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- FRIENDS OF FRENSHAM | Frensham Heights
At Frensham Heights we are fortunate to have a great parents’ association called Friends of Frensham (FOF), which is the social, event-organising and community-building part of our school. Every parent with a child at the school is automatically a member of FOF, and their contribution is vital to its success. The emphasis is on partnership between home and school. FRIENDS OF FRENSHAM FRIENDS OF FRENSHAM Registered Charity: 1200353 At Frensham Heights we have a parents’ association called Friends of Frensham (FoF). Their role is to enrich the lives of students, parents and staff with social engagements, events and community-building opportunities. Every parent, with a child at the school, instantly becomes a member of FoF. There’s no subscription or fee to join but their contribution is vital to its success. The FoF board consists of elected members who are known as Trustees: Cristina Montans Lorenzo (Trustee and Chair) – chair@fof.charity Louise Wheeler (Trustee and Secretary) Meredith Radford (Trustee and Treasurer) Dr Wendy Harrison (Trustee) Claire Karitzis (Trustee) Verity Glasgow (Trustee) Gayle Horobin (Trustee) Maki Fox (Trustee) As well as the Trustees, there are parents who make up the wider committee: Susanne Andres-schweizer - Aldridge Bar Team Nicola Clutterbuck - Event Lead Sarah Ring - Junior School Event Lead Szilvia Varnia - Aldridge Bar Team FOF CODE OF PRACTICE FUNDING REQUEST FORM FOF VALUES & MISSION FOF CONSTITUTION GUIDELINES FOR FUNDING APPLICATIONS OUR MAIN EVENTS Our main events each year include: THE AMAZING FIREWORKS NIGHT FUNDRAISING BALL JUNIOR SCHOOL CHRISTMAS ACTIVITY DAY NEW PARENTS' WELCOME DRINKS NOT TO BE MISSED FOUNDERS' DAY FOF COMMUNICATION & UPCOMING EVENTS Please check the weekly school newsletter for upcoming events. You can also follow FoF on Instagram and Facebook. If you would like to learn more about FoF, help plan, organise, manage an event, see the latest FoF minutes or accounts please email hello@fof.charity FUNDRAISING FoF encourages a supportive and collaborative relationship between home and school. They aim to bring students, parents and staff together through fun and informal events. The funds they raise benefit all the students during their time at school. Up until now, their fundraising has made possible: An outdoor pod A roof on the swimming pool Additional photography equipment A Raku kiln A skateboarding half-pipe A green powered car A gardening extra-curricular activity Funded a student-led drama extra-curricular activity A Greenpower branded gazebo Junior school Hub A bike repair station Additional Kindles to the Library FUNDRAISING A huge thank you to all the parents, staff and children who have helped to raise funds which meant Friends of Frensham could fund the following: Roof for the Swimming Pool Photography equipment Raku Kiln Skateboarding Half-pipe Greenpower Car A gardening ECA, and A student-led drama ECA CHARITIES In 2023, FoF gained charity status with The Charity Commission. Giving back to charity is something FoF strive to do, so much so, 10% of FoF’s annual profits are donated to local charities. So far, they have given to: Change of Scene Farnham Foodbank The Dan Ely Foundation The Fountain Centre Also, you’ll find FoF using their time, skill set and monetary awards to help towards student events. It is about enriching those moments and making them a little more special. Calendar events that have benefitted are the Junior school Easter, Halloween and Christmas activities. Plus, the Middle and Senior school Christmas Dinner Dances and the Y11 and Y13 Proms.
- Day And Boarding School | Frensham Heights School | Rowledge
An introduction to Frensham Heights, a progressive independent day and boarding school for 3 to 18 year olds in Surrey - refreshingly different since 1925. A progressive day and boarding school, refreshingly different since 1925. Join us for an Open Morning FIND OUT ABOUT OUR A-LEVEL DISCOVERY SESSIONS FIND OUT MORE ADMISSIONS BOOK A VISIT SAFEGUARDING ISI INSPECTION 2025 GOOD SCHOOLS GUIDE Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied DISCOVER FRENSHAM HEIGHTS The best way to discover Frensham Heights is to come and see us for yourself, but we hope our film and website will give you a strong insight into who we are. This year we are celebrating 100 Years of Frensham! Read more about our Centenary here. WHO WE ARE When looking at who we are, it’s also really important to look at where we came from. The things that make this school truly different were given to us by our founders 100 years ago and have not only stood the test of time, but are arguably more relevant now than ever before. CONTINUE READING OUR APPROACH One of our main goals is to put each student's learning into their own hands. They will learn to learn using the best methods for them – experimenting, exploring and collaborating – trying new things, getting things wrong and trying again. CONTINUE READING OUR BROAD CURRICULUM Our students explore an amazingly diverse timetable made up of mathematical and scientific, creative and performing, linguistic and literary, physical and technological, spiritual, moral, social and cultural subjects - all held in equal importance. CONTINUE READING THE FRENSHAM SPIRIT There is an energy. A feeling of happiness and calmness. It comes from all the children being comfortable in their own skins. With no prefects or head boys and girls, everyone is on a level playing ground. They can be who they are. CONTINUE READING BOARDING In our boarding houses, great emphasis is placed on the creation of a caring community which shares a philosophy based on mutual respect, enthusiasm and enjoyment of each other’s company and achievements. CONTINUE READING FIREFLIES Nursery & Preschool Our nursery environment keeps imaginations alive and curiosity glowing. READ MORE SENIOR SCHOOL Years 7 to 11 Our aim is to give our students the knowledge and thinking skills to take on whatever may turn up on exams and also in life beyond. READ MORE JUNIOR SCHOOL Reception to Year 6 A uniquely child-centred education that embodies the refreshingly progressive values of the wider school. READ MORE SIXTH FORM Years 12 to 13 A lively, vibrant part of the school supporting students through their A-Levels and in choosing their path to the wider world. READ MORE JOINING FRENSHAM We want every parent to be sure that Frensham is the right place for their child to grow. We'd love to help you find out more. READ MORE WHO WE TEACH From 3 to 18 years, we welcome students at all stages of their educational journey. REGISTER If you would like your child to take part in our assessment process, please register here. You will also receive invitations to school events throughout the year. REGISTER YOUR CHILD FLORENCE ANDREWS | OLD FRENSHAMIAN "The freedom given at Frensham, perhaps more than at other schools, helps students to be more ambitious and driven rather than the other way round. I think naturally humans want to learn – you look at toddlers and they want to learn to walk, they want to learn to talk – and I don't think that changes. The more regimented and stifling you make an educational environment, the more people resist it and decide they don't like learning. Frensham's really good at spotting what someone loves and what their talent is... and they follow that." HEAR MORE FROM FLORENCE GET IN TOUCH VENUE HIRE We have many facilities available for hire to the local community from our stunning Aldridge Theatre and Recital Room to our astroturf and playing fields. VENUE HIRE WHAT'S ON AT THE ALDRIDGE Find out what's going on at Frensham, from school events to professional theatre companies and visiting speakers. WHAT'S ON CONTACT US Whether to book a tour or just have a chat about whether Frensham might be right for your family, we're always happy to help. CONTACT US Back to Top
- Boarding | Frensham Heights
