A Somerset school where students have earned over 100 scholarships and awards at 16 leading institutions across the country over the past four years.
About the School
Set on 200 acres near Sparkford village, Hazlegrove Prep School was founded in 1947 as part of the King’s Bruton Foundation — a royal educational group with roots stretching back to 1519. Today it welcomes 438 children aged 2 to 13, of whom 367 are day pupils and 71 boarders. The campus offers a 25-meter indoor pool, sports hall, theatre, eight all-weather cricket pitches, a six-hole golf course, and science laboratories.
Achievements
Over four years, graduates have secured 116 scholarships across 16 different institutions — 23 academic, 48 sports, 18 art, 15 drama, and 8 music awards. Many continue to Eton, Winchester, Cheltenham, Marlborough, and other leading British establishments, while roughly 40% move on to King’s Bruton, the senior counterpart within the same foundation. The latest ISI inspection awarded it the highest “Excellent” rating across all categories.
Academics
The curriculum runs continuously from early development through senior school preparation. Subject specialists teach French, science, art, music, and drama from the youngest years:
- Nursery and Reception (EYFS) — early development programme across seven educational areas
- Years 1-2 (Key Stage 1) — foundations of English, mathematics, and phonics
- Years 3-4 (Lower School) — mixed groups with streaming only for mathematics and spelling
- Years 5-6 (Middle School) — extended programme with practical approach
- Years 7-8 (Upper School) — intensive entrance preparation with individual tuition
A support centre serves 46 children with special educational needs, while 16 international pupils follow an EAL programme. From Year 2 onwards, everyone begins group lessons on string, woodwind, and brass instruments.
Co-Curricular Life
The music department works with 18 visiting teachers who provide instruction in piano, orchestral instruments, electric guitar, bagpipes, and even DJing. Pupils perform at weekly Friday concerts, whole-school events, and annual services at Wells Cathedral. In sport, boys play rugby, hockey, and cricket; girls play cricket, netball, and hockey; everyone participates in athletics and swimming. Professional coaches offer individual tennis, golf, judo, riding, and ballet for an additional fee.
Other activities include:
- Senior and junior orchestras, string ensembles, wind band
- Six rock and pop groups, percussion ensemble
- Contemporary dance, speech and drama clubs
- Forest School for younger years
- Football and tennis sections
Boarding
Around 100 pupils live in three houses: Blackford House for girls in Years 3-8, Lankester House for boys in Years 3-6, and School House for older students. Each house has resident houseparents supported by matrons, with over 25 adults living on campus. Boarding begins at age 7, offering both full-time and flexible arrangements of one to four nights weekly. Trips to water parks, beaches, and museums complement on-site facilities like the go-kart track and outdoor pizza oven.
