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Felsted School

United Kingdom, Chelmsford

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees £8,160 - 39,210
Ages 3 - 18 years
Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Opened 1564
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (DP), British Curriculum, BTEC Qualification
Taught languages French, German, Spanish, Italian, Latin, English
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, STEM
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Leadership and Professional
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

Felsted School is a co-educational day and boarding community in Essex, England, catering to ages 3 to 18. The campus comprises a 90-acre countryside site housing a Prep School and Senior School, offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma, the British Curriculum, and BTEC qualifications. In Years 10–11, GCSE options include a Separate Sciences pathway, English, Maths, Science, and four option blocks; the Sixth Form offers IB, A Levels and BTEC/AAQ, with independent learning and EPQ. The Senior School provides specialist facilities: indoor sports hall, swimming pool, gym, a fully equipped Music School, a performing arts studio, Hunt Theatre, art studio, and extensive rehearsal spaces, plus a dedicated Sixth Form Centre and wellbeing and medical centres. Felsted has a long history, founded 1564, and celebrated its 460th anniversary in 2024. Distinctive features include Round Square membership, an International Summer School, and a global education programme complemented by careers support through Felsted Futures.

Senior School: Stebbing Road, Felsted, Essex, CM6 3LL; Prep School: Braintree Road, Felsted, Essex, CM6 3JL

The Essentials

Felsted School has instruction in English.

Location

Felsted School is located in Felsted, Essex, on a safe, rural 90-acre village campus in North Essex. The Prep School sits on Braintree Road and the Senior School on Stebbing Road, within the same Felsted community. The school is about an hour from London and Cambridge by road or rail. The surrounding area includes the village of Felsted and nearby towns with good road connections to Chelmsford and Stansted Airport.

Stages

Felsted has a Prep School for ages 3 to 13 (Pre-Reception to Year 8) and a Senior School for ages 13 to 18, including a Sixth Form. Boarding and Day Pupils are supported across both schools.

Type

The school is co-educational and offers both day and boarding places for boys and girls.

Pupil Nationality Mix

The international intake makes up around 20% of the total pupil body, with overseas boarders welcomed and a LEAP week held each year to introduce new overseas pupils to Felsted life.

Additional learning support

Support for Learning (SfL) provides in-class support for pupils with SEND and offers small-group teaching to ensure pupils are challenged appropriately and reach their potential in a mainstream environment.

Country affiliation

England, United Kingdom

Religious affiliation

Church of England

School day structure

Felsted maintains extended school days to accommodate sport, the arts and co-curricular activities, and Saturday morning school is optional for Years 5 and 6.

Bus service

Felsted operates multiple minibuses with routes across the region; the Transport Department manages the schedules. Current routes include Billericay / Chelmsford, Brentwood, Puckeridge / Bishop's Stortford, Epping / Ongar, South Woodford, Rayleigh, Saffron Walden / Thaxted, Witham / Maldon / Danbury and Colchester / Chelmsford. Transport costs are £735 per term and all routes aim to arrive at Felsted by 8:10am.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements

Boarding is available for pupils aged nine and over. The Prep School has its own boarding house, and there are eight Senior School houses on the campus for boarders. Day pupils participate in a boarding culture with a longer school day.

Uniform Requirement

The Tailor's Shop on site stocks all required uniform for the Prep and Senior Schools, and there is a Second Hand Uniform Shop. A Felsted black or burgundy wool hat is worn (Prep School Noggin hat is allowed); the majority of Sixth Form uniform can be purchased before arrival, with a small number of sports clothing items bought in the Tailor's Shop on site, and name labels are automatically ordered for each student (boarding pupils receive two sets).

Food Options

All food is made on-site by dedicated chefs and is inspected by the Food Standards Agency with a top rating. Prep School lunches are provided in the Prep School dining room with a hot meal, hot or cold pudding, salad and fruit. Senior School catering offers a wide selection throughout the day, including hot and vegetarian options, a pasta bar, a salad bar, soup, and jacket potatoes; a hot supper is provided for boarders and water is available at meals.

