Godolphin School
Personal ambitions can be forged, and talents discovered in an environment that celebrates the importance of a holistic education and where service to others is central to our values. Intellectual curiosity and physical challenge go hand in hand with creativity and mental wellbeing as we strive to provide our pupils with a broad skill set that can prepare them for life beyond school.
About: Founded in 1726, Godolphin is one of the oldest girls’ boarding schools in the UK. The school is passionate about educating girls for the 21st century and equipping them with the skills, aptitude and adaptability they will need to cope in our modern, fast paced, global society. Godolphin comprises two schools: Godolphin Prep (ages 3–11) and Godolphin itself (ages 11–18).
Location: Situated in the Cathedral City of Salisbury, by train, travel time from London to Godolphin is approximately 1 hour 30 mins. By road, travel time to Heathrow and Gatwick Airports is approximately 1 hour 30 mins.
Community: At the heart of Godolphin is a strong and unified community that incorporates current pupils from 3 – 18, parents and staff and an impressive alumnae. Opportunities abound within this tight knit community where pupils are valued as individuals and encouraged to develop their own opinions. The award winning impressive and established GO Forward network connects current students with alumnae in relevant professions, providing opportunities for valuable connections across the globe.
Academic: Academically pupils are challenged to reach their highest potential achieving optimum academic results. The curriculum follows the normal path to GCSEs in Year 11, followed by a choice of A-level, BTEC and Pre-U courses in the Sixth Form.
In 2018 92% of Sixth Form students gained places at their first-choice universities and 63% of leavers went to a Russell Group University. The top five university destinations included, Bristol, Cardiff, Durham, Edinburgh and Exeter.
Boarding: Boarding at Godolphin offers girls a dynamic and safe community where pupils are able to build friendships for life, live and work together as part of a team and where kindness, graciousness and compassion enable them to become confident and happy girls. Godolphin offers flexi, weekly, and full boarding. The junior and senior boarding houses provide the girls with a bright and vibrant base where they are cared for by an experienced team of housemistresses, tutors and pastoral staff. The Sixth Form Centre is made up of two houses and includes facilities such as dedicated IT suites, conference rooms, relaxation suites, the Jerred Study Centre and the Sixth Form Centre Café.
Co-curricular: The co-curricular provision is outstanding and incorporates activities ranging from Academic Societies to the Combined Cadet Force, Leiths Certificate of Food & Wine, Debating and Duke of Edinburgh. The award-winning Art Department represents an exciting, vibrant and creative studio space for pupils and staff. In 2018 Godolphin was awarded Artsmark Gold by the Arts Council. Sport is of a very high standard and many pupils are selected at National and County level. The PE curriculum is designed to motivate girls to achieve their personal best in a fun yet challenging learning environment.
Orchestras and choirs tour internationally, and play at major venues, including the Royal Albert Hall, Royal Festival Hall, Southwark Cathedral, St Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey.Drama and Performing Arts are equally strong.
Being awarded South West Independent School of the Year 2019 by the Sunday Times, was a highlight for Godolphin at the end of 2018. This award is testament to our phenomenal Godolphin community – it recognises our wonderful girls, dedicated staff and supportive parents and governors.
Emma Hattersley, Head
It’s as much about developing the whole person and encouraging critical thinking as it is ticking off exam results (fabulous though they may be).
Muddy Stilettos Schools Review
As parents we feel privileged to have our daughter at Godolphin, yes it was our choice but when we look at our daughter half way through her years we are simply astonished and so thankful for all that this wonderful school has done, does right now and will we know continue in the future.
Current Year 3 Parent
School Information
- Head : Mrs Emma Hattersley
- School Type : Girls School
- Age Range : 11 - 18 years
- Pupil Numbers : 458