Cobham Hall

Since 2020, Wendy Barrett. Previously deputy headmistress for three years, having originally worked her way up from part-time maths teacher when her daughter was a tot. A local lass, she attended a Kent grammar followed by Royal Holloway College to

Main entry points are years 7, 10 and 12, with a recent growth in students joining in years 8 and 9. Mid-year entries common. Entrance via CAT4 test and interview. For EAL students, there’s also an English test and interview with the head of EAL.

Around a third to a half leave after GCSEs (‘I wish it was less,’ admits head), mainly to local grammars and sixth form colleges. Kent, Cardiff and London universities most popular. Sometimes the odd student to Oxbridge. Courses are wide-ranging –

In 2025, 30 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 11 per cent A*/A at A level (43 per cent A*-B).

New curriculum focuses on real-world skills and character development. Very Round Square. The new Personal Discovery Framework Lessons is the phrase on everyone’s lips. Or it would be if it wasn’t such a clunky title. But it’s exciting stuff

About a fifth of students need some sort of learning support, and the school is CReSTeD registered. The emphasis is on inclusivity, so many will get the support they need in class, while others get one-to-ones (chargeable) to develop strategies.

Must be the first time we’ve heard a school compared to a pick ’n’ mix shop: ‘They go in wanting to be this or that but get to try so much that they come out with other ideas about which are their favourites,’ explained a parent.

New dynamic head

Historically sport has not been a priority here, but parents say ‘it’s improved massively’. School supports many elite young sportspeople, with coaches brought in to support eg artistic swimmers (in the school pool), while others head off site for

About a quarter of students board, mostly full with a few weekly and flexi boarders – school is very accommodating but likes 24 hours’ notice unless there is an emergency, and charges accordingly. Two boarding houses: Bligh accommodates lower school

The Round Square philosophy, ‘there is more to you than you think’ and ‘education through experience’, underpins everything the school does. Students are given a lot of autonomy and are trained and expected to take part in the running of the school.

About 30 per cent of pupils are foreign nationals, rising to about 40 per cent in the sixth form. They come from all over – Asia, continental and Eastern Europe, Australia, America, South Africa etc. No one nationality dominates - ‘girls really do

Scholarships in art, drama, music and sport throughout, plus a general scholarship available in years 7-11 and in a specific subject in sixth form. Fee remittance of 20 per cent. Means-tested bursaries for up to 100 per cent of fees.

A small, truly international school which turns out compassionate, confident and worldly-wise global citizens. ‘My decision was made two seconds up the drive – we had a scholarship offer from another school, but had this instant feeling about