Stonar

Established in 1895, Stonar is a leading day and boarding school in a charming countryside setting in Wiltshire, and home to the UK's finest riding academy.  Our progressive curriculum transcends the purely academic, creating an enriching environment in which pupils discover and develop their individual talents -and gain a deeper experience of the world.

With its large rural campus, Stonar has a unique charm and a calm contentedness. Blending a nurturing approach with high standards means that pupils feel free to be themselves, while flourishing academically, and as individuals. Through a remarkable, supportive educational environment that engenders hard work and the desire to get involved pupils are rewarded with exceptional achievements and feel known and respected as individuals.

Top 1.5% of Schools for Value-Added Achievements

The School has an excellent record of academic success. We excel at ‘adding value’ to a child’s education, which means pupils generally score higher grades than predicted at GCSE and A Level. In 2021 our pupils on average gained a value-added score of 1.5 (a whole grade and a half) at GCSE and 0.8 for A Level, i.e. on average every Stonar pupil achieved a grade plus better in every subject than other pupils of the same ability did across the UK.  

These value-added scores put Stonar in the top 1.5% of the schools using these assessments nationally (over 10,000 pupils) for GCSE and the top 2.5% for A Level. 

A Community of Kindness

We are a community of over 400 pupils and over 60 teachers. Our pupils are treated as individuals, so whether they are 3 or 18, they are well-known by their teachers, form tutors, house parents and peers across the school.

The School prides itself on having a community built on kindness and integrity; pupils here are heard and supported, and their self-confidence flourishes. They are supported to try a multitude of fresh experiences and explore new passions - and discover the part they play as global citizens.

Get Involved

Sport, riding, drama, public speaking, music, art, photography, languages, outdoor expeditions, leadership …we expect our pupils to get involved in all aspects of a rich and varied school life.

For riders, Stonar’s offer is remarkable; we are home to the UK’s finest riding academy and the immersive experience here produces highly successful equestrian teams.  Pupils may bring their own horse to school or loan one of the Stonar stable. The facilities are at the heart of the school, and highly qualified staff support learners to achieve their individual riding goals, as well as providing the opportunity to gain dedicated equestrian qualifications if desired (BHS and BTEC). Welcoming complete beginners to experienced competitive riders, the Equestrian Centre is accessible to pupils of all ages, day and boarders alike.

Around 40% of pupils ride, including over half of our boarding community, but many more non-riders enjoy coming to the stables and patting their favourite ponies at break or lunchtime.

With a large, open, rural site of 80 acres and stunning views of the Wiltshire countryside, our pupils enjoy making the most of being outdoors - be that for sports lessons, lunch time play or after school activities.

A Countryside School with Global Goals

The School joined the forward-thinking Globeducate network of schools in 2012 and shares the group’s vision to prepare each pupil to become a global citizen who can shape the world. 

We ensure opportunities to develop a global outlook through the School’s cohort, curriculum and trips.  There are plentiful learning opportunities through partnerships with organisations such as WWF and LEGO - and collaborative projects with pupils in partner schools. As a member of the Globeducate group, Stonar prides itself on developing individuals with a global mindset.

We ensure that our pupils build character, learn skills and develop abilities beyond the purely academic.

Our young people have a voice. Our pupils have the power to act and help build a more equal, fair and sustainable society. We prepare each of our pupils to become a global citizen who can shape the world.