Culford School Overview
Culford School is a vibrant, caring co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 7 to 18. Boarding is available from age 7 upwards. Set within 480 acres of scenic Suffolk parkland, the school offers a peaceful yet well-connected location. It is just 45 minutes from Stansted and Norwich Airports, and around two hours from Heathrow and Gatwick.
Culford delivers an education that is challenging, enriching, and enjoyable. With a strong focus on personalised learning, the school supports each pupil in reaching their full potential. Education at Culford is seen as a transformational journey. Pupils are guided towards academic success, encouraged to develop strong moral values, and supported in building leadership skills to prepare them for life beyond school.
Table of Contents
Culford School Courses And Programmes
GCSE
Pupils begin their senior school journey in Fourth Form (Year 9), an important year before starting GCSEs. During the Spring term, pupils select their GCSE subjects, often discovering their academic interests along the way. They are encouraged to take part in both academic and extracurricular activities, such as the History Society.
Setting by ability applies to core subjects including mathematics, English, geography, history, religious studies, French, Spanish, and science. Pupils requiring additional support or English as a Foreign Language lessons often replace French and Spanish with these tailored sessions.
To support personal growth, Fourth Form pupils engage in study skills sessions focusing on the school’s core values: flexibility, innovation, dynamism, and resilience. They also follow a Learning for Life (PSHCE) programme to develop wider life skills.
Sixth Form
In the Sixth Form, students choose from a wide range of A-Level, Cambridge Technical, and BTEC courses designed to prepare them for university and beyond. Culford prides itself on strong academic results, enabling students to apply successfully to top universities in the UK and overseas.
Students receive significant guidance and freedom in selecting their subjects. Overseas students may take A-Levels in their first language if preferred. Sixth Form study emphasises independent learning, supported by seminars and workshops that develop effective study habits, teamwork, discussion skills, and reflection on progress.
Sixth Form Course Options
- Art, Craft and Design: Fine Art, Photography, 3D Design, Ceramics
- Biology
- Business and Business Technical (OCR single or double award)
- Chemistry
- Computer Science and Cyber & Computing (including iDEA)
- Design and Technology: Product Design, Graphic Design, Engineering
- Drama and Theatre Studies
- Economics
- English as an Additional Language
- English Literature
- Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
- French
- Further Mathematics
- Geography
- History
- Mathematics
- Media
- Music: Performing, Composing, Technology
- Photography
- Physical Education
- Philosophy, Religion and Ethics (PRE)
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Spanish
- Textiles: Wearables, Installations
Super-Curricular (Sixth Form)
Alongside their main subjects, Sixth Form students undertake super-curricular activities to develop independent study and research skills vital for university and future careers.
A key opportunity is the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), which combines guided teaching and independent work on a research topic. The EPQ develops presentation and research skills, is assessed, and can earn UCAS points or even influence university offers.
Other options include shorter Independent Research Projects and various online courses (MOOCs), with guidance from the Head of Sixth Form.
Culford School Fees
Culford School caters to pupils aged 13 to 17, from Fourth Form (Year 9) through to Upper Sixth (Year 13).
The senior school fees are as follows:
Day pupils: £10,260 per term (£30,780 per year)
Part boarding (3 nights per week): £13,170 per term (£39,510 per year)
Full boarding: £16,265 per term (£48,795 per year)
International boarding: £17,505 per term (£52,515 per year)
Culford School Boarding And Pastoral Care
Pastoral care is central to life at Culford. Every pupil is assigned a personal tutor who helps them manage academic demands alongside the wide range of extracurricular opportunities on offer. The overall wellbeing of each boarder is overseen by a dedicated housemistress or housemaster, ensuring consistent support and guidance.
Culford’s boarding facilities have been fully refurbished to provide modern, high-quality accommodation. The environment is comfortable, safe, and designed to foster a strong sense of community. A new girls’ boarding house opened in 2012, adding to the school’s commitment to providing excellent residential care for all pupils.
Culford School Extracurricular Activities
Culford offers excellent sports facilities, including a Sports Centre with a 25-metre indoor pool, a dedicated tennis coaching centre, a fitness suite, and well-maintained pitches and courts. These resources allow pupils to develop their sporting skills across a wide range of disciplines.
Beyond sport, Culford provides a diverse selection of activities, from scuba diving, equestrian, and golf programmes to sailing, choirs, drama, and orchestra. Pupils can also join various clubs and societies, such as debating, to broaden their interests and skills.
The school actively supports personal development through participation in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme and its Combined Cadet Force, encouraging leadership, resilience, and community engagement.
