Founded in 1962. It serves 195 students for students aged 8–19.
Location & getting here
Suburban Hertfordshire town in the London commuter belt with good transport links. Discuss travel to Heathrow, Central London, and daily routines for overseas families on your school visit.
Nearest airports
Framed for international families — drive times are from the school, not the city centre.
| Airport | Distance | Drive from school | International note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heathrow | 22 km | ~39 min | LHR — gateway for Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai |
| Luton | 24 km | ~41 min | LTN — European and budget carriers |
| London City | 34 km | ~54 min | — |
NanaSays Scorecard
Key facts
Fees & the true cost of attendance
Published fees · inclusive of VAT
| Phase | Per term | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Day | £13,621 | £40,864 |
| Boarding | £17,392 | £52,175 |
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.
What Makes This School Different
Academic Results
Admissions
| Entry point | Assessment | Assessment date | Registration deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 7 (age 11) | Audition with recordings of musical performance on first and any supporting instruments | Throughout academic year | Applications open September; no formal deadline but early application recommended |
| Years 8-10 (ages 12-15) | Audition with recordings of musical performance on first and any supporting instruments | Throughout academic year | Applications open September; no formal deadline but early application recommended |
| Year 12 Sixth Form (age 16+) | Audition with musical performance recordings; minimum 5 GCSE/IGCSE passes at grade 4 or above normally required | Throughout academic year | Applications open September; no formal deadline but early application recommended |
How to apply
- Apply via online admissions platform
- Application reviewed by relevant Head of Department
- Applicants may be invited to audition
- Entry determined by audition (no academic entrance exam required)
What you'll need to submit
- Non-refundable application fee (£120)
- Written recommendation from music teacher(s)
- Recent passport-style photograph
- Audio-visual recordings of musical performance (format varies: Classical, Jazz, Commercial/Popular Music require accompanied solo pieces and contrasting repertoire; Composers submit compositions; Audio Production submit portfolio of original work)
Open events
- Open Morning — Sunday 4 October 2026
- Open Morning — Sunday 31 January 2027
Scholarships: Music and Dance Scheme (MDS) available to UK residents; School Bursary Fund for international students; students facing financial hardship may apply for fee waiver.
Admissions contact: [email protected]; 01923 331 100
Entry into Year 11 and 13 (exam years) not accepted; out-of-year entry may be considered by Principal. Separate audition fee of £120 if invited. Musical ability and potential valued over grade attainment.
Student Demographics
School Background
Renowned harpists Catrin Finch and Anne Denholm-Blair, both Official Harpists to the Prince of Wales
Sports Programme
Purcell School is a music specialist school; sports provision is minimal with facilities mentioned (halls, courts, gym) but no evidence of competitive teams, coaching staff, or fixture participation.