“With a veritable armada of enthusiastic teachers, an ambitious and likeable Head and a long-term vision underpinned by the link with Charterhouse, this popular Home Counties prep is a robust and attractive allround choice for parents – and for pupils, it’s quite simply a lovely little place to grow up.”
“Edgeborough is an inclusive, unpretentious school that produces well-rounded, thoughtful, interested young people in idyllic surroundings to boot.”
There has never been a more exciting time to join Edgeborough with abundant opportunities for all pupils to be part of their school community in meaningful ways. Our determination to protect childhood happily coexists with our ambition for pupils to all learn and grow academically, socially and emotionally.
The heart of our school is built on kindness and respect towards others, ourselves and the world around us. Our pupils leave feeling ready for the world that awaits them, ready for the senior schools, but more importantly than that, ready for a successful life beyond education. There is a legacy to their time with us which helps to form the cornerstone to a happy and successful future.
Our formal partnership with Charterhouse provides enhanced opportunities for our pupils, alongside access to further enriching academic provision and leading resources. Charterhouse is an onward journey for many of our pupils, but it is just one pathway; we have a strong record of preparing our children for many leading senior schools. We hope that you enjoy exploring Edgeborough and encourage you to visit to experience what truly sets us apart.
EDGEBOROUGH IS A CO-EDUCATIONAL SCHOOL THAT PRIDES ITSELF ON ITS INCLUSIVE APPROACH, PROVIDING A COMPREHENSIVE AND STIMULATING EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE FOR CHILDREN AGED 2-13.
Our pupils demonstrate a keen interest in the world, actively engage in their learning and take pride in their school community. They benefit from a diverse range of opportunities to explore their interests and capabilities, guided by dedicated subject specialist teachers, committed to delivering a tailored and enriching curriculum.
Academic excellence is a priority at Edgeborough but it is just one facet of the learning experience we offer our pupils. Music, Art, Drama and Sports seamlessly complement our extensive extracurricular activities. These components harmonise to cultivate an environment that nurtures pupils’ ambitions and aspirations, fostering a journey that ignites inspiration and drive in each individual.
• Show perseverance
• Embrace challenge
• Be ambitious
RESPONSIBILITY
• Be honest and fair
• Respect individuality
• Show moral courage
KINDNESS
• Be kind to others
• Be kind to our world
• Be kind to ourselves
“I have learnt and understood so much more than I ever imagined because the teachers here are all supportive and kind and are always there for me, so I feel like it is a great learning environment for me.”
PREP SCHOOL PUPIL
WE CREATE AN EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENT THAT PLACES EQUAL EMPHASIS ON NURTURING SKILLS AND THEIR APPLICATION, ALONGSIDE THE ACQUISITION OF KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING.
We provide pupils with a broad, balanced, and enriching curriculum which is relevant to their experience and builds on their previous knowledge. It is delivered by experienced, innovative teachers which allows pupils an educational pathway that grows with them and evolves at their pace; where teachers’ insights into pupils’ strengths and ways of learning allow for content delivery to become bespoke to each learner, leading to remarkable personal triumphs and academic success.
Within our curriculum we offer the core subjects of English, Mathematics and Science, plus more traditional subjects such as Latin and Classics plus future ready subjects including Design and Technology and Computer Science to name a few.
Pupils we identify as demonstrating prominent levels of engagement with all aspects of the curriculum, as well as being inquisitive, quick thinking and able to think creatively, are invited to join the Academic Future Scholars Programme. Our future scholars benefit from additional tailored enrichment activities and will be working at an accelerated pace in many aspects of their work; they are expected to persevere when setbacks occur whilst demonstrating a sharp, enquiring mind supported by a genuine love of learning.
Pupils are assessed using a variety of methods, including examinations, presentations, practical tasks, class work and preparation work (prep). Year 8 pupils sit the 13+ Common Entrance Assessments and finish their final year at Edgeborough on a Leadership Course, focusing on crucial skills that will assist them in their next steps after Edgeborough, including leadership, collaboration, thinking and learning and independence. The educational journey enables pupils to progress to their chosen Senior Schools, with many securing prestigious scholarship awards.
