Fine & Country Guide to Education Norfolk Suffolk and Essex Jan 2015

Norfolk, Suffolk & Essex 1|

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Schools Featured

Map / Page Ref

Hethersett Old Hall School .................................................................. 1 Thetford Grammar School .................................................................... 2 Sacred Heart School and Little Pedlars Nursery ............................. 3 Riddlesworth Hall School ...................................................................... 4 St Nicholas House School and Little Nick’s Nursery ...................... 5 Norwich High School for Girls ............................................................ 6 Taverham Hall Preparatory School ...................................................... 7 Gresham’s School .................................................................................... 8 Beeston Hall School ................................................................................ 9 Glebe House School ..............................................................................10 Woodbridge School ..............................................................................11 Orwell Park ...........................................................................................12 Stoke College ..........................................................................................13 Culford School .......................................................................................14 Framlingham College .............................................................................15 Brandeston Hall ......................................................................................16 Holmwood House Preparatory School ............................................17 St Mary’s School .....................................................................................18 Friends’ School ........................................................................................19 Colchester High School .......................................................................20 Littlegarth School ...................................................................................21 Gosfield School ......................................................................................22 St Cedd’s School ....................................................................................23 www.fineandcountrylifestyles.com

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Burnham Deepdale

10

8

Hunstanton

Cromer Holt

Fakenham

North Walsham

5

KING’S LY L NN 01553 769100 East Dereham Swaffham

7

Great Ya Y rmouth

3

6

1

Downham Market

NORWICH 01603 221888

Attleborough Lowesstoft f Bungay f rd 2 Thetfo 4

Halesworth

DISS 01379 646020

Southwold

14

Bury St Edmunds

Newmarket

15

Framlingham

Stowmarket

16

Wickam Market Lavenham

LONG MELFORD 13

01787 275012

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Braintree

01206 545476 17

RIVENHALL 01376 505260

ONGAR 01277 699043

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12

DEDHAM 21

COLCHESTER Stansted

Ipswich

Sudbury

Saffron Walden

19

Aldeburgh Woodbridge 11

01206 323375 18

Felixstow o e

Harwich h Manningtree

20

Brightlingsea

Maldon

CHELMSFORD 01245 257001 Burnham-on on-Crrouc on ou ucch u

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Welcome to the Fine & Country Guide to Education 2015 With offices in over 300 locations worldwide, Fine & Country combines the widespread exposure of the international marketplace with national marketing campaigns. Fine & Country has been consistently recognised by the industry at the International Residential Property Awards, and for the 5th year running, receiving the award for Best International Real Estate Agency Marketing.

From our regional agencies located in Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex, we offer a service that is second to none, with our dedicated team providing you with a first-class service supported by local expertise and knowledge.

Choosing the right school for your child in the independent sector is an important decision, and one that can greatly influence your choice of property. With this in mind, and in response to the consistent number of requests for information on private schooling, we devised our first Guide to Education back in 2012. Now in its third year of publication, both in hard copy and online, it provides a comprehensive listing of schools that sit within our areas of Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex. We hope that this guide gives you an invaluable overview and helps you to make an informed decision in securing the best future of your child.

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Hethersett Old Hall School Type:

nursery to sixth form: day school for girls 3-18 and boys 3-11, with boarding for girls from 9 Gender: co-educational to aged 11. Girls only from Year 7 Pupils: 200 Fees: from £2,740 - £8,100

Established for over 75 years, Hethersett Old Hall School is a small, happy day and boarding school community with a strong academic tradition: a warm, friendly place where everyone is valued and reaches their highest potential.Visit and you will see for yourself the extensive, beautiful grounds, fine facilities and range of historic buildings – but you’ll also notice that everything is on a human scale and geared to providing the best learning and all-round experience for every pupil.This is apparent throughout the school - from our outstanding nursery and reception classes through to the sixth form where, year on year, thanks to innovative tutorial-style teaching and individual guidance, every girl achieves entry to her first choice university.

Academic work is balanced by an exciting range of extra-curricular activities including sport, drama, music, public speaking,Young Enterprise Award Scheme and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme (from which multiple Golds are earned each year).

Girls can board from Year 5, with full, weekly and flexi-boarding to suit the needs of our families.

Why not come and visit and see for yourself what makes Hethersett different?

Just call our Registrar, Linda Jones, on 01603 810390 or email enquiries@hohs.co.uk - she will be happy to organise a personal tour of the school for you and your family, with a chance to talk to staff and pupils as well as see the facilities on offer.

