Heathfield School Ascot

[TheHappyCrow]

Looking for a boarding school for DD and really love the feel and look of Heathfield. Right now we feel pretty set on it as a family, but was hoping to hear about any experiences with the school from current or previous parents, etc. DD would be entering at 11+ as a boarder.

My daughter has been a full time boarder at Heathfield since 2019 in Form I and both my husband and I and our daughter have had nothing but good words to say about the school. The school is small, very friendly and each girl is treated as an individual and listened to. For example my daughter wanted to study a specific A Level which was not on the syllabus. My daughter put forward her reasons as to why it should be taught. The school listened and as of September 2024 it is now an A Level being studied by a number of girls. The headmistress is truly inspiring and constantly looking for new ways to take the school forward. The boarding is a great experience. So many activities are laid on that the girls are constantly occupied. One of the most endearing thing is how the older girls help the younger girls with nighttime routines, activities and someone to talk to. I don’t think there is a single girl in the school who my daughter doesn’t know the name of. If you want a school that feels like family, Heathfield is the school for you.

Are you still looking for feedback @TheHappyCrow ?
I have a daughter at Heathfield and since she joined she has blossomed from a shy, not really interested in academics child, into a confident and conscientious student. The small and close teaching staff have really supported her because they know her well. She particularly enjoys the relationships between year groups and has good friends in other years. They have helped guide her with sport and academic choices.
Because of its smaller, flexible nature pupils are able to take GCSEs early, such as maths or languages, which helps those needing extra support for foundation or those who are extra strong in the subject. This enables them to get some subjects out of the way and focus on other subjects for the GCSE summer. A friend complained that the very well known public school near to Ascot refuses to do this, to the disadvantage of the pupils.
Also in Sixth Form many girls start off taking 4 subjects, knowing they will drop one to the usual 3, but it gives them a much broader choice for A levels, as choosing 3 can be difficult. Again being a smaller school it gives them flexibility.
They have some very sporty girls that have held the sports teams at a high level. The Parents Association recently raised funds for a swing, and it is so popular the girls requested another one. They have the grounds and the girls have the confidence to enjoy relaxation there.

The head is leaving to go to H & K.

it’s a lovely school but no experience of boarding.