The Benefits of an Independent Education in the Early Years

Many of us will be familiar with the concept of an independent or private primary school, often known as a ‘preparatory school’ or ‘prep school’, but how exactly do primary-aged children benefit from this kind of school? What is a 'Prep School'? Traditionally, prep schools are independent schools that educate children between the ages of 8 and 13 - before this age, children in the independent sector would traditionally attend a ‘pre-prep’, for pupils aged 4 to 7.  The term ‘preparatory’ describes how the schools prepare children effectively for the next step of their education at a senior school, where they will usually complete GCSEs and A-Levels. Horsham’s only co-educational independent all-through school and nursery, Farlington School caters for pupils from Nursery all the way up to Sixth Form. We are a true through school, educating children from 6 months to 18 years on the same site, and whilst we no longer use the term ‘prep school’, Farlington pupils proudly belong to one of four sections: Little Farlington Nursery (6 months to 4 years); the Lower School (Reception to Year 4); the Middle School (Year 5 to Year 8) or the Senior School (Year 9 to Year 13). The Curriculum at Private Schools Unlike mainstream schools, prep schools and other independent schools are not restricted to following the National Curriculum. This independence gives private schools the freedom and flexibility to deliver a curriculum that not only aligns with their vision and ethos, but can also be tailored to the needs of individual children. Thus, children at independent schools such as Farlington are not subjected to the ‘one size fits all’ approach.  As a member of the Independent Schools Association or ISA, we are required to deliver a broad curriculum at Farlington, where children are taught using the framework of the National Curriculum, but teachers also include extra activities from outside the syllabus to further enrich teaching and learning.  Farlington pupils experience a balanced and wide-ranging curriculum, with careful planning for continuity and progress that takes individual differences into account. The Farlington curriculum is designed to foster an interest beyond the curriculum and, particularly in the Lower School, to develop a love of learning from an early age. Class Sizes Prep schools and other independent schools tend to boast smaller class sizes compared to mainstream primary schools. Children at private schools therefore benefit from more individual time and attention from teachers, who can better assess a child's progress and tailor their learning accordingly. Teachers can also build an in-depth understanding of each child and know the strengths, weaknesses, and needs of each pupil. Smaller class sizes also enable children to build better relationships with their teachers and classmates, which encourages better class cohesion and less disruption. Specialist Teachers Rather than being taught all subjects by a single generalist teacher, primary-aged children attending a private school such as Farlington will enjoy some lessons led by subject specialist teachers. These teachers have substantial expertise and enthusiasm for their respective curriculum area, and can best support pupils of all abilities to reach their potential. Right from Reception, all pupils at Farlington School have subject specialists teaching music, modern languages and sport. Lower School students also enjoy weekly swimming lessons and weekly on-site Forest School sessions with our highly qualified Forest School Leader. Extra-Curricular Opportunities The educational experience at independent schools is enriched by the wide range of extra-curricular opportunities available to pupils from an early age. Farlington offers an extensive extra-curricular provision, incorporating sporting, creative and enrichment options. Our twice-daily activities programme allows every pupil to be involved in an enrichment activity - outdoors or indoors; practical, intellectual or unusual. We offer a range of extra-curricular art, music, dance and drama clubs, and provide a varied and inclusive extra-curricular sports programme. Clubs for the Lower School include Judo, Street Dance, Hockey, Training Orchestra, LEGO Club, Tennis, Arts & Crafts, Junior Choir, and Ballet. A wide range of activities and initiatives is a key advantage because it provides children with a truly well-rounded education and a broadened perspective. Pupils are able to discover and nurture new skills and interests, whilst building confidence, responsibility and valuable soft skills. They also develop strong friendships, have fun and improve their wellbeing. Discover the Lower School at Farlington The best way to see how your child could benefit from a Farlington School education is to come and visit us and find out all about the Lower School at Farlington! If your child is due to start his or her educational journey in the next few years, we would be delighted to welcome you to our Nursery & Reception Open Morning on Wednesday 29th April 2026. We will also be holding a Whole School Open Morning on Saturday 9th May 2026. To reserve your place at either of these events, please click here. Alternatively, we would be delighted to offer you a tour of the school and a meeting with our Headmaster, James Passam, on a date that is convenient for you. To book a tour, please contact our Admissions Team on 01403 282573 or by email: admissions@farlingtonschool.com.

