Wiltshire is home to a range of private day and boarding schools, offering families access to high-quality independent education across the county. From prep schools for younger children to senior schools with full boarding options, independent schools in Wiltshire cater to diverse needs and interests. This guide covers day and boarding schools, age ranges, locations, and what families should know when choosing a private school.
For families comparing different education routes, this page focuses specifically on private schools. For a broader overview of schools in Wiltshire, including junior and senior state schools, check our Wiltshire schools guide.
An overview of private education in Wiltshire
Private schools in Wiltshire include a mix of:
- Long-established boarding schools
- Independent day schools
- Schools offering flexible day and boarding options
Many private schools in the county serve both local families and pupils from further afield, including international students. While boarding plays an important role in Wiltshire’s independent sector, several schools also offer day places for families living nearby.
Wiltshire private schools educate pupils across:
- Prep and junior age ranges
- Senior school level
- Sixth form and post-16 education
Types of private schools in Wiltshire
Private day schools
Private day schools in Wiltshire typically serve families living within commuting distance of the school. These schools often appeal to families seeking smaller class sizes, continuity of education, or a particular educational ethos without boarding.
Boarding and day-boarding schools
Many Wiltshire private schools offer full boarding alongside day and flexible boarding options, including weekly boarding. These schools often attract families from across the UK and overseas.
List of independent day and boarding schools in Wiltshire
Below is a selection of well-known private schools in Wiltshire, listed in alphabetical order, that offer day and/or boarding education. Age ranges, admissions processes, and boarding availability vary by school, and families are encouraged to check directly with each school for the most up-to-date information.
Prep schools in Wiltshire
These independent prep schools in Wiltshire typically educate children from early years through to age 11 or 13, often preparing pupils for senior independent or local state secondary schools.
Heywood Prep
Location: Corsham
Age range: 2–11
School type: Independent day prep school
Pupil intake: Co-educational
A preparatory school and nursery located in Corsham, serving younger pupils and preparing them for senior independent or local state schools.
Pinewood School
Location: Shrivenham
Age range: 3–13
School type: Independent prep school
Pupil intake: Co-educational
Serves younger pupils, often feeding into senior independent schools both within and outside Wiltshire.
St Margaret’s Prep
Location: Calne
Age range: 2–11
School type: Independent preparatory school
Pupil intake: Girls
St Margaret’s Prep shares a campus with St Mary’s Calne and offers a nurturing foundation for senior independent or state education.
Senior schools in Wiltshire
Senior independent schools in Wiltshire typically educate pupils from age 11 through to sixth form. Many offer a mix of day places and boarding options.
Bishopstrow College
Location: Warminster
Age range: 14–18
School type: Independent boarding and day school
Pupil intake: Co-educational
Offers flexible pathways for senior pupils, including boarding options for students from the UK and overseas.
Dauntsey’s School
Location: West Lavington
Age range: 11–18 (with prep provision)
School type: Independent boarding and day school
Pupil intake: Co-educational
Provides education from prep through to sixth form, with both day and boarding options.
Godolphin School
Location: Salisbury
Age range: 11–18
School type: Independent day and boarding school
Pupil intake: Girls
A long-established girls’ school offering both day and boarding options, known for its strong academic results, pastoral care, and co-curricular provision.
Marlborough College
Location: Marlborough
Age range: 13–18
School type: Independent boarding and day school
Pupil intake: Co-educational
One of Wiltshire’s most well-known independent schools, offering a traditional senior school and sixth-form education.
St Mary’s Calne
Location: Calne
Age range: 11–18
School type: Independent boarding and day school
Pupil intake: Girls
A long-established girls’ school with a strong academic and pastoral focus.
Stonar School
Location: Cottles Park, Atworth
Age range: 2–18
School type: Independent day and boarding school
Pupil intake: Co-educational
An independent school offering education from early years through sixth form, with boarding and a broad academic and co-curricular programme.
Warminster School
Location: Warminster
Age range: 3–18
School type: Independent boarding and day school
Pupil intake: Co-educational
Provides education from early years through to sixth form, with flexible boarding options.
Choosing a private day or boarding school in Wiltshire
Families considering private schools in Wiltshire, including day and boarding, often weigh a range of factors to ensure the right fit for their children:
- Day vs boarding options: Some schools offer flexible boarding, weekly boarding, or full boarding, while others are day-only. Families should consider how far children can comfortably travel and whether boarding suits their lifestyle.
- Age range and continuity: Prep schools often feed into senior schools. Understanding how the school pathway works can make transitions smoother.
- Location and transport links: Rural schools may require longer travel times, so proximity to home or reliable transport is important.
- School ethos and religious affiliation: Many independent schools have a distinct educational philosophy or faith-based focus that may align with family preferences.
- Academic focus and co-curricular opportunities: Consider class sizes, specialist subjects, and enrichment programmes such as music, sports, or arts.
- Fees, scholarships, and bursaries: Tuition varies across Wiltshire schools, and some offer financial support or scholarships for eligible families.
Parents may also wish to consult the Independent Schools Council (ISC) for general guidance on independent education in the UK.
Catchment, admissions, and fees
Private school admissions are generally independent of local authority catchments, but practical points include:
- Admissions process: Assessments, interviews, and references are common.
- Oversubscription: Popular schools fill up quickly, especially prep feeder schools for senior schools.
- Fees and bursaries: Tuition varies; financial support may be available.
- Boarding fees: Costs depend on full, weekly, or flexible boarding options.
Always check each school’s website for the latest admissions and fee information.
Families living near the western edge of Wiltshire may also consider private schools in Bath, particularly where travel links make cross-county schooling practical and private schools in Somerset.
Checking the quality of a private school in Wiltshire
Parents researching private schools in Wiltshire should use a combination of independent inspection reports, such as those by the Independent Schools Inspectorate and Ofsted, school information, and direct visits.
Key steps include:
- Reading inspection reports: Most private schools in England are inspected by either the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) or Ofsted, depending on the school’s registration. These reports provide insight into teaching quality, pastoral care, leadership, and pupil outcomes.
- Reviewing school policies and exam results: Many schools publish academic results, inspection summaries, and policies on their websites.
- Visiting the school: Open days and private tours allow families to assess facilities, teaching approach, and overall school culture.
- Speaking to current parents and pupils: First-hand experiences can offer a valuable perspective beyond published reports.
Inspection frameworks and reporting standards differ between independent and state schools, so parents should ensure they are reviewing information from the appropriate governing body.
Top private day and boarding schools in Wiltshire: Frequently asked questions
Which private schools offer boarding in Wiltshire?
Marlborough College, Dauntsey’s School, St Mary’s Calne, Stonar, Warminster School, Godolphin School, and Bishopstrow College all provide boarding options.
Do prep schools feed into senior schools?
Yes. Some prep schools, such as Heywood Prep, St Margaret’s Prep, and Pinewood, typically prepare pupils for entry into senior independent schools.
Are there scholarships or bursaries available?
Many independent schools in Wiltshire offer financial assistance for eligible families based on academic, musical, or sporting excellence.