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 optional worldclass Specialist programmes in Music, Mathematics and Football in association with Chelsea FC. We also provide Chorister training. Children have been educated here for over 1100 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.
Your Choice
Your Future
Your Education
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 Football, Mathematics or Music to the Arts, Sport and Outdoor Education.
We realise that Wells provides a safe and vibrant community for our international pupils and recognise how important it is to make them feel comfortable. 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 all our pupils to be happy, successful and embody kindness.
Our Community
A Culturally-Enriching Environment
Our pupils are engaging, talented and come from a variety of backgrounds. 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 small enough for us to remain a quintessential British boarding school.
Our Global Reach
https://wells.cathedral.school/international
About Our Boarders
Senior School Mix (Years 7 - Upper Sixth) Prep School
(Years 4-6)
Sixth Form
Years 10-11
Years 7-9
Years 4-6
Reception - Year 3
*Figures correct as of 2026
Our Pupils’ Perspectives
Faith
Kenya, Upper 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, Lower Sixth 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:
https://wells.cathedral.school/international
Our Pupils’ Perspectives
Livia
Germany, OW (2025) 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:
Key Heng
Hong Kong, OW (2025) 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.
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.
https://wells.cathedral.school/international
Weekend and Exeat Activities
Our boarding team organise regular activities such as:
• Cinema and theatre nights
• Outdoor activity centres
• Bowling, shopping trips
• Pizza movie nights
• Barbecues, quizzes, cooking
They plan termly trips to places such as:
• Theme parks and safari parks
• Historical houses and gardens
• City trips (Bath/Bristol/Oxford)
• Shopping at Clarks Village
From Year 7, small groups may go into Wells unaccompanied for its shops, banks, cafés and market.
We have fixed exeat weekends, which fall in the middle of sixweek terms to give pupils some respite from the busy school routine. During exeat weekends, all boarders have the option to book to stay in our exeat house (limited spaces) rather than spending the weekend at home or with a Guardian/host family.
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, 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 boarding 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. Weekly activities, themed suppers, creative arts opportunities and sporting events encourage social development. 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)
https://wells.cathedral.school/international
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 are, they will always be a part of the Wells Cathedral School family.
Alumni stay connected with our School through the Old Wellensian (OW) Network.
“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)
2025 Results and Destinations
2025 ACADEMIC
RESULTS
A Level:
33% 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.
2025 UNIVERSITY DESTINATIONS
• University of Oxford
• University of Bath
• University of Bristol
• Cardiff University
• Durham University
• Loughborough University
• Rose Bruford College
• University of Exeter
• University of Glasgow
• Imperial College London
• University of Warwick
• University of Liverpool
• University of Manchester
• University of Nottingham
• Queen Mary University
• University of St Andrews
• University College London
2025 CONSERVATOIRE DESTINATIONS
• Guildhall School of Music & Drama
• Royal Academy of Music
• Royal College of Music
• Royal Northern College of Music
• Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
• Royal Welsh College of Music
https://wells.cathedral.school/international
Admissions Journey
We welcome applications from pupils looking to join us for a short or long term stay. Our Admissions Team will guide you through the process, which is designed to be straightforward. As a first step, please contact us to express your interest, and we will get in touch to guide you through the process.
Families are invited to visit the School at any time. Once an applicant has registered, we will invite them to sit their entrance assessments, request references and arrange for an interview with the Head Master or Deputy Head.
Specialist candidates for Music, Maths and Football will complete a different application and undergo further assessments. If we believe that the applicant will thrive at Wells, we will then make an offer.
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.
https://wells.cathedral.school/international
Our Campus Map
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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