JUNIOR SCHOOL
We may look different from more traditional independent schools (no uniforms, prefects or Saturday school) but we have regular routines, high expectations and a deeply purposeful approach to learning. What makes us unique is our diverse curriculum, our creative and caring Junior School Team, and our commitment to teaching bravely and responsively to the children in front of us.
Whether indoors or outdoors, structured or spontaneous, learning at Frensham is warm, personal and child-centred. The best way to understand us is simply to visit — you’ll feel the difference immediately.
RECEPTION TO YEAR 6
Whether you are looking for an exciting and different learning experience for your child or you’ve ever worried that their spark might be fading, Frensham might be the home you’re looking for. We believe in keeping children younger for longer by protecting their sense of wonder in a world that often pushes them to grow up too quickly.
Children are endlessly fascinating. Their optimism, imagination and creativity are superpowers and our job is to nurture these, not contain them. Every child expresses themselves differently - through words, movement, art, questions or quiet thinking - and our teaching adapts to honour their individuality.
By championing children's voices and building a culture of mutual respect, our Junior School is a place where teachers and students learn together, think together and grow together. And have a whole lot of fun along the way!
PASTORAL CARE
We are progressive, but not without structure. Being modern and forward-thinking means knowing children deeply, helping them grow at their own pace and preparing them for a world we cannot yet imagine. All while protecting their childhood for as long as we can.
People who haven’t visited sometimes focus on the no uniforms or first names. To us, these are simple things that reflect real-world relationships and mutual respect. What matters is our culture: teachers earn respect by showing it and children learn to do the same.
With small classes and strong relationships, behavioural issues are rare and handled calmly through conversation and reflection. Our Junior School Learning Charter (co-created with Years 4, 5 and 6) sets clear expectations for both students and teachers and is grounded in children’s rights.
At the heart of everything we do are our values:
TEACHING & LEARNING
Small classes and close relationships mean teachers truly know each child: what excites them, what challenges them and what helps them thrive. Our brilliant Teaching & Learning Assistants help ensure every child is supported, stretched and engaged.
Each year group is different so each year, we design teaching that fits them.
People sometimes think we’re an “arts school.” While we excel in creative and performing arts, we are equally passionate about academic subjects, sport and outdoor learning. We offer a dynamic, balanced and holistic education where every discipline strengthens the others.
A scientist benefits from understanding colour and pattern; a dancer from exploring global cultures; a sports-lover from grasping physics and geometry. All children perform on stage from an early age, even our Fireflies, because confidence and storytelling matter to every learner.
We are proudly creative, proudly academic and always child centred.
CLASS SIZES
Our small classes allow space for conversation, flexibility and personality.
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Year R: max 10
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Year 1: max 10
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Years 2 to 6: max 18
We have one class per year from our Reception class to Year 3, and two classes per year in Years 4 to 6. Children can join at any point in the year (space permitting), and we work closely with families to ensure smooth transitions into the space.
CURRICULUM
Our Project focused curriculum sits at the heart of the teaching and learning in the Junior School and treats creative and academic subjects equally. With Maths, English, Science and Project sessions taught by the year team (with regular use of the outdoors) learning feels purposeful, fun and connected. The aim is to create an immersive learning experience that links subjects together, gives children lots of rich context and also blankets this with additional enrichment and unique experiences.
At the centre of the curriculum are three umbrella themes for the whole Junior School across the year:
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Autumn – People and Self
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Spring - Society
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Summer – The Natural World
Within these themes then sit termly projects which revolve around a curiosity question (CQ). Examples of this would be:
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In Year 3 the project is Inventors and Human Legacy and this is fuelled by the CQ - What makes an idea powerful enough to change the world?
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In Year 6 the project is Refugees and the CQ is - If a refugee’s suitcase could talk, what stories would it tell about hope, fear and courage?
The end point of each project? A showcase moment, designed by the children according to their interests and passions and shared and celebrated with their peers, teachers and parents.
Adventure is a huge part of Frensham life. From exploring our extensive grounds to trips further afield - the New Forest, Swanage, London and Wales - children learn through real experiences and certainly not just worksheets. Workshops, speakers and project-based learning bring added depth and excitement to the curriculum and bring it further to life.
SPECIALIST TEACHING & ENRICHMENT
Alongside their class teachers, children learn with specialists in:
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PE
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Performance
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Music
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Forest School
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Outdoor Education
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IT
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Modern Foreign Languages
CURRICULUM RHYTHM & THE SCHOOL DAY
We follow a full timetable, but teachers can extend activities when children are deeply engaged, making up time later - because meaningful learning matters more than ticking boxes.
SCHOOL TIMINGS:
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Fireflies: 7.30am – 6.30pm
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Years R–3: 8:15am – 3:20pm
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Years 4–6: 8:30am – 3:30pm
Each day includes five class periods, breaks, lunch and optional ECAs at lunchtime and after school.
For Reception class through to Year 6, we also run our:
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Sunrise Sessions (breakfast club) from 7.30am – including a delicious breakfast
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Sunset Sessions (late-stay club) which runs until 5.30pm – including a tasty light tea
TRANSITIONING INTO YEAR 7
Unlike most schools, Year 6 for us is about high-level enrichment and having an amazing time in your final year of primary education. All children in Year 6 are invited to join Year 7, and we then put a support flightpath of activities, information and experiences to help along the way and to make that step as easy and enjoyable as we can. Whether that be chatting to current Year 7s and asking those juicy questions that only children will answer in their unique and honest way, having a day in the life of a Year 7 or meeting their new tutor and tutor group before we break for the summer holidays… there is a great deal in place to ensure we build upon the positive momentum that Year 6 gives the children and also plenty of opportunity for new year 7 faces and families to touch base, check-in and start building those all-important relationships.
OUR STAFF
We recruit teachers who are imaginative, brave, caring and willing to think differently. Teachers who know children deeply and create joyful, meaningful learning environments.
This shared spirit builds a powerful dynamic of trust, happiness and authenticity — the foundation of everything in the Junior School.