Overview

Duncombe School is a prestigious independent day school located in Hertford, known for providing excellent educational opportunities for children aged 2 to 11 years. It is part of the Cognita family of schools, and its campus is nestled in a picturesque Palladian-style mansion surrounded by four and a half acres of lush woodland.

Educational Philosophy and Achievements

Duncombe School is dedicated to fostering students’ intellectual and personal growth through an engaging curriculum that incorporates real-life experiences. The school has been recognized for its academic excellence through several accolades:

• Highly Commended in STEM: Duncombe was recognized in the Muddy Stilettos Best Schools Awards 2024 for its innovative STEM education.

• Achievements in technology-enhanced learning: The school is known for its innovative approaches to integrating technology in teaching.

In June 2022, the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) awarded Duncombe School an "Excellent in All Areas" rating, highlighting its comprehensive dedication to exceptional education standards.

Facilities and Strategic Location

Situated at the edge of Hertford, Duncombe boasts modern facilities that bolster its educational offerings:

• Forest School and Outdoor Classrooms: These facilities support experiential and nature-based learning.

• Astro Turf and Gymnasium: Provide for comprehensive physical education and sports programs.

• Art Loft and Science Laboratories: Encourage creativity and foster scientific inquiry.

Leadership Team

The leadership at Duncombe School is spearheaded by Mr. Jeremy Phelan since 2013. Mr. Phelan brings extensive leadership experience, backed by qualifications including a BA, MA (Ed), and PGCE.

The leadership team includes:

• Mrs. Apollonia Micele-Jones, Deputy Head Academic

• Ms. Lydia Cartwright, Deputy Head Pastoral & Head of Upper School

• Ms. Katherine Everson, Head of Phase for Lower School

Community Engagement and Initiatives

Duncombe School actively engages in community and environmental initiatives, recognized by the Eco-School Green Flag Award for its eco-friendly practices driven by the pupil-led Eco Council. The school also participates in charitable activities such as the Global Be Well Day and fundraising events, emphasizing compassion and community responsibility.

Contact Information

For inquiries, interested parties can contact the school through:

• Admissions Enquiries: 01992 414109

• General Enquiries: 01992 414100

Prospective families are encouraged to visit and experience the school environment through open mornings led by Year 6 pupils.

Competitor Profile

Overview

As a prominent educational institution in Hertford, Duncombe School competes with several schools in the preparatory education landscape.

Key Competitors

1. Barming Primary School

• Location: Belmont Close, Barming, Maidstone, Kent, ME16 9DY

• Type: Community School

• Age Range: 4 to 11

• Headteacher: Mr. Andrew Gould

• Features: Underwent a status change, transitioning to an academy as of 30 June 2016.

2. Breaside Preparatory School

• Location: 41/43 Orchard Road, Bromley, BR1 2PR

• Type: Independent Preparatory School

• Age Range: 2.5 to 11

• Headmistress: Mrs. Karen A Nicholson

• Features: Ranked 18th in the Sunday Times Top 100 Independent Preparatory Schools, offering a balanced curriculum combining traditional and holistic elements.

3. Chesham Preparatory School

• Location: Two Dells Lane, Orchard Leigh, Chesham, Buckinghamshire, HP5 3QF

• Type: Independent Co-educational Day School

• Age Range: 3 to 13

• Headmaster: Mr. Jonathan Beale

• Features: Known for its community-focused environment, offering strong academic and extracurricular programs since 1938.

4. Long Close School

• Location: Upton Court Road, Slough, Berkshire, SL3 7LU

• Type: Independent Co-educational Day School

• Age Range: 2 to 16

• Headteacher: Mrs. Jane Straw

• Features: Part of the Cognita Group, emphasizing academic excellence and small class sizes within a diverse cultural setting.

5. Orgill Primary School

• Location: Southey Avenue, Orgill, Egremont, Cumbria, CA22 2HH

• Type: Primary School

• Age Range: 3 to 11

• Headteacher: Mrs. Holly Collins

• Features: Holds a strong presence in Cumbria with a commitment to foundational education.

This detailed competitor analysis provides insight into Duncombe School's position in the educational market, highlighting its strengths amid a diverse and competitive landscape.