House System

There are eight Senior School houses on the campus; the Prep School has its own boarding house. Each pupil has a house to call home, with house staff including housemasters/mistresses, tutors and matrons.

Governance and Ownership

Felsted is a registered charity (Charity No. 310870) with Felsted School Trustee Ltd. as the sole Trustee. The school is governed by a Board of Governors.
Fees

Annual tuition at Felsted School ranges from GBP 8,160 to GBP 39,210 for 2026/27.

Application / Registration Fee

- A non‑returnable registration fee of £150 per child is payable to register a child as a candidate for admission.

Deposit and acceptance

- A deposit is required to confirm acceptance of a place; for overseas pupils this is typically approximately one term's fees. The deposit is not normally refundable if the child does not take up the place, except where the School fills the specific vacancy created by the withdrawal (in which case the deposit may be refunded less administrative costs). The deposit is credited against the final account on leaving.

Tuition fees (per term) — New fee structure introduced September 2026

Pre‑Reception (fee per term):
- 5 days per week: £4,121 (annual equivalent £12,363).
- 4 days per week: £3,626 (annual equivalent £10,878).
- 3 days per week: £2,720 (annual equivalent £8,160).
- 5 mornings per week: £3,258 (annual equivalent £9,774).

Prep Day (VAT inclusive fee per term):
- Day pupil – Years R, 1 & 2: £4,945 (annual equivalent £14,835).
- Day pupil – Years 3 & 4: £6,995 (annual equivalent £20,985).
- Day pupil – Years 5 & 6: £7,495 (annual equivalent £22,485).
- Day pupil – Years 7 & 8: £9,604 (annual equivalent £28,812).

Prep Boarding (VAT inclusive fee per term):
- Traditional (7 nights per week, Years 5–8): £13,070 (annual equivalent £39,210).
- Weekly (5 nights per week, Years 5–8): £12,311 (annual equivalent £36,933).
- Flexi Boarding (Years 5–8) – charged as weekly prices: 1 night/week £86; 2 nights/week £123; 3 nights/week £154; 4 nights/week £191. (Flexi boarding amounts are shown as weekly charges.)

Senior School (VAT inclusive fee per term):
- Day pupil: £12,558 (annual equivalent £37,674).
- Contemporary boarding (3 nights/week): £15,537 (annual equivalent £46,611).
- Weekly boarding (5 nights/week): £17,807 (annual equivalent £53,421).
- Traditional boarding (7 nights/week): £19,225 (annual equivalent £57,675).

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Core school fees are invoiced termly in advance and are due for payment before the first day of the term to which they relate. Parents should expect to receive up to six invoices per academic year; invoices for additional charges are raised termly in arrears.
- If payment is not made by the due date, interest may be charged at a rate of 3% per year above the Bank of England base rate. All payments should quote the bill and pupil reference when paid by bank transfer.
- If a parent wishes to withdraw a pupil they must give at least one clear term's notice in writing or pay one term's fees in lieu of notice. Terms are treated as commencing on published term start dates (for notice purposes).

Boarding-specific notes

- Boarding charges follow the banding shown above for Prep and Senior years and are billed termly in the same way as tuition fees. Occasional/additional ad‑hoc boarding nights (where available by agreement) are chargeable at an additional nightly rate. Flexi boarding in the Prep School is charged on a weekly basis as shown.

Supplemental and other routinely charged items (examples and typical amounts for 2026/27)

- Instrumental tuition (full‑term, normally 10 half‑hour lessons): £415.85 per term (equivalent per half‑hour lesson shown as £41.60). Hire of school instruments: first three terms £43.10 per term; thereafter £70.00 per term.
- Support for learning (Senior School): Year 9 £773.15 per term; Year 10 £1,040.25 per term; Year 11 £1,040.25 per term; Sixth Form £1,377.55 per term.
- Transport (per term): £735.00. Occasional additional boarding nights (by agreement): each additional night £84.75. Support for visa‑sponsored pupils: £253.00 per year.
- Prep wraparound and clubs (typical 2026/27 charges): Breakfast Club – Reception–Year 3 £7.00 per session; Year 4–8 £8.25 per session. Tea (per evening for day pupils staying for tea/sport academies) £8.25. After‑school club and specialist co‑curricular session charges vary by activity (examples in the published schedule). Certain specialist activities (riding, some external coaches), minority sports, some societies and trips, examination fees and Sixth Form books may incur additional charges. Music, LAMDA, EAL and other private lessons are charged separately.

