Felsted School

Guided by the motto 'Garde Ta Foy' (Keep Your Faith), the school emphasizes a broad, inclusive, and considered education that balances modern teaching methods with its 460-year history. It focuses on developing personal attributes such as resilience, integrity, and self-belief, encouraging pupils to become self-starting, entrepreneurial, and independent individuals who can apply their knowledge in real-world situations.

The school offers a continuous educational journey from Pre-Reception through to the Sixth Form. The curriculum follows the Early Years Foundation Stage and National Curriculum stages, leading to GCSEs in Years 10 and 11. In the Sixth Form, students can choose between A Level or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. The school also maintains a global focus as a member of the Round Square organization.

The school prepares students for a variety of future pathways, including places at UK and overseas universities, apprenticeships, and direct entry into the workforce. A dedicated professional guidance department supports students in their next steps, and the school aims for every pupil to leave with a sense of responsibility and the skills to make a positive contribution to society.

The school provides a network of support for pupil wellbeing, including a medical centre and a purpose-built wellbeing centre for reflection and advice. Support is available from house parents, tutors, teachers, matrons, chaplains, and peer counsellors. Additionally, the school offers English as an Additional Language (EAL) support and specific learning support for pupils with additional needs.

Felsted accepts applications for pupils aged three to 18, with main entry points at ages 3 (Pre-Reception), 4 (Reception), 7 (Year 3), 11 (Year 7), 13 (Year 9), and 16 (Year 12). The admissions process typically involves a visit, registration, and assessment, which may include 'Stay and Play' sessions for younger children or adaptive online testing (Maths, English, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning) and interviews for older applicants. Early application is recommended due to high demand, though late applications are considered if places are available.

The school operates on a three-term academic year: Autumn, Spring, and Summer. Each term includes scheduled exeat weekends and a half-term break. The academic year typically runs from early September to early July, with specific return dates for boarders and day pupils.

The 90-acre countryside campus features a mix of historic and contemporary buildings, including dedicated boarding houses, a school chapel, and a Sixth Form Centre inspired by New York apartment styles. Sports facilities include an indoor sports hall, swimming pool, gym, squash, netball, and tennis courts, and extensive playing fields. Creative arts facilities include a professional-standard auditorium, theatre, and art studio, alongside a state-of-the-art Music School.

The school offers a wide range of co-curricular activities, including sports (such as tennis, hockey, and squash), performing arts (drama, music, and dance), and clubs like the Model United Nations (MUN). Specialist activities such as horse riding, martial arts, and golf are also available. The programme is designed to foster personal attributes like resilience, leadership, and teamwork, with many activities integrated into the school day.