Royal High Bath, part of the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST), has today announced a significant and forward‑looking development in its provision for girls aged 9–18. From September 2026, the school will bring its Year 5 and Year 6 pupils onto its Senior School site on Lansdown Road, creating a fully integrated, expert learning environment designed specifically around the needs of girls.
Following a detailed review and careful consideration, the decision has been taken to close the separate Prep School site and to begin the Royal High through‑school journey from Year 5. Provision for Nursery to Year 4 will therefore close at the end of the Summer Term in July 2026.
This move positions Royal High Bath as the only school in the region offering a fully unified, specialist girls’ education from Year 5 to Year 13 and deepens our commitment to outstanding all‑girls teaching, learning, wellbeing and leadership development – something the school has been recognised for throughout its 150 year long history.
Royal High Bath, GDST remains fully committed to supporting families and staff throughout the transition period and ensuring continuity of high‑quality education until the end of the 2025–26 academic year.
A strategic, student‑centred decision
While the wider independent sector continues to face rising operational costs and a changing demographic landscape, this structural refinement enables Royal High Bath to direct investment exactly where it has the greatest impact for students.
From September 2026, Years 5 and 6 will enjoy dedicated learning spaces on the Senior School campus while accessing the full breadth of specialist teaching, co‑curricular programmes and facilities already enjoyed by older students. This creates a powerful and nurturing bridge into the Senior School, setting the strongest foundation for academic confidence, wellbeing and personal growth.
Royal High Bath Head, Heidi-Jayne Boyes, said:
“This move strengthens every aspect of the educational experience we offer. By bringing all girls from Year 5 onwards onto one site, we are creating one vibrant, future‑focused school community where every decision, from the curriculum to wellbeing provision, is shaped around how girls learn best. We are proud to be experts in girls’ education, and this change allows us to deepen that expertise for the benefit of all our students.”
A message from the Chair of Governors
Imogen Pudduck, Chair of Governors and former student of Royal High Bath, added:
“As an alumna, I know first‑hand how transformative a Royal High education can be. This is an affirmative and ambitious move that strengthens our identity as a school designed for girls. This decision safeguards the future of the school and enhances the experience for generations of girls to come. More than ever, the world is a tough place for women. This move forms part of our mission to help girls live a life without limits.”
For media enquiries, please contact:
Sallie Taylor – Director of Marketing & Admissions s.taylor@rhsb.gdst.net
or Carl Blunden – Head of Marketing c.blunden@rhsb.gdst.net
Tel: +44 (0)1225 313877
Royal High School Bath, GDST