Each of our boarding houses has its own dedicated residential team and, as the children grow up through the school, there is a natural progression of increased freedom matched with increased responsibility. Boarding at Frensham, like the whole school, is built on a very firm basis of mutual respect. BOARDING Each of our boarding houses has its own dedicated residential team and, as the children grow up through the school, there is a natural progression of increased freedom matched with increased responsibility. Boarding at Frensham, like the whole school, is built on a very firm basis of mutual respect. Students are probably given more freedom than in other schools, but with that comes greater responsibility and ultimately a better understanding of how to live and behave beyond the school and home environments. We have a mix of UK and international students with at least 15 different nationalities and we ensure everyone has the opportunity to take part in our many after school and boarding activities as well as regular weekend trips and visits. QUICK LINKS YEARS 7 TO 9 YEARS 10 & 11 SIXTH FORM ACTIVITIES OPEN EVENTS A NATURAL BALANCE Within our beautiful environment, Frensham is able to offer the perfect natural balance of home and structure. During the day, boarders are indistinguishable from day students, sharing the same classrooms, day houses and lunchroom, but as the day ends they head to one of our three boarding houses. Our boarders enjoy the experience of moving through Hamilton House (Years 7-9) and Main House (Years 10 and 11) and by the time they get to Roberts House in the Sixth Form, they are ready for a little more freedom and independence. All boarding houses are coeducational. Boys and girls have separate rooms and corridors with shared social areas. Tech and WIFI are monitored and phones are stored away at night for the younger years. Prep time is set and a huge range of activities are organised from basketball to cooking plus shopping and cinema trips. Weekends, in particular, follow the flow and pattern that is family life with busier Saturdays and lazier Sundays. Throughout all there is a natural progression of what is expected from the youngest through to the oldest – a sliding scale of structure, freedom and responsibility. PASTORAL Our boarding houses are like big families – full of sisters and brothers, chatter and laughter, excitement and calm. It can’t be home, but it’s as close as you can get without being at home. In all of our boarding houses, great emphasis is placed on the creation of a caring community which shares a philosophy based on mutual respect, enthusiasm and enjoyment of each other’s company and achievements. We aim to develop tolerant, friendly attitudes and good personal relationships. In school, we try to minimise the distinction between boarding and day students, and we welcome students from around the world. OPTIONS As with most things at Frensham, we understand that one size never fits all so we have a few different boarding options to cover whatever works for your family: FULL BOARDING Full boarding is what it says on the tin - 7 days a week. WEEKLY BOARDING Weekly boarding is Sunday pm to Thursday pm. FLEXI BOARDING Flexi boarding is the same three days every week. OCCASIONAL BOARDING Occasional boarding is adhoc on a first come, first serve basis - 2 days equivalent per week/per term for Years 7-9 and 1 day for Years 10 and up. INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS Our boarding houses include many students from different cultures, nationalities and backgrounds. We welcome boarders from overseas, and believe that the diversity of ideas, experiences and perspectives they bring enriches our boarding community. Our experienced house parents get to know all of our residential students really well and they benefit from a very special home-like setting. Our less formal environment also lends itself to making life long friends so students will go home knowing that their Frensham experience will continue well into the future. MORE ABOUT INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS YEARS 7 TO 9: HAMILTON HOUSE Hamilton House is home to our youngest boarders in Years 7 to 9. Students and residential staff live, study, socialise and relax together in what feels far more like a family home than a boarding house. Coeducational, in keeping with our ethos and like all our boarding houses, boys and girls sleep on separate floors – both alarmed to make sure there is no confusion over which students should be where and at what time. They share common areas for a wide variety of boarding activities - movie and games nights, cookery, yoga and more - not to mention coming together each evening to get their prep done. HAMILTON HOUSE BOARDING BOOKLET HAMILTON YRS 10 & 11: MAIN HOUSE Main House is our coeducational boarding house for students in Years 10 and 11, with girls on one side, boys on the other and common rooms in between. It is a welcoming house where teenagers can live, study, socialise and relax together. Students are given a bit more freedom and with that more responsibility. There are clear expectations about behaviour and respect in a shared living environment. All our boarding houses rely on this strong basis of mutual respect. Boarders can access the house at lunch time and after school, but they are encouraged to be out socialising with day students and taking part in clubs and fixtures. There is allocated quiet time for prep and often house activities or inter-house activities are organised such as football, cooking or a movie night. MAIN HOUSE BOARDING BOOKLET MAIN HOUSE BOARDING BOOKLET MAIN ROBERTS SIXTH FORM: ROBERTS HOUSE Roberts House is our Sixth Form hub. It is much more than a boarding house as Sixth Form day students also have studies here. Sixth Form notices, social events, study sessions and some classes also take place here. It is somewhere students can go during free periods to study and find a bit of peace and quiet. Male and female students have single rooms on separate sides with common rooms in between. Central to Roberts House is Colette, the matron, who offers a friendly ear, a comforting hug or just a cup of tea when the students need a bit of emotional support. Sixth Form boarders can take all their meals in the dining hall, but there are also two kitchens in Roberts House which they can use. Sixth Formers have more freedom than the other boarders - which comes with more responsibility. ROBERTS HOUSE BOARDING BOOKLET ACTIVITIES Boarding life begins when the school day ends. It obviously can’t be fun and games all the time, but evenings and weekends are all about striking the right balance between structured activities, homework and relaxation. Working around prep time and quiet time, evenings and weekends can see boarders really taking advantage of the school site and its facilities. COMMON EVENING ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: • basketball in the sports hall • running/walking in the woods • cooking and arts and crafts • movie and quiz nights We also sometimes go off site for dinner, bowling or the cinema. We don’t have Saturday school, so there is time for a broad range of activities and trips. COMMON WEEKEND ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: • shopping trips to London and Guildford • trips to leisure centres and water parks • supermarket runs to stock up on tuck • trips to restaurants and cinemas • photography and art workshops • sports workshops • high ropes and mountain biking • movie nights and discos In our aim to have our boarding life mirror family life as much as possible, we tend to have a fairly busy Saturday followed by a quieter Sunday. BOARDERS WEEKEND At the beginning of every school year, we hold a Boarders Weekend when all boarders, full and weekly, stay for an activity packed weekend designed so that everyone - boarders and staff - can get to know one another. It is always a really wonderful introduction to the school and our boarding community. ACTIVITIES
- CREATIVE ARTS | Frensham Heights
