Felsted School

Our View

Real sense of excitement as the new head avidly goes about canvassing views and implementing change to fulfil his vision of making Felsted 'a leading independent boarding and day school, regionally, nationally and internationally'. Well on his way, from what we hear, with parents welcoming a renewed focus on academic performance but not at the expense of individualism and quirkiness. All agree – it's one to watch.

Head

Since 2008, Dr Michael Walker MA PhD PGCE (early fifties) previously head of King Edward's in Chelmsford, where he spent 18 years, rapidly rising up the ranks. Before that head of history at Gresham's School. Sought after to share his expertise at regional and national level. Despite having massively impressive credentials, he places great value on tapping into others' ideas and experiencing for himself all aspects of the school. Pupils and members of the newly formed parents' forum cite numerous examples of proposals implemented. He's made a point of staying overnight at each house in turn, has risen to the challenge of singing and dancing on stage – 'I was utterly petrified' – and will compete cross country against a sixth former to raise money for charity. All combines to make a strong leader who has injected new thinking and set out a clear path while reportedly remaining approachable, open, kind and low-key.

Academic Matters

Not overly selective but each year a solid cohort achieves top grades across the board in both A levels and GCSEs. In 2009, average UCAS score 362, 71 per cent GCSEs A*-B with 94 per cent of grades C or better. Known for its success in psychology, but pupils do well in other subjects – Latin and modern languages, history, maths, science and art to name but a few. More generally it has the reputation of bringing out the best in all. IB not taken off in a big way amongst quite conservative local families – currently about a third of the sixth form opts for it – but results improving year on year.

Parents recoil at the thought of it becoming an academic hothouse and support increased focus on individual educational plans with the aim of ensuring maximum academic success but not at the expense of other activities. Recent increase in number of classroom assistants to support the process. SEN pupils, of whom there are about 45, often take one fewer GCSE to allow time for more personalised support. EAL teachers also on hand. Streaming in the lower years and class sizes are kept small – between 15-20 up to GCSE – and often considerably smaller in the sixth form. Staff development encouraged. Recently, staff and pupils were asked to suggest what constituted a good or outstanding lesson and the findings have been discussed openly with all. Can but add to the pressure to deliver!

Games, Options, the Arts

Traditionally sporty. It has produced some outstanding cricketers and Olympic athletes. Games fields and facilities stretch as far as the eye can see. Currently has a tennis player in the top ten nationally. Hockey, cricket, rugby and netball all strong with regular success at regional and national championships. If you don't make the teams, no shame with lots else on offer to keep you fit and occupied. Emphasis very much on participation, be it in sports, regular music events featuring individual talent, the many choirs and orchestras (thirty per cent are involved in music of some kind), drama or in the wealth of extra-curricular options which make for very full days and busy weekends. Not perhaps for the retiring, ill-organised or easily-wearied type. Huge take up of DoE – at the last count no fewer than 26 gold awards in the upper sixth – and 220 enrolled in CCF.

Very much accords with the head's ambition of becoming a Round Square school promoting IDEALS – internationalism, democracy, care for the environment, adventurous pursuits, leadership and service. In addition to much appreciated local community activities and links to disadvantaged communities in East London where pupils have been busy promoting cheerleading, the school is reinforcing developing world links. Students queue up for opportunities to break the 'Felsted bubble'. They include visits to the partner school in Ethiopia and jumping aboard a former pupil's Magic Bus which supports children in the slums of Mumbai.

Background and Atmosphere

Traditional, yet progressive, it feeds off its history but is not hidebound by it. Founded in 1564 by Richard, Lord Riche, Lord Chancellor of England, the school's original Guild Hall is still in use with other, later, attractive Grade I and II listed buildings scattered throughout the village, interspersed with well tended lawns and sports fields and cut through by the quiet Dunmow to Braintree road. Most recent additions include the music school opened in early 2009 and the sixth form centre – a great space to access the net and meet informally or at regular social events where the odd glass of wine is permitted. Overall impression of being a happy, happening place with parents content to be swept along for the ride.

Pastoral Care and Discipline

Recent tightening up on uniform and behaviour welcomed by parents and local businesses alike. Swift and decisive action when bullying and other misdemeanours uncovered, although, in truth, such incidents are relatively rare. Good relations between parents, pupils and staff enhanced by the introduction of clearer reporting systems and a new atmosphere of openness and purpose. Standardising flexi-boarding arrangements has overcome some earlier problems concerning integration of full and part-time boarders and there are robust measures in place to help new and international students settle in. Although many local boarders disappear at the weekends, the stayers-in are rarely short of invitations to stay with local families, outings or on-site activities to fill their time.

Two day and seven boarding houses, four for boys and three for girls with plans to expand and provide 28 more boarding places overall. Separate upper sixth form boarding houses. Year nine board in pleasant shared accommodation – all other years have single rooms though some choice of double rooms if pupils prefer it. Homely common room areas and studies.

Pupils and Parents

We hear that Essex is proud of producing self-starting, entrepreneurial and independent spirits. Parents value the fact that 'they're not sausage making' and champion these qualities at the school. Pupils range from the highly driven and academically orientated to the more fun-loving and easy-going but all pretty down to earth. Characteristics of the typical Felstedian recently assessed, based on feedback from various parties, include being ambitious, motivated, accepting challenge and being self-aware.

Long list of notable OFs includes English test cricketer John Stephenson and General Sir Richard Dannatt, until recently Chief of the General Staff. Huge diversity of talent is reflected in the senior positions and success OFs have achieved in science and medicine, the military, politics and public service, academia, business, sports and the media.

While most live within a couple of hours of the school, it is increasingly attracting London-based families. Taking advantage of its proximity to Stansted Airport, international students make up some twenty per cent of pupils – getting towards the high end amongst schools in this guide. Lots of Germans do IB and a similar number of students from China, Hong Kong and all round the world.

Entrance

Many come up from the prep. Other popular feeder schools are Holmwood House, Heathmount, Orwell Park and Edge Grove. Those taking CE are required to obtain 50 per cent in each paper. Others take a verbal reasoning test, interview and submit a confidential report from their current school. They may take tests in maths, French and English for setting purposes. The same is true at 14+ entry. At 16+ there is a similar entry procedure and pupils are required to obtain six GCSEs at grade B or better including B grades in the subjects being pursued. Pupils who do not have English as their first language will be assessed by the head of ESL.

Exit

All but a few go on to good universities with five plus to Oxbridge each year. The most popular subjects in recent years have been business-related, medicine, humanities and the sciences.

Money Matters

Academic, music, sport, art, design and technology or drama and all rounder scholarships offering up to 20 per cent or £1,000 off the fees are available at 13+ and 16+. There are some assisted places up to 100 per cent on a means tested basis.