Primary School Offer Day: Your Guide to the Next Steps

Thursday 16th April 2026 is primary school offer day, meaning that local councils reveal to parents which state primary school they have been allocated for their child from September 2026. At Farlington, we understand that this day can go one of two ways. It may be filled with joy and excitement, because you know that your child will begin their education at the school you have had your heart set on for months or even years. Or, it could be a day filled with stress and frustration, as you receive the news that your child has not been offered the school place you had been hoping for. Don't panic! You DO have options Starting school for the first time is a huge milestone for both children and parents, and we understand that primary school offer day can be a stressful experience. But it's important to remember that you DO have options.  Here at Farlington, we have put together this guide to make it as easy as possible for you to navigate the state primary school allocation process and secure the school place that is the best for your child.  Step 1: Check your offer email or letter Primary school allocation notifications are usually sent via email, letter or an online portal. Be sure to check your spam or junk folder as well, as sometimes important emails can get filtered out by mistake! Step 2: Read the offer letter carefully When you receive your offer letter, read it carefully to understand which school your child has been allocated. Make a note of any important information, such as the start date and term times. Step 3: Consider your options If you are happy with the school that has been allocated to your child, then congratulations! You can begin the exciting preparations for September (see our useful article, Top 10 Tips for Starting School, for some helpful advice).  However, if you are unhappy with the school that has been allocated to your child, it's important to remain calm and remember that there are still options available to you. Option 1: Appeal the decision If you believe that your child has been unfairly allocated a school place that is not right for you and your family, you can appeal the decision. You will need to prepare a case and evidence for an appeal hearing. The appeal process can be lengthy and there is no guarantee that you will be successful, but it is worth pursuing if you feel strongly that your child has been unfairly treated. Option 2: Join a waiting list Most schools in the state sector will operate a waiting list system, depending on whether there are spaces available. Your child's position on a waiting list will be determined by set criteria. They will move up the list if a child above them is accepted into the school or removed from the list, and they will move down the list if another childs meets more of the admissions criteria. Option 3: Consider an independent school If you are unable to secure a place at a state-funded school that meets your child's needs, you may wish to consider an independent school. Independent schools are not governed by the local authority and have more flexibility in their admissions policies.  Independent schools can offer your child a more personalised learning experience that is based on their individual needs, ensuring that they are happy, thrive and reach their full potential. Children at independent schools benefit from smaller class sizes, which means more attention from their teachers - and children from Reception upwards often enjoy specialist teaching for certain subjects, for example sport, music and foreign languages. Furthermore, at independent schools there is often more emphasis placed upon character development, which can be nurtured through a wider range of extra-curricular activities - at Farlington, our Reception children enjoy weekly swimming lessons, Forest School sessions and dance classes.  Finding the right independent school If you are considering an independent education for your child, we recommend taking the following steps: 1. Do your research Have a look through each school's website, and read through their prospectus online if possible (take a look at our Farlington School Prospectus today). It's also useful to look through online schools’ directories (you’ll find Farlington on lots of online schools’ listings, for example here on schoolguide.co.uk). This will all help you to get a sense of each school's offer, and begin to decide if your child could be happy there. 2. Consider the cost You might not have planned for the financial cost of an independent school, but it may be more affordable than you think. Different independent schools have different price points, so it is important to check and compare fees (you can view our fees here: Fee Information), as well as bursary and scholarship options. As a Bellevue school, we offer an interest-free monthly payment scheme, which can allow for easier budgeting and help make payments more manageable for you. The fees for each term are split into three equal instalments and paid during the first three months of the term. 3. Visit the school There is no better way to get a sense of a school than to see it in person and assess if it is the right place for your child. When you arrange a tour of a school, you will view the classrooms, facilities and grounds, meet some of the teachers and pupils and get a general feel for the school. At Farlington, we offer personalised tours at a time which is most convenient for you, so you don’t have to wait until the next open day.   Talk to our friendly Admissions Team today! If you have been left disappointed by the primary school offer you have received, then please do get in touch with our Admissions Department. We would be more than happy to talk through your situation and discuss your options. Why not book a place at our Nursery and Reception Open Morning on Wednesday 29th April 2026? Find out more here: Visiting Farlington.

