Dorset, Somerset &amp; Bristol


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="988" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/08/school-2051712_1920-alexa-from-pixabay.jpg" alt="school dorset somerset" class="wp-image-99793" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/08/school-2051712_1920-alexa-from-pixabay.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/08/school-2051712_1920-alexa-from-pixabay-800x527.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/08/school-2051712_1920-alexa-from-pixabay-1000x659.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/08/school-2051712_1920-alexa-from-pixabay-400x263.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/08/school-2051712_1920-alexa-from-pixabay-768x506.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo Alexa for Pixabay</figcaption></figure>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/04/Selina-logo-with-edits-v2-1000x1000-1.jpg" alt="selina finance" class="wp-image-116760" style="object-fit:cover;width:170px;height:170px" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/04/Selina-logo-with-edits-v2-1000x1000-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/04/Selina-logo-with-edits-v2-1000x1000-1-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/04/Selina-logo-with-edits-v2-1000x1000-1-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/04/Selina-logo-with-edits-v2-1000x1000-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/04/Selina-logo-with-edits-v2-1000x1000-1-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure></div>


<p>You’ve read the Muddy reviews – now’s your chance to see the schools! Here’s the definitive list of all the <strong>Open Days from April to June</strong> at the independent schools we’ve vetted across Dorset, Somerset &amp; Bristol, in association with Selina Finance.  Scroll on to find your perfect match or click on the links to find our reviews.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-taunton-school-taunton-fri-24-april-sat-25-april-tues-28-april"><a href="https://www.tauntonschool.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Taunton School</a>, Taunton, Fri 24 April, Sat 25 April, Tues 28 April</h2>



<p>Founded in 1847 for the boys of dissenters (not Church of England) <a href="https://www.tauntonschool.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Taunton School</a>, a co-educational, non-denominational, independent day and boarding school, moved to its current location at the northern end of Taunton in 1870. A school for the 21st century, it wears its 175+ years history lightly, embraces difference, and excels in involving all its students in a whole-person educational experience.<a href="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/taunton-school-taunton/"> Read the Muddy review.</a></p>



<p><a href="https://www.tauntonschool.co.uk/admissions/our-admissions-team/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Contact them </a>for a video appointment, phone call or tailor-made, personal tour around the school or book yourself onto one of their <a href="https://www.tauntonschool.co.uk/open-mornings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">open events</a>. Upcoming open days: Pre-Prep &amp; Nursery Open Morning, Fri 24 April; In-Person Open Day (Prep and Senior), Sat 25 April; Virtual Open Event (Senior and International), Tues 28 April.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monkton-combe-school-bath-sat-25-april"><a href="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/monkton-combe-senior-school-bath/">Monkton Combe School</a>, Bath, Sat 25 April</h2>



<p>A co-ed independent day and boarding school for 13 to 18 year olds, <a href="https://www.monktoncombeschool.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monkton Combe School</a> is set within the village of Monkton Combe in the Midford Valley with its stunning woodland views, just a mile south of the city of Bath. <a href="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/monkton-combe-senior-school-bath/">Read the Muddy review of the Senior School</a> and the <a href="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/national-school-reviews/monkton-combe-prep-school/">Prep.</a></p>



<p>Make a date to visit the school on one of their <a href="https://www.monktoncombeschool.com/admissions/open-mornings-school-visits" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Open Days</a>: Senior School, Sat 25 April; Prep School, Sat 16 May, call their Admissions team on 01225 721133 or email <a href="mailto:admissions@monkton.org.uk">admissions@monkton.org.uk</a>.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1001" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/04/00-school-children-.jpg" alt="school children dorset somerset " class="wp-image-106932" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/04/00-school-children-.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/04/00-school-children--800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/04/00-school-children--1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/04/00-school-children--400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/04/00-school-children--768x513.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-canford-canford-magna-near-wimborne-sat-25-april"><a href="https://www.canford.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Canford</a>, Canford Magna, near Wimborne, Sat 25 April</h2>



<p>This 100-year-old co-ed school for ages&nbsp;13 to 18 sits in the most stupendous, immaculately-kept 250 acres. Leading the way academically, sport is at the forefront of much of life here, while drama and music certainly hold their own too. There’s a serious sense of community, both within the school grounds and beyond, too. <a href="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/canford-school-wimborne/">Read the Muddy review.</a></p>



