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
Our Reception children had a wonderful day at Bekonscot Model Village! They explored the charming miniature world, watched the trains whizzing by, and had so much fun in the train station role play area. 🚂🎩
They also enjoyed dressing up in old-fashioned clothes, listening to a fascinating talk about toys past and present, and even riding the mini railway line. 🧸🚂
A truly magical day full of learning, laughter, and adventure! 🌟
#WeAreCognita #DuncombeSchool #IndependentSchool #EarlyYears #LearningThroughPlay #SchoolTrips
#Education #CognitaWay #prepschools #privateschool #independentschools #independenteducation #inspiringeducation #primaryeducation #education #hertford #hertfordshire #hertfordshiremums #easthertfordshire #hertfordshireschools #TreetopsAdventures #LittleLearnersBigSmiles #EarlyYearsEducation #SchoolLife @cognitaschools @goodschoolsguide @iapsuk @muddyhertsbeds
#TeamDuncombe are delighted to once again looking forward to welcoming a diverse selection of leading Independent Secondary Schools to Duncombe’s Senior School Fair 2025.
This relaxed and informative evening provides parents with the perfect opportunity to informally chat directly with school representatives, explore a wealth of options and gather insights to help shape the next step in their child’s educational journey.
📅 Date: Thursday9th October h
🕕 Time: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
📍 Venue: Duncombe School, Main School
🅿️ Parking: The carpark will be open.
Looking forward to seeing you there!
#WeAreCognita #DuncombeSchool #InspiringYoungMinds #Education #CognitaWay #prepschools #privateschool #independentschools #independenteducation #inspiringeducation #primaryeducation #education #hertford #hertfordshire #hertfordshiremums #hertfordshiredads. #easthertfordshire #hertfordshireschools @cognitaschools @muddyhertsbeds @goodschoolsguide @iapsuk @queenswoodschool @stedmundscollegeandprep @stfrancispe @thebishopsstortfordcollege @haileyburyuk @stchris_school @sherrardswoodschool @felsted_school @stcolumbascollege @leyscambridge @mounthousesch @stalbansschool
Over in Treetops, our children have been diving into a wonderful mix of learning experiences lately — from dancing with Miss Lily 💃 to speaking French with Madame Barlow 🇫🇷🗣️.
Their enthusiasm, curiosity, and big smiles say it all! 🌟 Whether it’s movement, language, or simply exploring the world around them, our little learners are giving it their all every day. 💛
#WeAreCognita #Education #CognitaWay #prepschools #privateschool #independentschools #independenteducation #inspiringeducation #primaryeducation #education #hertford #hertfordshire #hertfordshiremums #easthertfordshire #hertfordshireschools #TreetopsAdventures #LittleLearnersBigSmiles #EarlyYearsEducation #LearningThroughPlay #DanceAndFrench #JoyfulLearning #SchoolLife @cognitaschools @goodschoolsguide @iapsuk @muddyhertsbeds
🌍✨ Global Be Well Day 2025 – Connecting at Duncombe ✨🌍
Today, our whole school community came together to celebrate Global Be Well Day with the theme of connection. 💛
From energising sensory circuits to writing heartfelt letters and cards for neighbours, family and care homes, our pupils embraced the joy of reaching out and making meaningful connections. 🎨✉️
The playground came alive as the whole school joined in with a Sponsored Wellbeing Dance, before everyone enjoyed a lunchtime Wellbeing Disco! 💃🕺
In the afternoon, pupils worked with their buddies across year groups, collaborating on a vibrant jigsaw art project and sharing reflections on what friendship means. 🤝🎨
A wonderful day filled with energy, creativity, kindness and togetherness. 💫
#TeamDuncombe#GBWD2025 #WeAreCognita #Wellbeing #prepschools #privateschool #independentschools #independenteducation #inspiringeducation #education #hertford #hertfordshire #hertfordshiremums #easthertfordshire #hertfordshireschools @cognitaschools @goodschoolsguide @iapsuk @muddyhertsbeds @goodschoolsguide
Half Term will be here before you know it!
@officialsupercamps #hertford #hertfordmums #WeAreCognita @cognitaschools
🌍💚 It’s Global Be Well Day 2025! 💚🌍
Today, over 100 Cognita schools across 21 countries are coming together to celebrate the power of Connecting – with ourselves, with others and with the world around us.
Across five regions, students, teachers and communities are taking time to pause, reflect and prioritise what truly matters: our wellbeing and our relationships with one another.
At Duncombe, we’ll be marking the day with activities that bring our wonderful community together in different ways — taking time to pause, reflect and focus on what matters most.
Because when we connect, we thrive — and #TeamDuncombe are looking forward to having plenty of fun doing just that! 💚
#GBWD2025 #WeAreCognita #Wellbeing #prepschools #privateschool #independentschools #independenteducation #inspiringeducation #education #hertford #hertfordshire #hertfordshiremums #easthertfordshire #hertfordshireschools @cognitaschools @goodschoolsguide @iapsuk @muddyhertsbeds @goodschoolsguide
We are delighted to announce that Duncombe School is celebrating our recent ISI Inspection Report.
Duncombe has excelled in and met all areas, an achievement that reflects the commitment, dedication, and passion of our entire school community – thank you, #TeamDuncombe!
#WeAreCognita #prepschools #privateschool #independentschools #independenteducation #inspiringeducation #education #hertford #hertfordshire #hertfordshiremums #easthertfordshire #hertfordshireschools @cognitaschools @goodschoolsguide @iapsuk @muddyhertsbeds
🕰️ Year One’s Trip to The British School Museum 🏫✨
What an unforgettable day! Our Year One pupils travelled back in time for a hands-on Victorian school experience. Dressed in traditional Victorian clothes, the children took part in an authentic classroom lesson – complete with slate boards and strict teachers! ✒️📚
We practised our handwriting, explored a wonderful collection of Victorian toys, and learned all about what school life was like over 100 years ago. The museum really brought the past to life, and the children were fascinated by how different things were back then!
The excitement started the moment we got on the coach and didn’t stop all day. Everyone represented the school brilliantly and came away with big smiles and lots of new knowledge.
Such a fantastic day full of history, fun, and memorable moments!
#YearOneTrip #BritishSchoolMuseum #VictorianDay #HandsOnHistory #LearningOutsideTheClassroom #WeAreCognita @cognitaschools @iapsuk @muddyhertsbeds @goodschoolsguide
Headmasters Weekly Review
-
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...
-
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,...
-
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...
-
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,...
-
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...
-
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...
Begin an unforgettable adventure.
2 - 3 yrs old
3 - 4 yrs old
4 - 5 yrs old
5 - 8 yrs old
8 - 11 yrs old
6 easy steps