Frensham Heights

[Spanners2]

Hi,
I wondered if anyone have children at Frensham Heights?
we are considering it for our daughter who for year 9 in Sept, she will have to board as we are quite far away.
she loves art and drama, isn’t coping with the large state school class sizes.
many thanks :)

A friend’s son went there and they pulled him out. Not enough structure. The things I heard from friend were not encouraging.

We are reasonably local but I didn't consider it for my children for a variety of reasons.

However, I know a few people who sent their children there and without exception they were very happy with it (the last one left 1-2 years ago).

Hi,
My year 8 boy started summer term 2024 weekly boarding coming from a traditional independent boys school, he and we really value Frensham and what it offers children; the opportunity to grow into well rounded adults, to be more than academic achievers, support from caring teachers and boarding team. The creative arts are amazing and my boy isn't too arts inclined. Using first names with the teachers lessens the divide between them and enhances the real world ahead of them.
We live in Wandsworth and boarding works; he's grown and takes more responsibilty for himself, he enjoys hangs out with fellow boarders, it's not all about more and more homework but social interactions and life skills, and he's far happier which will only enable learning and achievement.
Please contact me if you've further questions.

I have two kids at Frensham (YR 9, YR6) and we love it. My YR9 has been boarding since YR7 and the youngest will join them next year. I've been blown away at how engaged and supportive the teachers are in each child's success.

It feels like a genuine partnership between parents, kids, and staff. There's nothing like Frensham out there - which is why they are actually benefiting from the VAT on school fees fiasco.

My kid loves boarding and he's gained a lot of common sense and independence as a result.

I am considering offers including FH, but my boy didn't provide me with any preferences at all. Could you please let me know if a boy loved Rock Music, History and Sports may fit into this school?
What's the class size for year 7-9?
Thank you😊

Frensham is phenomenal for performing arts; music, drama and dance. We Will Rock You was performed by the senior school last year along with Matilda by the junior school. All the kids are encouraged to perform in the way they'd like to and we're blown away everytime we see them at their talent and love for the arts.
History is taught as a standard subject. Sport is not as emphasised as the arts, however, many rugby/netball/football/hockey fixtures do take place. Sport for fitness for those who aren't as interested in competitive sports is also encouraged.
Class size for my son's class increased to 19 from 16 last year

We truly value the Frensham ethos and the community spirit of the teachers, families and the head. We'd recommend it to everyone who wants their child to be happy.

Thank you so much for all the recommendations - we’ve decided our daughter will start weekly boarding in the summer term, so will also be in year 8.

she’s really looking forward to it :)

thank you again, I’ll probably meet you at some of the events 🎉

Thanks all for all the shared info!
Our son has decided to join FH Year 7 in the coming Sep 2025 too! 😃

Hi @Spanners2 I am looking into FH for my currently year 8 daughter and wondered how your daughter is getting on there?

@Wolfmoon22 if you are looking at boarding at Frensham also worth taking a look at St Christopher School in Letchworth. You can board there as well, pretty similar school as was set up by the same people over 100 years ago. Good academics and strong in art, music and drama as well.

thanks so much for your reply @muminherts . Funnily enough, I just came across St Christophers online this morning. Do you have a child at the school? It's the alternative progressive approach of schols like Frensham and Bedales with strong art and drama offerings I am looking for. Thank you.

Yes I do - I will pm you. It is an excellent school.

Frensham does wonderful things with children who have been asked to leave other independent schools. If my child was in that situation, I would definitely consider it but otherwise your daughter might be happier at more mainstream boarding school such as St Catherine's Bramley. It offers the whole package: art, drama, music, sport, wonderfully supportive pastoral care and great teachers who really know their subjects.

@Wolfmoon22 that was to you and I’ve sent you a pm now.

@muminherts would you mind sending me your thoughts too please. we are considering it for my 16 year old next September

@floandbo75 Happy to and will pm you!