This co-educational school educates students from ages 4 to 18, providing a nurturing and inspiring environment where each pupil can develop their unique skills and interests.

Situated on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, the school leverages its exceptional natural surroundings to enrich the educational experiences of its students.

The school cultivates happy, confident, well-rounded, and ambitious students who demonstrate a strong sense of pride in their connection to Mount Kelly.

History of Mount Kelly School

Mount Kelly School's origins lie in the generosity of Admiral Kelly, prompting William, 8th Duke of Bedford, to donate land from his Tavistock estates for its establishment. Opening in 1877 under Headmaster Robert West Taylor, a former fellow of St John's College, Cambridge, the school began with just twelve boys. Since then, Mount Kelly has grown significantly in both size and reputation. Notably, it was among the first Victorian public schools to embrace co-education in the 1970s.

The school's history includes mergers with other institutions, beginning with Newton College in 1940 and, more recently, with Mount House School in 2014. Mount House School, itself founded in Plymouth in 1881 and later relocated to Tavistock in 1940, had a distinguished history as a leading preparatory school in the South West, known for preparing students for prestigious public schools.

Today, Mount Kelly educates over 600 pupils. While maintaining many traditions, the school also embraces a forward-thinking approach, as evidenced by its 5-Year Strategic Plan, which outlines an ambitious vision for the future.

Education System at Mount Kelly School

Pre-Prep

Mount Kelly Pre-Prep offers a dedicated learning environment for children aged 4 to 7. The bright and welcoming classrooms are complemented by a secure outdoor area that enhances the curriculum. A strong sense of community is fostered by interaction between teachers and children across all year groups, ensuring smooth transitions between classes. The Pre-Prep actively engages families through various charity and social events. A diverse range of extra-curricular clubs, spanning academic, sporting, and creative activities like chess, ICT, gardening, tag rugby, and sewing, are also available.

PREP

Mount Kelly's Prep school is structured in three sections: Lower Prep (Years 3 and 4), Middle Prep (Years 5 and 6), and Upper Prep (Years 7 and 8).

The Lower Prep builds upon the Pre-Prep curriculum, continuing with the International Primary Curriculum (IPC). Form teachers deliver thematic instruction in Science, History, Religious Studies, and Geography, creating a nurturing environment for younger pupils. Specialist teachers also provide instruction in Music, Art, Design Technology (DT), Information Communication Technology (ICT), Physical Education (PE), and French, connecting these subjects to the IPC framework where possible.

The Middle Prep serves as a central period of growth and transition. Students are increasingly taught by specialist teachers across a broader range of subjects: English, Maths, Science, French, History, Geography, Religious Studies (RS), Art, DT, and Music. While this shift requires greater independence from students as they navigate the Prep campus, the Form Tutor remains a key point of contact and support, with registration taking place in the form room.

In the Upper Prep, students experience a rigorous and diverse curriculum. Through academics, sports, music, drama, Learning Outside the Classroom (LOTC) activities, and the Shackleton Programme, students develop lifelong learning skills, empathy, and resilience.

College

GCSE

Year 9 students at the school explore a wide range of subjects, providing a foundation for informed GCSE subject selection. GCSE options are chosen during the Lent Term of Year 9.

The core GCSE curriculum consists of compulsory subjects: English Language and Literature, Mathematics, and Sciences.

In addition to the core, students select four more GCSE subjects from a list that includes Art and Design: Fine Art, Business Studies, and Computer Science.

One Year GCSE

The one-year Pre-A-Level or one-year GCSE course is designed to prepare international students for A-Level study within the British education system. Students on this course study core GCSE subjects—Mathematics, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, and English Language—alongside Year 11 pupils. They also select two or three additional GCSE subjects from a list provided by Admissions.

Beyond the core academic curriculum, the course incorporates English as an Additional Language (EAL) instruction, culminating in a Cambridge English qualification. This preparatory year is particularly beneficial for students new to the British education system or those unsure about A-Level subjects. Many students have successfully transitioned to and excelled in A-Levels after completing this course.