Uniform and Tailor's Shop charges

- Compulsory uniform and many sports items must be obtained from the School's on‑site Tailor's Shop; name tapes are ordered automatically on registration and the cost is added to the initial Tailor's Shop bill. The Tailor's Shop supplies both new uniform and a second‑hand option; additional purchases (sports equipment, toiletries, specialist items) are chargeable at the Tailor's Shop prices. Contact details for the Tailor's Shop are published for ordering and appointment bookings.

Refunds and cancellation terms

- The registration fee is non‑returnable. The deposit is not normally refundable if the child does not take up a place, except where the School fills the vacancy created by withdrawal (refund then less administration costs). If a parent withdraws a pupil without providing the required term's notice they remain liable for a term's fees in lieu of notice. In limited circumstances (for example where the School gives less than a full term's notice of an increase greater than specified thresholds) parents have specific rights to withdraw without liability if they act within the stated time limits.

Fee payment options and contacts

- Accepted payment channels include the School's secure Billing Portal (Esenda) supporting bank transfer, debit/credit card and FX payments, and Flywire for international payments (bank transfer and card options with foreign‑exchange features). Payment tracking and support links are provided for these services. Payment of fees in advance is available under the School's advance payment scheme; details are available from the Accounts Department. Contact for finance enquiries: Head of Finance, Mrs Reena Patel, telephone +44 (0)1371 822628/626, email rpa@felsted.org.

Routine points to note for parents

- Core fees are invoiced termly in advance and must be paid before the first day of the term. Additional charges are invoiced in arrears on a termly basis. Typical extra charges include private music tuition, instrument hire, specialist activity fees, transport, examination charges, and purchases from the Tailor's Shop. If fees are unpaid the School may pursue interest and recovery of sums due.
Academics

Felsted School teaches IB (DP), British Curriculum, BTEC Qualification for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum

GCSE Curriculum: In Years 10-11 the core subjects are English Language, English Literature, Mathematics and Science, with four option blocks to tailor the programme. The Separate Sciences pathway is available for three separate GCSEs in science, and EAL or SfL can substitute where appropriate. Sixth Form Curriculum: Felsted offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma, A Level and BTEC/AAQ options, with independent learning and EPQ/Extended Essay components; the IB and A Level routes are supported by a Sixth Form Centre and a dedicated careers/HE service (Felsted Futures).

Student Teacher Ratio

Year 3-6 class sizes are 20 pupils per class, with three classes per year group.

Exam Results

IB Diploma Results 2026: 96.2% pass rate; average 34 points; 72% of Higher Level grades were A*-B. A Level/BTEC Results 2026: 60% of entries achieved A*-B or equivalent; around 90% progressed to university, degree apprenticeships or employment. GCSE Results 2025: 99 pupils sat GCSEs; 41% of entries graded 9-7 (A*/A); more than 50% of grades were above 7 (A) in Chemistry, French, German, History, Latin, Music, Physics and Further Maths; strong performances in Art, Biology and Computer Science (84% 9-6).

Higher Education Progression

Leavers' Destinations 2025 show 122 U6 leavers; 69 UCAS entries; 43 Russell Group universities (including Oxbridge); 17 deferred entries; 12 apprenticeships or employment; 9 European universities; 1 Australian and 2 US/Canada destinations.