T 01603 810390 | E enquiries@hohs.co.uk | www.hohs.co.uk Hethersett Old Hall School, Norwich Road, Hethersett, Norwich, Norfolk, NR9 3DW www.fineandcountrylifestyles.com

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Thetford Grammar School Type:

day school

Gender: co-educational, ages 3 ½ - 18 years Pupils: 260 Fees:

3,397- 4109 per term

Thetford Grammar School is a friendly and family based community, a high achieving co-educational day school in East Anglia, from rising 4s to the Sixth Form.The strength of this “all through” school is that it enables us to place great emphasis on a supportive environment, one in which pupils take responsibility for themselves and for each other.

Academic success is at the heart of our activities and our most recent Inspection report commented on “articulate and confident pupils who develop their creativity and work independently, thinking logically and analytically”.The development of the whole person is also of great significance for us and we strive to encourage this creativity through Art, Music, Drama,

Sport and indeed in any classroom.We blend in the traditions of hard work and extra-curricular activity with an awareness of the need to produce rounded individuals, sensitive to others and fully equipped to meet the challenges of a modern technological society.

Our Sixth Form Centre combines medieval walls with modern glass and steel, the very best of both worlds and that is exactly how we see ourselves.

Our pupils come from all round the region, Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire, a testament to our popularity. But come and see for yourselves. Bring your children for a ‘taster’ day with us. Let them be the best judge of whether TGS is the right environment for them.

We are confident they will say yes!

T 01842 752840 | E hmsec@thetgram.norfolk.sch.uk | www.thetgram.norfolk.sch.uk

Thetford Grammar School, Bridge Street, Thetford, Norfolk IP24 3AF 2|

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Sacred Heart School & Little Pedlars Nursery Type:

independent day and boarding school for pupils of all faiths.

Gender: co-educational Pupils: approx 130 pupils Fees:

day: £1825-£3750 boarding: £5360-£6950

As a pupil for thirteen years, I know how life-changing Sacred Heart School can be.What some may see as a collection of buildings has become a second home, a place where I feel safe and secure.

Sacred Heart School provides enormous academic, sporting sporting, artistic and musical opportunities and guidance for all pupils, from those who strive, to those who struggle in some of these areas.The wide range of GCSE subjects enables pupils to pursue their personal

interests alongside the core subjects. Every teacher delivers their subject with a flair and passion that motivates pupils to achieve their best. At Sacred Heart School, a pupil is not punished by their peers for achieving an outstanding mark but congratulated. No child goes unnoticed or is overlooked but is cherished cherished.

This is what sends us out into the world as well rounded and confident, young ladies and gentlemen.

T 01760 721330 | E info@sacredheartschool.co.uk | www.sacredheartschool.co.uk Sacred Heart School, 17 Mangate Street, Swaffham, Norfolk PE37 7QW

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Riddlesworth Hall School Type: Gender: Ages: Fees:

day & boarding school co-educational 2 - 13 on application

Riddlesworth Hall Preparatory School is an IAPS co-educational school for 2-13 year olds. Boarding, whether full, part-time or ‘flexi’, is also available for girls and boys from the ages of 7 to 13.Class numbers are strictly limited so there will not be more than twenty children in each year group.

Riddlesworth Hall Preparatory School is 65 years old this year.The magnificent Hall is set amidst thirty acres of its own parkland where playing fields, woods, ropes courses and general ‘space’ provide the ideal environment for your child's development.

Riddlesworth Hall aims to be a unique, stimulating,

secure and happy environment rich in opportunity and expectation. Every child is encouraged to aspire to the highest possible educational, moral and spiritual standards preparing them to meet the challenges of a changing world.

Headmaster Paul Cochrane and his family reside in the Hall, nurturing the family ethos at Riddlesworth. Mr and Mrs Cochrane have a passion for the traditional preparatory school and continue to develop academic standards and the wider curriculum. Please contact Mrs Louise Coates in the school office for further information.

T 01953 681246 | E ljc@riddlesworth-hall.co.uk | www.riddlesworthhall.com Riddlesworth Hall School, Riddlesworth, Norfolk IP22 2TA 4|

www.fi ww www w.fineandcountrylifestyles.com neand eandcount coun rylife rylifesstyles.co s.com

St Nicholas House School and Little Nick’s Nursery Type: Gender: Pupils: Fees:

day co-educational 58 £1,675 per term Nursery: £4 per hour

This affordable, happy little school, offers nursery and day prep education for ages 2 to 11 with before and after school care available. In small classes, the wide and varied curriculum offers a solid grounding in core academic subjects, numerous specialist subjects, and a plethora of activities and after school clubs. It enjoys an excellent success rate in entrance examinations to senior schools.