Students enrolled in the one-year program participate in the same extracurricular activities as those in the traditional two-year GCSE program. This course is open to students aged 15 to 17 who intend to pursue A-Levels.

Sixth Form

The school believes A-Levels offer the most effective pathway for its students to gain admission to top universities in the UK. A dedicated team provides expert support throughout the university application process, resulting in the majority of students being accepted by their first-choice institution.

The academic curriculum is enriched by lectures, off-site excursions, connections with Plymouth and Exeter Universities, and the option to pursue the Extended Project Qualification. While independent learning is emphasized throughout the school, it is particularly fostered in the Sixth Form, where students learn to work autonomously while still benefiting from the support of dedicated academic staff and comprehensive pastoral care.

Boarding at Mount Kelly

Mount Kelly maintains a robust boarding program, offering daily, weekly, and full boarding options starting in Year 3. Students often cite the strong friendships and social connections as the most positive aspect of their boarding experience. The supportive and communal atmosphere fosters the development of lifelong relationships.

Tavy House, the Prep boarding house, is located within the main school building, where a dedicated team of house parents, matrons, and residential staff provide care for the boarders. The dormitories are spacious and well-lit, many offering scenic views of the Tavy Valley and Tavistock. Boarders have access to a wide range of facilities, including the river, playing fields, cricket nets, a tennis court, an outdoor swimming pool, an adventure playground, and a sports hall.

Weekly boarding is a popular choice among Prep students, often driven by their desire to fully participate in the busy school life and take their first steps toward independence

Newton House, a boarding house for boys in Years 9 through 13, offers a secure and supportive environment where each boy can build confidence, explore new experiences and activities, and reach his full potential.

Marwood House provides a comfortable and welcoming home for girls in Years 9 through 13. The supportive and relaxed atmosphere allows the girls to feel safe and secure, enabling them to grow into confident and independent individuals.

College Boarding

Boarders and day pupils are equally valued at the school, with every student belonging to one of six houses: Courtenay, Marwood, Newton, and School House for boarders, and Conway and Russell House for day pupils. While each house has its own distinct identity, all are guided by core family values, including mutual respect, tolerance, and kindness.

Dedicated house teams provide 24-hour support to students. The pastoral system is overseen by the Senior Deputy Head, Laura Tabb, who is readily available to discuss student and parent needs, ensuring the school provides the best possible support during these important developmental years.

Of the 350 students at Mount Kelly's College, 200 are boarders. Approximately 110 of these boarders are in Years 9 through 11, with the remaining 90 in the Sixth Form.

extra-curricular

The school strongly encourages students to participate in a diverse range of activities to develop a broad skillset. Students are given the opportunity to explore their interests and passions through the extensive co-curricular program. This program is considered essential to a Mount Kelly education, enriching and broadening the learning experiences available to all students. These activities take place before, during, and after school hours.

International Pupils

Mount Kelly welcomes international applicants. The school's active and vibrant seven-day-a-week boarding community enables overseas students to fully integrate and take advantage of the numerous opportunities available.

Admissions Process

Year 3 to Year 8 Admissions

Students entering Mount Kelly in Year 3 and above join the Prep School. While formal written assessments are not required for Prep School entry below Year 7, prospective students are invited to a taster day in their respective year group, similar to the Pre-Prep process.

Students completing Year 6 at their prep or primary school can transition to Mount Kelly's Prep School for Years 7 and 8, subsequently moving to the College for Year 9. Entry assessments are conducted at this stage, and arrangements for these will be made early in the application process. The results of these assessments, along with previous school reports, inform the planning of each student's continuing education.

Year 9 Admissions

Applications for Year 9 entry are accepted during the Michaelmas Term of the year prior to admission. Scholarship assessments are typically held in early February of the application year, though scholarships may be awarded at other times. In-year applications are also considered for Years 9 and 10.

Sixth Form Admissions

Admission offers are based on predicted GCSE grades. Applicants must achieve at least five passes at Grade 5 or above. A minimum Grade 6 is required in any subject the applicant wishes to study at A-Level, with the exception of Mathematics and the Sciences, where a minimum Grade 7 is necessary.

Mount Kelly School Fees