Year 9 student crowned West Sussex County Champion at NSEA Championships

The Farlington Equestrian team continues to thrive and has enjoyed a busy few months! Year 9 student Maisie was crowned West Sussex County Champion at the National Schools Equestrian Association County Championships Qualifiers at Felbridge in November. Maisie and her horse Luna started in the 90cm, riding a great round and finishing in 2nd place - a super result. Maisie then took on the challenge of the 1m and set a great time, taking the win and becoming West Sussex County Champion! The following week, we hosted our annual Farlington NSEA Grassroots Show at Sands Farm and were thrilled to welcome over 80 competitors on the day. The Farlington Equestrian team came away with some fantastic results! Hettie, Bertie, Daisy, and Annie took 1st place in the 50cm class. Thank you to all of the competitors and their supporters for making it such a fantastic day.

Students Wow in 'The Addams Family, Young@Part'

On 26 and 27 November, the Senior School brought The Addams Family Young@Part to the stage, performing to two sold-out audiences. The production marked the culmination of nine weeks of dedicated rehearsals and collaboration across the school community. Students and staff worked tirelessly throughout the process, with weekly dance rehearsals led by Mrs Wells, music rehearsals with Miss Nimmo and Miss Tofts, and regular drama rehearsals in the studio to bring each scene and ensemble number to life. Behind the scenes, equally important work was taking place, from costume fittings and backstage preparation to front-of-house organisation. Producing a show of this scale truly takes a village, and the Performing Arts department is grateful for the support and commitment shown by everyone involved. We are immensely proud of all the students who contributed to the production, both on stage and behind the scenes. Their teamwork, creativity and professionalism ensured the production of a highly successful show.  Thank you to everyone who supported the performances by attending — your encouragement means a great deal to our students and staff.      

Farlington Equestrian Team Wins Double National Championship!

The Farlington Equestrian team headed to Hickstead for the Grassroots National Finals on Wednesday 20th August. Farlington entered two teams in the 40cm class - the Blue Team, made up of Bertie and Louis, Jemima with Fang and Sheltie, and Zoe and Louis who all rode brilliantly but unfortunately just missed out on being placed.  Next up was the Silver Team; Daisy with JJ and Harry, Hettie and Billy, and Henry with Hannah. The talented young team put in an incredible performance and were the overall winners of the Style class making them National Champions!  Not to be outdone, in the 50cm Class, the Farlington team, made up of Hettie and Kitt, Arabella and Kitt, Daisy and Harry, and Mary and Dusty all rode beautiful, balanced rounds to also become National Champions, making Farlington Double National Champions! This amazing achievement is a testament to the dedication of our fantastic, talented Equestrian Team and our Equestrian Manager, Kathy Willard.  Celebrating the team’s success, Headmaster, James Passam said, "This is a truly exceptional achievement for Farlington, winning both the 40cm and 50cm National Championship competitions. Our entire Equestrian Team is super supportive of one another and on the day, I was so proud to see the two teams encouraging one another throughout. As a school, we are really proud to be represented at all of the NSEA and local competitions across the course of the year, as well as organising two shows ourselves. Our primary aim is for our students to develop their confidence as riders and be able to proudly represent their school in what they are passionate about." In order to encourage and support our students who are keen riders, we are offering an Equestrian Scholarship for the first time, open to students joining the school in Year 7 and above. We look forward to seeing what our young riders go on to achieve next term, and we are especially looking forward to our next Farlington Grassroots Show at Sands Farm on 16th November.