A 2013 ISI Inspection reports, “Pupils’ personal development is excellent across all age groups.They are effusive about their school and have exemplary manners and behaviour.” “Parents are overwhelmingly supportive of the school and delighted with their children’s progress.”

The needs of the individual child are central to the school’s teaching ethos. One of the delights of being a small school is that it allows every child the opportunity to be a key player in the St. Nick’s family. Headmaster, Martin Castle, says he counts himself lucky to be surrounded by people who have a smile on their face as a default setting and by children inquisitive about the world around them, who delight in learning and revel in success.

St. Nicks is a friendly, supportive and busy school dedicated to excellence. It offers flexibility and... at a cost that will surprise you.

T 01692 403143 | E info@stnicholashouse.com | www.stnicholashouse.com St Nicholas House School, Yarmouth Road, North Walsham, Norfolk NR28 9AT www.fineandcountrylifestyles.com

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Norwich High School for Girls Type:

Independent day school member of the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) Gender: Girls Pupils: Approximately 750 pupils Ages: 3 - 18

Fees: Polliwiggle Nursery - £2,578 full time per term (Early Years Funding can be claimed for the first 15 hours per week), Junior School - £3,101 per term, Senior School £4,119 per term. Scholarships and Bursaries are available in the Senior School.

Equally proud of our unique heritage and ethos of innovation, Norwich High School is the only all through, all-girls school in Norfolk. Norwich High opened its doors in 1875 and is the only school of the Girls’ Day School Trust in Norfolk.

Every Norwich High girl, from 3 years to 18 years, enjoys a tailored education designed to meet her needs in an environment which champions her as an individual.

Described as a go-getting gem by the Editor of the Good Schools Guide, Norwich High offers a rigorous and engaging bespoke curriculum in the Junior School in a nurturing environment that fosters outstanding attainment. Our Seniors achieve excellent academic results through expert teaching and a diverse programme of curricular enrichment. All our pupils enjoy a breadth of co-curricular opportunities which raise their curiosity and confidence.The Norwich High community thrives in a warm, caring environment which offers challenge and fun in every aspect of the curriculum.

Set in 13 acres of grounds, the main buildings are attached to a distinguished Regency house, which has been extended to provide state of the art learning spaces, up-to-date science laboratories, and an extensive library.The Junior School is situated in a separate house on-site with its own specialist rooms and adventure playground.

Other facilities include a self-contained Nursery, recently refurbished Sixth Form Centre, performing arts centre, an outdoor theatre, spacious sports hall and a 25-metre indoor heated pool.

Taster Days and tours of the school are available by contacting the Registrar. Please call 01603 453265 or email admissions@nor.gdst.net to book a visit.We look forward to meeting you.

Mrs Theresa Hewett Director of Communications and Admissions D: 01603 351851 E: 31851 S: 01603 453265 | E t.hewett@nor.gdst.net | www.norwichhigh.gdst.net

Norwich High School (GDST) 95 Newmarket Road Norwich NR2 2HU 6|

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Taverham Hall Preparatory School Type: Gender: Pupils: Fees:

day, weekly & flexi boarding school co-educational 295 Nursery: £32.50 per morning session, £45.50 per day. Lunch £2.50 Reception - Year 8: £3,200 - £4,450 including lunch per term Weekly Boarding: £5,750 per term

Taverham Hall Preparatory School was founded in 1921 and is a co-educational IAPS day and flexi/weekly boarding school.Taverham Hall offers an exceptional education in an idyllic 100 acres woodland location with excellent facilities for children aged 2½–13.The school is situated in Norfolk’s well known Ringland area with the River Wensum flowing through the grounds.Taverham Hall is easily accessible via the A47 north-west of Norwich.There is an educational focus firmly on the individual and personalised learning along with a continued commitment to small class sizes.The high standards achieved by pupils are recognised by both senior schools and inspection teams. Since 2010 the

school has received four outstanding inspection reports in as many years as well as the Healthy Schools Award, demonstrating the importance Taverham Hall places on emotional health and well-being.The school is dedicated to providing outstanding pastoral care combined with personalised, academic learning programmes and investigative hands-on Forest School experiences.

To arrange a personal visit please contact the Admissions Secretary on 01603 868206 or visit www.taverhamhall.co.uk for more information. In addition, Open Mornings take place in October, January and May with Scholarship Assessments in January from 7+ to 11+ entry points.

