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
On Friday afternoon, a small group of talented pupils from Upper School had an unforgettable experience, playing a magnificent pipe organ at Holy Trinity Church, Bengeo!
With the kind permission of Reverend Thompson, they explored this incredible instrument, discovering how it works and experimenting with its rich variety of sounds.
They learned to navigate the two manuals and pedals, tackling the challenge of reading from three staves and performing real organ music! 🎼
An awe-inspiring afternoon of music! Huge thanks to Reverend Thompson for making it possible.
#WeAreCognita #DuncombeSchool #InspiringYoungMinds #Education #CognitaWay #prepschools #privateschool #independentschools #independenteducation #inspiringeducation #primaryeducation #education #hertford #hertfordshire #hertfordshiremums #hertfordshiredads. #easthertfordshire #hertfordshireschools @cognitaschools @muddyhertsbeds @goodschoolsguide
To take to the stage, to share your passion, your talent, and your joy, it takes courage. But doing so in the supportive company of your peers builds confidence, resilience, and life skills that last a lifetime.
Last week, we hosted our third Open Mic event of the year, and what a fantastic showcase it was! Pupils from all year groups stepped into the Music Studio to support and celebrate their peers, as our talented musicians took to the stage. 🎶
From soulful singers to skilled guitarists, pianists, and flute players, each performance was a testament to their hard work, passion, and growing confidence.👏
#WeAreCognita #DuncombeSchool #InspiringYoungMinds #Education #CognitaWay #prepschools #privateschool #independentschools #independenteducation #inspiringeducation #primaryeducation #education #hertford #hertfordshire #hertfordshiremums #hertfordshiredads. #easthertfordshire #hertfordshireschools @cognitaschools @muddyhertsbeds @goodschoolsguide
Our Open Mornings are the perfect opportunity to experience everything a Duncombe education has to offer your child.
Come and meet Team Duncombe, see our pupils fully engaged in their learning, and explore our enriching educational environment. Discover our innovative learning spaces in action, from our Science Lab and Art Loft to our outdoor adventure areas, sports arena, and sunken Forest School. You’ll also have the chance to meet our Head, inspiring teachers, and pupils in an informal setting to learn more about what makes Duncombe so special.
Sign up for our next Open Morning using the links in our bio, and our Admissions Team will be in touch with further details.
🔹 Whole School | Friday 25th April | 9:30am-11am
Following on from the excitement of Book Week at Duncombe, we`re thrilled to share some more great news! 📚✨
We`ve just enhanced our library collection with dozens of new books that celebrate the values of Equality, Inclusion, and Diversity.
Last week, our fantastic #TeamDuncombe Library Captain, along with our Heads of School, took on the important task of adding these wonderful new titles to our shelves. They`re now ready to be enjoyed by all our pupils! 🌟
#WeAreCognita #DuncombeSchool #InspiringYoungMinds #Education #CognitaWay #prepschools #privateschool #independentschools #independenteducation #inspiringeducation #primaryeducation #education #hertford #hertfordshire #hertfordshiremums #hertfordshiredads. #easthertfordshire #hertfordshireschools @cognitaschools @muddyhertsbeds @goodschoolsguide
Our swimming team dove into action at the IAPS Regional Finals, representing #TeamDuncombe with skill, determination, and speed! From powerful strokes to fierce finishes, they gave it their all, and came away with Regional Champions in their ranks! 🏆🔥
A huge well done to the entire team for an outstanding performance in the pool!
#WeAreCognita #DuncombeSchool #InspiringYoungMinds #Education #CognitaWay #prepschools #privateschool #independentschools #independenteducation #inspiringeducation #primaryeducation #education #hertford #hertfordshire #hertfordshiremums #hertfordshiredads. #easthertfordshire #hertfordshireschools @cognitaschools @muddyhertsbeds @goodschoolsguide @iapsuk @iapsuksport
Looking this good from head to toe
Our teams are gearing up for upcoming sporting events with brand-new #TeamDuncombe socks! Whether we`re running, kicking, or scoring, we’ll be doing it in style and confidence.
From sprints to goals and tackles to triumphs, these socks are made for winning. 💪
This weekend, our U11 Football team took on the best Prep school teams in the country at the National IAPS Final. Out of 20 elite teams, they secured 11th place overall and an incredible 3rd place finish in the Shield competition! 🎉💪
This tournament brought together the top-ranked teams from across the UK, and our boys rose to the challenge, proving they belong among the nation’s finest. Their hard work, determination, and team spirit were on full display, making this an unforgettable achievement.
Next up, they’ll be representing #TeamDuncombe at the ISFA National Finals in May, hosted at St George’s Park, the home of the England national team! 🇬🇧⚽
#WeAreCognita #DuncombeSchool #InspiringYoungMinds #Education #CognitaWay #prepschools #privateschool #independentschools #independenteducation #inspiringeducation #primaryeducation #education #hertford #hertfordshire #hertfordshiremums #hertfordshiredads. #easthertfordshire #hertfordshireschools @cognitaschools @muddyhertsbeds @goodschoolsguide @iapsuk @iapsuksport @isfafootball
What a fantastic week of book-filled fun!
From exciting learning activities to special shared reading moments between Upper School pupils and their Reception & Year 1 buddies, every day was a celebration of stories and connection.
And of course, Thursday’s World Book Day was fabulous as always! The school felt like a storybook come to life, with wonderful characters wandering the halls, tiny adventurers, towering wizards, and everything in between. The creativity was incredible, and the joy was infectious.
Well done, #TeamDuncombe for making it such a magical week!
#WeAreCognita #DuncombeSchool #InspiringYoungMinds #Education #CognitaWay #prepschools #privateschool #independentschools #independenteducation #inspiringeducation #primaryeducation #education #hertford #hertfordshire #hertfordshiremums #hertfordshiredads. #easthertfordshire #hertfordshireschools @cognitaschools @muddyhertsbeds @goodschoolsguide @worldbookdaysocial
Headmasters Weekly Review
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21/03/2025
As we near the end of another bustling week, we reflect on the many opportunities for parental engagement that have taken place. It has been a joy...
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14/03/2025
This past week has been a truly inspiring one, filled with curiosity, discovery, and exciting learning experiences! Our focus on STEM learning has been at the heart...
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07/03/2025
What a truly inspiring week it has been at Duncombe! The joy of books and reading has been at the heart of everything, and it has been...
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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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