Tatler Schools Guide

While some teenagers may be a little critical of their schools, that's not the case at Dauntsey's. 'I love the atmosphere,' raves one child. 'All the pupils are here to help you, and you always know that someone will be there to offer some advice.' Asked what they would change, another seemed stumped: 'I can't really think of anything. I really like it how it is!' That strong sense of a closely bonded community shines through, not least because it's packed full of siblings. And so does the gung-ho spirit for which the school is renowned.

Amazingly, it has in Sam Moore its very own dedicated Head of Adventure, and a programme that ensures learning continues away from the desk. And the most epic element of this is crewing the Jolie Brise the school's very own 56-foot cutter, which can often be spotted bobbing around the Atlantic; but when they're not out riding the waves, intrepid pupils can be found on expeditions to the Arctic or Iceland, on ski and sports trips, or travelling to Paris to compete in the marathon.

Given all these challenges and exploits, it seems incredible that there's even time for their thriving arts scene; however, dance is on the timetable and popular, and everyone loves the biennial summer festival.

'It's a genuinely fantastic school and we feel incredibly lucky that our three children have had such an amazing education there,' concludes one mother. 'We really couldn't have asked for more.'