Gifted and Talented

Academic Scholarships are awarded to pupils with exceptional academic ability; the Mary Skill Award recognises talent across other disciplines. Award Holders participate in enrichment activities with mentoring and feedback from specialist staff, and both Scholarship and Mary Skill Award holders may access means-tested financial support.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

PSHE is taught from Reception to develop emotional intelligence and resilience. The Wellbeing Centre provides Prevention and Counselling services, and Peer Counselling is available to younger pupils. Mental Health First Aid Training is provided for staff and pupils, and the PSHE curriculum emphasizes wellbeing across the community.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Support for Learning (Special Educational Needs and Disability) Policy exists. The policy sets out identification, personalised support programmes (IEPs), appropriate resources and review procedures; a counsellor assists with behavioural, social, emotional and mental health needs.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

English as an Additional Language Policy covers both the Preparatory and Senior Schools. It recognises and meets the needs of pupils who do not speak English as their first language, including assessment, potential structured EAL lessons, induction for new pupils and ongoing monitoring to ensure access to the curriculum taught in English. The policy provides guidance on CEFR language levels and progression.

Mental Wellbeing

The Wellbeing Centre sits at the heart of the senior campus and offers resources to support mental health. Felsted takes a holistic approach to wellbeing, with prevention and counselling services, mindfulness and mental health training for staff and pupils, and peer counselling as part of the support network.

Safeguarding

The school has a Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy, with a safeguarding statement and a culture of vigilance to protect all in its care.
Parent Experience

History

Felsted School was founded in 1564 as a Grammar School by Richard Lord Riche, who lived at Leez Priory. Riche endowed the foundation with land in Essex, a farm on Moreton, and the rectories of Matching, Braintree and Broomfield, as well as land in Felsted. When Lord Riche died in 1567, his burial in Felsted Church was organised by heralds and attended by knights and yeomen on horseback. The school was originally housed in a converted Guild Hall in the village, and that building is now used by the Prep School Music Department. In 2024 Felsted celebrated its 460th anniversary.

Community

Felsted is built on Christian foundations and today forms a modern, diverse community, which inspires meaningful reflection. The school motto and guiding principle, Garde Ta Foy (Keep Your Faith), guides members of the school to consider what faith is to them and what they stand for. Felsted's core values guide the community to approach life with grace and integrity and to treat others with respect and kindness. Woven into daily life are the strong threads of academic aspiration, community, wellbeing, sporting excellence, enrichment, globalism and the championing of neuroinclusive qualities.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

The school has a 90-acre countryside campus. The Senior School campus serves day and boarding pupils aged 13 to 16, with facilities for sport including an indoor sports hall, a swimming pool and a gym, and facilities for the arts including a professional-standard auditorium, theatre and art studio, plus acres of rolling playing fields. The campus features a state-of-the-art Music School, a dedicated performing arts studio and theatre space. On-site Wellbeing and Medical Centres support pupil health, with a Wellbeing Centre and a Medical Centre. The campus includes a library, music practice rooms and rehearsal spaces, all within the boarding and day-pupil communities.

Sports Facilities

Spacious playing fields, an indoor swimming pool, Astroturf pitches, sports halls, a gym, squash courts, and netball and tennis courts are on campus. The facilities support a broad sports programme across the Prep and Senior campuses.

Academic Facilities

Felsted offers a dedicated Design, Technology and Engineering pathway, with a Prep School workshop and a Senior School centre. The Senior School centre includes two metalworking rooms, two woodworking rooms, two teaching rooms and a computer suite. The Sixth Form Centre, newly renovated, provides dedicated spaces for study and socialising, including a large study table, seating, a projector, a surround-sound system and a refurbished snooker table. A state-of-the-art Music School and a fully equipped Performing Arts Studio and Hunt Theatre spaces support the arts. Academic support is provided by the Marshall Centre for Learning, open in the evenings for subject-specific help.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Drama features on-site Hunt Theatre with 128-seat flexible seating, lighting and sound, dressing rooms, a front-of-house box office and a licensed bar. There are multiple drama spaces across Prep and Senior campuses and a new fully equipped Performing Arts Studio. Felsted offers a broad co-curricular programme including annual drama productions, GCSE Drama and A Level Drama & Theatre Studies, and opportunities to perform or work backstage. The life at Felsted co-curricular programme includes Combined Cadet Force, the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, Model United Nations and a wide range of clubs, including Prep Breakfast and After School Clubs; drama trips abroad and theatre trips are also part of the offering.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

Model United Nations conferences develop analysis of real-world issues and enhance debate skills. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is offered as a co‑curricular programme to build resilience, leadership and community volunteering. STEM Pathways include Design, Technology & Engineering (DTE) and Computer Science. Combined Cadet Force provides off-site activities and leadership development, preparing pupils for roles of responsibility later in school and beyond.

