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Wells continues to be recognised as one of the safest small cities in the UK

For parents choosing a school, academic results and facilities matter. But increasingly, so does something more fundamental: safety.

In a world that often feels uncertain, families want to know their children are growing up in a place that is calm, secure and supportive. In this respect, Wells stands out.

Recent independent research and crime data consistently place Wells among the safest small cities in the UK. With lower levels of reported crime than the national average and a strong community safety rating of around 80 out of 100, Wells outperforms many larger towns and urban centres across England and Wales.

This isn’t about abstract statistics. It’s about everyday experience.

It’s about pupils walking to rehearsals, sports training or town activities with confidence. It’s about parents feeling comfortable when their children travel independently. It’s about a community where people look out for one another, and where schools, families and local services work closely together.

A City Designed for Family Life
Wells combines the charm of a historic cathedral city with the reassurance of a close-knit, well-supported community. Its size encourages familiarity. Its culture promotes responsibility and discovery. And its strong local networks help maintain a safe, respectful public environment.

Unlike many larger urban areas, Wells benefits from:
  • A visible and engaged local community
  • Well-managed public spaces and transport links
  • Strong relationships between schools, residents and authorities
  • Lower levels of violent and anti-social behaviour
For families relocating or considering boarding and day school options, these factors make a meaningful difference.







Why Safety Matters in Education

Education does not happen in isolation. A child’s environment shapes their confidence, wellbeing and ability to thrive.

Research consistently shows that pupils perform best when they feel secure, physically, emotionally and socially. A safe setting supports focus, resilience and independence. It encourages participation in wider school life, from evening rehearsals and weekend sport to community volunteering and enrichment programmes.

For families considering Wells Cathedral School, the city’s safety profile reinforces the school’s wider commitment to pastoral care, wellbeing and balanced development. It provides a secure backdrop in which pupils can explore their talents, build friendships and grow in confidence.

Reassurance for UK and International Families
For international families in particular, location matters.

Parents entrusting their children to a UK boarding or day school want confidence not only in the classroom, but beyond it. They want reassurance that their son or daughter is living in a community that is stable, respectful and well governed.

Wells offers exactly that: a small, well-connected city, a welcoming culture and a proven record of safety. It provides parents with peace of mind and pupils with freedom within sensible boundaries.

More Than a Statistic
Ultimately, safety in Wells is not defined by numbers alone. It is reflected in the daily rhythm of life: in the way people greet each other, in the shared use of public spaces, in the pride residents take in their city and Wells Cathedral School.

It is one of the reasons families choose to stay. And one of the reasons new families choose to join.

In Wells, young people are able to grow up in an environment that feels both inspiring and secure and where ambition is supported, independence is encouraged, and wellbeing is taken seriously.

For parents making one of the most important decisions of their lives, that matters.

I would like to invite you to our Open Morning on Saturday, 7th March 2026

Alastair Tighe, Head Master

Click here to Register