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…
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
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
🌟 Anti-Bullying Week 2025: Power for Good! 🌟
Next week, we’ll be celebrating kindness, respect and the power we all have to make a positive difference. 💫
🧦 Monday: Odd Socks Day! Miss Cartwright will lead our whole-school assembly before our Kindness Conga at lunchtime!
🎨 Tuesday: Launch of our Power for Good Superhero Competition – what special powers will your hero have?
💖 Wednesday: Years 3–6 take on the Kindness Bingo Challenge! Can they complete every act of kindness?
📚 Thursday: Buddies unite! Years 5 & 6 will share stories about respect and friendship with our Reception and Year 1 pupils.
🎲 Friday: We’ll wrap up the week with Come Out to Play! – teachers and pupils joining in playground games from across the years.
When we use our #PowerForGood, every act of kindness helps make Duncombe an even happier place to be! 💛
#AntiBullyingWeek #TeamDuncombe #PowerForGood #OddSocksDay #KindnessMatters
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: www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk
Interested in finding out more? Contact Admissions:
📩 admissions@duncombe-school.co.uk
📲 01992 414109
#Duncombe #visitus #privateschool #upminster #independenteducation #oakfields #stayandplay #DuncombeSchool #DuncombePrepSchool #prepschools #privateschool #independentschools #independenteducation
Treetops Holiday Club 🍂
The children had a wonderful morning on an autumn adventure, collecting pine cones and using their creativity to make little owls! 🦉 They nestled their creations into soft beds of colourful leaves, and later enjoyed sharing stories together in our cosy reading corner 📚✨
In the afternoon, our autumn theme continued as the children made clay hedgehogs! 🦔 They showed amazing concentration and fine motor skills while carefully adding each individual spike, a true display of creativity and patience throughout the activity. 👏
#Duncombe #visitus #privateschool #upminster #independenteducation #oakfields #stayandplay #DuncombeSchool #DuncombePrepSchool #prepschools #privateschool #independentschools #independenteducation
Little Chestnut Toddler Group is perfect for 1 to 4 year olds and their parents 🌰
Fireworks & Fun Week! 🎆
Join us for a sparkling morning of creativity and excitement! ✨
Children will practice their fine motor skills by drawing colourful fireworks with chalk, get creative with dancing ribbons to make fireworks in the night sky, and explore some sparkly, glittery, messy play
📅 Friday 7th November
🕤 9:30 – 10:45am
📍 Duncombe School, Hertford
Places are limited - book now!
📞 01992 414109
✉️ admissions@duncombe-school.co.uk
#DuncombeSchool #DuncombePrepSchool #prepschools #privateschool #independentschools #independenteducation
🍂✨ Autumn means back to Hogwarts for our After School Club Adventurers! 🧙♂️
From sorting ceremonies to Wand Week wonders, our young witches and wizards have already planted mandrakes with Professor Pace and crafted Marauders Maps of our school. The magic is just beginning as there are many more spellbinding memories to be made! 🌟📜🌱
#TeamDuncombe #Hertford #DuncombeSchool
Stay and Play at Duncombe!
Join us on Friday 14th November from 9:20am – 10:30am for a fun-filled science-themed Stay and Play session! Children will enjoy a variety of exciting, hands-on activities with their parents. You can also meet our friendly staff, and ask any questions.
Visit our website to book your place today! 💻
For more information, contact Admissions:
📩 admissions@duncombe-school.co.uk
📲 01992 414109
#Duncombe #visitus #privateschool #upminster #independenteducation #oakfields #stayandplay #DuncombeSchool #DuncombePrepSchool #prepschools #privateschool #independentschools #independenteducation
🎶 What a Half Term for the Music Department here at Duncombe!
From the Senior Choir singing in the glorious Holy Trinity church, to Year 3 tackling the Halloween classic Ghostbusters on Boomwhackers, and our ever-popular Open Mic sessions (this half term featuring a brilliant electric guitar and drum duet!)🎸🥁, music truly is at the heart of Duncombe. ❤️🎶
#TeamDuncombe #Hertford #DuncombeSchool
As we wrap up for half term, Mr Phelan would like to wish all Duncombe pupils, families, and staff a wonderful break...✨
🗨 "What a successful start to the academic year! From being named finalists for Independent School of the Year 2025 and achieving Microsoft Showcase School status, to excelling on the sports field, enjoying memorable trips, and showcasing wonderful performances, it’s been a busy and enjoyable term. Our Year 6 pupils have also been working diligently as they prepare for their 11+ examinations, demonstrating great determination. Thank you to all staff, pupils, and parents for your continued support of our vibrant school community. Wishing you all a wonderful, relaxing, and well-deserved half-term break."
#DuncombeSchool #DuncombePrepSchool #prepschools #privateschool #independentschools #independenteducation
Headmasters Weekly Review
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03/10/2025
This week we have continued our focus on British Values, exploring the importance of respect and tolerance. The pupils shared some excellent reflections on how we can...
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29/09/2025
It has been another purposeful week here at Duncombe, and it’s hard to believe that we will be stepping into October next week! September has flown by,...
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19/09/2025
It has been another busy and purposeful week here at Duncombe, full of energy and learning both in and out of the classroom. It’s also been another...
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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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