Farlington Students achieve 50% of GCSE grades awarded at 9-7

Students at Farlington are today celebrating their GCSE grades, with 21% grade 9; 36% grades 9-8; 50% grades 9-7; and 93% grades 9-4.  Students celebrated impressive performance across all subjects including 83% of students achieving grades 9-7 in triple sciences, and 100% of students achieving a grade 5 or above in Maths. Across the entire cohort, 100% achieved 5 GCSEs Grades 9-4 on the key national indicators, including in English and Maths. Headmaster James Passam says, “We are all delighted with our students' performance in their GCSE exams. As an academically non-selective school, we are thrilled to see the individual successes for each student this year, whether they are achieving the highest grades or have strived equally hard to achieve their personal best in a particular area. The continued success of our students across the broad range of subjects that we offer is testament to both the hard work invested by students and the dedication shown by our teaching staff. In addition, so many of our students deserve recognition for what they achieve impressively outside of the classroom in sports and the arts.” Students sitting GCSE Music, Art and Drama achieved on average two grades above their expected baseline prediction, with 100% of entries in Art achieving an impressive Grade 8 or 9. Boarding students also performed 1.5 grades above their baseline predicted grades overall, reflective of the residential support provided through our strong boarding provision. At Farlington, we place equal importance on pastoral care and academic rigour, ensuring each child receives individualised support. We believe that when students are happy and well cared for, they are best able to reach their full potential. Nerves quickly turned into smiles this morning as our Year 11 students congregated with their parents, friends, and teachers to open their exam results. Year 11 student Verdi, who has been at the school for three years, has chosen to continue her studies at Farlington. Verdi is joining the Sixth Form in September to study Chemistry, Biology, and Maths with a view to eventually securing a place to study medicine at university. "Farlington is a really great place, we have a small community here and everyone feels 'seen', and their needs are valued. I would definitely recommend it!" George, who joined Farlington in Year 7, and was one of the first boys to join the school, was also delighted with his results. "Farlington has helped me to realise who I am as a person, what my interests really are, and where my strengths lie. There is such a strong community here, it really is a home away from home." Explaining how his teachers contributed to his success, George said,"The small class sizes really help with your learning, and the quality of teaching is incredible. I would recommend Farlington to anyone considering it as an option for Senior School, and when you are here, make the most of it and enjoy it while you can!". George is joining Farlington Sixth Form in September, studying History, Business, and DT. Caroline Newell, Head of Senior School, says, “It is a great pleasure to see them develop over the course of their academic career at Farlington, and to be able to share in their success at the end of the journey. All of our students will be continuing in education and we are delighted that we will be welcoming back the highest number of our students into our Sixth Form for September 2025. They will be joining a number of new students and are looking forward to studying a broad range of courses.”

Farlington Students Celebrate A-Level Success

Today, Farlington Sixth Form students celebrated as they received their A-Level examination results, with 51% of grades awarded at  A*-B and a 100% pass rate. These impressive results have enabled them to confirm their next stage of education, with 90% securing their first choice university place, and 100% of those applying, securing places at Russell Group universities. Students will now go on to read a range of subjects at prestigious universities across the country and beyond, including the University of Bristol (Electrical and Electronic Engineering); University of London (Media and Communications); University of the Arts London (Fine Art); University of Reading (Law); University of Southampton (Environmental Science); and the University of Toronto (Biochemistry). A small number of pupils are also choosing to take a gap year before pursuing courses in the future, as in previous years.  “I am immensely proud of our students’ achievements this year,” says Headmaster James Passam. “They have worked hard over the past two years in order to achieve A-Levels that reflect their academic tracking through the year, and which have enabled our students entry to some excellent university courses. In addition to their exam results, it is important to remember and celebrate all of the other achievements so many of our students can be proud of beyond the classroom.” Students and staff celebrated together at Farlington this morning, as pupils arrived to find out their A-Level results. “Farlington Sixth Form provides for the individual,” says Head of Sixth Form Penny Hart. “Our individual ‘pathways planning’ offers a personalised approach to each student’s journey, with teachers knowing their students holistically, leading to not only academic success but also their personal growth. I am excited by the courses that our cohort will go on to pursue at university, and look forward to following their continued successes.” “The teachers were the reason I decided to stay at Farlington for Sixth Form,” says Issy, who joined Farlington in Year 2. “They really get to know you well so I trusted them to put me on the right path, which has really helped to get me to where I am today. The teachers here always go above and beyond for you.” Issy is taking a gap year before starting a Master’s Degree in Forensic Science and Criminal Psychology. In addition to our Year 13 students, we are particularly proud of three Year 10 students who achieved A* grades in A-Level Russian, and two Year 12 students who achieved A grades in AS Drama. These outstanding results reflect Farlington's individualised approach and flexible learning provision in supporting our pupils.

LAMDA Success for Farlington Students

Our Speech and Drama students have enjoyed some great results in their recent LAMDA (London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art) exams! 47 children across Years 2-4 took a Verse and Prose examination, achieving a stunning 46 Distinctions, and 22 of those students gained a score of 90 or above. These are absolutely outstanding results!  Then it was the turn of Years 9-11, who took Grades 4, 5, and 6. Not wanting to be outdone by their younger counterparts, there were 23 Distinctions and 2 Merits! Special congratulations are due to the Year 11 students who all achieved Distinctions and very high marks for their Grade Six-Bronze Medals.  Further congratulations must also go to Sixth Formers, Bethan and Iona, who achieved Distinctions for their Grade 7- Silver Medal, and to Isabelle C, who finished her Speech and Drama journey at Farlington in style, with 91 marks and Distinction for her Grade 8 - Gold Medal. These results are way above the national average and prove again what a talented and high-achieving bunch our Farlington students are.

