Old Dauntseians (ODs) — includes a significant cohort of Royal Navy and Special Boat Service officers, alongside Worshipful Company of Mercers liverymen and several Royal Society Fellows. The school operates a substantial bursary programme via the Worshipful Company of Mercers, maintaining William Dauntesey's 1542 commitment to educational access for the children of Wiltshire families.
Programmes & strengths
University destinations
Memberships & accreditations
Pupil breakdown
- Boys
- 417 (50%)
- Girls
- 420 (50%)
- SEN support
- 295 (35.2%)
Notable alumni
Frequently asked questions
What type of school is Dauntsey's School?
Dauntsey's School is a co-educational independent mainstream school for pupils aged 11 to 18, located near Devizes in Wiltshire. The school offers education from Prep through to Sixth Form, with pathways leading to GCSEs and A Levels.
How do I apply to Dauntsey's School?
Most families apply to Dauntsey's School 1–2 years before entry, with a process that can include tests, interviews and school reports. See the private school admissions timeline for when to apply and what to expect. https://schoolscout.uk/posts/uk-private-school-admissions-timeline
What are the fees at Dauntsey's School?
Fees at Dauntsey's School are approximately £9,465–£15,650 per term, depending on the year group and whether pupils board. Families can learn more about UK private school fees and what is typically included. https://schoolscout.uk/posts/how-much-do-uk-private-schools-cost
Is Dauntsey's School a day or boarding school?
Pupils at Dauntsey's School can attend as day and boarding.
Is Dauntsey's School selective?
Dauntsey's School follows a selective admissions process, which may include interviews or entrance assessments.