The creative arts are a key part of a Frensham education. All children from Nursery up through Year 9 will have specialist art lessons every week. Children in Years 7-9 have three hours a week - fine art, ceramics and design & technology. There are four GCSE and A Levels offered - Fine Art, Graphic Communication, Photography and 3D Design CREATIVE ARTS Enter Frensham's Art & Design Centre and be captivated. It's more than just exceptional facilities - it's a celebration of every student's unique creative journey. Here, courage meets craft, and individual expression thrives. Step into Frensham's Art & Design Centre and prepare to be inspired. Beyond the state-of-the-art facilities, you'll discover a vibrant tapestry of student creativity. Here, every voice is celebrated, showcasing a diverse and often thought-provoking range of work. This isn't about following a formula; it's about fostering the courage to explore, experiment, and discover a unique artistic path. The Creative Arts at Frensham At Frensham Heights, Creative Arts are central to the school’s educational philosophy and are woven deeply into the curriculum from the earliest years through to Sixth Form. The Art & Design Centre, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, serves as a hub for cultivating individual expression, courage and experimentation . Students are encouraged to explore, investigate and develop their unique artistic voice rather than follow a formula-based programme. From Nursery onwards , students embark on a creative journey that builds foundational skills and enthusiasm; in Years 7–9 they engage in intensive weekly study across 2D art, ceramics and design technology, emphasising drawing, investigation and exploratory practice. As students progress to GCSE and A-Level options in Fine Art, Graphic Communication, 3D Design and Photography , they are supported to take increasing responsibility for their creative decisions, shaping intent and meaning within their work. They work in small classes that foster discussion, collaboration and personalised feedback. This approach reflects Frensham’s broader curricular aim to treat creative subjects equally with academic ones, nurturing confidence, critical thinking and a lifelong passion for the arts as part of a broad, thoughtful education. Art Exhibitions Yr 7 & 9 Exhibition 24th February 2026 5.30pm - 8.30pm GCSE Exhibition 8th June 2026 5.30pm to 8.30pm A Level Exhibition 15th June 2026 5.30pm to 8.30pm Surrey Artists Open Studios We are really excited to be taking part in the Surrey Artists Open Studios again this year! Our exhibitions are always open to the public, but our A Level Exhibition will also be part of Surrey Artists Open Studios catalogue of amazing open studios. We hope you will add us to your list of visits. If you fancy getting your hands dirty, then why not sign up for one of our workshops. Sat 13 Jun SAOS Children's Pottery Throwing Workshop / Art & Design Centre Buy Tickets 13 Jun 2026, 09:30 – 11:30 Art & Design Centre, Frensham Heights School, Frensham Heights Rd, Rowledge, Farnham GU10 4EA, UK This workshop offers beginners a hands-on experience on the potter’s wheel. For 9 to 12 year olds. Share Sat 13 Jun SAOS Children's Pottery Throwing Workshop / Art & Design Centre Buy Tickets 13 Jun 2026, 12:30 – 14:30 Art & Design Centre, Frensham Heights School, Frensham Heights Rd, Rowledge, Farnham GU10 4EA, UK This workshop offers beginners a hands-on experience on the potter’s wheel. For 13 year olds and older. Share Sun 14 Jun SAOS Lino Printmaking Workshop / Art & Design Centre Buy Tickets 14 Jun 2026, 13:00 – 16:00 Art & Design Centre, Frensham Heights School, Frensham Heights Rd, Rowledge, Farnham GU10 4EA, UK Create an expressive and abstract lino using Caligo safe wash inks and multiple layers of ink. Suitable for adults. Share
- Our Approach | Frensham Heights
Frensham Heights is a progressive school. Learning is active, with students exploring, collaborating, discussing and discovering. Our aim is for all students to become independent learners and take their education and future in their own hands. OUR APPROACH A progressive approach to education transcends the school years and aims to prepare each child for their future, both along whatever path they may choose but also as part of society as a whole. Students are asked to be active participants in their learning, challenging themselves and taking risks. They're asked to question and explore - to develop as individuals, as part of our school community and as engaged citizens of the wider world. OUR TEACHING & LEARNING We pride ourselves on looking at the whole child. Body, mind and spirit. Every child has potential. Not just a narrow potential to do well in academic tests or behave in a classroom, but each has their own potential far wider than this. An amazing imagination. A keen eye for colour or ear for rhythm. A passion for the environment, for numbers, for human rights, for literature. A natural grace on stage or one that’s still developing. We can miss the mark hugely if we judge children with easy to tick boxes when they undoubtedly have so much more to offer. And so, we offer them a very broad curriculum to let each child follow their own path towards fulfilling their unique potential. Until the end of Year 9, all students will explore a diverse timetable made up of mathematical and scientific, creative and performing, linguistic and literary, physical and technological, moral and spiritual, social and human subjects. All held in equal importance. Our GCSEs and A Levels are equally broad allowing students to create a tailor-made curriculum supporting their passions, strengths and goals. Within the classroom, life is just as diverse. Teachers are supported to be brave and innovative with their teaching. Classes are small allowing topics, activities and discussions to be modified, flexible, adaptable to the students involved. Teachers can break the mould, are encouraged to break the mould. If something’s not working, if interest or understanding is failing, they can stop and discuss. How can we make this interesting for you? How can we make this work? And together they can find that spark that has them all engaged, involved and really learning. Non-competitive classrooms allow the shyest to be more bold and the loudest to be more gentle, more considerate – valuable lessons in their own right. It creates a refreshing place to learn and teach. MEET OUR TEACHERS LEARNING RELATIONSHIPS We talk a lot about relationships at Frensham. To be very honest, and it’s probably clear, we are very proud of the relationships that develop here - they form one of our core values. Not just the schoolmates who go on to be lifelong friends and actually not just the relationships between people. At Frensham, really special relationships grow between teachers and students and from that between students and the subjects they become passionate about during their time here. With a more informal setting and smaller classes, the teachers and students really get to know each other. Literally on a first-name basis. This is important because we ask our students to step up and be more responsible and self-motivated than they may need to be elsewhere. We don’t micro-manage, we do support, but ultimately it’s down to each child to take control of their learning. Teachers learn each child’s strengths and weaknesses. They reinforce where needed and push where they can, but most importantly, they are a friendly face. They genuinely want to help, not to intimidate or belittle. Our teachers love the subjects they teach and they really want to pass that on. Their enthusiasm, interest and passion overflows into their students, particularly those that find they love those subjects too. That genuine shared enthusiasm breaks down barriers to learning. There’s no stigma attached. You can love maths and chat equations with your tutor at break. You can sing your heart out in the corridor on the way to class. No one will judge. You can be really academic or truly creative or both. The support you see here between students, between friends, really can bring tears to your eyes. As long as you do your best, take a few risks, step out of your comfort zone now and then, Frensham can support you with whatever your dreams may be. LEARNING ENVIRONMENT In many ways, on first glance, our classrooms won’t look so different from anywhere else, but on second glance, you might notice that the teacher probably isn’t standing at the front. They’re more likely to be mingled in amongst the students. You might start to notice that the volume is a bit higher, it’s not just the teacher talking, the students – in all year groups – will be discussing and taking part too. Some classes might have gone outside, some might be using the tarmac as a giant blackboard or the woods as a setting for some creative writing. In all cases there will be a flexibility at work allowing the lessons to be moulded to keep everyone’s interest high. In every lesson what will stand out is the genuine relationships between the teachers and students. This develops both from our small class sizes and our more informal approach - our first name basis