Ditcham Park School

Since 2017, Graham Spawforth MEd MA PGCE. Educated at Wellington College, where his father was housemaster and languages teacher. Studied history and ‘played a lot of rugby’ (vice-captain of university team) at University of Edinburgh. Served as an

On-site (standalone) nursery, Ditcham Dragonflies, for 30 children aged 6 months to 4 years. Around 10 move on to reception. Pupils wishing to take up remaining places invited to ‘stay and play’ sessions – ‘enough to know whether children can cope’,

Twenty per cent left at the end of year 6 in 2025, but no-one did in 2024 and only eight per cent in 2023. Those that do go then usually head to the strong local state schools, eg Bohunt in Liphook and The Petersfield School. With no sixth form, all

In 2025, 36 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 77 per cent 9-5 in both English and maths.

Originally set up as an antidote to the widespread comprehensive system of the 1970s, the ‘one size doesn’t fit all’ ethos prevails today and is the main reason parents choose the school. ‘They tap into each child’s strengths,’ a parent said. ‘I have

They do an ‘amazing job with SEN pupils’, say parents. SENCo pointed out that pupils who made the most progress in recent GCSE results had SEN. ‘They totally get my child and how she works,’ said a parent, while another praised the ‘rocketing

Fabulous art and DT building includes large workshop boasting a range of tools and machinery including laser cutters and six 3D printers. Year 10 pupils were heat pressing Día de los Muertos designs onto cushions when we wandered through. In the

In early years, it’s about ‘sport for all’ and every child has a go at the main sports from year 3. Standard offer of rugby and football for boys; netball and hockey for girls. Cricket, athletics and cross-country for both. Tennis in the juniors;

Pastoral care is a real strength and a reason many parents choose the school. ‘We were looking for somewhere small, nurturing and supportive – that’s Ditcham to a T,’ said one. ‘They really support children to be happy’ and ‘get on issues quickly’,

‘We develop children who have good social skills and converse confidently with adults,’ said deputy head. We wholeheartedly agree. Pupils we met were an utter delight – very chatty and self-assured – and the year 8 scholars were an inspiring bunch,

Academic and music scholarships available for entry into years 4, 7 and 9. Sport, art and drama awards also offered at 11+ and 13+. Some means-tested bursaries available. Annual fully-funded 11+ place offered to eligible state school pupil. Five to

A small, nurturing, all-through school in a stunning hilltop location that genuinely stands by its motto that ‘every child is known and valued’. Parents say that teachers are the ‘lifeblood of the school’ who get the best out of a ‘wide range of