Farlington Freezes Over!

'Frozen Fever' was in the air this week as Farlington turned into the magical kingdom of Arendelle for the Middle School Production of Disney's 'Frozen, Jr'. The spectacular 60-minute musical is based on the 2013 Disney film and the 2018 Broadway adaptation. Over the course of three nights, the audiences were treated to three amazing performances from the incredible cast as they followed the fates of Princesses Anna and Elsa and their companions, mountain man Kristoff, reindeer Sven, and everyone's favourite snowman, Olaf.  Farlington students, from Years 5 to 8, put in months of rehearsals and everything came together perfectly during the performances - a true testament to the hard work and dedication of the talented young cast and backstage crew, under the direction of the wonderful production team; Head of Drama and Theatre, Mrs Spires, Dance and Drama Teacher, Mrs Wells and Head of Music, Miss Nimmo. Mrs Spires said, "Being part of a production is such a unique experience that enables students from across year groups to come together and create a shared experience that forms memories for life!" At Farlington, Performing Arts are an integral part of both the curriculum and the extra-curriculum throughout the school, from the youngest learners in Reception, through to talented performers in the Sixth Form. Opportunities abound for anyone with talent or passion or both – pupils and staff alike – and the school currently puts on around 20 performances per year.  

Careers Week 2025

The school has been buzzing with activity this week for our annual Careers Week. The focus for this year has been S.H.A.P.E (Social Sciences, Humanities, and the Arts for People and the Economy), and our students in Middle and Senior School have had the opportunity to listen to some fascinating talks from visiting speakers during the week, including; Creative Arts Marketing at Fox, Disney and the BBC, Cyber Security in the Defence Sector, Publishing & Media, Occupational Psychology, Complementary Medicine and Acupuncture, Live TV Production with the BBC, Doing Psychology as a Degree Subject, and Media Promotion in the Football Industry, and more! What an amazing line-up of speakers we have been lucky enough to welcome. Combined with assemblies, workshops, and life-skills sessions, this week has given our students a fantastic insight into what career opportunities are open to them in this fast-paced, ever-changing world.  Thank you to all of the speakers, many of whom are our parents and alumni, for giving up their valuable time to inspire our students.

Farlington Rated 'Good Value' by The Telegraph

Following the introduction of VAT on private school fees in January, it is really important to us that we are doing all that we practically can to keep our education affordable. We know that our parents work long hours to be able to send their children to Farlington. We have had to really innovate to maintain excellent value for money, and are proud to only be passing on 9.5% of a potential 20% fee increase as a result of VAT. So, needless to say, we were absolutely thrilled to be rated 'GOOD VALUE' by The Telegraph in January 2025, when the paper published a league table analysing the fees of over 1,200 fee-paying schools across Britain. Come and see us to find out more about how we are keeping our fees affordable. Visit www.farlingtonschool.com/bookyourvisit to reserve a place at our OPEN MORNING on Saturday 1st March or to book a tour on another day.

Outstanding Achievements by International Students

Farlington School takes pride in the exceptional English results achieved by our international students. By tailoring the EAL (English as an Additional Language) curriculum to meet each student's individual proficiency level, we ensure they are entered for the most appropriate examinations to support their success. International students at Farlington may sit the Edexcel International GCSE in English as a Second Language. Results in this qualification are consistently outstanding. Last year, all 10 students in the cohort passed their exams, with every student achieving an impressive grade 9 in the speaking component. In other parts of the examination, all students achieved strong pass grades, with positive Value Added scores - some as high as five grades above their national expected outcomes. The average Value Added score was almost three grades above national expected outcomes.   At Farlington Sixth Form international students continue to excel, achieving remarkable results in IELTS examinations. These scores enable them to gain admission to prestigious universities across the UK. Last year, our Sixth Form students attained an impressive average IELTS score of 8.25. The usual score required for top British universities is 7.0.  Historically, Farlington students have also performed exceptionally well in Cambridge English examinations, regularly achieving top grades including A grades in the Cambridge First and Cambridge Advanced exams. Another highlight of the Farlington EAL Department’s provision is the support offered for GCSEs and A-Levels in students' home languages. Last year, students entered examinations in Russian, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Japanese, achieving top grades across all subjects.   To find out more about international admissions and EAL provision at Farlington, please see International Admissions.