and sense of equality and mutual respect. This creates a learning environment that is not often found in an academic setting - a positive and safe academic learning environment where students and teachers can be brave and not afraid to take risks or make mistakes. SPORTS OUTDOOR ED CREATIVITY Creativity at Frensham is not limited to the creative subjects. It also sits at the heart of our academics. We strive for creativity of thought in every academic pursuit – to look at things differently, to consider a different approach - this forms one of our core values. We hope each student can find their own way to be engaged, that teachers can find a way to get everyone excited. Beyond that, developing a strong practice of creative thinking is imperative for life after Frensham. We aim to develop each student into a questioning and socially conscious young person. Someone who isn’t scared to challenge the norm, to question and speak up, someone who will make a difference whilst at Frensham and beyond. HOMEWORK Students are set homework if it is meaningful and adds something to their learning. We don't set homework just for the sake of it and sometimes giving students time to simply reflect on their learning can be a powerful tool. However, homework does give students the opportunity to work on essential life skills like organisation, time management and self discipline. It can also provide opportunities to consolidate learning and engage in a topic or independent research. Homework can be extremely valuable but never at the expense of student wellbeing. Our priority is about striking the balance between homework providing academic support but also not becoming overwhelming. We want our students to be able to have time out of school to be children - to rest and play. If we strike the balance right, these are not mutually exclusive. SUPPORT FOR LEARNING We have an excellent Support for Learning team and we are able to offer support to children with mild learning difficulties. Through our entrance process, we will assess whether we can meet the needs of each child - this is to ensure that all students can flourish and thrive during their time at Frensham. We are unable to provide dedicated teaching assistants or one-to-one support in class. We are also unable to support children with moderate or severe learning needs. OUR SEN POLICY
- FRENSHAM SPIRIT | Frensham Heights
Frensham Heights is a very special school, there is a lightness and calmness around the site which comes from everyone being able to be themselves, genuinely. THE FRENSHAM SPIRIT FIRST NAMES & UNIFORMS If you ask someone who’s never visited Frensham, they’ll probably just say we’re a school that uses first names and doesn’t have uniforms. It might be said with a hint of doubt. That’s a bit weird, right? But, if we look around at our modern society – the workplace, family life – is it really so strange? These are actually very simple things, very natural things and their effect in a school setting is quite refreshing – ultimately by taking away that hint of doubt about doing something differently, that worry about being a bit weird. There is an energy about Frensham which is hard to describe. It's a feeling of happiness and lightness, a sense of freedom. It comes from all the children being comfortable in their own skins, their own clothes. With no prefects or head boys and girls, everyone is on a level playing field. They can be who they are. And it comes from our foundation of exceptional pastoral care which thrives on the genuine relationships which develop between all members of the community - looking out for one another. A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD As from our founding days, everyone at Frensham is on a level playing field. When you come here, you can just relax and be yourself. The teachers don’t hide behind titles or formal clothes and the children’s individuality isn’t hidden behind uniforms or false respect. Egos are left at the door. The Head, the littlest nursery child, the newest teacher, the shyest sixth former, the part-time TAs, the support staff. Everyone is an equal, important, valued part of the community. Teachers don’t have to spend time telling students to pull up their socks, instead they have conversations, build relationships. Really special relationships built on genuine, mutual respect and interest. Relationships that spark learning. FREEDOM & RESPONSIBILITY Contrary to what many believe, Progressive Education is not without boundaries. Respect underlies everything we do at Frensham; respect that is earned, not demanded or assumed. We give children more freedom than at other schools, but with freedom comes responsibility and we have high expectations of everyone in our community. There is a misconception that a school without uniforms and with children walking together rather than in lines is a school without discipline. It is true that we don’t give detentions and the sanctions we do give out are not done on a whim for minor mistakes. What we do, and this takes much more time and patience, is talk and listen. MAKING MISTAKES Our students make mistakes, everyone makes mistakes and that is okay, it’s how you grow. You own your mistakes, learn from them and move on. But, the first time is a mistake, and the second time is a choice and you will find then that there are consequences at Frensham, just like at every other school. In any other tight-knit community. Being shut down or shut out is an easy option all around. It stops the conversation, shuts the door and doesn’t allow anyone to move forward or grow up. At Frensham, discipline is based on conversations. It’s not an easy, laissez-faire option. These are difficult two way conversations about putting your hands up and owning and accepting your choices, rectifying, moving on and becoming the best version of yourself. The freedom is here to help our students grow into open-minded, courageous, well-rounded individuals and for the most part they stand up and embrace the responsibility and the trust that goes along with that. It is truly refreshing and the perfect opportunity to get ready for life beyond school. OUR COMMUNITY Student and Teacher Portrait photo of student and teacher Ceramics Teacher Portrait photo of teacher on orange background Junior School Teachers portrait photo of Frensham Heights Junior School teachers on a blue background PE Teachers portrait photograph of Frensham Heights PE teachers on a blue background Geography Teachers portrait photography of two Frensham Heights geography teachers on an orange background Director of Sport portrait photograph of Frensham Heights Director of Sport on a blue background Two teachers portrait photo of two Frensham Heights teachers on an orange background ICT Teachers portrait photo of Frensham Heights ICT teachers on a blue background Senior School Teacher and student portrait photo of Senior School student and teacher on a pink background Senior School Teacher and students portrait photo of Senior School students and teacher on a pink background Head of Junior School and Student portrait photo of Frensham Heights Head of Junior School and Junior School student on a blue background Teacher Student and Greenpower car portrait photo of a Frensham Heights teacher and student with a Greenpower car Frensham Heights teachers photo portrait of two Frensham Heights teachers on a blue background Teacher and student photo portrait of a Frensham Heights teacher and student on a pink background Performing Arts Teachers photo portrait of Frensham Heights Performing Arts Teachers on an orange background History Teachers portrait photo of Frensham Heights History teachers holding hats on a blue background Junior School teachers portrait photo of Frensham Heights Junior School teachers on an orange background PRE teachers portrait photo of two Frensham Heights PRE teachers holding dolls on a blue background Sixth Form teacher and students portrait photo of Frensham Heights Sixth Form teacher and students sitting down on a pink background Sixth Form teacher and students portrait photo of Frensham Heights Sixth Form Philosophy teacher and students on a pink background PE teacher and student portrait photo of Frensham Heights Cricket coach and student holding a cricket bat on a yellow background Maths teachers portrait photo of two Frensham Heights Maths teachers on a blue background Senior School teacher and student portrait photo of Frensham Heights Head of Senior School and a student sitting down on a pink background Student and Teacher portrait photo of Frensham Heights teacher and student on a pink background PE coach portrait photo of Frensham Heights PE coach on a blue background Geography Teachers portrait photo of Frensham Heights Geography teachers on a blue background Sixth Form Art teacher and student portrait photo of Sixth Form Fine Arts teacher and student on a pink background Nursery teacher and child portrait photo of a Frensham Heights nursery teacher and child sitting down on a yellow background Sixth Form Creative Arts Teacher and Student a portrait photo of a Frensham Heights Sixth Form Creative Arts student and teacher sitting down in front of a pink background Maths teachers portrait photo of Frensham Heights Maths teachers on a blue background laughing teacher and student portrait photo of Frensham Heights student and teacher laughing on a pink background Outdoor Education teacher portrait photo of Frensham Heights Head of Outdoor Education on a blue background QUICK LINKS OUR STAFF OUR GOVERNORS OUR PARENT VOICE OLD FRENSHAMIANS
