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Bryanston School

Bryanston School is a co-educational independent boarding and day school in Dorset, offering a broad curriculum and rich co-curricular activities.

Day fees
£11,112 – £48,585
Entry
Cat4 + Group AssessmentSelective
Next deadline
Tue 13 Oct 202616+ registration closes
Updated 4 months agosource
At a glance

Key facts

Head
Richard Jones
Headteacher
Gender
Co-ed
Pupils
776
Location
Blandford, Dorset
Rural setting
Day or boarding
Day and boarding
Age range
13 to 18
Religious ethos
Church of England
Founded
1928
Entry points
3+, 4+, 6+, 7+, 9+, 10+, 11+, 13+, 16+
ISI inspection
Inspected 2025
School buses
Yes
School day
8.30am to 6pm
Show 6 more factsShow fewer facts
Saturday school
Yes
Wraparound care
Available
Bursaries
Available
Scholarships
Art, Academic, Drama +3
A-level A*–A
50%
2024
GCSE 9–7
42%
2024
Overview

About Bryanston School

##

Bryanston School, established in 1928 by Australian educator J.G. Jeffreys, is an independent co-educational institution located near Blandford Forum in Dorset, England. The school occupies a 400-acre estate featuring a country house designed by Richard Norman Shaw in the neo-Georgian style. ()

Bryanston employs the "Bryanston Method," a distinctive teaching approach that emphasizes independent thinking and student ownership of learning. This method has been integral to the school's culture since its inception. ()

In the 2023 academic year, 38% of GCSE candidates achieved grades 9-7, and 57% of A-Level students attained grades A*-B. ()

The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including a growing rowing program supported by a new boathouse opened in 2012. Additionally, Bryanston hosts the annual Dorset Opera Festival, combining amateur and professional performers. ()

Bryanston is situated in the Dorset countryside, approximately 2 miles from Blandford Forum, providing a rural setting conducive to both academic and extracurricular pursuits. ()

Our take

Independent co-ed senior school in Dorset, day or boarding. Selective entry, top-tier fees.

Best for
  • Families who prefer a co-educational setting over single-sex.
  • Families weighing day vs boarding — both are offered.
  • Children who can demonstrate strong academics at entry assessment — this is a selective school.
  • Families comfortable with top-tier independent fees in exchange for the level of provision.
  • Internationally-mobile families wanting IB or American-style qualifications rather than only A-levels.
Watch-outs
  • Fees sit at the top of the independent market. Factor in extras (uniform, trips, lunches, music tuition) before committing.
  • Selective entry — assume some form of assessment at the relevant entry point. Plan tutoring or familiarisation early if needed.
AI-generated guidance

Application timeline

  1. Oct1
    Open dayPassed
    Sixth Form Information Session

Not yet published: registration opens, registration closes, bursary deadline, assessment, interview, offers, acceptance deadline.

Open events

Private tours by arrangement with admissions.

Fees

£11,112 – £48,585per year · Day · 2026-27 · est. (3 x term)
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Quick answers about Bryanston School

Answered only from Bryanston School's verified details on Houseroom, with sources. For anything else, ask admissions.

Bursaries & Scholarships

Means-tested
Yes
Scholarships
15
Scholarships→Bursaries→

Distinctive features

★

Approximately 90% boarding pupils

★

Unique weekend boarding structure

★

International pupils from a broad range of nationalities

★

Offers A-Level, IB, and CTEC qualifications

Activities & co-curricular

sport

Bryanston Bears Rugby ClubCanoe ClubCricketCross CountryEquestrian / RidingFootballFootball TeamsHockeyHockey TeamsNetballRowingRugbySailingSquash
Show 5 more
Swim, Bike, RunSwim, Bike, Run ProgrammeTable TennisTennisTen Tors Challenge

music

A Cappella GroupC/D ChoirChamber ChoirConcert BandGuitar GroupJazz EnsembleOrchestraPiano QuartetSaxton Instrumental CompetitionSaxton Singing CompetitionSteel Pans

drama

DanceDance CompetitionDrama and Theatre StudiesDrama Club / Theatre ProductionsFront of House, Marketing, and Box OfficeNational Youth Theatre and British Youth Music Theatre PreparationSpeech and Drama LessonsStage Crew

academic club

Art Trips and ExhibitionsMaths Team ChallengeModel United Nations (Mini-MUN)

service

Charity Work / FundraisingYouth Ambassador Programme (Children's Commissioner for England)

other

80+ co-curricular activities (general)Arts Advisory BoardBry.Radio (School Radio Station)

