Monkton Combe is a grounded, down-to-earth boarding school where pupil welfare isn’t just a priority – it’s a guiding principle. Beyond the warm and nurturing atmosphere, Monkton is notable for its strong commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability.
Tucked away in the beautiful countryside near Bath, this small school of around 400 Senior School pupils ensures that no one is ever overlooked. Every pupil is encouraged to get stuck in – whether it’s through sport, drama, music or outdoor initiatives.
What really sets Monkton apart is the exceptional level of pastoral care. The academic results are good, but what makes Monkton special is its emphasis on each individual journey. The school has a Christian ethos, but it’s inclusive and welcoming to all faiths and backgrounds.
Akademis makes history – A Triple Award-Winning Consultancy (2023, 2024 & 2025) 🏆
Akademis has been recognised three years in a row by StudyTravel for excellence in the education sector:
2025 & 2024: Winners of the StudyTravel Secondary School Award (Best Western European Agency)
2023: Winner of the StudyTravel Star Award
(Best Western European Agency)
The StudyTravel Awards are among the most prestigious honours in international education, recognising outstanding quality, client focus and trusted partnerships. Being the first consultancy ever to win for three consecutive years is something we are deeply proud of. For us, these awards highlight our commitment to offering the very best guidance, personal service and long-term support for families embarking on this exciting journey.
Quick Overview
Number of pupils: 615 (including Prep School)
Boarding pupils: 44% (272)
International pupils: 15% (92)
Boarding fees for the Sixth Form per term: £16,980 (Years 9–11), £17,445 (Years 12–13)
Main sports on offer in addition to traditional team sports: rugby, hockey, rowing and cricket for boys; hockey, netball, rowing and tennis for girls
Nearest airport: Bristol (approx. 45 minutes)
https://www.monktoncombeschool.com
Key Strengths at a Glance
Down-to-earth school ethos
Wide range of sports
Focus on environmental protection and health
Community projects
Monkton Combe School – Photo Highlights
Monkton Combe School in Detail
Wellbeing and Personal Development
At Monkton, care for the individual is the foundation of everything. Every pupil has their own personal tutor – one-to-one – who supports them through highs and lows. Resilience, after all, is built through both success and failure. Self-esteem is nurtured deliberately and thoughtfully. Each year, the school runs a dedicated Wellbeing Day with talks and workshops covering physical, mental and social health. Students engage with important topics such as anxiety, addiction, eating disorders, stress and peer pressure. They also take part in calming, mindful activities like cooking, baking, art therapy, Pilates, Lego, chocolate making and dance.
Co-Curricular Life
Beyond the classroom, Monkton offers a rich variety of creative and outdoor opportunities. In drama, students are involved in everything from costume design to stage management, and their ideas are woven into the productions. Music is open to all – even the tuneless! A unique highlight is the “Choir That Can’t Sing.” Then there’s Wild Monkton – an initiative that encourages pupils to discover the power of being outdoors, to engage with nature and to think more sustainably.
Academic Ethos
Monkton’s curriculum goes well beyond the basics. Alongside the traditional subjects, students can explore Latin, Mandarin, Psychology, Textiles, Photography, Media, Design and Computing. Learning is hands-on: field trips have included an ice cream factory and CERN. The school’s motto “Thinking Differently” is reflected in everything from self-written school reports to creative learning strategies. Results are impressive – 45% A*/A at A-level in 2022 – and leavers go on to top universities such as Oxford, UCL and Durham.
Sport
Sport at Monkton is taken seriously, with at least two teams per year group in the major sports. For boys: rugby, hockey, rowing and cricket; for girls: hockey, netball, rowing and tennis. Additional sports include athletics, swimming, basketball, badminton and golf. The school has produced Olympians and national-level athletes. Rowing is a particular strength – pupils regularly compete at the National Schools’ Regatta and Henley Royal Regatta. Monkton also benefits from its close relationship with the University of Bath and its elite Sports Training Village.
This is Monkton Combe
Our Visit
Monkton is tucked high into hilly countryside, along a single-track road. But this gives the school a peaceful, cosy feel. At the heart of the compact campus is the Art Department – physically and symbolically central – and it left a lasting impression on us.
Photos From Our Visit
What our clients say about us
Get a free consultation and find out more about Monkton Combe School
Final Thoughts
Monkton Combe School is a nurturing boarding school where pastoral care really is the beating heart of the community.
Of course, Monkton is not the only school in the UK offering excellent support. If you’re seeking something particular for your child, we’re happy to advise you personally. With years of experience and close relationships with admissions teams, we can help match each student to the school that best fits them.
Many of the German students we’ve placed at caring UK schools have been delighted with their boarding experience – and would be happy to share their stories with you.
If you’d like to explore other options, you’ll find an overview on our Boarding Schools in England page.
What you can expect from us:
- Honest, first-hand insights
- Trusted relationships with admissions offices
- Years of experience placing German students
- Support with visa questions and the admissions process
What Makes Akademis Stand Out?
- We remain your trusted contact throughout your child’s stay, well beyond the placement process.
- We provide support with guardianship, visa applications and recognition of qualifications within the German school system.
- We offer fully tailored advice. Our school recommendations are unique to each child and can run to 40 pages in length.
- Families receive our 30+ page boarding school guide, packed with practical tips and insights.
- We prepare your child thoroughly for entrance exams and interviews to maximise their chances of success.
- We arrange school visits, ensuring you have the opportunity to experience each school first-hand.
Every boarding school has its own character and ethos. Having personally visited more than 100 schools, we understand these nuances. We also work with schools that do not pay commission, ensuring that our advice remains independent and always in the best interest of your child.
Our roots lie in the UK. For years, we have placed 200–300 families annually into British boarding schools. While our portfolio now includes schools beyond Britain, the UK remains at the heart of what we do.
Our tailored approach results in exceptional acceptance rates. For example, in 2022/23, all seven students we placed at the highly selective Malvern College received offers – a 100% success rate.
We arrange for prospective families to speak with our current students to hear first-hand accounts of life at a UK boarding school.
