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. Contact us to 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…
Best use of Educational Technology Independent School of the Year
We are delighted to have been named a Finalist for “Best Use of Education Technology” at the Independent Schools of the Year Awards 2025! This recognition reflects our bold commitment to innovation – especially through our cutting-edge approach to digital learning.Our digital curriculum equips pupils with the skills and mindset to thrive in an ever-evolving digital world. By blending computing, communication and design thinking, it empowers them to become confident, creative and responsible digital leaders.
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
The Good Schools Guide 2025 Review
We are proud to share our review from The Good Schools Guide. “There is something for everyone at this ambitious yet nurturing co-ed school which blends traditional charm with modern teaching. One parent summed it up: ‘The school provides an all-round education, but more importantly, I know my daughter will leave with the values to become a kind and decent human being.’" Read our full review on The Good Schools Guide Website.
Recommended by Muddy Stilletos Best School Guide 2026
Duncombe School is delighted to announce that we have been recognised in the Muddy Stilettos Best Schools Guide 2026! They were impressed with the strong family feel and noted we clearly excel in music and sport. Our Forest School accreditation and emphasis on the outdoors adds something different, and pupils consistently achieve the strongest 11+ Entry outcomes in Hertford.
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 benefit from high-quality and personalised feedback that enables them to make further progress, while developing their independence in the learning process.”
-ISI Report 2025.
In July 2025, Duncombe School and Treetop Pre-School underwent a comprehensive inspection by the Independent Schools Inspectorate, evaluated against the updated Framework 23 criteria. Notably, under this new framework, overall judgments or grades are no longer provided by ISI.
The inspection report is structured around 5 key areas, wherein inspectors meticulously detail commendations for met standards and provide insightful overviews highlighting areas for improvement where standards are not yet met. It brings us great joy to announce that Duncombe School has excelled across all 5 stages, achieving a commendable "met" status in each.
Follow Team Duncombe on Social Media
Come and meet our Head and the rest of our Senior Leadership team!
Join us on Thursday 26th March from 9:15am – 10:00am for a for a relaxed coffee and chat with our Head and Senior Leadership Team.
This is a wonderful opportunity to ask questions, learn more about our school, and meet the team in an informal setting.
Visit our website to book your place today! 💻
For more information, contact Admissions:
📩 admissions@duncombe-school.co.uk
📲 01992 414109
#Duncombe #visitus #privateschool #hertford #independenteducation #stayandplay #DuncombeSchool #DuncombePrepSchool #prepschools #privateschool #independentschools #independenteducation
Nursery Maple visit the school Library 📖⭐
The children enjoy their weekly visit to the school library, it’s more than just a trip to borrow books, it’s an opportunity to build curiosity, independence, and a love of reading
What Happens During a Library Visit
📚 Children browse different sections - storybooks, non-fiction and picture books. 📚 The children are learn how to pick books that match their interests.
📚 They respect books, staying quiet, and returning items on time. The Nursery children even have a chance to help use the scan machine to record the books they have borrowed.
#TeamDuncombe #ReadingRocks #SchoolLibrary
Little Chestnut Toddler Group is perfect for children aged 1–4 years and their parents 🌰
Our final toddler group of the term as we celebrate all things Easter! 🌸🐰
Little ones will enjoy decorating Easter baskets, using their fine motor skills to create patterned Easter eggs, make a cute chick craft and design beautiful Easter decorations to take home.
Alongside the crafts, there’ll be plenty of playful fun with Easter-themed tuff tray, sand with buckets and spades and a selection of peg and floor puzzles. 🐣🐇
📅 Friday 20th March
🕤 9:30 – 10:45am
📍 Duncombe School, Hertford
Book now!
📞 01992 414109
✉️ admissions@duncombe-school.co.uk
#DuncombeSchool #DuncombePrepSchool #prepschools #privateschool #independentschools #independenteducation #Toddlergroup #hertford
A little look at some of the activities from last weeks Little Chestnuts Toddler Group 🌰
We had a busy morning for our mother`s day session exploring, crafting, and discovering new things! From planting seeds and making playdough flowers to decorating teapots, collaging shamrocks, and enjoying sensory water play, every activity has been full of fun and creativity. 💛🌸
Come along every Friday for more fun
📅 Every Friday (Term Time)
🕤 9:30 – 10:45am
📍 Duncombe School, Hertford
📞 01992 414109
✉️ admissions@duncombe-school.co.uk
#DuncombeSchool #DuncombePrepSchool #prepschools #privateschool #independentschools #independenteducation #Toddlergroup #hertford
Happy Mother’s Day! 💐
Last week we had the most adorable assembly with our Nursery and Reception children, filled with smiles, laughter, and beautiful moments. The children loved taking part in storytelling and sharing special songs dedicated to their mums. 📚🎶
One of the highlights of the week was inviting parents to join in and play alongside the children in EKG and KG – it was so lovely to see everyone learning, laughing, and making memories together. 💕
Thank you to all the amazing mums and families who joined us and made the week so special. We hope you enjoyed it as much as the children did! 🌸
#MothersDay #SchoolLife #NurseryMoments #ReceptionClass #Duncombe #SchoolCommunity #LittleLearners #LearningThroughPlay #HappyMothersDay
🐣✨ This term, the Woburn Charity Team has been working closely with Hertford Food Bank. Duncombe School proudly held a non-uniform day, where pupils donated food items in exchange for taking part.
The children also generously donated Easter eggs to Hertford Food Bank, helping to make the season a little sweeter for families in our community. Our Charity Team and Heads of House have been busy creating Easter treat bags for children who may be a little less fortunate.
#teamduncombe #Community #EasterGiving
🌟 Staff Spotlight 🌟
This week, our pupils interviewed Mrs Johnson, one of our fantastic Year 6 Form Teachers, who also teaches Year 1 and is Director of Sport. Mrs Johnson has been part of the Duncombe community for 13 years! 🏫✨
📚 Favourite children’s book: The Snail and the Whale by Julia Donaldson
🧸 Favourite part of the school day: Games lessons
✨ Why Duncombe? It feels like one big family
🦸♀️ Dream superpower: Freezing time
🍰 Favourite school lunch: Cheesecake or rice pudding
💬 Best advice for pupils: “If you put more into life, you’ll get more out of it.”
🎒 Favourite Golden Rule: We are kind and gentle — because this makes the world a better place
😊 What makes you smile at school: The pupils
🏃♀️ Favourite lessons to teach: PE and Games
🌈 When I was your age, I wanted to be: A hairdresser or a vet
🏆 Proudest Duncombe moment: When Duncombe became Netball Regional Winners
Mrs Johnson has recently been voted an Everyday Hero at Blenheim Schools for going above and beyond everyday! Thank you, Mrs Johnson, for being such a brilliant part of #TeamDuncombe 🐻✨
It’s been an exciting British Science Week at Duncombe! 🔬✨
Pupils have been exploring their curiosity by writing brilliant science questions for our shared display, taking part in STEM lessons across Upper School, and enjoying hands-on lunchtime activities including magnet mazes, electricity circuits and even balloon rockets! 🚀
We love seeing our pupils ask big questions, experiment with new ideas and discover the joy of science. Who knows…we might be inspiring the scientists of the future!
#TeamDuncombe #BritishScienceWeek #STEM #CuriousMinds #FutureScientists
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