Founded in 1925 as part of a progressive movement to promote co-education and less-formal relationships between teachers and pupils. It has always been a genuinely co-educational school, and believes in the equality of the sexes. It has no religious affiliation but sees the pursuit of enlightenment and liberal values as a fundamental aim. It opposes all forms of bigotry - racial, religious or social - and every effort is made to deepen understanding of human nature and behaviour and to develop self-esteem. The site consists of 100 acres of beautiful wood and parkland. Recent developments include an award-winning performing arts centre, astro-turf pitch, sixth-form house and refurbishment of other boarding facilities. The school is spacious, well equipped and deliberately small enough for everyone to be known as a person. The average class size is 18 and examination results are good. All pupils are encouraged to choose at least two GCSEs from the creative and performing arts, for which the school is both well known and very strong (one of the first schools to be given Arts Gold status). There is a wide range of clubs and extra-curricular activities.
Pupils: Total age range 3-18; 520 pupils, 415 day (215 boys, 200 girls), 105 boarding (50 boys, 55 girls). Junior department 3-13, 220 pupils (115 boys, 105 girls). Senior department 13-18, 300 pupils (150 boys, 150 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 3, 11, 13 and 16. Own entrance exam used, though Common Entrance an option; sixth-form entry by examination, interview, reference and 6 GCSEs at least grade C (grade B in sixth-form subjects). Significant senior intake from own junior departments.
Limited honorary scholarships (£750) and exhibitions (£450). Means-tested bursaries in cases of financial need, which may be up to 100% of fees.
Headmaster: Andrew Fisher, in post from 2004. Educated at Geelong Grammar School, Australia, and at universities of New South Wales (modern history and English literature) and Sheffield (education). Previously Deputy Head at Wrekin College. Also FRSA. Teaching staff: 55 full time, 10 part time. Annual turnover 5%. Average age 40.
GCSE: 70 pupils in Year 11, 92% gaining at least grade C in 8+ subjects (most in 9+). A-levels: 51 in upper sixth, almost all passing in 3+ subjects.
99% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (15% after a gap year), 5% to Oxbridge. 5% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 15% in science and engineering, 10% in law, 40% in humanities and social sciences, 15% in art and design, 5% in vocational subjects eg nursing, 10% other subjects eg drama, media.
GCSE, AS and A-level. 22 AS-level subjects offered, 20 at A-level. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level. Vocational: Young Enterprise Scheme; Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. Special provision: For dyslexics, only if able to follow curriculum without remedial help. ESL lessons. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered to GCSE, AS and A-level. Pupils whose native tongue is not English are encouraged to take GCSE, AS/A-level in their language. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and used across the curriculum, eg geography and biology fieldwork presentation. 3 computer suites plus laptops available for pupil use (24 hours a day in boarding house), networked and with email and internet access. Many students have own laptops.
All pupils encouraged to take two arts GCSEs (some do 3) out of art (including 3D), graphic design, CDT, drama, music dance, sport. Music: 50+% of pupils learn at least one musical instrument (some take 2 or 3); vocal and instrumental exams can be taken. Some 8 musical groups: 2 orchestras, 4 choirs, chamber group, brass ensemble. Several pupils play for county and national youth orchestras. Annual choir and orchestra tour overseas. Drama and dance: Both offered at GCSE, AS and A-level. Majority of pupils are involved in school productions. Several pupils appear on stage or screen nationally. Art and design: Art, graphic design, CDT offered at GCSE, AS and A-level. Photography also offered at GCSE (outside the curriculum) and is a popular AS and A-level course.
Sport: Tennis, netball, swimming, soccer, basketball, athletics, cricket, hockey, rounders, rugby (optional), volleyball, cross-country running, badminton, softball. Strong outdoor education and adventure challenge programme throughout the school. Activities: Many pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. World Challenge expeditions. Community service optional: strong links with local charities providing care for disabled adults and children. Over 60 activities eg fencing, backyard ballistics, rock bands, Eco-Heights, felt making, graffiti art, orchestras, choirs, karate, meditation, ninjutsu, parkour, water rockets, weight training and all kinds of sport.
Uniform: No school uniform. Houses and prefects: Competitive sports houses. Mentors (no prefects), sixth-form committee. School Council. Religion: Non-denominational. Social: Sports meetings and tournaments with other schools. Trips overseas include annual ski and snow-boarding trips, choir tours, history (Russia); art history (New York); geography (Kenya, Iceland); World Challenge expeditions (eg India, Kyrgyzstan). Pupils allowed to bring own bike to school; cars in sixth form. Meals self-service; special diets catered for. Licensed sixth-form bar.
Pupils failing to produce homework might expect to do it during their lunch break or after school; drug-free zone; suspension for first time offenders.
Sixth form and some Year 11 have own study bedrooms; others share with 1-3 others. Single-sex houses plus sixth-form house. 24-hour cover in own medical centre. Pupils can cook own meals/snacks (younger pupils under supervision). Half-term plus weekend exeats. Weekend visits to local town weekly, local city fortnightly.
Old Frenshamians, c/o OFsecretary@frensham-heights.org.uk
Lord (Claus) Moser (Wadham College, Oxford); Sir Clive Gillinson (Artistic Director Carnegie Hall); Hattie Morahan (actress); Nick Mason (drummer, Pink Floyd); Jon Pertwee (actor); Crispin Mills (Kula Shaker); Trevor Aldridge QC (Chairman Special Educational Needs Trust); Prof Tom Sherwood (Cambridge University).
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