Our Senior School – Confident, Curious, and Full of Heart!

Our Senior School – Confident, Curious, and Full of Heart! ❤️ 

At Freemen’s, what you see is what you get - and that’s exactly what the Good Schools Guide saw when they visited. A school that’s true to its values, where young people are encouraged to learn, lead, and make a difference, and where curiosity, independence, and care run through every classroom, corridor, and conversation. 

Warm, Welcoming, and Wonderfully Alive 🌟 

Described as “a forward-looking school with a strong community vibe that turns out well-rounded, happy young people - without sacrificing academic achievement,” Freemen’s fosters a community where pupils are “bright, articulate, cheery and loyal to their school.” 

From day one, pupils benefit from specialist teaching and excellent facilities - acoustic Recital Hall 🎵, Mac suite, Ferndale Theatre 🎭, double-storey Art department with four studios 🎨, DT workshop with laser cutters, and award-winning swimming pool and sports facilities 🏊⚽. 

Parents love the holistic approach: children get excellent grades while leaving school having “experienced so much more.” 

Lessons That Feel Alive 📚 

Lessons are purposeful and lively, from: 

• Year 9 physics measuring the speed of sound 

• Year 12 RS debating euthanasia 

• PHSE sessions on online safety 

Pupils describe teachers who “make lessons fun and interactive,” set homework with intention, and foster collaboration rather than rote learning. Weekly enrichment sessions allow pupils to lead younger students, grow food in the market garden, and make a difference in the wider community. 

A Creative Community 🎨 

Two whole-school orchestras, over 26 concerts a year, a capella, jazz band, chamber choir, and a vibrant musical theatre programme give pupils the chance to perform both on stage and behind the scenes. 

Art and DT studios are buzzing with creativity - GCSE students design and build Bluetooth speakers, while Sixth Formers design and create a stunning wooden bench from repurposed furniture. Drama students perform at the Edinburgh Fringe biannually. 

Parents describe the music department as “wonderful,” and pupils agree: “I practically live in the music department - whether it’s rehearsing, composing, or just messing about on the Steinway.” 

Sport and Co-Curricular Life ⚽ 

Sport is thriving, with a growing girls’ programme - including football and touch rugby -  alongside traditional team sports for everyone. Pupils compete in netball, rugby, football, cricket, athletics, and tennis, with some achieving national honours. Weekly PE lessons, coaching sessions, fixtures, and over 150 co-curricular clubs keep everyone active and engaged. 

Co-curricular life is equally rich - from chess and cheerleading to military history and mah-jong, with DofE, CCF, volunteering, residentials, language exchanges, and overseas trips ensuring there’s something for everyone. 

Supportive and Inclusive 💛 

Wellbeing is central at Freemen’s. A strong pastoral system, SEN team, form tutors, counsellors, heads of year, and wellbeing prefects ensure that every pupil is supported. Neurodiverse pupils feel included and empowered, with tailored support for dyslexia, ADHD, autism, anxiety, and sensory needs. 

Parents praised the school for making it “a cohesive and happy place,” while pupils told reviewers they feel safe, supported, and encouraged to be themselves. 

Leadership and Responsibility 🌟 

Any pupil who can demonstrate they can perform the role is eligible to become a prefect - there’s no cap on numbers. Sixth Formers mentor younger pupils, run clubs, and support enrichment activities. Boarding students in Walbrook House enjoy a close-knit, family-like environment, with opportunities for independence and community-building, while still enjoying modern, spacious accommodation. 

The Last Word 🏆 

“Every child will find their path here - and the school has the facilities and opportunities to back this up.” 

Our pupils were described as confident, curious, and happy - leaving ready to learn, lead, and make a difference in the wider world. 

Come and See For Yourself 👀 

The best way to understand Freemen’s is to visit - meet our pupils, see their curiosity in action, and feel the sense of community that runs through everything we do. 

📅 Book onto one of our events 

Read the full Good Schools Guide report here 

Freemen’s Senior School – where our young people are confident, curious, and where everyone will find their path.