“I think the environment Edgeborough creates through the dedication and care of all the staff is exceptional”
PARENT ACADEMIC FEEDBACK QUESTIONNAIRE
The Pre-Senior Baccalaureate is a framework that has, at its heart, the development of the values, skills, attitudes and behaviours required for children to succeed and flourish in an ever-changing world. It is designed to build self-awareness and selfesteem, alongside the acquisition of knowledge and skills. Children are encouraged, recognised and celebrated in their achievements, with a particular focus on the core skills of independence, collaboration, communication, leadership, reviewing and improving and thinking and learning.
Pupils from Year 1 onwards benefit from the opportunities offered from enquiry-based learning. This model nurtures interests, fosters curiosity and develops transferable skills that strengthen initiative and autonomy. In this pupil-centred approach, teachers act as facilitators, guiding and supporting pupils, while respecting their autonomy. Learners can explore content that intrigues them and formulate their own questions, rather than following a rigid curriculum outline. This leads to a more independent and self-directed approach to education, fostering learners who can adapt and learn in various situations. It also presents the opportunity to assess a wide range of skills and outcomes beyond traditional assessments. It is refreshing to see pupils develop and showcase skills that go beyond content knowledge.
We believe that pupils learn more outside the narrow confines of a traditional classroom and our curriculum reflects a broader, more inclusive worldview. Learning goals focus on a combination of knowledge, skills and attitudes that are needed for global citizenship in a complex society, giving pupils opportunities to thrive outside the classroom, to question, to make mistakes, to delve deeper into topics, and to value all subjects equally. This allows for true growth as well as a realisation that every individual has talent, which is truly something to be celebrated.
ACROSS THE EARLY YEARS, WE UPHOLD AN ETHOS THAT THE MAGIC OF CHILDHOOD IS ONE TO BE EMBRACED, PROTECTED AND CHERISHED.
It is in our Nursery that your child’s Edgeborough journey takes flight. Our youngest children join our happy Early Years family and become part of an enriching and caring community. The Nursery building and homely Pre-School, are situated in beautiful grounds, with a large woodland play area and garden.
Key developmental areas are central with the child respected as a learner and cared for as an individual. Together, in a partnership with parents, our youngest children flourish in an environment that radiates warmth and fun and which meets every aptitude and interest.
When a child progresses to our Pre-School it brings new opportunities, subjects and learning challenges. Nurturing and building independence is a key aspiration of the Pre-School years with children given the autonomy and trust to take on purposeful learning activities that build confidence and community.
The journey to Reception is seamless. The curriculum maintains its steady progress and keeps its commitment of centring the child in the provision. In a gradual layering of structure into the day, the Reception timetable gives a greater emphasis towards early literacy and numeracy whilst upholding the importance of play.
“Nursery and Pre-Prep are ‘where the magic happens’, say parents. Every class we visited was lively and chatty and still buzzing from their delightful nativity performance”
INDEPENDENT LEARNING GATHERS PACE IN PRE-PREP WITH PUPILS HAVING REACHED A DEVELOPMENTAL PLATFORM FROM WHICH THEY CAN EMBRACE ACADEMIC CHALLENGE WITH AMBITION.
Focus is placed on the skills needed to succeed as a lifelong learner through a bespoke enquiry-led curriculum. With pupils in the driving seat of lesson content, the journey that each respective class takes is reliably varied and interest-based.
“I just can’t believe we
are learning, it just feels like fun, so much fun… We have a question and we answer it, we call them wonders for our “Wonder Wall” and we find out the answers by asking experts, going to the Science lab, using iPads, experimenting, and trips.”
RECEPTION PUPIL
Effective enquiry begins with a secure understanding of literacy and numeracy with AnimaPhonics used as the learning tool to support reading alongside the frequent reading programme. This promotes reading for pleasure and facilitates the techniques required of accomplished story writing. Building pupils’ confidence in foundation number-sense through practical Mathematics and purposeful activities makes concepts and language accessible, relevant and connected.
