Located at the heart of Faringdon, St Hugh’s School is a distinguished co-educational institution with a rich history dating back to 1906. The school, which moved to its current site at Carswell Manor in 1945, is set within an impressive 45-acre estate. This historic Jacobean manor house, once home to the Niven family and the birthplace of actor David Niven, provides a picturesque backdrop for a nurturing educational environment.
The school caters to children aged three to 13, offering both day and weekly/flexible boarding options. Its Church of England affiliation underpins a strong moral framework, while the school remains inclusive of all faiths. Under the leadership of David Griffiths since September 2023, St Hugh’s has continued to thrive. Griffiths brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles at Old Buckenham Hall and Daneshill School, as well as his academic background in history from Cardiff University.
St Hugh’s is non-selective, yet it maintains high academic standards, preparing pupils for scholarship and common entrance examinations to senior independent schools. The school’s commitment to academic excellence is evident in its impressive track record of pupils progressing to prestigious institutions such as St Edward’s School, Stowe, and Cheltenham College. In 2024 alone, twelve scholarships were awarded to its students.
The school’s educational philosophy extends beyond academics, emphasising personal development and wellbeing. The Cottage Nursery serves as the first step on this journey, offering a stimulating environment for young learners. As children progress through pre-prep and into middle school, they benefit from small class sizes and cross-curricular teaching that fosters creativity and critical thinking.
Years 3 and 4 focus on foundational subjects like Maths and English, with specialist teaching introduced in Year 5. Latin becomes part of the curriculum at this stage, reflecting the school’s dedication to providing a broad education. The Head of Learning Support ensures that any learning challenges are identified early on, with tailored support available at no extra cost.
St Hugh’s places a strong emphasis on outdoor activities and sports. With facilities that include a forest school, adventure playground, gymnasium, and swimming pool, pupils are encouraged to stay active regardless of their sporting ability. The school’s equestrian team is particularly noteworthy, with many students competing at county and national levels.
Music and performing arts are integral parts of life at St Hugh’s. Approximately 80% of pupils play a musical instrument, participating in various choirs and orchestras. Drama and debating are also key components of the curriculum, helping to build confidence and communication skills.
Boarding at St Hugh’s offers a home-from-home experience in recently refurbished dormitories within the manor house. Flexible options allow families to choose what suits them best, with Friday night boarding proving especially popular among Year 8 students preparing for full boarding at senior schools.
The school’s commitment to inclusivity extends to its financial policies. Meals, trips (excluding optional Barbados sports tours), and SEN support are included in the fees. Means-tested bursaries ensure that financial constraints do not hinder access to this exceptional education.
St Hugh’s School operates from a foundation of professionalism and quiet confidence. It guides pupils through their formative years with care and expertise, resulting in happy, energetic children ready for their next adventure. To receive updates about this school including exam results, senior staff changes and open days please bookmark it using the button at the end of this review.
