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What says..

Notwithstanding the slick, somewhat saccharine promotional website video, in the flesh Barfield is a little rougher around the edges – and all the better for it. Beyond the sun-drenched picturesque grounds and birdsong, we glimpsed coats off pegs, stray books and water bottles, weeds in borders and chipped paintwork along the narrow corridors. Much like any loving family home. Many schools promote a family ethos, but…

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What the school says...

Barfield is a traditional prep school in Farnham set in 12 acres of woodland and green fields. Nursery children lead a healthy and happy life learning about "readiness for school". They start the beginnings of reading and writing in the nursery whilst still being able to 'play to learn' outside; in the woods, school garden, forest school, chicken coop and cook house.

Academic rigour is of high importance throughout and academic standards are expected and attained by our pupils. Children are guided through the process of 11+ and CE in detail and staff offer consultations on what school would be suitable for your child and where appropriate, scholarships that may be attained.

Sport is very important with competitive matches being played against other schools in netball, rugby, hockey, football, swimming. Our indoor swimming pool enables the children to swim all year round and their standard of swimming is high as a result.

The Arts are strong at Barfield with enjoyable termly drama performances and wonderful musical concerts featuring choral music, rock groups, soloists and orchestral pieces.
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What The Good Schools Guide says

Headmaster

Since November 2019, Andy Boyle. Ex semi-professional rugby player from Yorkshire and according to parents, ‘thoroughly nice chap’. Fell into teaching after his rugby career was cut short through injury. A graduate placement at his own former school, Ashville College, Harrogate, led to his first teaching position there. Next Chandlings, Oxford, where he deftly took up the deputy head post at just 27 years old and stayed for 12 years. Attracted to Barfield because it matched his ethos and values. It also offered an exciting new challenge. His brief is to take the school through a complete rebrand as it shifts from a 13+ to an 11+. ‘This is a really lovely school,’ he told us. ‘We just need more people to know that. We are not a “shout the loudest” school but we...

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Special Education Needs

The school has a newly built Learning Support suite manned by three staff; two part time and one full time. The children are withdrawn from class for one to one or group lessons, depending on need.

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