- OUR CENTENARY | Frensham Heights
September 2025 marks 100 years of Frensham Heights, a whole century of doing things a little differently. What once felt bold, even revolutionary back in 1925, now feels simply right. A way of learning and living that puts children at the heart of everything. This year, we’re taking time to celebrate all that makes Frensham, Frensham. 1/10 Our Centenary September 2025 marks 100 years of Frensham Heights, a whole century of doing things a little differently. What once felt bold, even revolutionary back in 1925, now feels simply right. A way of learning and living that puts children at the heart of everything. This year, we’re taking time to celebrate all that makes Frensham, Frensham. We’d love you to be part of it. Come along to one of our Centenary Events, share the story of an Old Frenshamian for our 100 OFs campaign, or explore the beautiful gifts created by our community in the Centenary Gift Shop. However you join in, you’ll be helping to celebrate 100 years of curiosity and creativity. There’s something special about how Frensham began. Three women, full of courage and vision, wanted to do things differently, to break free from the stiff traditions of Victorian education. They chose this beautiful spot, with its wide skies and rolling Surrey Hills, as the place to bring their ideas to life. They knew that children need to move, to explore, to imagine, to ask questions and to be truly heard. That spirit of freedom and curiosity still shapes us today, just as it did when Frensham first opened its doors in 1925. Our Founders Frensham Heights was founded in 1925 by educationalists Beatrice Ensor and Isabel King with the aid of a generous benefactor, Edith Douglas-Hamilton. As Joint Headmistresses, they were passionate about offering an alternative style of education with the child at its heart. A school and a community based on mutual respect, tolerance and generosity of spirit which would educate the whole child – mind, body and spirit. Read More Centenary Events Our Centenary year will be filled with moments to remember, a whole calendar of celebrations running from September through to July. The 1925 Student Day launched celebrations in September and we’ll close with our Centenary Founder’s Day on 4th July 2026. Along the way, there’ll be plenty of favourite traditions like Fireworks Night and the Christmas Fair plus a whole-school Centenary Sports Festival in the summer and our annual musicals and plays that bring the community together, time and time again. There is a series of Reunions for OFs during the Autumn Term. Please head to the OF website to find out more. OF Reunions Centenary Programme Book Events Centenary Gift Shop Our gift shop celebrates the creative talent within our own community including OFs (Old Frenshamians), current parents and current students. We have been blown away by the beauty and quality of the items which have been bespoke made for our Centenary. Please head to our shop and see for yourself. Shop Here 100 OFs Campaign We are on a mission to identify 100 notable OFs from the last one hundred years. These can be former students, parents, staff or Governors. If you would like to nominate someone, please email of@frensham.org with ‘Frensham 100 OFs’ in the subject line. Read More Centenary News Keep posted for the latest Centenary news, including reviews of events, historic moments and memories from our OFs. You can also follow us on our social links below. If you're sharing photos of reunions or centenary events, please feel free to join us and use #Frensham100 Centenary News
- HEAD'S WELCOME | Frensham Heights
Hear a few words from Andrew Fisher, our Head, about his 15 years heading up Frensham Heights and his return to Frensham to pave the way for our incoming Head, Ben McCarey. WELCOME Welcome to Frensham I am honoured and humbled to be leading the Frensham Heights community as it enters its second century. I am part of this community both as Head and as a parent and my family is incredibly excited to begin our lives within this wonderful and unique school. As a parent, I want my children to grow up being open minded and willing to embrace new experiences; I want them to be free to explore their own paths and experience the beauty and joy which exist in our world (without being naive to its many flaws). Most importantly, I want them to learn within a community of individuals who understand the importance of kindness, compassion and optimism. As a teacher, I believe that a traditional, linear, education system does not adequately prepare children for the world they will inherit. This world is a rapidly changing, uncertain and, sometimes, scary place. If an education only equips children with an armoury of facts and knowledge and the ability to pass exams, but it doesn't furnish them with the ability to think creatively, critically and empathetically, then we have failed them. A Frensham education is one which ensures our children are well qualified and well educated and, most importantly, free to be kids in a world where we all grow up too quickly. Ben McCarey
- HAVE YOU FOUND IT YET? | Frensham Heights
It's here, the premiere of our NEW School Film.✨ Capturing the heart and soul of Frensham, our staff and students tell the Frensham story as it should be told, in their voices. It's very hard to sum up Frensham Heights, but we think our new film has done the job. The energy, the happiness, the hard work and the creativity are all here. If this feels like the kind of place your child and your family would love, then please have a look around our website and come and see us. Find Out More Come and Visit
- FUTURE PATHWAYS | Frensham Heights
At Frensham Heights Sixth Form, we pride ourselves on offering an extensive choice of A Level subjects—over 25 options across academic, creative and practical disciplines. Our goal is to help every student build a personalised A Level curriculum that reflects their passions, strengths and future aspirations. FUTURE PATHWAYS OVERVIEW SIXTH FORM LIFE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM CAREERS EDUCATION ADMISSIONS Looking Beyond Sixth Form All Year 12 students at Frensham Sixth Form take part in The Edge Programme which focuses on key areas such as communication, leadership, teamwork, creative thinking and problem-solving. Each skill you develop is recorded on Unifrog, our online pathways platform. When it’s time to apply for a university place, apprenticeship, or job, you’ll have a portfolio of evidence that clearly demonstrates your strengths. Giving you the edge over other applicants. Our dedicated Higher Education specialists and tutor team offer personalised guidance every step of the way. Whether your next destination is university, a foundation course, an apprenticeship, employment or a dance or drama school, you’ll receive expert support in finding and securing the right path for you. Frensham’s approach to university and career preparation has been praised by The Good Schools Guide, which highlighted the outstanding quality of our UCAS and Higher Education support. UNIVERSITY AND HIGHER EDUCATION TIMELINE See below the calendar of dedicated support for students and parents Month For Students For Parents