T 01603 868206 | E enquire@taverhamhall.co.uk | www.taverhamhall.co.uk Taverham Hall Preparatory School, Taverham, Norwich, NR8 6HU www.fineandcountrylifestyles.com

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Gresham's School Type:

boarding and day school

Gender: co-educational: 3-18 years Pupils: 830 pupils approximately Fees:

£2,900 - £10,230 per term

G h ’ iis a vibrant, Gresham’s ib co-educational d i ld day and db boarding di school for children aged 3-18 years, set in 200 acres of beautiful North Norfolk countryside just four miles from the coast. Our Pre-Prep, Prep and Senior schools offer a seamless education, taking pupils from nursery through to A levels or the IB Diploma.

We focus on educating the whole child by providing a broad yet rigorous curriculum, combined with an extensive range of sporting, social and cultural opportunities.We aim to discover what motivates a student and nurture their abilities, whatever they may be.

The school has enjoyed an international reputation for

producing d i a llong liline off successful f l alumni, l i ffrom the h composer Benjamin Britten, poet W.H. Auden, inventor Sir James Dyson, and more recently international rugby players Tom and Ben Youngs and BAFTA award winning actress Olivia Colman.

Gresham’s is within easy reach of Norwich, with its historical attractions and national and international transport links. Our beautiful location with its fantastic facilities provides the space to grow and learn.We are proud of our pupils, who leave us as enthusiastic, happy, confident and capable young adults, ready to make a real difference in the communities in which they live.

T 01263 714614 | E admissions@greshams.com | www.greshams.com Gresham's School, Cromer Road, Holt, Norfolk NR25 6EA 8|

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Beeston Hall School Type: day and boarding Gender: co-educational Pupils: 130

Fees:

Year 3 Day Pupils Year 3 Boarders Day Pupils (Y4-8) Boarders

£3,714 £5,942 £5,423 £7,325

Beeston Hall School is an independent co-educational prep school, on the beautiful North Norfolk coast, just five minutes’ walk from the sea.

Our school’s number one priority is the children’s well being and happiness.

Children will be challenged in their pursuit of excellence and we will support each child as they find what they are good at.

There are excellent modern educational facilities, separate Music and Art Schools, two modern computing suites, indoor shooting range, Sports Hall, 20m Swimming Pool, full size Astroturf, floodlit all-weather area and extensive playing fields. There are two boarding houses, one housing pupils in Years 3-7, the other one for Year 8 pupils, which provide a warm and caring environment, a real home from home.

A wide curriculum includes Art and Design,Theatre Studies, Computing, Music, Design Technology, and Sport.We also offer extra-curricular activities such as Shooting, Cooking, Scottish Reels Dancing, Chess, Sailing, Ballet, Fencing, Judo, Horse Riding, Fly Fishing, and many more.

Children are prepared for entry to a wide variety of Public Schools through either Scholarship or Common Entrance at 13+.

These include schools such as Eton, Gresham’s, Harrow, Norwich School, Oakham, Oundle, Radley, Rugby, The Ley’s,Tudor Hall and Uppingham.

T 01263 837324 | E office@beestonhall.co.uk | www.beestonhall.co.uk Beeston Hall School, West Runton, Cromer, Norfolk NR27 9NQ www.fineandcountrylifestyles.com

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Glebe House School Type:

Day and boarding school

Gender: Co-educational from 6 months to 13 years Pupils: 181 Fees:

On application

In many ways, what makes us special is precisely what makes us different from other schools.We are small which means each child is known and nurtured individually – but always inclusively – in every aspect of school life.

We are located close to North Norfolk’s coastline and so getting outside, enjoying nature and learning about the environment is part of our children’s learning.We embrace sport, both in physical education and through a

wide range of activities, to ensure every child is part of a team.We are passionate about music, art and drama and help many children achieve scholarships at senior school level.

With full 'wrap around' care and flexible boarding, our pastoral care is independently recognised as a unique strength of the school.We may have been here since 1874, but our focus is on combining the best of contemporary education with traditional values.

T 01485 532809 (ext 4) | E admissions@glebehouseschool.co.uk | www.glebehouseschool.co.uk

Glebe House School, Cromer Road, Hunstanton, Norfolk. PE36 6HW

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Woodbridge School Schools: Woodbridge School (11-18), The Abbey Preparatory School (7-11), Queen’s House Pre-Preparatory School (4-7) Type: day (ages 4-18) and boarding school (ages 13-18) Gender: co-educational Pupils: 848 Fees: day: £7,941 - £14,832, boarding: £27,501 per year

Woodbridge School is an independent co-educational day school for children of ages 4-18.The aim of the School is to create an environment in which children thrive as individuals, and where a wealth of opportunities is open to them academically, socially, and through a host of extra-curricular activities.

