Welcome to Duncombe School
Duncombe School is an Independent Day School and Pre-School, nestled in the beautiful town of Hertford, for children aged 2-11 years.
As a school we pride ourselves in nurturing our children’s minds through an inspiring educational journey and we encourage every child to dream big!
We believe success and happiness are not simply defined by outstanding academic results, but by being treated and celebrated as an individual, who is encouraged to develop strength of character and explore fully their personal potential.
Visit Team Duncombe and discover a Duncombe education.
Welcome to Duncombe School. We are so proud to say that our school has achieved numerous accreditations and been awarded the highest grading across multiple inspections, including ‘Excellent in All Areas’ in our June 2022 ISI inspection. Find out more about what makes Duncombe so special.
"We each share a clear vision of what an excellent Prep school looks like; I believe it can be defined as the willingness to explore the new, along with the confidence to stand on the established. "
- Jeremy Phelan, Headmaster
Awards & Accreditations
Duncombe are delighted to have been recognised and endorsed by numerous regulatory bodies for our commitment to…
Co-educational Independent School of the Year
We are delighted to have been shortlisted for Co-educational Independent Prep School of the Year 2024, which is a testament to our unwavering commitment to fostering an inspiring educational journey through enrichment learning and a nurturing environment. This recognition acknowledges that all our children are treated as individuals, encouraged to develop strength of character, and prepared for life beyond Duncombe with an open, confident, and inquisitive mind.
Highly Commended Excellence in STEM
Duncombe School is delighted to announce that we have been recognised in the Muddy Stilettos Best Schools Awards 2024 for the second year in a row! This year, we received a High Commendation for Excellence in STEM! The judges were impressed with our innovative teaching methods and engaging learning opportunities, making STEM subjects come alive for our pupils. This award celebrates the dedication, innovation, and teamwork of the entire Team
Most Innovative Technology Led Teaching
We believe technology enhances learning and we've seen first-hand its positive impact on our children's engagement and preparation for the future. This Muddy Stilettos award is a testament to our children who have fully embraced the benefits of digital learning and our incredible teaching staff, who've worked tirelessly to incorporate technology-led practices.
School Partnerships Alliance
Duncombe School is proud to be part of the Schools Partnership Alliance (S.P.A.), a network dedicated to fostering strong, cross-sector collaborations that enhance education. Through S.P.A., Duncombe connects with other schools and organisations to share resources, expertise, and best practices. These partnerships support key areas such as digital innovation, STEM education, teacher development, well-being initiatives, and professional training. S.P.A. also provides expert guidance, ensuring partnerships are impactful and measurable. The goal is to create meaningful, productive collaborations that improve educational, social opportunities for all pupils across the network.
Team Duncombe is proud to announce they have achieved their Level 4 The RHS Gardening Award! This accomplishment was made extra special by combining gardening with the beauty of French. Under the inspiring leadership of our French teacher and Garden Club leader, Madam Barlow, Treetops and Year 1 children learnt French vocabulary while exploring our vibrant gardens. A perfect blend of nature, language, and enthusiasm! .
Through an ambitious eco-plan, designed and led by our pupil Eco Council to help tackle ongoing environmental issues, Duncombe has been awarded the Eco-School Green Flag Award. This award acknowledges our continued commitment and our Eco-School flag flies proudly in the school grounds.
Our catering team, Thomas Franks, works closely with the school to ensure all of Team Duncombe enjoy fresh, tasty and wholesome food, whatever their dietary needs. This commitment has been recognised through endorsements from both ‘Food for Life’ and Coeliac UK.
FACILITIES & LOCATION
Palladian-style mansion with acres of stunning woodland
Situated at the edge of Hertford town, in leafy Bengeo, Duncombe School benefits from a beautiful rural setting while being part of a vibrant and historic small town. Our Palladian-style mansion dates back to the 1860s and is surrounded by four and a half acres of stunning woodland and grounds.
Duncombe’s enriching facilities include a secluded Forest School, a multi-purpose covered Astro, a bright and vibrant library, and dedicated Parisian Style Art Loft and Science Laboratory. These facilities provide a stimulating and motivating learning environment for our children.
Inspection Report
Celebrating Excellence in Education!
“Pupils are enthusiastic, committed learners from an early age due to the creative and imaginative lessons.”
-ISI Report 2022.
We are thrilled to share that Duncombe School and Treetops Pre-School have been awarded "EXCELLENT IN ALL AREAS" by the Independent Schools Inspectorate, as highlighted in our recent report. This is just one of the many findings that celebrate our commitment to enriching children's learning and providing them with exciting experiences and opportunities to thrive.
Discover the full report to learn more about our exceptional educational journey and how we nurture young minds for a successful future.
Follow Team Duncombe on Social Media
#TeamDuncombe Year 2 became artists last week, stepping into the world of William Morris, learning how nature can inspire timeless design. From sketching swirling leaves and blooming flowers to hand-carving printing blocks, they brought their own patterns to life using vibrant inks and fabric.
The result? A beautiful collection of prints full of creativity, colour and care — each one a little masterpiece! Morris said to surround yourself with what’s useful or beautiful — these are both. ❤️
#WeAreCognita #Education #CognitaWay #prepschools #privateschool #independentschools #independenteducation #inspiringeducation #primaryeducation #education #hertford #hertfordshire #hertfordshiremums #easthertfordshire #hertfordshireschools @cognitaschools @goodschoolsguide @iapsuk @muddyhertsbeds
☀️ Summer holidays are just around the corner!
If you`re looking for exciting ways to keep your child active, engaged, and having fun – don’t forget that SuperCamps’ Early Bird offer of 15% off has been extended until Sunday 15th June! 🎉
It’s the perfect time to book and save ahead of a summer packed with adventure.
