City of London Freemen’s School Review – A Comprehensive Guide
City of London Freemen’s School (CLFS) is a co-educational independent day and boarding school for students aged 7 to 18, situated in Ashtead Park, Surrey. Established in 1854 by the Corporation of London, the school originally aimed to educate orphans of freemen of the city. Today, it is one of the leading boarding schools in England, known for its academic rigour, pastoral care and broad co-curricular programme.
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School Summary
- Type of school: Co-educational
- Age range: 7-18
- Pupils: 548; sixth formers: 203
- Fees: £18,190 – £18,645 (Full boarding, per term incl. VAT)
- 2024 A Level Results: 72% A*-A
- 2024 GCSE Results: 87% 9-7
City of London Freemen's School Overview
City of London Freemen’s School seamlessly integrates academic excellence with holistic student development. From its humble beginnings in 1854, educating orphans of freemen of the city, the school has since moved to its 57-acre estate in Ashtead Park, Surrey. Today, this vibrant institution welcomes both day and boarding students aged 7 to 18, fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, with approximately 15% of its student body coming from overseas.
Freemen’s prioritises key entry points at 7+, 11+, 13+, and Sixth Form, ensuring a structured academic foundation that prepares students for future success. Beyond academics, the school nurtures creativity and well-being through state-of-the-art facilities, including a Sports Hall, Art & Design Centre, and a swimming pool. These spaces encourage students to explore their talents while promoting a healthy, balanced lifestyle.
Pastoral care remains central to the school’s ethos, focusing on student well-being and instilling positive attitudes towards life. Through dedicated support systems and a strong sense of community, Freemen’s ensures that students develop resilience, empathy, and leadership skills.
All these elements align with Freemen’s unwavering commitment to educating, inspiring, and empowering students to learn, lead, and make a difference.
City of London Freemen's School Courses
City of London Freemen’s School offers a structured and diverse curriculum designed to provide a strong academic foundation while encouraging intellectual curiosity and independent thinking. The school follows a progressive approach, beginning with a broad-based junior curriculum and culminating in specialised pathways at A Level.
Junior School (Years 3-8)
Pupils in Years 3 to 6 follow the National Curriculum, covering 11 core subjects taught in a supportive and engaging environment. From Year 7 onwards, students transition to subject-specialist teaching across 16 disciplines.
- In Year 7, students must study one Modern Foreign Language (French, German, or Spanish).
- In Year 8, students continue their chosen language while adding a second Modern Foreign Language.
- Educational trips are an integral part of learning, with visits to locations such as the Black Country Museum, Ashtead Common, and Marwell Zoo.
GCSE Programme (Years 9-11)
Students undertake a rigorous GCSE curriculum with a combination of core and elective subjects:
Core Subjects (7)
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Mathematics
- English Language
- English Literature
- One Modern Foreign Language (French, German, or Spanish)
In addition to these, all students participate in Games, Physical Education (PE), and Religious Studies.
Optional Subjects (14 choices)
Students can select from a wide range of elective subjects, including:
- Design Technology
- Sports Studies
- Drama
- History
- Geography
- Business Studies
- Computer Science
This structure allows students to explore their interests while ensuring a strong academic foundation.
A Level Programme (Sixth Form)
Freemen’s offers three A Level pathways to cater to different learning preferences and career aspirations:
- Four A Level Subjects – This pathway includes Mathematics and Further Mathematics, ideal for students aiming for STEM-focused university courses.
- Three A Level Subjects + EPQ + Free Minds Programme – A balanced option that allows students to develop research and critical thinking skills.
- Three A Level Subjects + Free Minds Programme – Provides academic depth with a broader intellectual framework through Free Minds.
A Level Subjects Offered
- Art
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Business
- Computer Science
- Drama
- Economics
- French
- German
- Latin
- Spanish
- Further Mathematics
- Mathematics
- Design & Technology
- Geography
- History
- Philosophy, Ethics & Religion
- Psychology
- Sport Studies
Special Programmes:
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
The EPQ is designed to develop independent research and project management skills. It allows students to explore topics beyond the A Level syllabus and produce a dissertation, investigation, or creative project.
Free Minds Programme
This innovative programme encourages intellectual curiosity by exposing students to a wide range of subjects. Students select five short courses from different academic fields, each lasting six weeks with weekly seminars. It fosters interdisciplinary thinking and broadens students’ academic perspectives.
With this structured approach, City of London Freemen’s School ensures students receive a well-rounded education, preparing them for higher education and future careers.
City of London Freemen's School Fees
City of London Freemen’s School (CLFS) offers both full and weekly boarding options for students in Years 9 to 13. Starting from January 2025, a 20% Value Added Tax (VAT) will be applied to private school fees in the UK, including those at CLFS.