However, do not fall into the trap of believing that a school which promotes extra-curricular activity is somehow less focussed on the importance of academic success; on the contrary, it is clear that the confidence gained from extra-curricular achievements filters into

the classroom.This is evidenced by our outstanding GCSE and A Level results, as well as five Oxbridge offers this year alone.

Children who know that they are capable of success are more likely to excel in their academic studies and to enjoy the process of learning.This is at the heart of a Woodbridge education.The well-rounded, cheerful and confident children that engage with the community, in school and out, are the hallmark of Woodbridge, from the very start at Queen’s House, through to Sixth Form, and beyond.

T 01394 615041 | E enquiries@woodbridge.suffolk.sch.uk | www.woodbridge.suffolk.sch.uk

Woodbridge School, Burkitt Road, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 4JH www.fineandcountrylifestyles.com

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Orwell Park Type:

Day and boarding school

Gender: Co-educational Pupils: 283 Fees:

Pre-Prep £2,200 - £3,395 per term.

Prep £5,025 - £7,145 per term

“The school is extremely successful in fulfilling its aims of providing an academically challenging and fulfilling all-round education, and strong pastoral care where all pupils are able to benefit from a vibrant boarding experience.” ISI November 2014 Set in more than 100 acres of parkland overlooking the River Orwell in Suffolk, Orwell Park provides a broad and balanced education for boys and girls, boarders and day pupils, between the ages of 2 ½ and 13. Orwell Park prides itself on successfully preparing children for entry to senior school at 13, with more than a third of leavers winning scholarships for academic excellence or for

music, art, sport, design and technology – all to a wide range of senior independent schools.

Art, music and drama are an integral part of life at Orwell Park, giving boys and girls a strong cultural awareness: 90% of pupils learn an instrument and many perform in the regular evening recitals.

At Orwell Park boys and girls have the opportunity to savour a unique childhood whilst developing the ability to think independently, to embrace new challenges and to meet them with a combination of courtesy and quiet confidence.

T 01473 659225 | E admissions@orwellpark.org | www.orwellpark.co.uk Orwell Park, Nacton, Ipswich, Suffolk IP10 0ER

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Stoke College Type:

day and weekly boarding

co educational Gender: co-educational Pupils: 200 Fees:

on application

Stoke College is a happy, vibrant, and inclusive school providing day and boarding places for children aged 3 to 16, and is set in 25 acres of beautiful parkland. Children at Stoke College “love to learn” learn”, and achievement in all areas is encouraged and celebrated.

Stoke is a small, fully inclusive and non-selective school.

We welcome children joining the school at the traditional intake years, Reception,Year 3 and Year 7, and we increasingly find that parents choose Year 6 and Year 9 as entry years.The individual talents of each and every child are nurtured, ensuring that they achieve at their highest possible level and that they are supported in a manner that reflects their own learning style.

The curriculum is broad and everyone is encouraged to find not only their natural strengths, but also develop new skills and interests. Outside of the normal school

day we have a fantastic range of extra-curriculum activities including additional sport, arts, crafts, cookery and the Duke of Edinburgh programme, allowing every child to find an activity suited to them as well as adding extra enjoyment throughout their time at Stoke College.

The Nursery, Prep and Senior Departments are all on the same site which enables a seamless and comfortable transition for children, providing invaluable continuity in their education.

The prestigious school has been a seat of learning for nearly six hundred years and is refreshingly down-to-earth; the culture is non elitist and unpretentious. Nature, the environment and physical activity are all key themes at Stoke College and children are encouraged to embrace these through extra-curricular activities.

T 01787 278142 | www.stokecollege.co.uk Stoke College, Stoke by Clare, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 8JE www.fineandcountrylifestyles.com

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Culford School Type: Gender: Pupils: Fees:

boarding & day school co-educational 670 Nursery from £2,265; Pre-Prep £2,830 - £3,100; Prep Day £3,500 - £4,595; Prep Boarding £6,760 - £7,095; Senior: Day £5,780; Boarding £8,860

Culford is a co-educational boarding and day school providing exceptional academic and sports facilities for 670 pupils il aged d 2¾ tto 18 18, situated it t d iin a b beautiful tif l 480 acre parkland estate, just three miles from Bury St Edmunds.

