Prior Park College
Bath, Somerset, England
Prior Park College
Bath, Somerset, England
Overview
Founded in 1830, Prior Park is one of the largest Catholic co-educational independent schools in the UK and is set in 57 acres of beautiful National Trust grounds overlooking the World Heritage city of Bath, only 90 minutes from London by train. The College combines academic rigour with creativity and cultural opportunities in a relaxed and friendly environment with a strong sense of community. Students are encouraged to become confident, compassionate and independent-minded young people.
At a glance
Academic
With over 25 subject options to choose from, as well as the EPQ, the broad curriculum offers something for everyone. All pupils are encouraged by teachers to have self-belief, to work hard and to fulfil their potential, whilst the ‘House’ system along with strong provision for both the gifted and those requiring additional support ensures that no student ‘falls through the gaps’. A Sixth Form Centre supports strong academic success with over 40% of A Level candidates on average achieving A*/A.
Boarding
The 2 boarding houses offer shared rooms for younger pupils and individual rooms for Seniors along with cosy living areas, games rooms and a tuck shop. A live-in housemaster/housemistress oversees each house, supported by a deputy, a team of tutors and a chaplain. At evenings and weekends boarders have supervised prep, access to school facilities and a host of activities through ‘Saturday Active’. An induction programme and a buddy system ensure new international students feel welcome.
Sports
A ‘sport for all’ ethos and a desire for success ensures that all pupils are encouraged to participate and to achieve their potential. There are regular fixtures for around 10 teams across the major sports, whilst inter-house competitions involve nearly all pupils. The teaching staff include a former England rugby player and a world class equestrian coach, whilst the facilities include a Sports Centre opened in 2015, a gym and fitness suite, an all-weather pitch and a swimming pool.
Creative arts
Refurbished in 2014 the Creative Design Centre offers painting, sculpture, photography, digital media and textiles design alongside a CAD/CAM suite, laser cutters and a 3D printer. Along with hundreds of weekly individual music lessons and informal lunchtime recitals there are 5 choirs and ensembles ranging from orchestras to Big Band and Rock. With a dedicated theatre technician 20+ productions are staged in the 180-seat professional theatre every year, including 2 Musicals and even Opera.
Did you know?
- Alumni include Sir Cameron Mackintosh, who produced the West End and Broadway hits Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, Mary Poppins, Oliver!, Miss Saigon and Cats.
- At the College’s heart is a Grade 1 listed Palladian mansion built for entrepreneur Ralph Allen in 1742 “To see all Bath, and for all Bath to see”.