Arts & Creative

The Creative Arts programme includes Art, Drama, LAMDA and Music. LAMDA provides drama-based performance training as part of the arts offering. The curriculum supports visual and performing arts through these specialised subjects and related activities.

Cultural & Language

Felsted is a Round Square member, which opens access to a global network of opportunities and exchanges. Model United Nations conferences expand students' international outlook and diplomatic understanding. The school runs an International Summer School and maintains overseas admissions as part of its Global Education programme.

Social & Hobbies

Prep Breakfast and After School Clubs provide additional social and recreational opportunities. A broad sports programme includes Cricket, Hockey, Rugby, Netball, Tennis, Squash, Football and Equestrian. The school also emphasises clubs and societies as part of student life.

Community & Service

Charity Partners programme supports pupil fundraising and volunteering for organisations such as CHESS Homeless, Essex and Herts Air Ambulance, Farleigh Hospice, Felsted Mission, Magic Bus, The Sparkle Foundation, Teach Uganda and Young Minds. Community Outreach activities involve local service projects and partnerships to benefit the village and wider community. The school emphasises social responsibility through its charitable work and outreach.

Leadership & Professional

Combined Cadet Force offers leadership training and numerous off-site learning experiences; many Sixth Form pupils go on to hold roles of responsibility such as Head of School or Senior Prefect. Model United Nations and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award likewise cultivate leadership, teamwork and project management. Careers and Higher Education opportunities include work experience in Year 10, a Careers Passport, and targeted support for university applications.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Wellbeing is a top priority, with an on-site medical centre and a wellbeing centre to support mental and physical health. The pastoral system includes a network of house parents, tutors, teachers, matrons, the chaplaincy, peer counsellors and prefects to support every pupil. Sleep Champions status recognises Felsted's commitment to healthy sleep, routines and wellbeing. Chaplaincy and faith-life activities also form part of the holistic wellbeing offering.
Languages

Language Provision

Languages offered at Key Stage 3 are Spanish, French, German, and Latin. Pupils take one language as Language 1 and may study a second language (Language 2) or Global Studies in addition to their core timetable. At GCSE, all Felsted pupils study a Modern Foreign Language; French, German, and Spanish are offered as GCSE options, and Latin is also available as a GCSE subject. English as an Additional Language (EAL) and Support for Learning (SfL) are available for pupils who need them.
Reputation

Awards

2023 Boarding School of the Year – TES Independent School Awards (Felsted named top boarding school in the UK by TES).
Independent School of the Year Award – Felsted's fundraising wins (2024).
Felsted School Shortlisted by Tatler for ‘finest education in the country' (18 Sep 2024).
Eco-Schools Green Flag Award (20 Jun 2024).
Sleep Champions – ‘Sleep Champions': Understanding the Importance of Sleep (13 Jun 2024).
Tatler Schools Guide 2026 – Felsted Featured in Prestigious Tatler School's Guide 2026 (11 Sep 2025).
Music Mark of Recognition – National recognition for Felsted Music (8 Oct 2025).
Tatler recognition – National Tatler features and guide presence (2024–2025).
Muddy Stilettos – Best Schools Guide recognition (Muddy Stilettos feature) (2024–2025).
Independent School of the Year Award – Felsted's fundraising success highlighted (2024).
TES Independent School Awards – 2023 Boarding School of the Year (Felsted named top boarding school in the UK).
Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE) – Highly active DofE programme with Bronze, Silver and Gold progression (annual outcomes described).

