Halliford is a warm-hearted School founded on strong family values where we are proud to know and be respectful of every student as an individual. Our theme ‘Come as you are. Go as all you can be’ perfectly encapsulates our mission to encourage and support Hallifordians to flourish, and become the best version of themselves that they can possibly be. Our boys join us for their seven-year journey from 11 to 18 and we warmly welcome girls to join our well-established co-educational Sixth Form, which provides our senior students with the opportunities to excel in a more independent environment. Halliford is an incredible community to belong to and spend part of their only childhood. Halliford School was founded in 1921 and moved to its present site in 1929. The Headmaster is a member of both HMC and the Society of Heads.
Facilities. Halliford School is situated on the Halliford bend of the River Thames. The old house, a graceful eighteenth-century building which stands in six acres of grounds, is the administrative centre of the School. There are six additional acres of sports fields 500 yards from the school gates. Over the years, there has been a steady development programme. There is an impressive Sports Hall with a climbing wall and changing facilities. The Philip Cottam building was further developed and incorporates the Sixth Form Centre and Café, the Art Studios, and the Music Centre, including the Recital Hall. There is also a wonderful design studio and workshop for the Design & Technology students. As part of our Centenary celebrations, a brand new £3 million building opened in November 2021 featuring a state-of-the-art Learning Resource Centre and six new classrooms. Our latest project sees us develop a brand new dining room and theatre lobby alongside refurbishment work to both the John Crook Theatre and the existing dining room and kitchens, as well as a new medical room and wellbeing suite.
Our latest project has seen us develop a brand new dining room and theatre lobby alongside refurbishment work to both the John Crook Theatre and the existing dining room and kitchens, as well as a new medical room and wellbeing suite.
Admission. There are approximately 480 students on roll with a three-form entry at Year 7 (approximately 60 students). There is a further entry at Year 9, and admission is possible into other year groups dependent on the availability of places. Entrance is by interview followed by examination (English, Mathematics and Reasoning). Siblings are given priority as long as they can benefit from a sound academic education. This policy creates a strong feeling of a family community and helps reinforce the close partnership that exists with parents. Girls and Boys are admitted into the Sixth Form based on their GCSE predictions, a report from their current school and an interview. Our pursuit of excellence is characterised by academic ambition balanced with academic sensitivity.
Curriculum. In Years 7 to 9, students study the following subjects: English, Mathematics, two languages (French, German or Spanish), Latin/Classical Civilisation, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, History, Geography, Art, Drama, Music, Design and Technology, Computing, Religious Studies, and Physical Education. In Years 10 and 11 (GCSE), there is a compulsory core of English Language and Literature, Mathematics (some also take Further Mathematics), a Modern Foreign Language (French, German or Spanish), and the three separate Sciences. Students choose a further three subjects: a second Modern Foreign Language, Latin, Classical Civilisation, History, Geography, Religious Studies, Art, Drama, Music, PE, Business Studies, Design Technology (either Resistant Materials or Graphic Products) or Computing Science.
Some 22 subjects are available at A Level in the Sixth Form, and all teaching is co-educational. Students also complete an extended project.
Games. Rugby, Football, and Cricket are the main games played at Halliford. Athletics, Basketball, Tennis, Badminton, Table Tennis, Volleyball and Golf are available, plus a large number of other activities.
Pastoral organisation. The health and wellbeing of our students are paramount to everything we do at Halliford. Our students are designated a House that will act as both pastoral support and a community throughout their time at the School. Houses have a tutor in each year group and a Head of House. In addition, we have a Head of Year for Year 7 to ensure our students have a positive transition into the School. Likewise, we have a Head of Sixth Form to support the students who choose Halliford for the final two years of their school career. Tutors are always willing to see parents, and the Headmaster can usually be seen at very short notice. We have two part-time Matrons covering the full week who look after our students, alongside staff who are all first aid trained. We have a school counsellor available to our students, plus our Sixth Formers act as mentors to the younger students.
Out-of-school activities. These include very successful Drama, Music, Sport and Art Departments.
There is a long list of clubs including Chess, Design, Computing, Film, Creative Writing, Modern Languages, Science and Art. In addition, there are Senior and Junior Debating, Academic Societies, Inter-House Public Speaking and Singing Competitions. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is available as an additional activity.
School Council. Each Tutor group elects a representative to the School Council. This is not a cosmetic exercise, and in recent times, the School Council has effected real changes. Halliford believes that students have good ideas which can be implemented for the wellbeing of the School as a whole.
Prospective parents. The main School Open Mornings are held on the last Saturday in February and the first Saturday in October. Further Visitor Mornings are held in November, March and May during the school week. Also, the School holds Sixth Form Open Evenings in June and October. Prospective parents are welcome at other times by appointment for personal tours.
Fees per term (Autumn Term 2024). £7,500.
Fees per term (Spring & Summer Terms 2025). £7,200 plus VAT (£8,640).
Scholarships and bursaries. The School offers scholarships up to the value of 10% per annum of the annual tuition fees for entry at Year 7, Year 9 and in the Sixth Form. The scholarships awarded are Academic, Art, Drama, Music, and Sport, plus STEM for Sixth Form.
The School is also keen to help those who could not otherwise afford the fees, and means-tested bursaries are available on application.
Old Hallifordians. Chairman: Sam Lawrence.
Charitable status. Halliford School is a Registered Charity, number 312090. It exists to provide high-quality education.