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
Blast Off to Fun: A Space-Themed Sports afternoon Launches Imagination and Energy!
Treetops hosted an unforgettable Space-Themed Sports Afternoon in the Duncombe Arena. From rocket-powered races to asteroid dodging, the track was transformed into a galaxy of games and giggles. Children dressed as astronauts, aliens, and cosmic creatures, competed in a variety of interstellar events designed to spark both movement and imagination.
With star-studded relays, crater-hopping obstacle courses, and space-themed music fueling the fun, the afternoon was a shining success.
Parents and teachers cheered from the sidelines as young explorers gave it their all, proving that teamwork, creativity, and a little cosmic flair make for a truly stellar Sports event!
#WeAreCognita #Education #CognitaWay #prepschools #privateschool #independentschools #independenteducation #inspiringeducation #primaryeducation #education #hertford #hertfordshire #hertfordshiremums #easthertfordshire #hertfordshireschools @cognitaschools @goodschoolsguide @iapsuk @muddyhertsbeds
Cooking Sustainably with Thomas Franks!
Last week, we welcomed Mary Anne Peregrine, Head of Culinary at Thomas Franks, for an amazing Upper School masterclass in sustainable cooking, using the whole banana, skin and all!
Pupils made pulled banana (from the skin, yes really!) and delicious banana pulp pancakes, zero waste and 100% flavour.
Meanwhile, our Lower School explored new tastes with nutritionists Lottie and Matt, sampling a rainbow of fruits and veggies!
An unforgettable day of learning, tasting, and thinking differently about food.
#WeAreCognita #Education #CognitaWay #prepschools #privateschool #independentschools #independenteducation #inspiringeducation #primaryeducation #education #hertford #hertfordshire #hertfordshiremums #easthertfordshire #hertfordshireschools @cognitaschools @goodschoolsguide @iapsuk @muddyhertsbeds
We are delighted to announce that Duncombe has been honoured with a national award from the Pearson National Teaching Awards for our Transformational Use of Digital Technology.
This recognition celebrates our commitment to preparing pupils not only for academic success but for the future beyond school, equipping them with the skills and confidence to thrive in an ever-evolving digital world and professional landscape.
We are immensely proud of this achievement and what it represents for our school community.
#DuncombeExcellence #DigitalInnovation #FutureFocused #PearsonAwards #IndependentEducation #TeamDuncombe
In the paw-steps of Sir Ernest Shackleton, Duncombe Bear has become our very own Great Explorer!
This year, #TeamDuncombe’s Treetops pupils have taken turns to have Duncombe Bear come home for the weekend and he’s been very busy! From sandy beaches and strawberry fields to cinema trips and woodland trails, he’s had some unforgettable adventures.
Each week, our pupils return excited to share what they and Duncombe Bear got up to, through beautifully written diary entries. It’s sparked imagination, developed confidence for writing, and encouraged children to speak in front of an audience.
Hearing these stories read aloud in assembly has been a true highlight of our week. What a fantastic way to grow brave young writers and storytellers!
Here’s to more adventures, more memories, and more magic in the pages of Duncombe Bear’s Diary. 🐾
#TeamDuncombe #DuncombeBear #youngwriters #creativelearning
Bringing Learning to Life at the Zoo 🐾
For our #TeamDuncombe pupils, it was a brilliant day filled with excitement, discovery, and wide-eyed wonder. But for us, the annual zoo trip is much more than just a fun outing — it’s an extension of the classroom, carefully designed to bring this half term’s animal-themed topic to life in the most meaningful way.
As we explored the zoo, the children confidently applied their knowledge, answering questions from their teachers and engaging in thoughtful discussions. It was clear how much they had absorbed in class, and how these real-world experiences help to deepen and extend their understanding.
Alongside roaming the zoo, pupils took part in interactive workshops led by the expert Zoology team, which enriched their learning with hands-on insights and real-world context.
Enrichment opportunities like these do more than inspire, they consolidate knowledge, spark curiosity, and help children form lasting connections between what they learn and the world around them.
How incredibly fortunate we are to have such an amazing learning environment right on our doorstep. Thank you, @hertfordshirezoo we can’t wait to come back!
#WeAreCognita #Education #CognitaWay #prepschools #privateschool #independentschools #independenteducation #inspiringeducation #primaryeducation #education #hertford #hertfordshire #hertfordshiremums #easthertfordshire #hertfordshireschools @cognitaschools @goodschoolsguide @iapsuk @muddyhertsbeds
✨ Prefect Potential Unleashed! ✨
#TeamDuncombe Year 5 have been stepping up in style this week, writing their prefect letters for next academic year and what a fantastic job they’ve done! Some chose the classic pen-and-paper route, while others typed theirs up like future CEOs.
One thoughtful pupil wrote:
"I am proud to be a Duncombe student and would love to give back by taking on meaningful responsibilities that inspire and support those around me." 💙
Following their applications our Deputy Head Pastoral has been conducting interviews and let’s just say, she’s been very impressed!
From heartfelt pledges to creative campaigns, we’ve seen leadership, kindness, and a whole lot of Duncombe spirit. The future of Duncombe is in great hands! 🌟
#TeamDuncombe #FuturePrefects #Year5ShiningBright #LeadershipGoals
#WeAreCognita #Education #CognitaWay #prepschools #privateschool #independentschools #independenteducation #inspiringeducation #primaryeducation #education #hertford #hertfordshire #hertfordshiremums #easthertfordshire #hertfordshireschools @cognitaschools @goodschoolsguide @iapsuk @muddyhertsbeds
#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
Headmasters Weekly Review
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04/07/2025
What an exceptionally warm and eventful week it has been at Duncombe! We’ve had a packed schedule filled with trips, performances, our Move Up Morning, and—just to...
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27/06/2025
Another busy and productive week at Duncombe, and I continue to feel immensely proud of everything our pupils are achieving. As I read through the end-of-year...
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21/06/2025
What a truly wonderful week it has been at Duncombe — helped along, of course, by some glorious sunshine and an abundance of moments to celebrate including...
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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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