Our aim is to provide an education that is challenging, enriching and fun for every pupil, and is focused upon their Facilities th i iindividual di id l needs d and d aspirations. i ti F iliti are excellent, and a new landmark library is due to open in September 2015.

Culford is renowned for having a unique sense of community which enriches our pupils’ lives and offers an academic, sporting, arts and activities programme which ensures each pupil achieves their full potential.Whether their ambition is an Oxbridge degree, or to attend Drama School, Music or Art College, to go and read Medicine or Sports Science at university, or anything in between, we will do everything we can to help them get there.

With fantastic facilities, including a superb Sports and Indoor Tennis Centre, together with outstanding pastoral care and an excellent academic record, Culford School offers your child the very best foundation for the future.There is now also an express daily shuttle service from Norwich and Cambridge. Come and visit us soon; please telephone the Admissions team on 01284 385308 or visit www.culford.co.uk for more information.

T 01284 385308 | www.culford.co.uk Culford School, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP28 6TX 14 |

www.fineandcountrylifestyles.com

Framlingham College Type: Gender: Ages: Pupils: Fees:

boarding & day school co-educational 13 - 18 450 £17,789.73 - £27,667.74 per year

Framlingham College is a dynamic and forward-looking community.This is a school that is interested in the development d l t off th the whole h l person as wellll as th the examination candidate, and we encourage our pupils to open their minds, to aim high in all they do, and to make the most of the opportunities available to them.

A Level stands alongside the very best in the country.

Individual programmes of study provide each pupil with the k knowledge their th l d and d expertise ti tto realise li th i ffullll academic and personal potential, and the majority of our leavers go on to top British universities, including Oxford and Cambridge.

The College has a fine record in stretching the most able pupils, and we know that the bright child will do as well here as they will anywhere else, while our ‘value-added’ rating for those pupils who are not automatically destined to achieve A grades at GCSE and

What is certain is that all pupils can be assured of the highest professional quality of provision and individual care in all areas of school life, whatever their strengths or interests.

T 01728 723789 | www.framcollege.co.uk Framlingham College, Framlingham, Suffolk IP13 9EY www.fineandcountrylifestyles.com

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Brandeston Hall Type: Gender: Ages: Pupils: Fees:

boarding & day school co-educational 2 ½ - 13 250 Day: £7,800 - £13,573 per year Boarding: £34-37 per night

Pupils at Brandeston Hall are very proud of their school.

They find their preparatory years stimulating, rewarding and enjoyable.The youngsters explore their talents, discover new ones and feel valued in a friendly, caring and supportive environment.We are also conscious of the very different adult world for which we are preparing them, of the qualities they will require to prosper, and of our responsibility in nurturing these qualities.

Parents are equally as proud of their school.There is a plethora of choice out there and parents are very discerning. Increasingly, they look for a school that is as tailor made to them as much as it is to their children.

Flexibility is the key and schools, like us, that can offer such a bespoke service combining flexible starts and ends of the day with a flexible boarding option are thriving.

T 01728 685331 | brandestonhall.co.uk Brandeston Hall, Brandeston, Suffolk IP13 7AH 16 |

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Holmwood House Preparatory School Type: Gender: Pupils: Fees:

day with flexi and weekly boarding options co-educational 300 £2,930 - £5,170 per term

Founded in 1922, Holmwood House is a thriving co-educational preparatory school for children aged 4 to 13 years. Located just two miles from the centre of Colchester, in 34 acres of beautiful grounds, the school’s extensive facilities offer its pupils unrivalled opportunities, including an indoor swimming pool, science labs, cookery room, music, dance and drama facilities, squash and all-year tennis courts, Design & Technology facilities and Forest School.

early years provision are outstanding”, and every area inspected was found to be outstanding.

Pupils flourish in small classes, taught by subject specialists from Year 4 upwards, and demonstrate excellent academic progress appropriate to their age and ability. In the school’s Early Years ISI inspection it was reported that “the overall quality and standards of the

For further information, please contact the Admissions Registrar on 01206 574305 or admissions@holmwood.essex.sch.uk.

Holmwood House is the only independent school in Colchester, and one of just a handful in the county, to be included in The Good Schools Guide and summer 2014 saw every Year 8 pupil gain a place at their first choice senior school, with a wide range of scholarships being won.

A wealth of information is also available at www.holmwood.essex.sch.uk.