<p>Book a place on an <a href="https://www.canford.com/prospective-parents/admissions/visiting-canford" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Open Morning</a>, the next one is Sat 25 April 2025, with separate events for Year 9 and Sixth Form entry. Alternatively, contact the admissions team to find out more: <a href="mailto:admissions@canford.com">admissions@canford.com</a></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-badminton-school-bristol-fri-1-may"><a href="https://www.badmintonschool.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Badminton School</a>, Bristol,  Fri 1 May</h2>



<p>A dynamic day and boarding school for girls aged 4-18, the school’s careful balance of intellectual firepower with common courtesy and support stands its girls out from the crowd. <a href="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/badminton-school/">Read the full Muddy review.</a></p>



<p>Register for an upcoming <a href="https://www.badmintonschool.co.uk/admissions/open-days-school-visits" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">open day</a>: Friday 1 May, but the school is always happy to show prospective parents around. You can get in touch&nbsp;<a href="https://www.badmintonschool.co.uk/admissions" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sidcot-school-winscombe-near-bristol-mon-4-may"><a href="https://www.sidcot.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sidcot School</a>, Winscombe, near Bristol, Mon 4 May</h2>



<p>It’s a Quaker school but you don’t have to be a Quaker – or even religious – to come to this progressive, outward-looking co-ed day and boarding school which values independent thinkers of all abilities. The Senior School and Junior School &amp; nursery sit alongside each other in 150 acres of beautiful North Somerset countryside on the edge of the Mendips. Read the <a href="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/national-school-reviews/sidcot-school-winscombe-nr-bristol/">Muddy review of the Senior School</a>, and the <a href="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/sidcot-junior-school-winscombe-nr-bristol/">Junior School.</a></p>



<p>Arrange a <a href="https://www.sidcot.org.uk/admissions/applying-sidcot/opportunities-visit/book-private-school-tour" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">personal tour</a> or book a place on their next <a href="https://www.sidcot.org.uk/open-days" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Open Morning</a> on Bank Holiday Mon 4 May.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="226" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/Selina-Finace-banner-compressed-1000-x-226-Easter-guide.png" alt="selina finance" class="wp-image-116861" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/Selina-Finace-banner-compressed-1000-x-226-Easter-guide.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/Selina-Finace-banner-compressed-1000-x-226-Easter-guide-800x181.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/Selina-Finace-banner-compressed-1000-x-226-Easter-guide-400x90.png 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/Selina-Finace-banner-compressed-1000-x-226-Easter-guide-768x174.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo Alexa for Pxabay</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wells-cathedral-school-sat-9-may-sat-13-june"><a href="https://wells.cathedral.school/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wells Cathedral School</a>, Sat 9 May, Sat 13 June</h2>



<p>One of the oldest schools in Europe, Wells has been educating cathedral choristers for over 1000 years. Today it educates children from 2-18 in a co-ed, mixed day and boarding environment and excels in sport, the arts and academics as well as giving career musicians one of the best musical educations in the world.  <a href="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/wells-cathedral-school-wells/">Read the full Muddy review.</a></p>



<p>Upcoming&nbsp;<a href="https://wells.cathedral.school/openday/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">open events</a>: Summer Open Morning, Sat 9 May; Be a Mathematician for a Day, Sat 13 June. For more info call admissions on 01749 834441 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:admissions@wells.cathedral.school">admissions@wells.cathedral.school</a>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-leweston-near-sherborne-mon-11-fri-15-may-mon-15-fri-19-june"><a href="https://www.leweston.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leweston</a>, near Sherborne, Mon 11 – Fri 15 May, Mon 15 – Fri 19 June</h2>



<p>An independent, day and boarding Nursery, Prep and Senior school for boys and girls aged from 3 months to 18 years set within 46 acres – lawns, woods, follies – Leweston School lies three miles south of Sherborne. Unpretentious, friendly, it offers great all-round education with outstanding music and sports. Read the Muddy review of <a href="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/leweston-prep-nursery-sherborne/">the Prep</a>, and the <a href="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/leweston-school-sherborne/">Senior School</a>.</p>