And just a reminder – if you didn’t know, SuperCamps is open to all children, not just Duncombe pupils!
#supercamps #WeAreCognita #Education #CognitaWay #prepschools #privateschool #independentschools #independenteducation #inspiringeducation #primaryeducation #education #hertford #hertfordshire #hertfordshiremums #easthertfordshire #hertfordshireschools @cognitaschools @goodschoolsguide @iapsuk @muddyhertsbeds
#TeamDuncombe Year 6’s Wet and Wonderful Adventure! 🛶🌧️
On Thursday, as part of @duncombeschool`s Enrichment Programme, Year 6 swapped classrooms for currents and faced the rain head-on at Lea Valley White Water Centre!
From wrangling wetsuits to mastering Stand-Up Paddleboarding (with only a few accidental cannonballs), our adventurous pupils embraced every soggy second. The inflatable obstacle course brought epic slips, wild dives and even wilder laughter, teamwork and tumble-styled triumphs all round!
No amount of drizzle could dampen their spirits, what a splash-tastic day of resilience, fun, and unforgettable memories.
#LeaValleyAdventure #Year6Enrichment #WeAreCognita #Education #CognitaWay #prepschools #privateschool #independentschools #independenteducation #inspiringeducation #primaryeducation #education #hertford #hertfordshire #hertfordshiremums #easthertfordshire #hertfordshireschools @cognitaschools @goodschoolsguide @iapsuk @muddyhertsbeds
@iapsuksport
🌿 Year 2’s Cuffley Adventure! 🌿
Our excited #TeamDuncombe Year 2 pupils recently spent a whole day learning, playing and growing together in the beautiful woodlands of Cuffley! 🏕️✨
From navigating the forest floor without touching the ground to building bird homes and shelters from clay and sticks, our young explorers embraced every challenge. Along the way, they built resilience, teamwork and problem-solving skills — all while having so much fun in the great outdoors!
Staff were so proud to see classroom learning in Geography, Science, P.E. and PSHE come to life amongst the trees.
Duncombe Bear thinks his Woodland Friends would love the fresh air, muddy paws, and leafy learning of Cuffley’s magical woods!
#DuncombeAdventures #LearningOutsideTheClassroom #ForestFun #Year2Explorers
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🌟 Brilliant result for our #TeamDuncombe Year 6 pupil who proudly represented Duncombe at the IAPS Nationals Swimming Competition!
This super swimmer placed 11th nationally in the U11 Breaststroke – an incredible achievement!
We’re so proud of her hard work and determination.
#TeamDuncombe #SwimmingSuccess #IAPS2025 #ProudMoment #GoDuncombe
Dive into Fun with Our Little Explorers!
This week, our nursery children embarked on an exciting underwater adventure!
From colourful fish to mysterious sea creatures, the children have been exploring the wonders of the deep blue sea.
#TeamDuncombe #UnderTheSea #NurseryExplorers #OceanAdventures #LittleLearners.
#TeamDuncombe on Tour: Wales Edition!
Year 6 took on the great outdoors in Wales for an unforgettable 4-day adventure filled with enrichment, team-building, and plenty of laughter! From conquering climbing challenges to making lifelong memories with friends at the beach, every moment was a celebration of courage, connection, and growth.
Here’s to resilience, friendship, and finishing Year 6 with an experience we’ll never forget! 🌟
#DuncombeBearOnTour #TeamDuncombe #Year6Adventures #WalesTrip #MakingMemories #EnrichmentInAction #HighRopesChallenge #TeamBuilding
Power Up Your Online Safety
This week in assembly, Mrs Micele-Jones reminded us how to be smart, safe, and savvy online — especially when using AI! Her focus was on empowering our pupils to use technology wisely and creatively.
Here are her 5 top tips for using AI safely and responsibly:
🦸♂️ Be a superhero – Keep your identity safe. Never share personal information online.
🧐 Be a good judge – Always double-check AI’s facts and get different perspectives. Even AI can make mistakes!
🕵️♀️ Be a digital detective – Learn to spot AI-generated content so you don’t get fooled.
🌍 Be an explorer – AI is just one tool in your learning toolbox. Books, journals, and real conversations are just as important.
🎨 Be yourself – Originality rocks! Use AI to support you, not replace you.
For our parents and carers, it’s a great time to revisit the SMART rules for staying safe online:
S – Stay safe: Don’t give out personal information.
M – Don’t meet up: Meeting someone you’ve only met online can be dangerous.
A – Accepting files: Be careful when opening emails, attachments, or clicking on links.
R – Reliable? Not everything online is true – check your sources!
T – Tell someone: If something makes you uncomfortable, speak to a trusted adult.
Let’s keep our digital world a safe and inspiring place to learn and grow! 💻🌟
#TeamDuncombe #OnlineSafety #AIandMe #SMARTonline
Headmasters Weekly Review
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22/05/2025
As we draw this half term to a close, it has been a real pleasure to see our children continuing to flourish and embrace the many opportunities...
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09/05/2025
What a fantastic and full week it has been at Duncombe! We began the week cheering on our talented U11 team at the ISFA National Finals hosted...
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02/05/2025
It’s been a glorious week of sunshine and superb opportunities here at Duncombe, and I’m delighted to share a few highlights with you as we head...
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10/03/2024
Congratulations to these pupils, for their remarkable achievements at the IAPS Swimming Regionals this week! One pupil displayed exceptional skill and determination in her race, once again,...
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08/03/2024
In homage to World Book Day and the courageous BFG, it has been a splendiferous week all-round! Thank you to everyone for being so fully engaged in...
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08/03/2024
We’re proud to announce the triumph of our U11 Duncombe Cross Country squad in a local event this week. Congratulations not only to the winners, but to...
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