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
⚽ Still on cloud nine from this! 🏆
Last week, our amazing U11 team took to the pitch at St George’s Park – the iconic home of England Football – for the ISFA National Finals, and what a tournament it was! 🇬🇧✨
Against top competition from across the country, our boys showed immense skill, resilience and teamwork, securing an impressive 17th place nationally! 💪🔥
This was no small feat, and we are beyond proud of every single player. Huge thanks to Mr Sopher, Mr Granville and Mr Flynn for their support and leadership throughout the journey.
💚 The determination.
💚 The sportsmanship.
💚 The #TeamDuncombe spirit.
You’ve done us all proud, boys – what a phenomenal achievement! 🎉👏
#TeamDuncombe #FootballChampions #WeAreCognita #Education #CognitaWay #prepschools #privateschool #independentschools #independenteducation #inspiringeducation #primaryeducation #education #hertford #hertfordshire #hertfordshiremums #easthertfordshire #hertfordshireschools @cognitaschools @goodschoolsguide @iapsuk @muddyhertsbeds
🌿 We did it – Green Flag with Merit! 🌿
#TeamDuncombe has officially been awarded the Eco-Schools Green Flag – with Merit! 🎉👏
Our fantastic Eco Council, with the incredible support of Ms Izzet (our Head of Science and Eco Lead), and the whole school community, has been working hard to make Duncombe greener than ever. 💚
From introducing a smart ‘RAG’ system for plugs and switches, to launching our ‘Little Library’ and hosting a toy swap in Treetops – we’ve taken real action to help our planet. 🌍
This merit recognises our efforts to improve our school grounds, reduce waste and save energy – and we’re proud to keep pushing forward! 🌱💡📚
#GreenFlagAward #EcoSchools #DuncombeSchool #Sustainability #ProudToBeGreen#WeAreCognita #DuncombeSchool #InspiringYoungMinds #Education #CognitaWay #prepschools #privateschool #independentschools #independenteducation #inspiringeducation #primaryeducation #education #hertford #hertfordshire #hertfordshiremums #hertfordshiredads. #easthertfordshire #hertfordshireschools @cognitaschools @muddyhertsbeds @goodschoolsguide @iapsuksport @iapsuk
🌟 Year 6 Enrichment Programme Kicks Off! 🌟
As our wonderful Year 6 pupils prepare for life beyond primary school, we’re thrilled to launch our exciting 2025 Enrichment Programme, a summer term packed full of adventure, creativity, and life-long learning.
This specially designed programme blends curriculum-linked experiences with essential life skills, ensuring our children leave Duncombe feeling confident, capable, and inspired!
The programme has started strong with a a week-long Bikeability course, where pupils have been mastering cycling safety and road awareness. What a brilliant way to build independence and resilience!
Upcoming highlights include:
🌲 An action-packed residential trip to Wales
💦 A splash-tastic day at Lea Valley Water Park
🧪 STEM challenges at Stevenage’s Discovery Centre
🎢 A Physics workshop at LEGOLAND
🚓 A fascinating talk from local police
🍳 Culinary workshops with expert nutritionists
⚖️ A real-life mock trial run by local magistrates
🦅 A close encounter with Birds of Prey from the Falconry Centre
💰 A hands-on Financial Capability experience
🎭Participating in our annual tradition - our beloved Year 6 Play!
❤️And a special treat — ‘The Ritz’ where Year 6 create an evening of sophisticated dining for their parents, by way of a massive thank you!
With drama, PSHE, maths, English, art, and PE woven throughout, this programme is the perfect celebration of all they’ve achieved and a launchpad for all that lies ahead.
We’re so proud of #TeamDuncombe Year 6, let the enrichment adventures begin! 🌟
#Year6Enrichment #LifeSkills #PrimarySchoolExcellence #DuncombeSchool #ReadyForSecondary #IndependentEducation #SummerOfLearning #WeAreCognita #DuncombeSchool #InspiringYoungMinds #Education #CognitaWay #prepschools #privateschool #independentschools #independenteducation #inspiringeducation #primaryeducation #education #hertford #hertfordshire #hertfordshiremums #hertfordshiredads #easthertfordshire #hertfordshireschools @cognitaschools @muddyhertsbeds @goodschoolsguide @iapsuksport @iapsuksport
✨ Confidence. Curiosity. Character.
The heart of a Duncombe education!
