Welcome to Wells
A home for pupils from around the world
About Our School
Wells Cathedral School is a familyorientated co-educational school for 2-18 year olds, with boarding available from Year 4. We are the only school in the UK that provides an all-round education alongside an optional world-class Specialist Music Programme, Specialist Mathematics Programme and Chorister training. Children have been educated here for over a thousand years, and it is easy to see why The Telegraph and The Good Schools Guide named us the loveliest school in the UK.
We value each pupil as a unique individual and tailor our approach to ensure the best possible chance of success. Our motto Esto Quod Es (Be What You Are) is ingrained in all that we do, and we believe that our pupils’ time at school should be to help them on their journey of discovering who they are and how to become the best version of themselves. Our mission is to inspire pupils to nurture their talents to become responsible and successful global citizens.
We have a vibrant international community, and we welcome pupils from all over the world who would benefit from a Wells education, which provides academic excellence, outstanding facilities and individualised support in a safe environment. Pupils have a tailored educational experience based on their interests and abilities with options ranging from Specialist Mathematics and Specialist Music to the Arts, Sport and Outdoor Education.
We realise that Wells is a home away from home for our international pupils and recognise how important it is to make them feel comfortable and secure. We provide all pupils with a family environment within a kind and caring community where they can be happy, healthy and, most importantly, who they are. Our commitment to be kind to each other underpins everything we do. We aim for our pupils to be happy and successful and ensure that we are always kind to each other.
Our Community
Our Location
We are located in the heart of Wells, the smallest city in England with a population of only 12,000. It is a beautiful city to live in; our children enjoy fresh air, green fields and safety.
A Culturally-Enriching Environment
Our pupils are a stimulating mix of talents and backgrounds, and we are committed to creating a culturally-enriching environment that celebrates diversity. Our international community is large enough so pupils do not feel isolated, but nonetheless small enough for us to remain a quintessential British boarding school.
Our Global Reach
16 x China
37 x Hong Kong
1 x Japan
3 x Malaysia
1 x Russia
1 x South Korea
3 x Thailand
4 x Vietnam
About Our Boarders
Senior School Mix (Years 7 - Upper Sixth)
Sixth Form
Years 10-11
Years 7-9
Years 4-6
Reception - Year 3
4900 slices eaten each week
*Figures correct as of 2025
Our Pupils’ Perspectives
Faith
Kenya, Lower Sixth Joined September 2024
Plumptre House
“I came to Wells because of the music, which is incredible with loads of opportunities from classical to jazz and pop. I also take part in other activities, such as community service and debating club. Everyone is really welcoming so it’s easy to fit in. Everyone is very accepting of everything, which is my favourite part about Wells.”
Find out more about Faith’s journey:
Jesus
Spain, Year 11 Joined September 2023
Cedars House
“At Wells, you can enjoy all the things that you want in one place. You meet a lot of people, explore different cultures and improve your English. Musically, Wells has everything: music ensembles, symphony orchestra, concerts, solos and much more. We play in Wells Cathedral, which has really beautiful architecture.”
Find out more about Jesus’ journey:
Livia
Germany, Lower Sixth Joined September 2024
Haversham House
“Having other German pupils around made me feel safer in the beginning, but I also made friends from many different countries, who are also really nice, so I have a lot of opportunities to improve my English. I really like living with other girls in the boarding houses and how we come together to enjoy our house meals on Saturdays.”
Find out more about Livia’s journey:
Our Pupils’ Perspectives
Key Heng
Hong Kong, Upper Sixth Joined September 2021
Ritchie House
“I decided to come to Wells because I liked the ‘all-roundness’. I have developed in music, academics and sports. The teachers are friendly and care about how we are fitting in, and we have opportunities to develop in every aspect that we want or are interested in. I really get to perform my best and be the best version of myself here.”
Find out more about Key Heng’s journey:
English Language and Visa Support
English language support is crucial to the success of overseas pupils at Wells. We are able to develop programmes to suit every individual’s abilities, which enables each international pupil to flourish and reach their highest potential academically and in all of their activities. Our required English levels on the Cambridge scale are B2 for Years 7-9 and C1 for Years 10+. We assess English levels during the
admissions journey and will make a recommendation if needed (e.g. joining an intensive English course prior to joining us).
We work with Sable, our trusted partner for all child student and UK Immigration applications, to provide excellent visa support. Sable has been providing immigration services for over 30 years and is regulated by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner. We have retained Sable’s services to ensure all UK immigration applications are prepared in compliance with UKVI requirements.