Facilities

sports

Climbing wallEquestrian facilitiesRiver StourSkateparkSupervised gymSwimming pool

arts

Coade HallLarge Greek TheatreThree Small Drama Studios

boarding

Boarding houses

academic

Bar for older pupilsPopular café

Latest exam results

50%
A-level A*–A
42%
GCSE 9–7

Data from 2024 results

Where leavers go

1%
to Oxbridge (2026)
9%
to Russell Group
20262025
Cohort156—
Oxbridge22
Russell Group1439
US Ivy11
Medicine3—
Top universities (2026)
AstonBirminghamUWE BristolBrunelLeicesterNottinghamSouthamptonExeter

Qualifications offered

A LevelIBCTEC

Recent coverage

August 2025

Bryanston School reported that 88% of all A Level grades were awarded A*-C, the highest percentage since 2016.

September 2024

Bryanston School appointed Caroline de Mowbray to guide pupils to think ahead as they prepare for a rapidly changing world of work.

August 2024

43% of grades awarded at Bryanston School were between 9 and 7, which is double the average for the South West region.

Notable alumni

Sir Terence Conran (designer and restaurateur)Tom Hollander (actor)Sir Peter Bazalgette (media executive)Sir John Keegan (military historian)Sir Richard Eyre (theatre and film director)Sir Peter Hall (theatre director)Sir Michael Redgrave (actor)Sir Peter Ustinov (actor and writer)
Recommended next step

Registration closes 13 Oct 2026 (16+)

Add it to your plan and book a visit before you apply.

Fit for your child

Is Bryanston School right for your child?

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House system

Five girls’ housesFive senior boys’ housesTwo junior boys’ houses

Wellbeing

Tutor systemMental health support

Bryanston promotes a strong sense of community and family with a comprehensive personal tutor system that supports pupil welfare, mental health, and pastoral care. The school values inclusivity and the personal development of pupils, fostering confidence and resilience.

Inspection

ISI inspection, 1 Jun 2025

2 reports on file.

Excellent
  • Isi · Routine Inspection29 Apr 2025
Read full ISI report →

Term dates 2026/27

Autumn7 Sept 2026 → 11 Dec 2026
Spring5 Jan 2027 → 25 Mar 2027Half-term 12 Feb 2027–21 Feb 2027
Summer19 Apr 2027 → 2 Jul 2027Half-term 28 May 2027–6 Jun 2027

Bryanston School term dates and holidays →

Schools like Bryanston School

71%

Babington House School

Bromley · All-through · Ages 2–16
£20,370 – £26,115
71%

Canford School

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole · Senior · Ages 13–18
£40,902
69%

Sherborne School

Dorset · Ages 13–18
£36,525 – £47,250
69%

Millfield School

Somerset · All-through · Ages 13–18
£39,465
68%

Knightsbridge School

Kensington and Chelsea · All-through · Ages 3–16
£26,820 – £34,950
68%

Eastbourne College

Eastbourne · Senior · Ages 13–18
£37,380 – £39,945

Questions parents ask

What kind of child is Bryanston School best for?+

Bryanston School suits: Families who prefer a co-educational setting over single-sex; Families weighing day vs boarding — both are offered; Children who can demonstrate strong academics at entry assessment — this is a selective school; Families comfortable with top-tier independent fees in exchange for the level of provision; Internationally-mobile families wanting IB or American-style qualifications rather than only A-levels.

How much are the fees at Bryanston School?+

Day fees at Bryanston School are £3,704 to £16,195 a term in 2026-27 (£11,112 to £48,585 a year). Boarding fees are £11,450 a term in 2026-27 (£34,350 a year). Extras such as lunches, uniform and trips are on top.

When is the next open day at Bryanston School?+

No dates are listed yet. Save Bryanston School and we'll email you when booking opens.

How does admissions work?+

Bryanston School is selective. Expect an entrance assessment at each entry point.

Does Bryanston School support SEND?+

Bryanston School offers some SEND support. Ask admissions which needs it can meet.

What ages does Bryanston School take?+

Bryanston School takes pupils from age 13 to 18.

Is Bryanston School a day or boarding school?+

Bryanston School offers both day and boarding places.

Is Bryanston School co-educational or single-sex?+

Bryanston School is co-educational, taking both boys and girls.

Where is Bryanston School?+

Bryanston School is in Dorset, DT11 0PX.

How do I contact admissions at Bryanston School?+

Contact Bryanston School by email at admissions@bryanston.co.uk or phone on 01258452411.

Updated 11 May 2026. Sources: school website, Good Schools Guide, Tatler, Sunday Times Parent Power and Wikipedia.

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