We have one class per year group from Nursery up to Year 3 with small numbers to ensure individual attention. This splits into two classes per year group in Years 4, 5 and 6 with up to 18 per class. In Years 7 and 8, there are usually three tutor groups per year with 16 or 18 students in each. In Year 9, there are four tutor groups. The GCSE and A Level class sizes vary depending on the popularity of student subject choices.

We don’t have a uniform, we just ask our students to dress for purpose. Students are free to express their individuality through their clothes as long as it doesn’t interfere with their school day or cause any distraction or offence. Please also ensure that your child has sensible footwear, including waterproof or walking boots and everyday shoes.

Yes, from Year 7 – please make sure it is insured and in good working order with a strong lock. All students who have a bicycle at school are asked to sign a Bike Contract, which states the basic expectations on safe and considerate use of bicycles in and around school. Apart from those in the Sixth Form, all students need to wear a bicycle helmet.

All medications, including over-the-counter medications, must be handed to the Health Centre on arrival for safe keeping.

Yes, please make sure the bag is suitable for students to carry their books around our vast site. Please also bring a pencil case, pencils, pens, erasers, colouring pencils, etc. It's a good idea to name all personal items.

We offer boarding from Year 7 upwards - roughly 25% of the students board either as full, weekly or flexi 3 day boarders. Where we have space, students are welcome for an 'occasional night' boarding as well. This should be booked with the boarding house. During the school week there is no differentiation between day and boarding students.

Our disciplinary measures are based on mutual respect and self-discipline. We use discussion rather than detention and set targets for changes in behaviour. Depending on the nature of the situation, discussions will occur between the student/s and their teacher or with the Head of School, Deputy Head or Head and if the situation escalates disciplinary sanctions may be used. Aggressive language, shouting and detentions are not used by any staff at Frensham.

We have over 450 sporting fixtures each year for students who love competitive games. If you want your children to love sport, love going to matches and know how to win or lose well, then that’s what they’ll get here. As well as the main sports, we also offer mountain biking, high ropes, surfing trips, hill walking, rock climbing. At the end of the day, our goal is for students to be fit and healthy.

We have a very different style of relationship between teachers and students. The teachers are still authority figures, but they aren’t frightening or distant. Using first names breaks down a barrier and creates a relationship based on mutual respect rather than reverence. It helps to create a culture of open and honest communication which flows both ways and puts the students in good stead for the real world. Students are treated as equals here at Frensham and leave with the confidence to speak with adults and people in positions of authority.

We fill up quickly from Year 2 upwards so it is worth registering interest as soon as possible. All students who want to be included in the entrance process for entry into all year groups must be registered in advance. Please get in touch at admissions@frensham.org or call 01252 792 561 before registering to see if we have space. The majority of students join for Nursery, Reception, Years 4, 5, 7, 9 and 12, but we welcome interest in other year groups if there is space

We offer Honorary Scholarships in Academic, Music, Art, Dance, Drama and Sport. These do not have monetary value but they recognise and celebrate excellence. Scholars have access to a bespoke enrichment programme, with events and trips organised throughout the school year. Means-tested bursaries are available. For more information, please contact admissions@frensham.org

Unfortunately, we are only able to provide support for children with mild learning difficulties as we only have a small Support for Learning team.

We do follow curriculums and class timetables throughout the school. The difference at Frensham is that we can breakaway from the lesson plan if the students aren't truly absorbed, if a different approach is needed - or head outdoors if it will enrich the lesson. Our classrooms are set up for discussions and group work rather than in a linear, face-the-front arrangement and we don’t have a traditional hierarchical system among teachers or students, but there is a strong underlying structure to all aspects of the school.

Young people need an opportunity to express themselves and to become who they want to become. Don’t be frightened by the non-uniform policy, we haven’t had a school uniform for over 40 years and our students don’t feel the pressure to show off, they simply want to be comfortable. We do have standards and importantly we do have expectations, but it allows students to express themselves and also prepares them for the real world, whether it be university or professional life. In essence, wearing their own clothes helps children feel more at ease and therefore in a better frame of mind to learn.

We have a lot of very academic children. We offer a balanced curriculum where students are exposed to traditional academic subjects alongside the creative and performing arts and physical and outdoor education. We encourage students to learn for themselves, to think independently rather than simply study for results. If your child is very academic, open-minded and self-motivated, they will thrive here.