September - Year 12 Introduction to Unifrog via The Edge October - Year 12 November - Year 12 Using Unifrog to explore potential pathways December - Year 12 Logging skills on Unifrog and building up an online portfolio January - Year 12 Reviewing potential Oxbridge candidates and setting out pathway February - Year 12 Apprenticeships March - Year 12 University Fairs April - Year 12 May - Year 12 Life After Frensham Life after Frensham launch Sign up to UCAS Apprenticeships State of the Job Market US Universities Lessons from OFs June - Year 12 University visits July - Year 12 Write Personal statements August - Year 12 September - Year 13 Finish Personal Statements October - Year 13 Predictions and references Closing date for Medicine; Oxbridge applications November - Year 13 UCAS – internal school deadline Jan - Year 13 Closing Date for UCAS applications May - Year 13 Commit to 1st and 2nd Choices Online – Next Steps review June - Year 13 Apply for student finance July - Year 13 Clearing Open August circa 15th - Year 13 A-level results HIGHER EDUCATION HIGHLIGHTS 35% of students go to Russell Group Universities 2025 Most popular destination SOUTHAMPTON 2024 Most popular destination since KING'S COLLEGE LONDON Most Popular destination over the last 10 years EXETER Most popular university courses 2025 Musical Theatre & Dance and Politics/ International relations combined with Economics 2024 Politics, Philosophy and Ethics 2023 Business Management 2022 Film / TV / Media 2021 Psychology 2020 Business 2019 Computer Science 2018 Economics 2017 History and Psychology 2016 Art and Music
- BEYOND THE CLASSROOM | Frensham Heights
At Frensham Sixth Form, education goes far beyond the classroom. While academic success is at the heart of what we do, we also focus on helping students build essential life skills, grow in self-confidence and prepare for whatever path they choose next, be it university, apprenticeships or the world of work. BEYOND THE CLASSROOM OVERVIEW SIXTH FORM LIFE ARTS AWARDS FUTURE PATHWAYS ADMISSIONS Life Beyond the Classroom: The Edge Programme and Enrichment at Frensham Sixth Form At Frensham Sixth Form, education goes far beyond the classroom. While academic success is at the heart of what we do, we also focus on helping students build essential life skills, grow in self-confidence and prepare for whatever path they choose next, be it university, apprenticeships or the world of work. Students are encouraged to stay active, creative and engaged - with countless opportunities to perform in theatre productions, music concerts, or take part in overseas expeditions that broaden horizons and build real-world experience. The Edge Programme At our Sixth Form, education goes far beyond the traditional curriculum. All Year 12 students take part in The Edge Programme - a dynamic series of short, five-week courses designed to build essential life skills that prepare them for success in the workplace, further education, and adult life. Students develop a wide range of personal and professional competencies including: Creativity Commitment Kindness Independence Leadership Teamwork Problem Solving Communication These skills are carefully logged and tracked through the Unifrog Pathways Portal, giving students a personalised record of achievement. Whether applying for university, an apprenticeship, or their first job, students can confidently showcase real evidence of their abilities—giving them a competitive edge. EXAMPLES OF EDGE COURSES INCLUDE: Sports Leadership, Cooking on a Budget, First Aid, Ivy House Leadership Award, Theatre Tech and many more Your Sixth Form experience goes far beyond lessons and exams, it’s about discovering who you are and what inspires you. At Frensham, enrichment isn’t just an add-on, it’s an essential part of who we are and what makes your Sixth Form journey unforgettable EXTRACURRICULAR CLUBS You’ll have the chance to take part in an incredible range of extra-curricular activities. Whether you’re into rock music, scuba diving, the Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award or film making, there’s something here to match your interests and maybe help you find new ones too. If you’ve got a great idea for a new club or activity, you can create and run it yourself. Sixth Form students often lead their own clubs, developing confidence, teamwork and leadership skills along the way. SEE OUR CURRENT EXTRACURRICULAR CLUBS CHARITY & OUTREACH You’ll have the chance to make a genuine difference through our community and outreach programmes. These experiences are an important part of what makes life at Frensham so rewarding, helping you to grow as a person while contributing to something bigger than yourself. From local charity work and environmental initiatives to international projects, you’ll have the opportunity to give back, connect with others and make a positive impact on the world around you. READ MORE ABOUT CHARITY & OUTREACH MENTORING As a Frensham Sixth Former, you’ll be an important part of our whole school community, acting as a role model and leader for younger students. Sixth Form life at Frensham isn’t separate, it’s about being fully involved and contributing to the vibrant energy of the school. You’ll have the opportunity to get involved in school events and activities, from helping to support Junior School plays to assisting at sporting competitions, creative showcases and community celebrations. TRIPS As part of our through-school community, you’ll have the chance to take part in a wide variety of day and residential trips that bring learning to life. From London theatre visits to international sports, creative and academic trips, every experience is designed to broaden your horizons and inspire new passions. In Year 12, you’ll also have the unforgettable opportunity to spend two weeks in Knoydart, taking part in a mix of outdoor adventures, cultural exploration and community projects. It’s a chance to challenge yourself, connect with others, and gain experiences that go far beyond the classroom. PERFORMANCES At Frensham, we believe the creative and performing arts are central to a well-rounded education. Whether you love being in the spotlight or prefer working behind the scenes, you’ll find countless opportunities to get involved and express your creativity. Each year, students can take part in a rich calendar of performances, including a senior school drama, a musical production plus dance and music concerts. Students also provide live music for Fireworks Night a Founders’ Day. Alongside these major events, there are plenty of informal performance opportunities throughout the academic year, giving every student the chance to shine and develop their artistic confidence. SPORT & FITNESS At Frensham, sport in the Sixth Form is all about choice and balance. Every Sixth Former enjoys a dedicated games afternoon but, as with everything here, it’s tailored to you. If you love to compete, you’ll have the chance to represent Frensham in fixtures against other schools in netball, hockey, football, and cricket. For those who prefer something a little different, there’s a huge variety of options, from climbing, wakeboarding and high ropes to Pilates, spin, yoga, gym fitness, badminton and tennis - and the list keeps growing. Whether your goal is competition, fitness, or fun, Frensham’s Sixth Form sport and wellbeing programme helps you stay active, confident and healthy. "Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." WB Yeats Super-Curricular Programme Alongside the enrichment listed above, our Super-Curricular Programme gives you the chance to dive into big ideas, new challenges and life skills that go far beyond exams. It’s all about discovering what excites you, exploring potential careers and pushing yourself in ways you might never have imagined. You’ll take part in workshops and hear from incredible guest speakers, including: Edward Timpson KC, CBE, on public service and leadership Rick Findler, a war photographer sharing his frontline experiences Meghan Reign, drag artist, exploring LGBTQ+ journeys and inclusion Zoe Saynor, former England Women’s International, on resilience and sporting excellence Whether it’s developing your confidence, thinking differently, or finding inspiration for your future, the Super-Curricular Programme at Frensham is designed to challenge you, excite you, and give you experiences that stay with you for life.