<p>Book a <a href="https://info.leweston.co.uk/book-a-visit-prep" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">visit to the Prep</a>, Mon 11 – Fri 15 May, Mon 15 – Fri 19 June. Book a <a href="https://info.leweston.co.uk/book-a-visit-senior" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">visit to the Senior School and Sixth Form</a>, Mon 11 – Fri 15 May, Mon 15 – Fri 19 June.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wellington-school-wellington-sat-9-may"><a href="http://www.wellington-school.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wellington School</a>, Wellington, Sat 9 May</h2>



<p>This genuinely good all rounder school with a heart, combines a classic grammar school education with private sector facilities and extra-curricular enrichment – and despite having plenty of trumpets to blow, it chooses not to do so. The school takes kids from 3 in the nursery right up 18 in the 6th Form. <strong>Wellington School was Highly Commended in three categories of the Muddy Best Schools Awards 2025: Dynamic Performing Arts (Senior), Giving Something Back, and the Prepared for Life Award</strong>. <a href="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/wellington-school-wellington/">Read the full Muddy review</a>.</p>



<p>Contact the Admissions Team on 01823 668803 or <a href="mailto:admissions@wellington-school.org.uk">admissions@wellington-school.org.uk</a> to arrange a personal visit, book yourself onto an <a href="https://www.wellington-school.org.uk/senior/admissions/open-days" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">open day</a>, the next one is Sat 9 May. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-port-regis-near-shaftesbury-fri-15-may"><a href="https://www.portregis.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Port Regis</a>, near Shaftesbury, Fri 15 May</h2>



<p>The co-ed, day and boarding prep school for children aged 2 to 13 in the heart of the 150-acre Motcombe Park on the Dorset/Wiltshire borders is one of the great prep schools, with outstanding facilities and results – and lots of fun. <a href="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/port-regis-near-shaftesbury/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Read the Muddy review. </a></p>



<p>Go and visit yourself on an <a href="https://www.portregis.com/visits-and-open-mornings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Open Morning</a>, the next one is on Fri 15 May. To book a place or to arrange a private tour, please contact the Head of Admissions on <a href="mailto:admissions@portregis.com">admissions@portregis.com</a> or 01747 857914.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-perrott-hill-school-near-crewkerne-fri-15-may"><a href="https://www.perrotthill.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Perrott Hill School</a>, near Crewkerne, Fri 15 May</h2>



<p>A small, independent day and boarding prep school of around 150 boys and girls aged 2–13, <a href="https://www.perrotthill.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Perrott Hill School</a> is set in 28 beautiful acres of grounds and woodlands just outside Crewkerne, on the borders of Somerset and Dorset, not far from the Jurassic Coast. The school has bags of personality – where else do Shetland ponies turn out for World Book Day? – and preserves all that’s precious about childhood but offers an education fit for the future. <a href="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/perrott-hill-school-near-crewkerne/">Read the Muddy review.</a></p>



<p>Book a place at their <a href="https://www.perrotthill.com/book-a-visit/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">next open morning.</a> The next one is Fri 15 May.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-downside-near-bath-sat-16-may"><a href="https://www.downside.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Downside</a>, near Bath, Sat 16 May</h2>



<p>The Catholic day and boarding school for girls and boys aged 11 to 18 is set in 500-acre grounds in the village of Stratton-on-the-Fosse, on the edge of the Mendip Hills, just 12 miles from the World Heritage City of Bath. With Benedictine values, steeped in history and tradition it’s still keeping ahead of the game. <a href="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/downside-school/">Read the full Muddy review.</a></p>



<p>Upcoming <a href="https://www.downside.co.uk/open-morning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">open event</a>: Sat 16 May. Contact 01761 235103 or email <a href="mailto:admissions@downside.co.uk">admissions@downside.co.uk</a> to arrange a personal visit.</p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-mood-for-more">IN THE MOOD FOR MORE?</h2>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/school-reviews/">The Muddy Best Schools Guide</a></li>



<li><a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-schools-awards/">The Muddy Best Schools Awards 2025</a></li>



<li><a href="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/life/parenting/">Read our Parenting features</a></li>
</ul>


Schools searching? Book yourself into a school Open Day from April to June

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