Independent SeniorCo-educationalBoardingISI · Good
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King's Bruton

Bruton, Somerset · BA10 0ED

AAB+ A-level

10.6%

9–7 GCSE

27.6%

Day fees

£32k

Inspection

Good

Read report
School website

King's Bruton is a well-established coeducational boarding and day school in rural Somerset with over 500 years of heritage. The school emphasises pastoral care within a House system, blending tradition with contemporary education across 355 pupils. It offers entry at 13 and 16, with a strong focus on developing character, confidence and academic ambition in a supportive community ethos.

  • Exceptional pastoral care system anchored in strong Houses with genuine boarding community
  • Long-established independent school with deep Somerset heritage and old-pupil network
  • Balanced academic culture that combines rigour with individual development

Who thrives here

Pupils who value community and pastoral support, benefit from boarding structure, and seek a traditional independent education without excessive pressure. Day pupils are equally integrated into Houses and school life.

Strengths at a glance

Exam results50th pctSports56th pctCo-curricular50th pctValue vs peers50th pctPastoral & wellbeing83rd pct

Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.

At a glance

School typeIndependent Senior · Boarding
Founded1519
Number of pupils355
Day pupils132
Boarders223
Sixth form146
Age range13–18
GenderCo-educational
Day fees£31.5k/yr (inc. lunch)
Boarding fees£40.5k/yr (inc. meals)
AssociationsHMC, IAPS
Settingrural
LocationRural Somerset location; London Paddington reachable via Castle Cary/Westbury in 90–120 minutes. School coaches typically serve major arrival points.
EthosChristian

Contact & visit

Plox

Bruton, Somerset

BA10 0ED

www.kingsbruton.com
01749814200
Mr Ian Wilmshurst, Headteacher

Nearest stations

Bruton5 min
Castle Cary15 min
Westbury25 min

Notable alumni

Peter Squire

Major philanthropist and school benefactor (Sir Peter Squire Pavilion named after him)

Recent investment

Sir Peter Squire Pavilion (sporting/events facility)
Refurbished boarding houses including New House and Wellesley House

Frequently asked questions

What are the fees at King's Bruton?

Day fees at King's Bruton are approximately £31,500 per year (2024/25). Boarding fees are higher.

How do you get into King's Bruton?

King's Bruton admits pupils at 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by Interview, Assessment. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.

What are King's Bruton's exam results?

At King's Bruton, 10.6% of A-levels were graded A*–B and 27.6% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.

Is King's Bruton a boarding school?

King's Bruton offers boarding as well as day places.

What is King's Bruton's latest inspection rating?

ISI rated King's Bruton “Good” (2018).

What parents say

Frequently praised

Outstanding pastoral care and House system creating real community belonging

Strong boarding ethos with day/boarding integration

Heritage and tradition balanced with contemporary education

Excellent pastoral support and child-centred approach

Vibrant co-curricular life especially music and sport

Common concerns

!Rural location may limit some urban conveniences and cultural diversity

!Not yet Ofsted-inspected creates uncertainty for some parents seeking recent independent validation

!School fees and full cost of boarding may be prohibitive without bursary support