From our nurturing Early Years to our dynamic Prep School, we empower every child to thrive, in the classroom and beyond.
📅 Book your Private Tour today and discover a Duncombe education and how we prepare our pupils not just for school, but for life.
➡️ Spaces available in some year groups. Contact our Admissions Team for more detail.
#WeAreCognita #DuncombeSchool #InspiringYoungMinds #Education #CognitaWay #prepschools #privateschool #independentschools #independenteducation #inspiringeducation #primaryeducation #education #hertford #hertfordshire #hertfordshiremums #hertfordshiredads. #easthertfordshire #hertfordshireschools @cognitaschools @muddyhertsbeds @goodschoolsguide @iapsuk
🏊♂️ Nationals, Here We Come!
#TeamDuncombe has officially qualified for the IAPS Swimming Nationals Finals 2025! 🌟
The finals will be held at the iconic London Aquatics Centre in June, we can`t wait!
We’re so proud of every #TeamDuncombe swimmer who competed to help us reach the finals. Congratulations to all for your outstanding effort, hard work and determination. 💪💦
#WeAreCognita #DuncombeSchool #InspiringYoungMinds #Education #CognitaWay #prepschools #privateschool #independentschools #independenteducation #inspiringeducation #primaryeducation #education #hertford #hertfordshire #hertfordshiremums #hertfordshiredads. #easthertfordshire #hertfordshireschools @cognitaschools @muddyhertsbeds @goodschoolsguide @iapsuksport @iapsuk
🚀 Invited to Innovate!
5 members of #TeamDuncombe Year 5 stars were invited to attend a brilliant STEM Day at Haileybury yesterday, and what a day it was!
From football robotics to dissecting owl pellets for tiny mouse bones, testing “alien life” in a Chemistry lab, and so much more… it was a day bursting with hands-on science and discovery! 🧬🧪⚙️
Our pupils asked sharp, thoughtful questions and rose to the challenge , even winning the Physics competition by building the tallest spaghetti tower of the day!
Their curiosity, courage, and joy in learning shone through, a true showcase of the Duncombe spirit.
#WeAreCognita #DuncombeSchool #InspiringYoungMinds #Education #CognitaWay #prepschools #privateschool #independentschools #independenteducation #inspiringeducation #primaryeducation #education #hertford #hertfordshire #hertfordshiremums #hertfordshiredads. #easthertfordshire #hertfordshireschools @cognitaschools @muddyhertsbeds @goodschoolsguide
We’re proud to announce our entry for this year’s IAPS iArt competition has been submitted! Representing #TeamDuncombe, a thought-provoking piece titled ‘Are world views projected or reflected?’ was selected for its originality, creative execution, and depth of thinking.
The accompanying artist statement reads:
"I wanted to show how a leader can shape the world, but also how the world is shaped by a leader. Like a mirror, are peoples` views reflected back onto our leaders or is the leader projecting his views to the world?"
A powerful concept, beautifully expressed.
Good luck in the competition!
#WeAreCognita #DuncombeSchool #InspiringYoungMinds #Education #CognitaWay #prepschools #privateschool #independentschools #independenteducation #inspiringeducation #primaryeducation #education #hertford #hertfordshire #hertfordshiremums #hertfordshiredads. #easthertfordshire #hertfordshireschools @cognitaschools @muddyhertsbeds @goodschoolsguide
Welcome back #TeamDuncombe!
We hope you had a lovely break and are ready to dive into the Summer Term with a burst of energy, curiosity and that unmistakable #TeamDuncombe spirit!
The calendar is packed with an array of exciting events and activities, so make sure to check the newsletter and Cognita Connect for important dates and timings.
#CognitaWay #prepschools #privateschool #independentschools #independenteducation #inspiringeducation #primaryeducation #education #hertford #hertfordshire #hertfordshiremums #easthertfordshire #hertfordshireschools @cognitaschools @goodschoolsguide @iapsuk @muddyhertsbeds
Headmasters Weekly Review
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09/05/2025
What a fantastic and full week it has been at Duncombe! We began the week cheering on our talented U11 team at the ISFA National Finals hosted...
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02/05/2025
It’s been a glorious week of sunshine and superb opportunities here at Duncombe, and I’m delighted to share a few highlights with you as we head...
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25/04/2025
Welcome back! And a very warm welcome to our new families. I hope you all had a restful and enjoyable Easter break. It has been wonderful to...
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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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