Felsted School

Since 2015, Mr Chris Townsend BA (Oxon). Previously five years here as deputy head. Played first-class cricket for Oxford University (where he read classics). Joined his old school, Dean Close, as head of cricket and quickly became a housemaster

Most pupils join in year 9 and year 12, families looking locally and towards NE London and considering state schools, some fiercely selective, as well as other independents. Candidates must be able to access the curriculum and ‘show some level of

Lose around 14 per cent of pupils at the end of year 11. In 2024, about 40 per cent of sixth form leavers to Russell Group universities, 10 to European universities, one to the US (Mount St Mary’s) and 11 to apprenticeships or employment (Mr Townsend

In 2024, 38 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 32 per cent A*/A at A level (including EPQ grades), 63 per cent A*/B. IB average score 34.5.

Good support for different personalities – squashy sofa with quality upholstery rather than rigid office chair. Plenty of schools will tell you that they’ll get the best from your child, say parents, but Felsted ‘looks out for kids’, ‘tries to

School wants neurodiversity to be talked about so ‘you force students to confront their possible prejudice,’ says Mr Townsend. ‘Education has been poor at this, now we’re having to make a dramatic shift.’ Prep and senior school SENCos much praised.

Arts ‘phenomenal’ say parents and pupils. Amply demonstrated in the accomplished artworks, dotted around the school – one of two figures, one clothed, one naked, stand in uneasy juxtaposition.

As with sport, inclusive multi-cast productions

Core sports are hockey, cricket and tennis (all co-ed), netball (girls) and rugby (boys), with some elite players getting additional training and coaching. Even rugby boots enjoy a bit of pampering courtesy of dedicated low-level sink in boys’

Just about every day pupil we spoke to would switch to boarding in a heartbeat. So appealing, with long days, enticing evening activities and tangible sense of camaraderie that pupils prefer to celebrate their birthdays here rather than at home. ‘If

School has adopted Paul Dix approach to behaviour management, big on understanding, low on sanctions. Teachers broadly on board, parents ditto – as long as they can see that repeat offenders don’t get away with it. School can usually distinguish

While there’s a fair amount of money around, our previous review highlighted just how down-to-earth children are. This still holds true, mostly (occasional exceptions ‘think they are special’, reckoned a local). Both parents working full time to pay

Scholarships can be topped up with bursaries (up to 100 per cent). Most offered years 7, 9 and 12. Identify children with the greatest need who will also derive the most benefit. Will try to keep this going following imposition of VAT, but ‘I

Rural, yes. Backwater, no. Forward-thinking, internationally minded, pupil-shaped education that includes a whole-hearted commitment to neurodiversity and wellbeing as well as solid academics and top-quality sport. Brilliance of boarding puts day