- FH ARTS AWARDS | Frensham Heights
WE ARE LOOKING FOR STUDENTS WHO ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT AND DEMONSTRATE A TALENT IN ONE OR MORE OF THE ARTS TO JOIN US FOR SIXTH FORM. DANCE, DRAMA, MUSIC, FINE ART, PHOTOGRAPHY, CERAMICS, GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS OR DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY. FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR SIXTH FORM CLICK HERE FRENSHAM HEIGHTS ARTS AWARDS We are delighted to annou n ce the Frensham Heights Arts Awards. The arts are at the heart of our school and creativity underpins everything we do. We are on the look out for dedicated artists, dancers, musicians and performers to join us for a bespoke Sixth Form programme which will prepare them for the industry and immerse them in their artistic discipline whilst supporting them academically to gain their qualifications. The Frensham Heights Arts Awards are open to all students, whether day or boarding, who are interested in studying one or more Performing or Creative Arts subject at Sixth Form. Awards are allocated to students who are passionate about and demonstrate a talent in one or more of the arts: DANCE, DRAMA, TECHNICAL THEATRE, MUSIC, FINE ART, PHOTOGRAPHY, GRAPHIC COMMUNICATION OR DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY. As a Sixth Form student on the Frensham Heights Arts Award programme, you can choose to follow a purely arts based route of study or combine your love of one of the arts with other more traditional Sixth Form pathways. With almost 30 subjects to choose from in Year 12 and a wide range of co-curricular and enrichment activities, Frensham students are able to create their own unique and tailored curriculum path. Being part of the Frensham community is exciting, learning is dynamic, teaching is inspiring and our Arts facilities are second to none. Founded almost 100 years ago by three women, the progressive ethos of Frensham continues to underpin all that we are. Built on respect and relationships, every student is supported and cared for in a way that enables them to become who they are, not who they are told to be. If you are interested in applying for a Frensham Heights Arts Award, please email admissions@frensham.org Awards will be allocated following a successful audition and/or portfolio interview process. EXTRACURRICULAR & ENRICHMENT Students who are on the Frensham Heights Arts Award Programme will not only receive inspirational teaching from a highly skilled and talented staff, but will also be offered additional opportunities to develop and enhance their passion. Students will benefit from an extensive array of enrichment tailored to their interests. Each student will be assigned a mentor from the teaching team - relevant to their specialism. They will work with their mentor on a bespoke programme which will run alongside their subject curriculum. This could involve specialist training with external experts and academic support when auditions or performances demand time off timetable. Group enrichment would range from trips to the West End or London exhibitions to workshops led by professional performers and artists to support to help you mentor younger students and develop student-led performances or exhibitions. In the visual arts, students will have open access to the studios on weekends which will include the opportunity to work alongside our teachers and technicians – giving students the invaluable experience of watching creative professionals working on their own private or commercial projects. Bespoke paths will include ceramics focus sessions and life drawing workshops. As we build relationships with local and regional creative hubs, students will have the opportunity to take their theatre pieces, bands or artwork on the road to external performance or exhibition spaces. Under the Frensham Heights Arts Awards, we will expect students to not only take full advantage of the enrichment and extracurricular opportunities on offer, but also find ways to enrich the experience of the rest of the school community – for example, by directing student-led performances, supporting Junior School arts clubs or mentoring younger performers or artists. Being part of a through school - from nursery through Sixth Form - allows our older students to gain confidence, communication skills and solid experience by being mentors to our younger students. As a Sixth Form student at Frensham, students will also have access to the full extracurricular programme of clubs and trips. Please click here to view our current extracurricular club programme. EXTRACURRICULAR OUR VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS TEAM Amy Marriott Ceramics Teacher Amy has taught Art and Ceramics at Frensham Heights for five years and also runs four popular lunchtime creative ECAs each week. Passionate about sharing her love of clay and art in all its forms, Amy feels fortunate to work with students who are eager to immerse themselves in the process of designing and making. Alongside teaching dedicated ceramics lessons, Amy’s technical knowledge and expertise support GCSE and A-level students in developing their Fine Art projects. As our Ceramic Technician, she ensures the smooth running of the ceramics room and finds great joy in seeing students’ faces light up as they collect their beautifully fired pieces from the kiln room. Beyond Frensham, Amy teaches wheel-throwing at 318 Ceramics, a local ceramics community. Amy holds a Master’s degree in 3D Design (Ceramics) from Cardiff University and a BSc (Econ) Joint Honours in Psychology and Anthropology. Clare Esterhuysen Drama Teacher Clare has been a part of the Performing Arts team at Frensham Heights since 2008, alongside teaching she has been a part of many school productions over the years which offer the opportunity to every child in the school to be a part of this thriving department. In her time here she has been part of the boarding team as Assistant House Mistress and the middle school team as Assistant Head of Middle School - as well as leading PSME contributing to the pastoral life of the school. Most recently Clare has introduced the BTEC L2 Performing Arts course to the school curriculum. Following a BA (Hons) in Performing Arts (Acting), Clare spent two years working as a professional actor and singer both nationally and internationally. Having completed a PGCE in Secondary Drama in 2004 Clare worked both in the secondary schools and FE collages getting experience teaching on many different courses before joining Frensham. Clare came to Frensham to continue her studies as she explored Shakespeare in education across year groups N-13. She completed her MA in Shakespearean Theatre from The Shakespeare Institute in Stratford-Upon-Avon in 2010 and went on to complete her Shakespearean acting training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London in 2011. Clare has always had a love of theatre and performance art. Through studying it and experiencing it all her life, her faith in drama as a subject and as a social tool has grown from strength to strength. To teach drama is to develop a critical awareness, develop an understanding of social contexts, as an expression of culture, and appreciation of acting as a craft. Alongside teaching and raising her young family, she is still a keen actor, appearing regularly locally in various performances with a much loved local amateur dramatics company. Hannah Fernandes Art Teacher Hannah enjoys instilling an excitement for Art in all children, exploring the creative challenges that lie at the heart of making, for both students and teacher. Her experience of education and teaching is broad and with great depth; following a degree in History of Art (with textiles and painting) she undertook a Masters in Photography, working at The Royal College of Art, London, and acquired a PCGE in Education from The Institute of Education, London. She then went onto work in Secondary Education in London and Southampton, progressing to Head of Art. After eighteen years of working at Secondary level, she followed her passion into Prep school education in Surrey. Central to her own work and teaching is a love of colour; she creates vibrant mix media work exploring the emotional response that colour elicits. Katherine Loudoun Head of Art & Ceramics Katherine is a practising painter and printmaker, focusing her work on both architecture and landscape. Many of her work explores processes which are both analogue and digital and she is passionate to keep exploring traditional ways with new technology in the digital era. Working with etching, aquatint and silk screenprinting, she is a member of Ochre Print Studio in Guildford and very much enjoys continuing her personal print development learning new techniques. Katherine joined the Frensham Heights creative team in 2025 having worked in both state boarding schools and the independent sector over the last decade. Having obtained a BA(Hons) degree in Fine Art from Loughborough, she then went on to get her PGCE at Downing College, Cambridge. After establishing an ‘outstanding’ (Ofsted) art department in a newly opened school, Katherine did a part time Master of Educational Research at Cambridge in order to further her understanding of the creative arts in education. Katherine believes that exposure to the arts helps to formulate empathy, critical thinking and ultimately helps students discover who they are - using art as outlet for their expression and experience. In her earlier life she trained as a dancer in a variety of techniques from: ballet, modern and contemporary dance with Jayne Coleman Academy of Dance from the age of 4-18, competed in All England Dance Finals in the Peacock Theatre, London. At Loughborough she continued to teach advanced contemporary and produced choreography for an inter-university competition. Rebecca McKellar Head of Dance Rebecca began her dancing life at the age of 5 starting with tap and modern and progressing to Jazz dance. Throughout her schooling she achieved many awards in ISTD tap, modern and jazz eventually completing all grades in both Jazz and Tap. At college she studied both A Level Dance and A Level Performance Studies in