Frensham Heights

Overview

In 1925 our founders established the principles that still guide us. They believed that co-education, rational thinking and an open mind were essential for the development of a true understanding.They highlighted personal development and responsibility together with creativity and self expression. So the Gold Artsmark Award we gained in 2000, being one of the very first awarded by the Arts Council of GB, would have delighted the two remarkable women who started the school. With this history it is to be expected that we are well know for creative or performing arts. However the results achieved in science and mathematics have equalled or even exceeded those in the arts and humanities. We have always welcomed pupils from overseas who make up no more than 10% of the school’s population with only a handful from each language group. We are about an hour south-west of London and about 45 minutes from Heathrow & Gatwick airports. We are lucky enough to be in glorious countryside, with magnificent views across miles of open country, and yet only four miles from the 18th century market town of Farnham and thirteen from the historic city of Guildford. The school is centred around an Edwardian country house with an award winning performing arts centre and a new sixth form centre.

Unique Points

At the heart of our education is freedom, properly understood and correctly used. There are firm ground rules but not over-regulation. There is no uniform (except for PE & sport). There is no religious affiliation but a strong sense of the spiritual. Staff and pupils call each other by their first names. We have been described as a “university for children” and certainly it is our informality that strikes first time visitors.

Entry Requirements

We accept students into Year 7, 9, and 12. We may accept pupils into Year 8 & 10. The UK entrance tests for Year 7 & 9 take place in January and offers are made in February. It is unlikely places will be available thereafter. It is wise to apply for places by this date. Offers to UK based 6th Form applicants are based on performance in the November entrance exams and interviews. There may be the occasional 6th Form places available after the first day of the summer term. Registration fee required before examination papers are dispatched. Once papers are marked we will hope to arrange an interview (assuming the candidate has not already visited the school and met the Headmaster and Head of Sixth Form). We can arrange a telephone, preferably video-link, interview with both the Headmaster and Head of Sixth Form. Places offered based on exam results and interview, reference and school reports. A place is confirmed after the deposit fee has been received and cleared through the bank. Entrance requirements: For 6th Form - evidence (by examination and interview) of a good understanding of English. For certain subjects there will be specific testing. At GCSE - sufficient understanding of English so that with appropriate support a full curriculum can be followed. For the younger years (especially Year 7) there is greater flexibility. Those joining Year 12 are prepared for the IELTS examination. Younger years take the IGCSE in either English Language or English as a Second Language when they are ready to do so. Lessons are in groups of about 3-4. Individual lessons can be arranged at extra cost.