Culford School is an international school in Bury St. Edmunds, United Kingdom. Founded in 1873. It serves 895 students for students aged 1–19. Annual tuition from $61,970 USD.
Explore This School
Location & getting here
Historic East Anglian market town surrounded by countryside; quieter, more rural feel than Southern England commuter towns; traditional English village atmosphere with good town center amenities.
Nearest airports
Framed for international families — drive times are from the school, not the city centre.
| Airport | Distance | Drive from school | International note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stansted | 56 km | ~83 min | STN — European and budget carriers |
| Luton | 87 km | ~123 min | LTN — European and budget carriers |
| London City | 100 km | ~140 min | — |
NanaSays Scorecard
Key Details
Scholarships Available
Means-tested bursaries are available. Contact the school admissions office for details.
Academic Performance
ISI Inspection Report
Culford School meets all statutory standards and provides a challenging, enriching educational experience with strong academic achievement at GCSE and A-Level. Pupils benefit from extensive pastoral care, comprehensive sports programs with international competition opportunities, and well-established safeguarding systems. The school was recommended to improve the boarding complaints process and ensure consistent teaching quality and engagement across the senior school.
Key facts
Fees & the true cost of attendance
Published fees
| Phase | Per term | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| PPR (Reception) | £4,700 | £14,100 |
| PP1 and PP2 (Year 1-2) | £5,060 | £15,180 |
| Lower & Upper First (Year 3-4) - Day | £6,175 | £18,525 |
| Lower & Upper First (Year 3-4) - Part Boarding (2 nights) | £9,785 | £29,355 |
| Lower & Upper First (Year 3-4) - Part Boarding (3 nights) | £10,555 | £31,665 |
| Lower & Upper First (Year 3-4) - Full Boarding | £12,080 | £36,240 |
| Lower & Upper First (Year 3-4) - International Boarding | £12,690 | £38,070 |
| Lower & Upper Second (Year 5-6) - Day | £7,145 | £21,435 |
| Lower & Upper Second (Year 5-6) - Part Boarding (2 nights) | £9,785 | £29,355 |
| Lower & Upper Second (Year 5-6) - Part Boarding (3 nights) | £10,555 | £31,665 |
| Lower & Upper Second (Year 5-6) - Full Boarding | £12,080 | £36,240 |
| Lower & Upper Second (Year 5-6) - International Boarding | £12,690 | £38,070 |
| Lower & Upper Third (Year 7-8) - Day | £8,040 | £24,120 |
| Lower & Upper Third (Year 7-8) - Part Boarding (2 nights) | £10,705 | £32,115 |
| Lower & Upper Third (Year 7-8) - Part Boarding (3 nights) | £11,470 | £34,410 |
| Lower & Upper Third (Year 7-8) - Full Boarding | £12,975 | £38,925 |
| Lower & Upper Third (Year 7-8) - International Boarding | £13,585 | £40,755 |
| Fourth Form - Upper Sixth (Year 9-13) - Day | £10,260 | £30,780 |
| Fourth Form - Upper Sixth (Year 9-13) - Part Boarding (3 nights) | £13,170 | £39,510 |
| Fourth Form - Upper Sixth (Year 9-13) - Full Boarding | £16,265 | £48,795 |
| Fourth Form - Upper Sixth (Year 9-13) - International Boarding | £17,505 | £52,515 |
Budget beyond the sticker price. Assume the real annual spend is 5–15% higher than the headline fee. Hidden costs typically include: registration fee, acceptance deposit (usually one term's fees, refundable at the end of schooling), uniform + sports kit, trips and expeditions, individual music tuition, exam entry fees, travel to/from home.
Ask the Bursar for a sample "all-in" first-year invoice before committing.
Merit-based scholarships (8 types)
ℹ️ This school has not published the exact % fee remission for each award. Ask the admissions team directly — typical independent school scholarships range from 5% to 50% of fees.
About
Culford School is a co-educational boarding school set in 480 acres of Suffolk parkland, offering day, flexi, and full boarding for pupils aged 1-18. With modern facilities including a championship indoor tennis centre, heated swimming pool, golf facilities, and two drama theatres, the school combines traditional excellence with contemporary amenities to help every pupil achieve their potential.
School data verified by NanaSays. Last updated: April 2026.
What Makes This School Different
Academic Results
Admissions
| Entry point | Assessment | Assessment date | Registration deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nursery (ages 1-3) | Informal session to observe child settling and thriving within the environment | — | Enquiries welcome at any time; majority join in September |
| Pre-Prep (ages 4-7) | Informal assessment observing interaction and social skills; Years 1-2 assessed in reading, writing, numeracy; transfer to Prep via Spring term informal assessment and school report | Spring term for Prep transfer | Enquiries welcome at any time; majority join in September |
| Prep School (ages 7-13) | Online entrance exams appropriate to age/year; results provided within one week | — | Enquiries welcome at any time; majority join in September |
| Senior School 13+ (Year 9/Fourth Form) | Online entrance assessments in supportive environment; successful candidates invited to Culford Discovery Day | — | Enquiries welcome at any time; majority join in September |
| Senior School 15-16 (Years 10-11) | Online exams in English and Mathematics, verbal and non-verbal aptitude tests, school reports, interview with Senior Management Team and possible meeting with Headmaster | — | Enquiries welcome at any time; majority join in September |
| Sixth Form (age 16+) | Minimum 6 GCSEs at grade 5 or above (including Maths and English); grade 6 typically required in three A-Level subjects; additional subject-specific criteria apply | — | Based on GCSE results (Summer) |
How to apply
- Contact Admissions Office to check availability and arrange personal visit
- Complete and return Registration Form with non-refundable registration fee
- Arrange entrance assessment (online exams and/or informal observation appropriate to age/year)
- Attend Culford Discovery Day (for 13+ entry) or interview (for 15-16 entry)
- Receive formal offer subject to Standard Terms and Conditions
- Secure place with signed acceptance form, medical form, and non-refundable acceptance fee
What you'll need to submit
- Registration Form
- Non-refundable registration fee (£150 for Nursery/Pre-Prep; £180 for Prep/Senior/Sixth Form)
- School reports and references from current/previous school
- Medical form (after offer accepted)
- For international applicants: translated school reports, passport, translated birth certificate, English language level if applicable
Open events
- Whole School Open Morning (4 May 2026)
- Section-specific Open Mornings (Nursery, Pre-Prep, Prep, Senior, Sixth Form)
- Virtual Open Mornings (video content available online)
- Personal visits available by arrangement
Scholarships: Scholarships worth up to 10% of fees available at most entry points; Sixth Form scholarships up to 25% plus Exhibitions up to 10%. Merit-based awards requiring reference from current Head. Applications deadline one month before Scholarship Examinations. Awards at 11+ continue to end of Prep School; all reviewed at Senior School entry.
Admissions contact: Tel: 01284 385308 | Email: [email protected] | International Registrar: [email protected]
Comprehensive multi-section admissions process covering Nursery through Sixth Form. Specific exam dates not provided in crawled content; school welcomes enquiries year-round. International boarding available for ages 7-18; separate pathway documented.
Why Families Choose
- 480 acres of parkland setting
- 18th century mansion
- Championship indoor tennis centre
- Sporting academies
- Comprehensive facilities
- Through-school experience
University Destinations
Fees & Financials
Facilities & Programmes
Student Demographics
School Background
Independent
Methodist