With our small class sizes opportunities abound for Pre-Prep pupils, with lessons in French, Music, Games and Cookery supplemented by an expansive activity schedule which never stops evolving.
“Judo is the best!”
“Chess Club is really fun; we play matches and championships. Sometimes with hot chocolate.”
“In Street Dance we do cool dude moves, like boogie in the middle and the robot dance.”
Our Outdoor Woodland Learning (OWL) classroom is a favourite with pupils, led by our qualified Forest School practitioner, following the Forest School Principles. Pupils enjoy regular sessions each term which allows for observation, adaptation, and review of pupils’ learning, with a continuous focus on how the outside environment supports the development of pupils’ lifelong relationship with the natural environment. Pupils are supported to take risks appropriate to the environment and themselves, such as stick whittling and fire lighting, with the skills gained outdoors complementing and enhancing the skills needed for classroom-based learning.
“Praised by parents for its incredible Outdoor Woodland Learning (OWL) programme.
Once a week pupils head into the forest to toast marshmallows, climb trees, build dens and get as dirty as they like.”
GOOD SCHOOLS GUIDE 2023
“Our son joined Edgeborough in Year 7. Coming from a Primary School we were looking for a school for two years as he had secured a senior school in Year 9. From the initial open day, we were so impressed firstly by the Edgeborough welcome but also by the seamless and thorough admissions process. The transition has been very smooth and he has settled incredibly quickly. The teachers have been very kind and supportive as some subjects were new to him. We are all so happy with our decision and we know this will be two very happy and fulfilling years!”
PREP SCHOOL IS ABOUT OUR LEARNERS EXPANDING THEIR HORIZONS, TO TACKLE NEW CHALLENGES WITH HEIGHTENED ACADEMIC RIGOUR AND EMBRACE EXCITING, NEW OPPORTUNITIES IN THE ARTS, SPORT AND AN EXTENSIVE LIST OF EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVTIES.
We ensure that tailored attention gives the right balance of support and challenge, which builds confidence and maximises potential.
The broad-based curriculum continues to follow enquiry-based learning. Class sizes are small, ensuring each pupil is receiving all they need to successfully access the curriculum. Pupils are taught to take responsibility for their learning and are encouraged to share their thoughts and ideas. Dedicated teachers inspire, excite and challenge pupils which enables them to become curious, independent and collaborative learners. Pupils are encouraged to take part in as many new opportunities as possible in sports, the arts and academic challenges. Continuous assessment throughout the year helps keep track of their learning.
Year 5 begins the journey towards the ISEB (Common Entrance) pre-test with lessons in verbal and non-verbal reasoning and Oracy introduced into the curriculum.
From Year 6, each pupil combines digital learning with more traditional methods. Specialist teaching continues, along with the introduction of formal Latin lessons. There is also opportunity to develop their Senior School interview techniques and confidence by working with external company Oppidan.
Senior Prep pupils, Years 7 and 8, enjoy additional leadership responsibilities such as prefects, Head of House, Open Day tours, Head of Sports as well as training for pastoral roles such as working with the younger years. Pupils are stretched with progressive research project work that develop independent learning and research, with a dedicated mentor.
PUPILS CAN BOARD FROM YEAR 4 ONWARDS, WITH PUPILS ATTENDING A BOARDING EXPERIENCE OR HAVING A TASTER NIGHT BEFORE BOARDING REGULARLY.
The Boarding House has a family feel, where children learn to share their living space and experiences with other pupils. Evenings in boarding are filled with an exciting range of activities, with time given for relaxing with friends.
Boarders join us because they want to board and to prepare for their Senior School, meaning that the atmosphere is happy and energetic. Boarding offers many opportunities which complement the school day and supports pupils’ growth in all aspects of their school life.
Positive mental health and pupil wellbeing is at the core of everything Edgeborough does and is at the forefront of our community. Pupils can only thrive and succeed if they feel secure, safe and supported.
