Royal High School Bath has announced a major change to its school structure, bringing all pupils from Year 5 onwards onto its Senior School campus on Lansdown Road from September 2026.
The move will see the school become a fully unified girls’ school for ages 9–18, with Year 5 and Year 6 pupils joining the Senior School site as part of a single, integrated learning environment.
Following a detailed review, the school has confirmed it will close its separate Prep School site. Provision for Nursery to Year 4 will end at the close of the Summer Term in July 2026.
A fully unified girls’ education from Year 5
The change positions Royal High Bath as the only school in the region offering a fully unified, specialist girls’ education from Year 5 to Year 13.
The school says the move deepens its long-standing commitment to girls’ teaching, wellbeing and leadership development, building on more than 150 years of experience in girls’ education.
Royal High Bath remains part of the Girls’ Day School Trust and has confirmed it will continue to support pupils, families and staff throughout the transition period.
Focused investment where it matters most
The school says the decision allows it to focus investment where it has the greatest impact for students, at a time when the independent sector faces rising costs and changing demographics.
From September 2026, Year 5 and 6 pupils will have dedicated learning spaces on the Senior School campus, while benefiting from specialist teaching, facilities and co-curricular opportunities already available to older students.
The school says this creates a strong and supportive bridge into senior education, helping girls build confidence, resilience and independence at a crucial stage.
Head’s view
Head Heidi-Jayne Boyes said, “This move strengthens every aspect of the educational experience we offer. By bringing all girls from Year 5 onwards onto one site, we are creating one vibrant, future-focused school community where every decision, from the curriculum to wellbeing provision, is shaped around how girls learn best.
“We are proud to be experts in girls’ education, and this change allows us to deepen that expertise for the benefit of all our students.”
A message from the Chair of Governors
Chair of Governors and former pupil Imogen Pudduck said, “As an alumna, I know first-hand how transformative a Royal High education can be. This is an affirmative and ambitious move that strengthens our identity as a school designed for girls.
“This decision safeguards the future of the school and enhances the experience for generations of girls to come. More than ever, the world is a tough place for women. This move forms part of our mission to help girls live a life without limits.”