T 01206 574305 | E admissions@holmwood.essex.sch.uk | www.holmwood.essex.sch.uk

Holmwood House School, Chitts Hill, Lexden, Colchester, Essex CO3 9ST www.fineandcountrylifestyles.com

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St Mary’s School Type:

day school

Gender: girls age 3-16; boys age 3-4 Pupils: 400 Fees:

£2,699 - £4,100 per term

St Mary’s School - more than a hundred years’ experience of preparing girls for the future future.

A focused academic education, with a wealth of opportunities to stretch each individual intellectually, creatively and physically and to support her as she develops into young adulthood – that’s what we offer at St Mary’s School, Colchester.

Our school has a long tradition of educating girls aged 4 to 16, but we are always looking to the future and to the important roles our pupils will play in shaping their world.

St Mary’s Lower School is a Sunday Times Top 100 Preparatory School where girls achieve excellent results in Sats and at 11+. At the same time they have plenty of

opportunities to develop interests and skills that last forever - from lively activities in our dance studio to fun and challenge outdoors in our forest, school life is never dull! In the school grounds is our own purpose-built kindergarten, where girls and boys aged rising-three to four take their first steps in learning in a safe, encouraging environment.

Girls aged 11 to 16 thrive at St Mary’s senior school, where a dynamic, girl-friendly academic curriculum is balanced with exciting sport, drama, music, art and extra-curricular activities. Our pupils’ GCSE results are the best of any independent school in North Essex.

Parents and their daughters are welcome to visit St Mary’s at any time and we also hold regular open days.

Please see our website for more information.

T 01206 216420 | www.stmaryscolchester.org.uk St Mary’s School, 91 Lexden Road, Colchester, Essex CO3 3RB 18 |

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Friends’ School Type:

boarding and day school (boarders from age 11)

Gender: co-educational: 3-18 years Pupils: 380 Fees:

from £2375 (Reception) to £8590 per term (Full boarding in Year 10, 11 and Sixth Form)

Friends’ School is a school with a difference. Small, diverse and vibrant, and located in the heart of Saffron Walden. Friends’ is based on a Quaker foundation but welcomes students of all faiths, offering education for students aged 3-18 with boarding from age 11.

Pastoral care at the school is excellent because the staff really get to know each pupil very well and there is always a listening ear or a helping hand. Students achieve excellent results and the majority of Sixth Formers go on to their first choice of university.

There is a Senior and Junior school on the same site, which allows for a seamless transition between Year 6 and 7, and also Nursery and Reception.There is a superb new Junior School building, complete with dedicated Early Years facilities, which offers Friends’ youngest learners the best possible start.

The Good Schools Guide summed up the school when they said, “a calm, caring place for individuals who benefit from bespoke push, stretch and support.”

You can find the details for Friends’ next Open Morning on the website, www.friends.org.uk or call Alison Stanbury on 01799 525351 to arrange an individual tour.

You can be assured of a warm welcome.

T 01799 525351 | E admissions@friends.org.uk | www.friends.org.uk Friends’ School, Mount Pleasant Road, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 3EB www.fineandcountrylifestyles.com

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Colchester High School Type:

day school

Gender: co-educational Pupils: 490 Fees:

from £2,550 to £3,595

Colchester High School is Colchester’s only independent school for girls and boys from 2½ to 18 years.

Our School provides a caring, friendly and happy environment with small class sizes, sizes experienced and professional teachers and an individualised learning program to ensure that each child achieves their full potential.

In addition to ensuring academic excellence, Colchester High School firmly believes in the importance of developing the whole child.We therefore offer a varied and challenging extra-curricular programme of activities and experiences to try to encourage all pupils to try a new sport, learn new skills or contribute to school life, thereby building confidence, well-being and creativity.

We have access to a wide range of excellent local sporting facilities which allows our pupils to participate in an extensive choice of sports and has resulted in consistent and numerous successes in local, county and national competitions Colchester High School Nursery is now open all year and gives our children an extremely safe and happy start to their education.

The new Sixth Form will also provide students with a personalised programme of study together with enrichment learning opportunities helping to ensure that each individual student is fully qualified and prepared for the next step of their academic or career pathways.

T 01206 573389 | www.colchesterhighschool.co.uk Wellesley Road, Colchester, CO3 3HD 20 |

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Littlegarth School Type:

Independent Day School

Gender: Co-educational Ages 2½ to 11 Pupils: 310 Fees:

Nursery £690 to £2,380 per term Pre-prep £2,700 per term Years 3 & 4 £2,910 per term Years 5 & 6 £3,140 per term

Littlegarth School is located in the heart of Constable Country on the Essex/Suffolk border border, with its Grade II listed Georgian building looking out over the rolling landscaped farmland.We are proud to have a reputation for academic and extra-curricular excellence, established on finding individual strengths, and encouraging each child to strive for success.