Boarding Fees for Academic Year 2025-2026 (Including VAT):
Years 9-11 (Upper 4 to Upper 5):
- Full Boarding: £18,190 per term
- Weekly Boarding: £16,355 per term
Years 12-13 (Lower 6 to Upper 6):
- Full Boarding: £18,645 per term
- Weekly Boarding: £16,810 per term
These fees encompass tuition, accommodation, and standard meals. Additional costs, such as educational trips, examination entry fees, and transportation, will be billed separately each term.
Ad Hoc Boarding:
For day students seeking occasional boarding, CLFS offers ad hoc boarding at a rate of £75 per night plus VAT, which includes dinner and breakfast. This option is subject to availability and is ideal for families requiring flexible boarding solutions.
Deposits:
Boarding Pupils: A deposit equivalent to a full term’s fees is required to confirm a boarding place. Of this deposit, £5,000 will be held by the school until the final account is settled, with the remainder offset against the first term’s fees.
Additional Fees:
School Lunches:
- Junior School: £285 per term
- Senior School: £319 per term
Others:
Music Lessons: £325 per term (exclusive of VAT)
Instrument Hire: £44 per term (exclusive of VAT)
Speech and Drama Lessons: £16 per session (inclusive of VAT)
English as an Additional Language (EAL) Lessons: £51 per hour (inclusive of VAT)
City of London Freemen's School Rankings And Results
City of London Freemen’s School achieved outstanding academic results in 2024, with 87% of GCSE grades at 9-7 and 72% of A-Level grades at A-A*. These results reflect the school’s strong academic focus and high standards of teaching.
City of London Freemen's School Boarding Experience
City of London Freemen’s School offers a nurturing boarding experience that balances academic excellence with personal growth. Situated within the school’s picturesque 57-acre Ashtead Park campus, the modern, purpose-built Walbrook House accommodates approximately 70 boarders from diverse nationalities, including students from Thailand, Malaysia, Hong Kong, China, Tanzania, South Korea, and Germany.
Boarding Options:
1) Full Boarding: Students reside on campus throughout the term, benefiting from a structured environment that supports both academic pursuits and extracurricular interests.
2) Weekly Boarding: Ideal for families balancing busy schedules, this option allows students to stay on campus during the week and return home for weekends. Boarders can arrive on Sunday evening or Monday morning and depart on Friday afternoon or Saturday after school activities.
3) Flexi Boarding: Available to day pupils in Year 7 and above, flexi boarding offers the flexibility to stay at school for part of the week or occasional nights, providing a taste of the boarding experience.
Facilities and Community: Boarders are accommodated in “pods” comprising single and double rooms, each equipped with desks, ample storage, and a basin. Each pod shares a bathroom and social area, fostering a community atmosphere. The boarding house features a large open-plan space with amenities such as a TV, computer games, a pool table, and board games. Additionally, there is a device-free ‘Chill Out Zone’ for arts and crafts, a music practice room, and two kitchens for snack preparation.
Personal Development: Boarding at Freemen’s emphasises personal development and life skills. Students learn independence, responsibility, and self-discipline within a supportive environment. They manage their schedules, balance academic and personal time, and develop routines that prepare them for future challenges.
In short, boarding at City of London Freemen’s School provides a home away from home, where students thrive academically and personally within a supportive and enriching community.
City of London Freemen's School Pastoral Care
City of London Freemen’s School’s has a robust pastoral care system that prioritises the holistic well-being (physical, mental, and emotional) of its students. The school has peer mentoring programmes, where trained students provide guidance to younger pupils, fostering a culture of kindness and mutual respect. Sixth Formers, in particular, play an active role in mentoring, with over half of Lower Sixth students offering support on a weekly basis.
Student Counselling Services
A dedicated counselling service is available, offering a private drop-in facility within the medical centre. The medical centre itself is staffed by experienced Mental Health First Aid-trained nurses, who provide not just clinical care but also pastoral support. The school also offers The Sky Room, a quiet space where pupils can take short breaks to regulate emotions when needed.
Inclusive Learning and SEN Support
Freemen’s is an inclusive school that caters to a wide range of learning needs. Through the Inclusive Learning Department, specialist staff provide small group and one-on-one interventions to support emotional regulation, neurodiversity awareness, and study skills. Every teacher is trained in Special Educational Needs (SEN), ensuring that lessons are accessible and inclusive for all students.
Pastoral Support for Boarders
Boarding students benefit from a strong pastoral network within Walbrook House, where dedicated staff create a home-like environment. Boarding life encourages independence while providing a close-knit support system, ensuring students feel safe and valued. House staff are trained in safeguarding and pastoral care, offering a reassuring presence throughout a boarder’s time at school.