Accreditations

Round Square membership – Felsted is a member of Round Square, an active network of over 230 schools spanning more than 50 countries, focusing on six principles: internationalism, democracy, environmentalism, adventure, leadership and service.
HMC membership – Felsted is a member of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference (HMC).
Boarding Schools Association (BSA) affiliation – Felsted is associated with the Boarding Schools' Association.
Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) Inspection 2023 – Felsted met Independent School Standards in every area; the curriculum is well-designed, broad and balanced, and pastoral care and wellbeing are positively noted.
IB World Schools Accreditation – Felsted holds IB World Schools accreditation.
Independent School Council (ISC) affiliation – the school displays ISC accreditation/logos as part of its accreditations set.
BAISIS/other national accreditations logos – Felsted features logos for national accrediting bodies such as BAISIS and other recognized associations as part of its accreditation profile.
Eco-Schools Green Flag Award – Eco-Schools Green Flag Award (2024).
Sleep Champions – Sleep Champions initiative (Boarding Schools' Association), 2024.
Music Mark of Recognition – National recognition for Felsted Music (Music Mark) 8 October 2025.
Tatler recognitions – Tatler Schools Guide features (Tatler 2024 shortlist for “finest education in the country” and Tatler 2026 guide feature announced 11 September 2025).
Round Square – International Round Square network affiliation (Round Square logo appears among accreditations).
IB World Schools Accreditation – International Baccalaureate accreditation appears among the school's official recognitions.
Early Years Quality Mark – Early Years Quality Mark appears among accreditation logos.
Covid Safe BSA Charter – Covid Safe Charter (Boarding Schools' Association) appears among accreditation logos.
Safe Schools – Safe Schools accreditation/logo appears among accreditation logos.
Wellbeing Award – Wellbeing/health-related accreditation/logo appears among accreditation logos.
Great Teaching – Great Teaching Schools logo appears among accreditation logos.
Admissions

Admissions

1. Complete Registration: Registration must be completed by September one year prior to the year of entry. The Registration form is on the Admissions portal. 2. Entry Testing: Felsted's entry tests include Maths, English comprehension, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. The online tests are adaptive and require no advance preparation; familiarisation exercises are provided to registered candidates in advance of the assessments. Exam access arrangements are available for SEND candidates; places are offered based on entry testing results, the most recent school report, and a satisfactory confidential reference from the current school. UK-based candidates normally attend Felsted for entry testing and interview; alternative arrangements can be discussed with the Admissions Team. 3. Scholarships and Awards: Two levels of Award are available: Felsted Scholarship (top performing candidates; fee discount applied to day or boarding fees) and Mary Skill Award (honorary; recognises candidates who demonstrate skill, enthusiasm and commitment in their chosen disciplines). Award holders take part in a programme of enrichment activities relevant to their discipline and have mentoring and feedback from specialist staff and coaches. Both Scholarship and Mary Skill Award Holders are eligible to apply for additional means-tested financial support. All bursaries are means-tested and are subject to an annual review. There is no guarantee of financial assistance as demands for support are usually in excess of the funds available. 4. Confirm your place: Once offers have been sent out a deposit will be taken to secure your place for the following September; all information on this will be sent to you via the Admissions team. 5. Keeping in Touch: Prior to starting at Felsted the Admissions team will keep in touch with any information you will need, including the New Joiner Process and relevant induction and welcome events. 6. Taster Days and Visits: Felsted offers on-site Taster Days in the Spring Term for prospective pupils to sample academic and creative lessons and to meet teachers and fellow pupils; there are also Whole School Open Mornings and other events. 7. Overseas Admissions: For joining from overseas, see the Overseas Admissions page for location-specific entry requirements and timelines.

Scholarships

Felsted Scholarship: awarded to the top performing candidates after assessment; a fee discount is applied to day or boarding fees. Mary Skill Award: honorary award recognizing candidates who are not yet at Scholarship level but who demonstrate skill, enthusiasm and commitment in their chosen disciplines. Award holders participate in enrichment activities, with mentoring and feedback from specialist staff; both Scholarship and Mary Skill Award Holders are eligible to apply for additional means-tested financial support. Bursaries: means-tested and subject to annual review; there is no guarantee of financial assistance as demand for support is typically greater than the funds available.
School Events
The school has not added events