We are proud to know our pupils extremely well and through this understanding we build bespoke pastoral support around each child and empower them to look after themselves with a ‘toolkit’ of strategies and knowledge.
Through a variety of pupil-led groups such as Schools Council, onus is placed on the children to shape their environment and effect positive change within their community. This, together with the support of workshops from our School Counsellor and weekly PSHE lessons, provides a proactive and reactive approach to wellbeing, enabling pupils to support and be kind to themselves and each other.
From weeding at the local Community Farm to performing their own poetry on a care home visit, pupils learn from an early age that caring for our wider community is a valuable duty which they take seriously.
Developing our partnership ties with local state primary schools has become paramount to our values and ethos and has led to a creation of events that run throughout the academic year. These include Design and Technology and Drama workshops, swimming lessons delivered by our PE staff, a Community Football Festival, as well as parent workshops and staff training days.
We also attend and support a number of local events such as the Frensham Fayre and Farnham Duck Race, which allow us to enjoy our community alongside our parents and pupils.
THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT AT EDGEBOROUGH PRIDES ITSELF ON BEING INCLUSIVE. ALL PUPILS FROM PRE-SCHOOL UPWARDS HAVE SPECIALIST CLASS TUITION.
From Year 2 pupils are given the opportunity to learn the violin and recorder in small groups. Pupils can also take individual lessons on a variety of instruments and in any given week there are in excess of 200 individual lessons taking place.
The music for all approach feeds the many ensembles on offer. There are six choirs throughout the school and all children are encouraged to experience singing together. Concerts, both in school and in the wider community, are frequent and well supported, giving pupils the opportunity to perform at regular intervals. Whilst music is open and available to all, we also have a proven track record of developing high quality musicians who go on to achieve music awards at Senior Schools.
“Parents enthuse about the inclusive music programme and dynamic Head of Music.”
GOOD SCHOOLS GUIDE
“I must say that I have never seen my daughter this happy at school! So thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving her the supportive, nurturing, happy and safe place to settle in and grow.”
YEAR 8 PARENT
By fostering confidence, self-esteem and teamwork abilities, drama sets a strong foundation for both academic and social success. The collaborative and imaginative essence of drama unites individuals, enabling them to collectively devise innovative solutions to challenges.
Pupils benefit from weekly drama classes from Year 3 onwards, led by a dedicated drama specialist, as well as offering various platforms for budding actors to showcase their talents. This includes performances during assemblies and annual productions in the school theatre. Recent productions have encompassed a diverse range, from Greek dramas to modern classics like “Bugsy Malone”.
In addition to timetabled lessons we have a thriving LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts) community. LAMDA offers an enriching syllabus covering all aspects of acting; many pupils across all year groups attend lessons. We teach the LAMDA syllabus beyond Grade 4, allowing for greater stretch and knowledge of acting with Senior pupils regularly achieving Distinctions in Grade 5 and above.
DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY IS AN EVER-CHANGING SUBJECT THAT UPHOLDS AND CONSOLIDATES TRADITIONAL APPROACHES WHILST EMBRACING TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES IN DESIGN AND MAKING.
Projects are structured from Year 3 to build confidence and independence when designing and making small products that fulfil a purpose. Projects become more personalised as the children reach Senior Prep, enabling them to utilise learnt skills and knowledge in order to design for specific outcomes. Sustainability, design history, industry links and scholarship preparation for Senior Schools are all an integral part of the departments curriculum, which nurtures curiosity and a deeper understanding of the creative and innovative industries.
“We are deeply grateful that our daughter’s passion for Art has been well-kept, nurtured and developed in the Edgeborough community. We believe that she will move forward and continue to grow in the field she loves, with the beliefs that Edgeborough has inspired in her and the values that will be with her all her life.”
PARENT OF YEAR 8 ART SCHOLAR
ART EDUCATION AT EDGEBOROUGH IS CONDUCTED WITHIN A DEDICATED AND WELL-EQUIPPED STUDIO.