Chaplaincy and Community Support
Freemen’s has an ordained Anglican chaplain, Revd. Jon Prior, who provides spiritual and pastoral support for students of all faiths and none. The chaplaincy fosters an inclusive environment where students can explore personal beliefs, seek guidance, and engage in discussions on morality, ethics, and well-being.
City of London Freemen's School Application Deadline
Boarding applications must be submitted by September of the year before the intended start date. For example, students applying for the next academic year must complete their applications by September.
City of London Freemen's School Extracurricular Activities
City of London Freemen’s School offers an extensive co-curricular programme, designed to help students develop leadership, teamwork, resilience, and creativity. Students have the opportunity to explore their passions through a wide range of activities in sports, performing arts, music, as well as enrichment and leadership programmes.
House System and Competitions
All students belong to one of three Houses (Gresham, Hale, and Whittington) and take part in inter-house competitions across music, drama, sport, debating, and creative challenges like House Chef and House Photography. This fosters a strong sense of camaraderie and school spirit.
Enrichment Activities
Students participate in weekly enrichment sessions, where they engage in hands-on activities designed to build skills outside the academic curriculum. Sixth Formers also lead sessions for younger pupils, promoting mentorship and leadership development.
Performing Arts
Students can explore their talents through music, drama, and dance. Productions such as Just William’s War, Titanic: The Musical, and Lord of the Flies showcase their creativity. Musicians perform at prestigious venues like Milton Court and St John’s Smith Square, and students can take instrumental lessons and LAMDA speech and drama classes.
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE)
Freemen’s offers the Bronze, Silver, and Gold DofE Awards, allowing students to develop independence and life skills. Participants complete sections in volunteering, fitness, skill development, and expeditions, with school-organised walking expeditions forming part of the programme.
Combined Cadet Force (CCF)
Freemen’s operates a CCF programme in partnership with Glyn School, offering students training in teamwork, leadership, and discipline. Cadets can choose between the RAF or Army sections, participating in weekend training, range days, navigation exercises, and an annual summer camp. Many CCF activities also count towards DofE Award qualifications.
Sports
Sport plays a central role at City of London Freemen’s School, with around 90% of students participating in formal fixtures and the majority engaging in physical activity at least three times a week. The school encourages students to try a variety of sports to develop lifelong fitness habits and discover their individual passions.
Sporting activities by year group:
1) Years 3-6: Football, Rugby, Netball, Hockey, Cricket, Athletics, Tennis, Boys’ Hockey, Girls’ Touch Rugby
2) Years 7-10: Rugby, Hockey, Football, Netball, Cricket, Tennis, Athletics, Boys’ Hockey, Girls’ Touch Rugby
3) Years 11-13: Choice of 14 different sports, including competitive fixtures in fencing, football, netball, rugby, swimming, squash, tennis, athletics, cricket, cross country, indoor hockey, and rugby sevens
Award-Winning Facilities
Freemen’s boasts state-of-the-art sports facilities, including a RIBA award-winning 25m swimming pool, astroturf pitches, a fitness suite, multiple courts for tennis, netball, basketball, and squash, as well as rugby and football pitches. The school’s athletics track supports track and field training for all age groups.
City of London Freemen's School Reviews
“Freeman’s takes the time to guide students towards making positive choices, giving them the confidence to contribute in a world that can be both challenging and uncertain.”
“Freemans is a universally praised as a kind, non-judgemental place where children can flourish.”
“The balance is good here. It’s academic, but they let you get on with it. The homework load is manageable. Most people do stuff outside school and the teachers are aware of this.”
City of London Freemen's School Contact Information
- Official Website: https://www.freemens.org/
- Location: Ashtead Park, Ashtead, Surrey, KT21 1ET
- Email address: reception@freemens.org
- Phone: 01372 822400
Frequently Asked Questions
Students can choose to take four A-Level subjects, three A-Levels with an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), or three A-Levels alongside the Free Minds Programme. The Free Minds Programme offers short, seminar-style courses across different subjects, helping students develop critical thinking and explore topics beyond the standard curriculum.
Students can take part in a wide range of activities, including sports, performing arts, and leadership programmes. Popular sports include rugby, football, netball, cricket, hockey, and athletics. The school has a strong music and drama programme with productions, instrumental lessons, and LAMDA speech and drama classes. Leadership opportunities include the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Combined Cadet Force (CCF), and house competitions in music, drama, and debating.
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Speak to us today for free application assistance and education advice. Our expert consultants are more than happy to help!