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Selective Private Schools in South West England

Selective independent schools admit pupils based on academic ability. Families searching for the top selective schools often prioritise high academic standards and strong university destinations.

Explore all private schools in South West, or compare schools across England.

Showing 15 schools

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Bryanston School

Bryanston School

Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 0PX

Fees from

£3,704 / term

Range £3,704 - £18,841 (inc. VAT)

Co-Ed 3–18 778 Day & Boarding
Cheltenham College

Cheltenham College

Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL53 7LD

Fees from

£4,376 / term

Range £4,376 - £20,166 (inc. VAT)

Co-Ed 2–19 1,178 Day & Boarding
Cheltenham Ladies' College

Cheltenham Ladies' College

Partner school

Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 3EP

Fees from

£12,660 / term

Range £12,660 - £22,290 (inc. VAT)

Girls 11–18 817 Day & Boarding

Dauntsey's School

Partner school

Devizes, Wiltshire, SN10 4HE

Fees from

£9,466 / term

Range £9,466 - £15,650 (inc. VAT)

Co-Ed 11–18 837 Day & Boarding
Exeter School

Exeter School

Exeter, Devon, EX2 4NS

Fees from

£3,599 / term

Range £3,599 - £6,998 (inc. VAT)

Co-Ed 6–19 956 Day

Leehurst Swan School

Wiltshire, SP1 3BQ

Fees from

£3,215 / term

Range £3,215 - £7,142 (inc. VAT)

Co-Ed 4–16 184 Day
Millfield School

Millfield School

Street, Somerset, BA16 0YD

Fees from

£12,770 / term

Range £12,770 - £0 (inc. VAT)

Co-Ed 12–19 1,283 Day & Boarding
Queen Elizabeth's Hospital Bristol

Queen Elizabeth's Hospital Bristol

Partner school

Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1JX

Fees from

£4,434 / term

Range £4,434 - £6,480 (inc. VAT)

Co-Ed 7–18 754 Day

Redmaids' High School GDST

Bristol, Bristol, BS9 3AW

Fees from

£4,807 / term

Range £4,807 - £7,055 (inc. VAT)

Girls 6–19 794 Day
Sherborne Girls' School

Sherborne Girls' School

Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 3QN

Fees from

£11,490 / term

Range £11,490 - £17,880 (inc. VAT)

Girls 11–19 466 Day & Boarding
Sherborne School

Sherborne School

Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 3AP

Fees from

£15,190 / term

Range £15,190 - £0 (inc. VAT)

Boys 13–19 573 Day & Boarding

Wellington School

Wellington, Somerset, TA21 8NT

Fees from

£3,420 / term

Range £3,420 - £16,100 (inc. VAT)

Co-Ed 2–20 861 Day & Boarding
Canford School

Canford School

Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 3AD

Fees from

£13,634 / term

Range £13,634 - £0 (inc. VAT)

Co-Ed 13–18 646 Day & Boarding
The Maynard School, Exeter

The Maynard School, Exeter

Exeter, Devon, EX1 1SJ

Fees from

£3,581 / term

Range £3,581 - £7,457 (inc. VAT)

Girls 4–19 425 Day

Truro School

Cornwall, TR1 1TH

Fees from

£6,772 / term

Range £6,772 - £13,876 (inc. VAT)

Co-Ed 11–20 808 Day & Boarding

Frequently asked questions about private schools in South West England

How many private schools are there in South West?
There are 154 independent schools across South West, located in counties such as Bristol, Cornwall, Devon.
Are there boarding schools in South West?
Yes, independent schools across South West offer boarding options, including full, weekly and flexi boarding.

Families can compare boarding vs day schools to understand the differences.
https://schoolscout.uk/posts/boarding-vs-day-schools
What age can children start private school in South West?
Most independent schools across South West accept pupils from age 3 or 4, with key entry points at 7+, 11+, 13+ and 16+.
How do I apply to private schools in South West?
Applications typically begin 1-2 years in advance and involve registration, assessments and interviews.

Families can explore the UK private school admissions timeline to understand entry points, key dates and the overall process.
https://schoolscout.uk/posts/uk-private-school-admissions-timeline
How many selective private schools are there in South West?
There are 15 selective independent schools across South West, where admission is based on academic assessment.
What is a selective private school?
Selective schools assess pupils through entrance exams, interviews and academic reports.

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