which she began developing her technique within Contemporary and Ballet. She then went on to study Dance and Culture at Surrey University specialising in Contemporary Dance, African and Caribbean Dance and Choreography and then completed her PGCE in Dance Education at Exeter University. Rebecca has been an arts educator for 17 years and has choreographed many productions including Beauty and the Beast, Guys and Dolls, Oliver, We will Rock you and Rock of Ages. Rebecca continues to have a passion for contemporary dance and enjoys regularly watching professional dance works in London’s Sadlers Wells. Anna Boon-Arnell Lead Teacher for Graphic Communication and Teacher of Art Anna joined the creative arts team at Frensham Heights in 2021. She believes that the creative subjects in any school are a vital area and a key one to help students develop fully within themselves, educating the whole person, mind, body and spirit. Creative art subjects help to give students a sense of identity, self-expression, and self-assurance. Creativity is really another form of play, and play is universally important to each individual’s sense of joy and well-being. Anna completed her PGCE at Goldsmiths and has been teaching art and design for over twenty years including fine art, textiles, 3D design and photography. In her degree, she specialised in textiles, with a focus on textile printmaking creating highly structured repeat prints using the medium of photographic silkscreens. Post degree she worked for a time as a freelance fabric designer. She enjoys the creative journey through ideas and mediums both as a teacher and in her own personal practice. Anna has a passion for creative photography, noticing the mundane and capturing it within a frame. When out walking in nature her focus is on the effects of light on its surroundings. She creates mixed media artworks producing expressive / emotive responses to the environment. Gemma Burns Head of Design & Technology Gemma has been teaching for 15 years and leads Design and Technology at Frensham. Before moving into education, she worked across film, theatre and branding — creating the weird and wonderful, with projects including The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. She’s passionate about sustainable design, creative problem solving and developing a future-ready curriculum that embraces new technologies such as Virtual Reality. Gemma’s teaching centres on building confidence, curiosity and resilience, inspiring students to take creative risks, make meaningful connections and design with purpose for a more sustainable future. Josh Edwards Music Teacher Josh studied academic Music at King’s College, London, and singing at The Royal Academy of Music. Josh’s professional career has taken him around the world, performing as soloist and consort member with some of the best Early Music ensembles such as La Nouva Musica, Stile Antico, and Siglo d’Oro. He features on several well-known albums and movie soundtracks, and has performed at the Royal Variety Performance, Brit Awards, and numerous BBC TV and radio broadcasts. Lynn Goodburne Dance & Drama Teacher Lynn has worked at Frensham Heights since 2002. She holds a Diploma, Dance and Teaching London College of Dance, Bedford and a B.Phil (Hons), Ballet and Contextual Studies from the Royal Academy of Dance (Durham University) along with qualifications in Tap, Modern, Ballet and National from the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing . During her time at Frensham, Lynn has taught a range of dance styles across all year groups in the school from Nursery up to and including A-Level. Lynn works tirelessly to create opportunities which maintain constant development for students who show potential and talent in dance. She is also a Drama teacher as required and supports all performances throughout the year. Lynn plans and organises various events across the academic year such as performances, theatre trips and visiting professional companies and workshops. Sarah Farr Lead Teacher for Photography Sarah is the Curriculum Lead in Photography, having been at the school for the last ten years. After having children, Sarah decided to expand and explore her interest of photography as a mature student under the University of Surrey, where subsequently after graduating, she launched herself into a career of freelance photography; working independently on several projects, including the local press. An opportunity arose to venture into teaching, where the chance to explore and challenge the minds of a younger generation. This captured Sarah's yearning for a career where over time, our students can discover a creative flair in the many aspects that Photography can offer, either to lead them to a future career or purely as a life-time interest. Sarah does her utmost to capture images without the thought of post-production, while keeping abreast of all the technological advancements available to us today. Brendan Horstead Director of Creative Arts, Teacher of Fine Art and Graphic Communication Brendan has led the Creative Arts at Frensham since 2008. He has been a resident member of boarding staff since joining the school and part of the Sixth Form Tutor Team for the last twelve years. Following a B.A. (Hons) in Fine Art (Sculpture), Brendan spent several years running a small business making welded steel sculpture for exhibition and commission, alongside a variety of commissioned pieces for TV, film and theatre. Having completed a teaching post-grad qualification at Goldsmiths, London, he taught in the Sixth Form and FE sector and was ‘Head of Expressive Arts and English’ at John Ruskin College for several years before joining Frensham. As a teacher, he believes the challenge of personalising the experience of learning at A Level involves facilitating the expression and articulation of an individual’s unique creative voice. The development of this voice alongside a consciousness of intention and purpose, lies at the heart of this challenge and privilege. His ambition is that A level Art & Design students regard themselves, and each other, as members of a community of artists within the school, where all have a role to play in the creation of a positive, challenging, yet supportive, group dynamic and everyone is valued and accepted as an individual. His current personal practice involves the primary use of digital media utilising digital montage processes to explore varied subject matter of an aesthetic, philosophical or political nature. He is a keen drummer and percussionist of the ‘rock & roll’ variety and enjoys playing a with a group of greying rock and rollers in the sticky pubs of London. Giles Rudd Assistant Head (Progress & Assessment) and Design & Technology Teacher Before undertaking his teacher training, Giles worked for one of the world leading civil engineering organisations, creating and developing computer aided design drawings, working alongside structural engineers and architects. He has been teaching Design & Technology for 16 years and is passionate about students believing in their abilities, and achieving excellent design outcomes. He has a particular interest in computer aided design and manufacture and thoroughly enjoys getting into the workshops and experimenting with a range of tools and machinery. Giles is also on the Senior Leadership Team at Frensham Heights and oversees whole school student progress and data, reporting and parents evenings, baseline data analysis and exams to name a few things. Giles oversees the very successful Greenpower Formula 24 electric car project at Frensham Heights. The team finished 2nd (in class) at the International Final at Goodwood last season and they’re always developing the car to try to find more ways of making it more efficient. His personal interests include downhill mountain biking, playing and watching football, taking his dog out for long walks and spending time with his friends and family. Kat Pinnell Director of Performing Arts Kat studied Musical Theatre at the Arden School of Theatre in Manchester where she specialised in singing, acting and dancing. She quickly discovered her passion for directing, writing and applied theatre and after working as a performer, Kat began her teaching career with a hunger to work with young people, direct youth performances and bring drama & theatre to the wider community. Since completing her PGCE with Manchester Metropolitan University, she has worked with young people across the country in Manchester, London and Sussex and directed a vast array of productions involving full-scale musicals, plays and physical theatre installations. Kat has studied with Frantic Assembly and favours the physical and political genres that theatre has to offer. However, when in the director’s chair, likes to sink her teeth into both realism and non-naturalistic performances utilising choral work. Kat has had a broad and varied teaching career, in addition to being Head of Drama, she has also been a Careers Coordinator and worked as a consulting Careers and Fundraising Officer with ‘Future Leaders’ in association with London Mayor & Queen Mary University. Neil Martin Design & Technology and Art Teacher Neil has worked at Frensham Heights since 2018 and gained his post graduate certificate in education whist working here. His main role is as the DT technician but he also teaches DT and Art. Having studied Fine Art at Byam Shaw School of Art (now part of Central St Martins) and briefly living as a full time artist in East London, Neil enjoys helping students explore the possibilities of materials and processes, using them to help the student push their creative limits. He is also a passionate advocate for the importance of drawing in all creative areas, not only as a process leading to a final piece in another medium, but also as a means of expression in itself. As such Neil teaches life drawing to students in years 10 to 13 and also teaches extra curricular classes in drawing for design. Outside of school Neil is a fierce competitor in the sport of wheelchair rugby, is teaching himself computer aided design and manufacturing, enjoys making things out of wood, and battles with two teenage daughters and two energetic dogs.







