History of the School
William Jones, born in Newland, Gloucestershire, in the 16th century, spent much of his youth in Monmouth. A successful haberdasher and member of the Worshipful Company of Haberdashers, he remained devoted to the town. A committed Protestant and believer in the Puritan ethic of giving back, Jones left a legacy that shaped Monmouth's educational landscape. Today, the William Jones Foundation continues to fund the schools. The Haberdashers' Company plays an active role, with the Master serving on the governing committees and supporting students through scholarships and bursaries. Regular visits from members of the Company keep the original philanthropic spirit alive.
Pre-16 qualifications
We deliver an educational experience that ignites the potential within each student, shaping them into highly skilled leaders of tomorrow. With a broad and rigorous curriculum that encourages students to explore their interests and intellectual passions, supported by small class sizes that enable personalised attention and deeper engagement. Our exceptionally qualified and dedicated teachers foster a culture of creative thinking, curiosity and excellence in the classroom. Through stimulating debate and discussion, they develop a passion and a deep-seated love of learning.
Post 16 qualifications
Sixth Form is a time of opportunity, enrichment, and challenge when students cultivate their skills and knowledge to shape their futures. Each student is valued as an individual and we offer a bespoke experience that develops their strengths, supports their holistic growth, and encourages them to be ambitious and reach their potential. Academic rigour and intellectual excitement are promoted through our A level, EPQ and Enrichment curricula, and sporting and performing arts programmes give outstanding opportunities for personal development. Students enjoy the increased autonomy and independence that comes with being in the Sixth Form and the responsibilities that this brings.
Academic performance
In Senior School, students choose nine to ten GCSE subjects, benefiting from small class sizes and personalised support. Strong exam results reflect our commitment to academic excellence, bolstered by specialist learning support where needed. In Sixth Form, academic rigour and intellectual excitement are promoted through our A level, BTEC, CTEC, EPQ and Enrichment curricula. We prepare students to be resilient and ready to bridge the gap between school and university and the world of work. With around 60% Russell Group entries, our students go on to make their mark in diverse areas including engineering, languages, business, medicine and the arts.
Boarding accommodation
Around a quarter of our students board, living in one of six houses where they're cared for by experienced Housemasters, Housemistresses and matrons. We offer a warm, supportive community that feels like home, with shared meals, cosy common rooms and space to unwind. Weekends are busy with extra-curricular activities and sporting fixtures on Saturdays and a programme of outings and activities on Sundays. We have no formal exeat weekends but have 'quiet' weekends, once or twice a term, when there are no sporting fixtures. Students can choose to stay in their boarding houses or go home to family or Guardians.
Pastoral care
At Haberdashers' Monmouth School, we recognise the link between pupil health and wellbeing and attainment. If students feel their emotional wellbeing is being prioritised, they are far more able to engage in learning and reach their full potential. Our wellbeing mission is to help students to explore and understand who they are and evolve into the adult they wish to be. Here in Monmouth, we are blessed with a beautiful, rich environment where the opportunities to engage with activities to improve mental health and wellbeing are endless.
Extra-curricular activities
At the end of their time here, we want all our students to leave with both breadth and depth in their lives. Our 'Monmouth 100' co-curricular programme offers both these things. There is a huge range of activities here so everyone will find something that appeals to them, whether it's bee keeping or bridge club, ceramics or cycling, web design or water polo. Activities take place after school during the week. In addition, some activities will run on Saturday mornings.
General school facilities
We have incredible facilities for students to enjoy and to support them in their learning. We have dance studios, two swimming pools, seven tennis courts, two theatres, and our new strength and conditioning Centre. When families visit the school they are always impressed at what we have on offer. Facilities are enjoyed during the school day and also by our Boarding students at the weekend.