Badminton School Overview
Badminton School is a leading independent boarding and day school for girls aged 3 to 18. Renowned for academic excellence—especially in science—it consistently ranks among the top girls’ schools in the UK.
Founded in 1924, the school is located in the safe and vibrant city of Bristol. Around 25% of Badminton’s students come from overseas, and its distinguished alumnae include Indira Gandhi, the first female Prime Minister of India.
The school is set on a secure and picturesque campus with charming buildings and landscaped gardens. It fosters a warm and welcoming community, evident the moment you enter the grounds. Travel is convenient—just 1.5 hours from Heathrow Airport and 30 minutes from Bristol International Airport. At the start and end of each term, school staff accompany students to and from the airport to ensure safe travel.
Unlike other girls’ schools, Badminton places strong emphasis on character and manners. A unique tradition at the end of each term is the “Handshake and Farewell” ceremony, where students thank every teacher and staff member in person—a practice that nurtures respect, gratitude, and personal growth
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Academic Matters
Badminton School has consistently held admirable rankings in the A Level league tables. It was also previously ranked third in the Financial Times list of the UK’s top 1,000 schools. While the school is nationally recognised for its outstanding academic record, it also places strong emphasis on nurturing each girl’s natural curiosity and passion for learning.
The school offers over 20 subjects at both GCSE and A-Level— Giving students ample opportunity to explore their interests and passions. The results speak for themselves—each year, approximately 10% of graduates receive offers from Oxford or Cambridge, while 95% progress to top universities in the UK and abroad.
In addition to its strong UK university preparation, Badminton also offers SAT preparation courses—an uncommon provision among UK boarding schools—supporting students who wish to apply to universities in the United States.
Badminton School Courses And Programmes
GCSE
GCSE options include: Mathematics, English Literature, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Drama, Food and Nutrition, Sport, Art, Business Studies, French, Spanish, Latin, Classical Literature, Religious Studies, ICT, Creative Arts, Geography, German, History, Music, and Games.
A Level
A-Level subjects include: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Statistics, Economics, English, Geography, Government and Politics, History, Art History, Latin, Modern Languages, Music, Music Technology, Photography, Religious Studies and Philosophy, and Drama Research.
Badminton School Fees
2025-2026 Full boarding fees for international students (per annum): £58,746 (inclusive VAT)
Badminton School Application Deadline
Applications for boarding places should be submitted to the school by September in the year prior to the start of the academic year the student wishes to enter. For example, applications for entry in either September 2025 or January 2026 should be submitted before September 2024.
Badminton School Boarding And Pastoral Care
Students at Badminton enjoy a comfortable and supportive living environment. The school features a state-of-the-art boarding house for students aged 13 to 16, offering excellent study spaces and social facilities. Younger students aged 9 to 12 are accommodated in a warm and welcoming Junior Boarding House that feels like home.
All dormitories are well-equipped with ventilated bedrooms, heating, bathrooms, kitchens, and shower facilities. In addition to modern amenities, experienced house staff and wardens are on hand to support students’ daily routines and overall wellbeing.
Badminton School Extracurricular Activities
Badminton School offers a rich extracurricular programme supported by first-class on-site facilities.
Music and Performing Arts
Music is an integral part of life at Badminton, with 85% of students learning at least one musical instrument. Pupils regularly perform at local and international music festivals. Opportunities include the Schola Cantorum, Badminton Choir, orchestras, ensembles, and music theory classes. The school hosts major concerts each term, such as the Spring Concert at St George’s Bristol.
Drama thrives here as well. The Drama Club runs year-round with involvement in lighting, sound, and set design. Sixth Form students take part in the annual school production and support younger pupils with performance projects. Regular trips to theatres in Bristol, Stratford-upon-Avon, and London enrich their experience. Notable alumnae include acclaimed actresses Clare Bloom, Phyllida Law, and Rosamund Pike.
Clubs and Societies
With over 50 student-run clubs and societies—ranging from debating to coding—girls are encouraged to explore their interests and even create new clubs if none match their passions.
Sports and Physical Activities
Badminton stands out in Bristol for its investment in on-site sports facilities. These include a 25-metre indoor pool, international-standard AstroTurf, seven tennis and netball courts, a fitness centre, and a new sports hall with cricket nets and a climbing wall. Off-site, students access dry slope skiing and equestrian centres.
Popular sports include hockey, netball, tennis, and swimming. Students also take part in community clubs such as Westbury Harriers, Redland Green Tennis, Redland Hockey Club, St Ursula’s Badminton Club, and Cavaliers Fencing Club.
The school also runs the Level 3 Sports Leadership Programme, giving students formal qualifications in organising and delivering physical activity sessions—a valuable credential for future leadership roles.
Badminton School Reviews
Badminton School Contact Information
- Official website: https://www.badmintonschool.co.uk/
- Email: admissions@badmintonschool.co.uk (Mrs Katherine Stewart, Admissions Manager)
- Phone call: +44 177 905 5200
- Location: Westbury Road, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol, BS9 3BA
