Introduction. Pioneering high standards in girls’ education since 1899, this boarding (weekly and full) and day school provides an outstanding all-round education for girls in beautiful surroundings less than an hour from London in the heart of Berkshire near the world-famous Ascot Racecourse.
The school combines exemplary standards of pastoral care with a personalised academic curriculum which adds value to every girl’s achievements to provide a truly holistic education for girls aged 11–18.
Not only is Heathfield firmly on the academic map but it also produces county and national sportswomen and talented artists, photographers, actors, musicians and dancers.
Heathfield is headed by Sarah Rollings, who has an MA in Educational Leadership and Management, as well as a first-class degree from Brunel University in Secondary Education with Geography and Physical Education. Mrs Rollings was appointed Head in January 2021.
The school also boosted its growing reputation for the STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Maths) subjects with the completion of a state of the art STEM facility, officially opened by Lord Robert Winston.
Atmosphere and Ethos. The school’s aim is to help every student excel, and to get the most out of life by providing the very best intellectual stimulation, physical challenges and pastoral care. The school is founded on Church of England principles but welcomes all faiths.
Pastoral Care. Heathfield’s strength is in its size, meaning each student is supported throughout their school career and can never slip under the radar. Students are overseen by a dedicated team of academic staff, Heads of Year, Tutors, Housemistresses, Heads of House and Prefects. They work together to provide the highest level of pastoral care. Teachers will meet with students regularly to discuss their particular needs and to ensure they are achieving their maximum potential.
Curriculum. Heathfield offers variety in terms of the subjects on offer as well as fundamental excellence in all the traditional subjects. At A Level, students can choose from 24 subjects plus EPQ (Extended Project Qualification). Extras such as the Leiths Certificate in Food and Wine and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards are also offered. The school is famous for its excellence in the creative arts and enjoys a close relationship with the University of the Arts, London, a unique collaboration agreement with Parsons, Paris and a new creative partnership with Falmouth University. It has also won a record five Good Schools Guide awards for Art and Design Photography at A Level.
Activities. The St Mary’s Theatre, Sports Hall, playing fields and swimming pool are always hives of activity and there are many other co-curricular activities including frequent museum, art gallery and theatre trips, field trips and overseas visits.
Sport. Heathfield’s outstanding facilities include a large multi-purpose sports hall, a dance studio, five lacrosse pitches, six tennis/netball courts and a 25m indoor heated swimming pool. The school competes successfully at lacrosse, netball, swimming, rounders, athletics and various equestrian disciplines including polo. Girls have represented the school regionally, nationally and internationally in a variety of sports.
Boarding Accommodation. Boarding accommodation is first-class. From Form IV onwards, all girls have single rooms. For more freedom and independence, the Upper Sixth live in Wyatt House which contains two fully-equipped kitchens and areas in which to study and socialise.
Medical Welfare. Three nursing sisters and the school doctor are in charge of the girls’ medical welfare, supported by Heads of House, Housemistresses and Tutors. The Heads of House or Housemistresses are available at all times for any parental concerns.
New Facilities. A state-of-the-art STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) block opened in January 2016 and a digital recording studio opened in 2017. A new Sixth Form Centre was completed in September 2022.
Admission. Admission points are 11+, 13+ and Sixth Form. Occasional places may be available in other year groups. Applicants are assessed using an online CEM test along with an interview with the Headmistress. Entry into the Lower Sixth Form is via predicted GCSE grades and interview. Deferred 13+ entry is also available and international students wishing to apply are guided through the procedure step by step by our Admissions team. For further information see: www.heathfieldschool.net Scholarships and Bursaries. Scholarships and Bursaries are awarded. Bursaries are means-tested and are awarded at the Headmistress’s discretion.
Fees per term (2023-2024). Senior (Forms III–UVI): Full Boarding £14,190, Weekly Boarding £13,481, Day £8,772. Lower (Forms I–II): Full Boarding £13,868, Weekly Boarding £13,174, Day £8,589.
Charitable status. Heathfield School is a Registered Charity, number 309086. It exists to provide a caring boarding education leading to higher education for girls aged between 11 and 18.
Governors & Staff:
Chair of Governors: Mr Alex Popplewell, MA Cantab
Senior Leadership Team:
Headmistress: Sarah Rollings, BSc Hons Brunel, MA Open
Bursar: Mrs M Frier, BSc Hons Bristol, BFP, FCA
Deputy Head (Academics): Mr D Mitchell, MA Hull, MSc York, BA Hons Warwick, PGCE UWE
Deputy Head (Pastoral & Boarding): Miss L Scott, BA Hons QTS
Director of Marketing & Admissions: Ms A Morgan, MCIM, MIDM
Assistant Head (Co-Curricular): Miss W Reynolds, BEd Hons Liverpool
Assistant Head (Pastoral & Boarding) Mr A Valner, MA, BA Nottingham PGCE London
Assistant Head (Operations) Miss C Wells, BSc Hons Bath, PGCE Exeter