Ages 
Frensham Heights is a fiercely creative and forward-thinking school, but it’s the teacher-pupil relationships that have the power to add value. It’s not going to be right for everyone, but parents who put their faith in the slower-burn, progressive approach say there’s a magic that happens here, and they can’t recommend it enough.
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Unlike other websites, schools can't pay to be included in The Good Schools Guide. This means our review of this school is independent, critical and fair, and written with parents' best interests at heart.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 510 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 90 ·
- Offers boarding
- Yes ·
- Religion
- None
- Fees
- Day £10,710 - £30,312; Boarding £33,966 - £47,304 pa
- Local authority
- Surrey County Council
- Area guides
Headteacher
Head
Ben McCarey
Since 2024, Ben McCarey. New to this headship, he already looks at home. Maybe it’s the laid-back vibe of his yellow trousers, blue shirt and trainers that gives us that impression, or the springer spaniel curled up in his office. To work here, ‘you
Entrance
Multiple points of entry starting at nursery. Big intakes in year 4, 7 and 9 as well as sixth form. For nursery and reception, a short, informal visit. Years 1-6 involves a trial day, school references and reports. Year 7 applicants sit short tests
- Open days
- October and September
Exit
Around 50 per cent stay on for Frensham’s own increasingly popular sixth form. Those who leave go to local FE Colleges, Godalming and Farnborough. University destinations are one third Russell Group. In recent years Bristol, Exeter, York, King’s
Latest results
In 2024, 53 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 48 per cent A*/A at A level (75 per cent A*-B).
A level - Average points score (2024)
What is this?
These figures tell you the average grade and average points that pupils achieved in their academic qualifications. A maximum of 60 points are available for a grade A* at A level.
Teaching & learning
Our visit began in the Aldridge theatre (professionally managed), where a junior school assembly on neurodiversity was taking place. ‘If we were all the same it wouldn’t be any fun,’ said one child during the Q&A, ‘we might get muddled up,’ said
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- EPQ
- GCSE
Learning support & SEN
School says they’ll support ‘mild level needs’, including those with an EHCP, if all parties are satisfied they can meet need. We’d say strong pupil-teacher relationships, varied approaches to learning and whole school approach built on understanding
Arts & extracurricular
Nearing the art block, a sculpture appears out of the morning mist. It’s ‘Acorn Man’, by former student and now RWA Academician, Anna Gillespie. In fact, the exceptional work of art students is exhibited everywhere. Creativity positively crackles,
Sport
There’s a rumour that sport’s not great, but ‘We do do sport and we're competitive on the circuit,’ counters their director of sports. Girls’ football made the semi-finals of the ISFA under 15s trophy.
‘We don't force people onto teams; where
Boarders
Increased interest in boarding, including from overseas. Hamilton house (years 7-9) has a large, sunny common room, welcoming kitchen and garden views. Around 30 children in 16 rooms with four or fewer to a room. Currently, most are weekly or
Ethos & heritage
A progressive school since its founding in 1925, pupils wear their own clothes and are on first name terms with teachers. It feels like a small university campus; a maturity that fits neatly with founding principles of giving young people agency.
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
Tolerance and individuality reign here, so it’s hard to see how anyone wouldn’t fit in. ‘You can be whatever you want,’ said one student. ‘Everyone's important.’ But there’s a degree of independence expected of students. It might not work for those
Mobile phone policy
A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.
Mobile phone policy
Provided by the school and not part of our review Students up to, and including, year 11 are not allowed access to their phones during the school day. Sixth form students can access their phones while in school and are encouraged to model good behaviour and limit this to use in and around the sixth form centre. Up to year 11, boarders have access for a limited time to their phones in the evening before they are handed in for the night. All students should bring a laptop to school every day to access lessons where technology is required.
Pupils & parents
Parents can get involved ‘as much or as little as [they] want’. Each year group has a parent voice (liaison) rep, and everyone’s encouraged to ‘bring their skills’ for interview days or as guests on the school podcast. Events include a regular ‘grill
Money matters
Fees in line with other local, independent providers. Under the banner of ‘ambition and enrichment’, scholarships awarded at the end of the first term in years 7 and 9 are honorary (not monetary) and carry an expectation of participation. Limited
- Fee information
- Day £10,710 - £30,312; Boarding £33,966 - £47,304 pa
The last word
Frensham Heights is a fiercely creative and forward-thinking school, but it’s the teacher-pupil relationships that have the power to add value. It’s not going to be right for everyone, but parents who put their faith in the slower-burn, progressive
