school in England

alumni. Small wonder then, that the world is beating a path to Hurtwood’s door and one of the first things to strike visitors is that it has a completely different “campus” feel about it – not like school at all. That’s because there are no juniors – everybody here is 16+ and they all join after they have taken their GCSEs. In many ways, it defies definition - more public school than sixth form college, but smaller and less institutional –more boutique than department store.

cinematographer Arden Tse summarised “If it wasn’t for Hurtwood, I wouldn’t be doing my dream job; I wouldn’t even know what my dream job is, and I certainly wouldn’t be doing it for a living”.

Famous former Hurtwood students include Oscar-winner Hans Zimmer (music for Gladiator, The Lion King), Golden Globe winner Emily Blunt (The Devil Wears Prada, Mary Poppins) and Emily Beecham (The Pursuit of Love, 1899) who won Best Actress at Cannes Film Festival.

Watch out for Hollywood hot-tips Jack Huston (The Irishman, American Hustle) and Harry Lawtey (Industry, Joker: Folie à Deux).

But marvellous as the creative arts are, this school is definitely not a one-trick pony. Hurtwood caters for its budding entrepreneurs, doctors, scientists and lawyers with the full range of subjects which, though less eye-catching, are no less successful and inspirational. Amongst its alumni are barristers, medical consultants, top fashion designers and Pulitzer Prize winning authors.

Hurtwood excels at fostering the entrepreneurial spirit - the founders of ‘Deliciously Ella’ and the hugely successful cultural phenomenon ‘Secret Cinema’ are Hurtwood

At the moment Hurtwood is in a class of its own but one suspects that one day soon there will be more schools like this, because five years is a long time to be in one public school, and so many boys and girls are now ready at 16 for a fresh challenge and a more stimulating life. A lot of parents agree wholeheartedly. As one satisfied customer puts it: “We have had four children through the public school system and I think that Hurtwood House is the only one which has really delivered what it promised.” Indeed, Hurtwood has a file of letters as thick as your arm from grateful parents, and clearly what they appreciate most is that Hurtwood has given their children the confidence to cope with anything in life and has fired up their enthusiasm.

“Her mind was turned on,” says one, “and her appetite for learning is voracious. I want you to know that you lit the fuse.”

Who could ask for anything more?

For further information visit hurtwoodhouse.com Hurtwood House, Holmbury St Mary, Nr Dorking, Surrey RH5 6NU Tel: 01483 279000