Weekend and Exeat Activities
We organise days out to places such as cinemas, theatres, outdoor activity centres, bowling alleys and shopping centres. We plan termly trips to destinations like theme parks, safari parks and city breaks. From Year 7, small groups may go into Wells unaccompanied for its shops, banks, cafés and market. Other weekly events, based on the boarders’ requests, include pizza and TV nights, barbecues, quizzes and cooking. Boarders also make the most of our sports clubs, pool, gym and musical opportunities. We have fixed exeat weekends, which fall in the middle of six-week terms to give pupils some respite from the busy school routine. During exeat weekends, all boarders have the option of attending our activity excursions (rather than spending the weekend at home or with a Guardian/ host family). Recent locations have included Mill on the Brue, Manor and Ashbury Hotels and Okehampton where boarders enjoyed activities such as arts and crafts, golf, abseiling, canoeing, high ropes, archery and more.
Boarding Life
We create a warm and supportive environment where every boarder feels safe, valued and celebrated. We take pride in providing tailored programmes for our international pupils, helping them adapt to a new country while embracing a rich and diverse community. From cultural evenings to dedicated language support lessons, we aim to ensure that every child feels a genuine sense of belonging. Care is at the heart of everything that we do, and our Housestaff team is always available to offer support, guidance or simply a comforting presence.
We encourage our boarders to take advantage of our many opportunities so they develop a ‘can do’ attitude and grow as people and as part of a team. Weekly activities such as trips to local cities and attractions, themed suppers, creative arts opportunities and sporting events encourage friendship and laughter. Quieter moments like yoga sessions and baking afternoons on the weekend offer time to recharge and reflect.
“Working in boarding is a role that I love because it allows me to ensure that those young people who are far from home can experience the care and nurture of a family environment.
“To be part of a young person’s journey as they grow, develop and discover their potential is immensely rewarding.”
~ Clair Willis Houseparent (Plumptre)
Connecting With Alumni
There is a true family-spirit at Wells, and our community extends well beyond current pupils and parents with opportunities for all former pupils to stay in touch with the School. Our annual events include our London Dinner and Summer Reunion in Wells. We also regularly meet up around the world with recent destinations including New York, Hong Kong and Singapore. No matter where our alumni live or work, they are, and always will be, part of the Wells Cathedral School family. Alumni stay connected with our School through our monthly Old Wellensian (OW) eBulletin and through our active Facebook group.
“It was an absolute joy to see a wonderful group of OWs in Hong Kong with the leavers ranging from 1988 to 2019. All were super keen to discuss their school days at Wells, and we didn’t stop talking for over four hours! It was more than heartening to hear countless stories, memories of their favourite teachers and unforgettable moments in their boarding houses.”
~ Martin Ashton Deputy Head (Pastoral)
2024 Results and Destinations
2024 ACADEMIC RESULTS
A Level: 34% of entrants achieved A*-A
GCSE: 49% of entrants achieved 9-7
Somerset County Gazette ranked us the top Sixth Form in Somerset for our results.
2024 UNIVERSITY DESTINATIONS
• University of Cambridge
• University of Oxford
• University of Bath
• University of Bristol
• Cardiff University
• Durham University
• University of Edinburgh
• University of Exeter
• University of Glasgow
• Imperial College London
• University of Leeds
• University of Liverpool
• University of Manchester
• University of Nottingham
• Queen Mary University of London
• University College London
2024 CONSERVATOIRE DESTINATIONS
• Royal Conservatoire of Brussels
• Colburn USA
• Guildhall School of Music & Drama
• The Juilliard School
• Rambert Dance Company
• Royal Academy of Music
• Royal College of Music
• Royal Northern College of Music
• Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
Admissions Journey
We welcome applications for pupils looking to join us for a short or long term stay. Our Admissions Team is here to guide you through the process, which is designed to be straightforward. As a first step, please contact us to express an interest, and we will get in touch to guide you through the process. Families are invited to visit the School at any time or have a virtual visit. Once an applicant has registered, we will
invite them to sit their entrance assessments, request a reference from their current school and arrange for an interview with the Head Master or Deputy Head. Please note that Scholarship and Specialist Musician candidates also have to complete separate applications and undergo further assessments. If we believe that the applicant will thrive at Wells, we will then make an offer. Once accepted, we will request option choices (if applicable) and provide joining information.
Find Out More
If you would like to find out more about Wells Cathedral School, please contact our admissions team on 01749 834441 / admissions@wells.cathedral.school or visit our website https://wells.cathedral.school
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