Amesbury School
Hazel Grove, Hindhead, GU26 6BL
Pupils
338
Ages
2 - 13
Gender
Co-educational
Type
Primary
Head Teacher
Mr Gavin Franklin
Boarding / Day
Day and Weekly/Flexible Boarding
Fees
£1,450 to £6,175
ISC Associations
IAPS, AGBIS, ISBA
Religion
All Faiths
Bursaries
Available
About Amesbury School
Amesbury School, located in Hindhead, offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity, providing a well-rounded education for children aged nine months to 13 years. Entry into the school from pre-nursery to Year 4 is straightforward, requiring only registration and a visit, with no formal assessments. However, the headteacher emphasises that the school is selective to some extent, ensuring that it maintains a conducive learning environment. From Year 5 onwards, the entry process becomes more formal, with Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT) scores being considered. The school operates a two-form entry system, with up to 18 pupils per class, and there are no waiting lists.
The school prides itself on its diverse range of senior school destinations, with pupils moving on to prestigious institutions such as Bryanston, Charterhouse, Churcher’s College, Cranleigh, and RGS Guildford. In 2023, the school celebrated the achievement of 25 scholarships. The headteacher’s strong relationships with senior school heads play a crucial role in these successful transitions. However, retention at Year 6, particularly for girls, is a concern, with plans in place to address this through initiatives like a ‘retention day’ to reassure parents.
During a visit to the school, the atmosphere was lively and spirited, despite the adverse weather. Pupils were seen enthusiastically engaging in outdoor activities, embodying the school’s ethos of allowing children to be themselves. The absence of ties and blazers is a testament to the school’s relaxed and inclusive environment, with the uniform currently under review to further promote gender equality.
Founded in 1870, the school boasts a rich history, with a blue plaque commemorating Field Marshall Montgomery’s use of the main building as his Rear HQ during World War II. The main house, a Grade 2 listed building designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, features wide corridors, low windows, and an environment that prioritises children’s needs. The school’s facilities include a small chapel, a large sports hall, a dance studio, a wellness and learning support hub, a new library, a pig farm, and a modern art block.
Amesbury is one of only 52 Microsoft Digital Showcase Schools in the country, integrating technology throughout the curriculum. Pupils in Year 5 and above receive their own laptops, and homework is managed online, enhancing the continuity of learning. Despite this technological focus, traditional resources like books remain valued.
Parents describe the school as ’rounded and unpressured,’ yet academically rigorous. The school was one of the first to adopt the Prep School Baccalaureate framework, with setting in English and Maths from Year 4 and specialist teachers from Year 5. French is taught from nursery, with Spanish introduced in Years 7 and 8. The science labs are well-equipped, and Geography is a favourite subject among pupils, thanks to an inspirational department head.
The sports department is undergoing innovation, with strong performances in netball, cricket, and rugby. The school also excels in tchoukball, with several pupils representing at the national level. The performing arts department is equally vibrant, with dance being a natural part of school life. Drama is led by a passionate and long-serving teacher, with all lessons geared towards performances. The biennial arts festival is a highlight, featuring performances from West End shows and local senior schools.
The music department is bustling, with numerous choirs and around 180 children taking individual lessons. Extra-curricular activities are varied, with clubs like jewellery making, Mandarin, and gardening making a slow return post-pandemic.
Pupils are confident and at ease with adults, displaying a sense of mutual respect and decency. Discipline is fair and measured, with a focus on addressing underlying issues when necessary. The school’s psychologist, Dr Smiley, plays a key role in supporting pupils with learning needs, alongside a small team of specialists.
Pastoral support is integral to the school’s ethos, with a school nurse providing more than just medical care. The atmosphere is one of straightforward decency, with values jointly agreed upon by pupils and teachers.
Parents are typically local, dual-income families who value the school’s balanced approach. The community is close-knit, with regular social gatherings and lifelong friendships formed.
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ISI Review
Amesbury School is a co-educational independent day and boarding school located in Hindhead, Surrey, catering for pupils aged between two and thirteen years. Established in 1870, the school has a rich history and moved to its current site in 1917. It offers occasional boarding experiences for pupils in Years 6 to 8, providing a nurturing environment that fosters emotional resilience and independent learning. The school is governed by a board of governors who also serve as company directors and trustees of the registered charity.
The school is divided into three sections: the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) for Pre-Nursery, Nursery, and Reception; the pre-preparatory section for Years 1 and 2; and the preparatory section for Years 3 to 8. The boarding facilities are integrated within the main school building, ensuring a cohesive community for all pupils. Since the last inspection, significant improvements have been made, including the restructuring of leadership and management, the addition of new facilities, and the reorganization of outdoor areas for pupil use.
Amesbury School aims to equip every child with the skills, aptitudes, and abilities necessary to become emotionally resilient and independent learners. The school fosters a caring community that promotes commitment, courtesy, cooperation, tolerance, and compassion, while also nurturing strong partnerships between home and school. The pupil body is diverse, primarily consisting of white British families from a 15-mile radius. The school has identified a number of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), ensuring they receive tailored support to thrive academically and socially.
The regulatory compliance inspection conducted by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) confirmed that Amesbury School meets all standards set forth in the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 and the National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools. The inspection assessed various aspects of the school, including the quality of education, spiritual and moral development, welfare and safety, staff suitability, premises, information provision, complaints handling, and leadership quality. The findings indicated that the school excels in providing a safe and supportive environment for its pupils.
The educational quality inspection highlighted the excellent academic achievements of pupils across all abilities. Pupils demonstrate strong communication skills, analytical thinking, and a positive attitude towards learning. The curriculum is well-structured, allowing pupils to make significant progress and develop a love for learning. The school does not participate in national curriculum tests, but internal assessments indicate that pupils perform well above national age-related expectations. The EYFS pupils consistently achieve expected levels, with many exceeding them by the end of their time in the setting.
Pupils are encouraged to engage in problem-solving activities and demonstrate high levels of analytical skills. They exhibit a strong understanding of various subjects, including geography, science, and mathematics, and apply their knowledge effectively in practical situations. The school provides ample opportunities for extracurricular involvement, allowing pupils to excel in sports, music, and the performing arts. The extensive range of activities contributes significantly to their personal development and overall educational experience.
The personal development of pupils at Amesbury School is equally impressive. They exhibit high levels of confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of moral awareness. The school promotes a culture of kindness and respect, encouraging pupils to take responsibility for their actions and support one another. The pastoral care system is robust, ensuring that every pupil feels valued and supported in their personal growth.
Pupils develop strong social skills and a sense of community, actively participating in school life and contributing to the well-being of their peers. They engage in charity work, demonstrating empathy and a commitment to helping those less fortunate. The school fosters an environment where pupils can express their thoughts and ideas, promoting a culture of open communication and collaboration.
In summary, Amesbury School provides a nurturing and stimulating environment that promotes academic excellence and personal development. The school's commitment to fostering emotional resilience, independence, and a strong sense of community ensures that pupils are well-prepared for their future endeavors. The positive outcomes observed in both academic and personal development reflect the effectiveness of the school's leadership, teaching quality, and supportive atmosphere. The school continues to strive for excellence, ensuring that every pupil has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.
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Last Updated: 8 October 2024