The curriculum is designed to cultivate pupils’ interests and creativity by using a diverse array of formats such as drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture and mixed media. Drawing serves as the foundation for all artistic endeavours, allowing pupils to refine their techniques, skills and artistic identity.
From Year 3, pupils receive weekly art instruction from our specialised teacher, with supplementary opportunities to participate in lunchtime and after-school clubs. Our pupils have showcased their work in various local and national exhibitions, including the prestigious RA Young Artists’ Summer Show. The inclusion of visiting artists, workshops, and frequent exhibition visits enriches our pupils’ artistic exposure.
Encouraging a culture of experimentation and independent thought, our art curriculum values risk-taking as a vital component of the learning process. Through art, pupils not only learn a cultural appreciation but also discover avenues for personal expression, enabling them to perceive the world from distinct viewpoints and enhance their understanding of art’s societal significance.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PLAYS A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN THE DAILY LIFE OF OUR PUPILS. EVERY WEEK OUR DEDICATED AND HIGHLY QUALIFIED PHYSICAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT PROVIDES LESSONS FROM PRE-SCHOOL TO YEAR 8, CREATING A LASTING ENTHUSIASM FOR PHYSICAL FITNESS.
From Year 3, pupils engage in weekly fixtures, embracing a sports-for-all philosophy, with a primary objective of enabling pupils to gain valuable experience in a wide range of sports, preparing them for their Senior Schools. We actively participate in hockey, football, netball, rugby, cricket, tennis, swimming and athletics, with recent achievements on a national level, underscoring Edgeborough’s commitment to excellence in sports.
We also extend our expertise to aspiring scholars in sports through our innovative Scholarship Programme with before school and lunchtime sessions. These initiatives are designed to assist pupils in securing scholarships at Senior Schools, ensuring a pathway for their continued athletic and academic success. Every two years our Middle and Senior pupils are invited to join a sports tour – usually four nights in total to experience an immersive travel and sports experience.
EDGEBOROUGH’S ACTIVITY PROGRAMME IS DESIGNED TO REFLECT A DIVERSE RANGE OF INTERESTS AND IS ORGANISED AND RUN BY OUR DEDICATED STAFF WHO USE THE TIME TO EXTEND AND ENHANCE PUPILS’ SCHOOL EXPERIENCE.
The opportunity to try new activities each term, which a pupil may not have experienced outside school, can often spark a lifelong interest, bring about the beginning of a new friendship or a whole career!
Our activity programme creates growth and development in the individual, the group and the community as a whole. There is a chance to discover what you dislike and what you cannot wait to do again. The programme promotes self-expression and a sense of freedom, and allows pupils to connect with likeminded people. It is dynamic and enriching and an essential part of the Edgeborough experience.
The activity programme takes place before and after the core school day. It sits alongside the vast range of co-curricular opportunities which are built into every pupil’s weekly timetable.
INSPIRATIONAL TRIPS ARE ACTIVELY SOUGHT TO COMPLEMENT THE CURRICULUM THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. THE HIGHLIGHT FOR MANY IS THE RESIDENTIAL TRIP IN THE SUMMER TERM.
Offering yet more opportunity to increase independence, our exciting residential trips vary in length for Years 3 to 8. Year 3 enjoy a night of bush craft activities in the beautiful grounds at Edgeborough. The trips get longer and further afield as the children grow older. By Year 8, having visited France in Year 7, the children are ready for a week of character building in Pembrokeshire, Wales. Our Year 8 leavers indulge in challenges like coasteering, surfing and kayaking often describing the experience as the time of their lives.
The older children also have a chance to go on our hugely popular sports and choir tours.
“I loved making up the shelters and sleeping in the tents with my friends. We had so much fun.”
YEAR 3 PUPIL “I really enjoyed the climbing wall because it pushed me further than I’ve ever been before. I hope I can go back one day.”