In June 2014 the ISI EYFS Inspection graded Littlegarth as Outstanding in all four categories categories.The School’s success was also praised by the most recent whole school inspection report that stated: “The overall achievement of the pupils is excellent because of the exemplary attitude to learning by the pupils, who approach every task with delightful enthusiasm.”

For the fourth consecutive year, Littlegarth leavers have achieved outstanding scholarship results with 80 Year 6 leavers gaining scholarship awards to independent senior schools in that time.We are also delighted that our U12 Girls have been crowned National Ski Team Champions and our U11 boys recently won the ISA National Rugby title.

For further details or to arrange a visit to the School please contact: Peter H Jones – Headmaster or Carolyne Morey – Registrar

T 01206 262332 | E office@littlegarth.essex.sch.uk | W littlegarth.essex.sch.uk Littlegarth School, Horkesley Park, Nayland, Colchester, Essex CO6 4JR www.fineandcountrylifestyles.com

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Gosfield School Type:

day and boarding school

Gender: co-educational Pupils: 220 Fees:

day £1710 - £4840 boarding £5315 - £6995

Gosfield School is a small, welcoming, independent co-educational school for ages 4-18, set in 110 acres of beautiful b tif l parkland kl d with ith an iimpressive i sports t h hallll and d sports fields.Your child will have the opportunity to excel academically and participate in a wide range of additional activities.

Children enjoy the use of excellent facilities, including a full-size, multi-purpose sports hall; a superb all-weather sports surface; rugby, football and cricket pitches; a fully refurbished science laboratory; specialist art, graphics and food technology rooms; a music suite with practice rooms; a library and two ICT suites.

In January 2015, the Prep School moves into a new state-of-the-art building, complete with bright, well-equipped classrooms and spacious recreation areas backing onto the meadow.

Throughout the school, class sizes are kept to a maximum of twenty.This, along with a strong learning supportt d department, t t extension t i activities ti iti for f more able bl children, and structured differentiation in lessons, allows the school to accommodate each individual child's needs.

Children reach their full potential at Gosfield, performing to a high standard in external examinations (100% A Level pass rate and 88% 5+ A*-C grades at GCSE in 2014) and developing into confident, considerate young people with the skills to make a positive contribution to their communities.

Call Gosfield School to arrange a visit so you can experience the spirit of Gosfield on 01787 474040.

T 01787 474040 | www.gosfieldschool.org.uk Gosfield School, Cut Hedge Park, Halstead Road, Gosfield, Halstead, Essex CO9 1PF

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St Cedd’s School Type: Gender: Pupils: Fees:

day school co-educational 400 £2,790 – £2,980

At St Cedd’s School, we empower every pupil to fulfil their potential and achieve success in a nurturing environment and ethos of traditional values and respect for others.The grounded confidence the pupils develop results in personal achievements, high academic attainment and independent-thinking individuals.We promote inspirational teaching and stimulating learning through a broad and engaging curriculum, extending beyond the classroom with an array of purposeful learning opportunities as we value the uniqueness of every child.

Specialist teaching starts in Nursery. PE and Music are particular strengths of the school with outstanding instrumental examination results. As a member of the Choir Schools Association, our Choristers sing in the

Cathedral Choir at Evensong.We embrace our UNESCO and International School Award status.

Exceptional 11+ results lead to a high success rate of entry to grammar schools and scholarship awards to independent senior schools. A baccalaureate-style curriculum in Year 6 celebrates the breadth of children’s achievements going forward.

Our pupils benefit from our extensive extra-curricular programme, with Breakfast Club from 0730-0810, the after-school Activities Programme with over seventy different clubs per week, and daily flexible wrap-around care provision to 1800. Fees include lunch, learning support and most after-school clubs.

Head: Dr Pamela Edmonds

T 01245 392810 | E hbrierley@stcedds.org.uk | www.stcedds.org.uk St Cedd’s School, 178a New London Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 0AR www.fineandcountrylifestyles.com

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Regional Offices Fine & Country Norfolk 7 Bank Plain, Norwich, NR2 4SF T: 01603 221888 Fine & Country Suffolk Navire House, Mere St, Diss, Norfolk IP22 4AG T: 01379 646020

Fine & Country Essex 5 The Matchyns, London Rd, Rivenhall Essex CM8 3HA T: 01376 505260

www.fineandcountry.com 24 |

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