YEAR
6 PUPIL
DECIDING ON THE RIGHT SCHOOL FOR YOUR CHILD IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT DECISIONS A PARENT CAN MAKE. AT EDGEBOROUGH WE ARE PROUD OF OUR FACILITIES, STRONG SCHOOL VALUES, BROAD CURRICULUM AND RANGE OF ACTIVITIES. WE BELIEVE THAT A PERSONAL VISIT TO EDGEBOROUGH IS INVALUABLE IN HELPING PARENTS WITH THIS IMPORTANT DECISION.
We are always delighted to welcome prospective parents and their children to look around our school, meet our inspiring teachers and most importantly see our pupils enjoying their Edgeborough experience. We offer the option of an individual visit with our Head of Admissions and the opportunity to meet with our Head, Mr Cox, or a member of the Senior Leadership Team; alternatively you may wish to attend one of our termly open mornings, where a Senior pupil will be proud to show you their school. Please contact Admissions at admissions@edgeborough.co.uk or view our website www.edgeborough.co.uk to arrange your visit.
Many children start their school journey with us in their early years when pupils join our Nursery (age 2/3) or our Pre-School (age 3/4), ahead of transitioning through to our nurturing Reception classes.
Entry points into the main school are at Reception (age 4) and Year 3 (age 7), with a number of children joining us for Years 7 and 8 (11+) to prepare them for their next step up to Senior School. Children are very welcome to join us in other year groups and throughout the academic year, if space is available.
We encourage families to register as soon as possible by completing an online form through our website and kindly making payment of the £100 non-refundable registration fee.
Once formally registered your child will be placed on our admissions list and will then be invited to a ‘stay and play’ session for early years entry, or a taster/assessment day for entry into the main school. The date and duration of the visit depends on the point of entry; for some years this may be a group taster/assessment day.
Your child will be given a friendly welcome to the school. Our aim is for children to enjoy and experience a typical day at Edgeborough with their peer group. During a taster/assessment visit, pupils join a class following their usual timetable of lessons, activities, sport and playtimes, with a delicious hot lunch served in our dining hall. Entrance to the main school is broadly nonselective, insofar as we do not have a competitive entry test; our teachers will observe and assess children through work produced during their visit and we ask parents to share a copy of their child’s most recent full school report.
We write to parents with offers soon after a visit. Upon accepting a place at Edgeborough parents are asked to sign an acceptance form and pay an acceptance deposit of £1000 to secure their child’s place.
For further details on our Admissions process, please see our Admissions policy available on our website.
Means tested Bursaries are available from Year 3 onwards. Awards are based on a clearly identified need. Parents wishing to apply for Bursary support are asked to complete a comprehensive application form detailing income, assets and expenditure.
We engage the services of Bursary Administration Limited (BAL) to help us with the bursary process and ensure that we remain impartial. BAL are used by many independent schools and therefore have experience in determining appropriate bursary levels for families that need additional help.
Bursaries are reviewed annually. Please contact our Bursar at bursar@edgeborough.co.uk if you would like further information.
ACADEMIC RESULTS FOR 13+
Common Entrance 2023:
45% of grades A*/A
66% A*-B
Mathematics 70% A*-B
English 87% A*-B
Biology 60% A*-B
Chemistry 53% A*-B
Physics 57% A*-B
Bryanston
Canford
Charterhouse
Churcher’s College
Frensham Heights
Hurstpierpoint
King Edward’s Witley
Lord Wandsworth College
Millfield
Seaford
St Edmund’s
Tonbridge
Wellington College
Winchester College
35% of 2023 leavers were awarded scholarships from Senior Schools
“At Edgeborough, we take pride in our pupils’ remarkable ability to navigate their educational journey and pursue their goals. Our successful Future Schools Programme ensures that pupils not only secure offers to their top-choice schools but also leave Edgeborough wellequipped to excel in their new environments. The feedback we receive reaffirms our commitment to fostering not just academic success, but the resilience and skills needed for a future of continuous achievement.”
MRS JO HENDRIKSEN, DEPUTY HEAD (ACADEMIC)
To find out more or to register your child, please visit the admissions page on our website.
