Age range. 0–18.
Number in school. 948.
Fees per term (2024-2025). £3,660–£7,225. Nursery fees depend on the number of sessions attended.
Situation. The School is located on the outskirts of Lingfield village in Surrey, bordering Sussex and Kent. Lingfield train station offers a line to London Victoria via Hurst Green, Oxted and Woldingham and is a 5-minute drive or 10-minute walk. The School also operates an extensive bus service.
Entry. Senior School: at 11+ and 13+ by Entrance Examination and report from previous school. At 16+, entry is based on 6+ GCSEs results and a school report.
Scholarships. Scholarships are available from Year 5 in the Prep School and at key entry points in the Senior School: 11+, 13+ and 16+. They cover a range of disciplines, including Academic, Art, Drama, Music and Sport. Additionally, means-tested bursaries may be awarded to support eligible scholars.
Academic. In Years 7–9, students follow a broad Lower School Curriculum designed to give them a solid foundation in all areas of study. From Year 9 onwards, the focus turns towards the GCSE programme, with increased teaching times allocated to core subjects. At GCSE level, students typically take 10 subjects, including English Language and Literature, Triple Science (with an option for Combined Science), at least one Language, and three elective subjects such as Computing, Media, and Economics. The top Maths set also takes Additional Maths alongside IGCSE Mathematics. At A level, students can choose from 23 subjects, with many also pursuing the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).
The School offers an extensive Scholars’ Programme for its Academic Scholars and Award Holders including seminars and special excursions as part of the Scholars’ enrichment programme. Headmaster’s Lectures are held every term. The School is dedicated to a progressive and innovative approach to learning, with significant investment in digital learning (including refurbished Media Suites, Interactive Smart Boards and iPads and an interactive lecture theatre).
Pastoral. Pastorally, the School was considered ‘outstanding’ in its last inspection. Since then, improvements such as smaller tutor groups, more parent focus groups, regular school council, a Wellbeing Dog and House meetings have further enhanced the School's forward-thinking, family-centred approach. The School has a ‘Whole School’ approach to support wellbeing and mental health, working in a proactive and preventative way to support every pupil to stay emotionally healthy, as well as supporting specific needs. The School employs a comprehensive team of welfare support, including two school counsellors.
Sport. The School promotes a sporting ethos of ‘Opportunity, Participation and Excellence’, offering a wide range of sporting activities which take place at lunchtime and after school. Pupils represent the School across a full range of sports at all levels and age groups, as well as participating in regional and national competitions. Hockey, netball and football form the core of major team sport representation in the autumn and spring terms, while cricket, athletics, tennis and rounders provide the main options for the summer term.
The Rugby Club runs for both the autumn and spring terms and provides an option for those who want to play rugby to represent the School. Golf, equestrian, swimming, cross country, badminton, basketball and table tennis are some of the other competitive team sports available.
Sports Scholars benefit from mentoring and coaching sessions from experts in the field, strength and conditioning from a personal trainer, and fitness testing to help aspiring young athletes fulfil their potential.
Co-curricular. The School has an extensive co-curricular programme with over 140 clubs on offer, taking place both at lunchtime and after school. The clubs range from arts and crafts to sports and academic clubs and have been designed to help pupils develop their hobbies, talents and skills. Recent additions to the Prep School include Coding and STEM clubs, while the Senior School has introduced fencing and paddleboarding, expanding the range of co-curricular activities. There are also numerous trips for the pupils including departmental trips, language exchanges and sports tours.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme is popular at the School, with over 90% of pupils participating in the Bronze Award during Years 9 and 10, and approximately 40% continuing on to achieve the Silver and Gold Awards.
In the Sixth Form, students enjoy a diverse enrichment programme, with activities including Yoga, Self-Defence, Car Maintenance, Cooking, Youth Parliament, Model United Nations, Formula One Aerodymics and Safe Driving Talks. Additionally, the School regularly invites guest speakers to host seminars and lectures on a range of subjects, providing valuable opportunities for the students to broaden their horizons and enhance learning beyond the classroom.
Music. A large number of pupils participate in instrumental lessons and various musical ensembles. The school supports a rich musical environment with two orchestras, two choirs, a Jazz Band, Ukulele Group, Acoustic and Electric Guitar Groups, Street Band, Rock/Pop Bands, Saxophone Quartet, Woodwind Orchestra, and String Ensemble, all guided by specialist instrumental teachers. In addition to the main school concerts and theatrical productions, the school hosts regular informal recitals, giving students ample opportunities to showcase their musical talents throughout the year.
Drama. Drama lessons begin in Reception in a dedicated Drama studio to build confidence and creativity. Led by specialist teachers, the Prep School hosts a number of annual productions providing pupils with early exposure to performance. At the Senior School, the Drama Department offers a comprehensive range of theatrical experiences for aspiring actors, exploring challenging texts from classics to modern writers. Drama is taught to all students as part of the Lower School Curriculum; it is a popular and successful option at both GCSE and A level. Students benefit from excellent facilities, including fully equipped studio spaces, technical and costume workrooms, as well as a specialist LAMDA room.
Religion. Lingfield transferred to a lay management in 1987. While it maintains a Christian ethos, the School welcomes pupils and staff of all faiths, and those of none. Its philosophy centres on the development of the whole person and it has a long tradition of fostering a caring, friendly and inclusive environment.
Buildings. In 2023, the School opened the Cocoon, a brand new baby suite catering for babies from 6 months to 2 years. In 2022, Nursery and Reception classrooms underwent an extensive refurbishment to provide light, colourful learning spaces with interactive teaching walls. In the same year, Nursery, KS1 and KS2 playgrounds were resurfaced and equipped with high-quality play equipment. In the summer of 2022, the Senior School completed a pitch redevelopment project to resurface the hockey pitch, netball courts and expansion of the cricket nets. The School comprises a purpose-built Performing Arts Centre, Sports Hall, Science Rooms and Art and Photography facilities. The state-of-the-art Sixth Form Centre offers a university-style lecture theatre, modern, interactive classrooms, Atrium coffee shop and student-designed common room. There are 40 acres of grounds which include 4 football pitches, a floodlit astro and multi-sports space.
Charitable status. Lingfield Notre Dame is a Registered Charity, number 295598. It exists to provide education.
Governors & Staff:
Chair of Governors: Mr P Samuels
Headmaster: Mr R W Bool, BA Hons, MBA
Headmaster’s PA and Clerk to Governors: Mrs T Unwin
Deputy Heads:
Mr C Fast, BEd, BSc
Mrs A Folkard, BSc
Mrs E Parsons, BA, MA
Assistant Head: Mr S Hofmann, BSc
Director of Sport and Co-Curricular: Mr S Casey, BA
Prep School:
Head of Prep School: Mrs J Shackel, BA Hons (SENDCO)
Prep School Head’s PA: Mrs K Rider
Director of Studies, Prep School: Mrs C Hubbard, BA Hons
Head of Finance & Resources: Mrs A Brassett
Head of Organisational Development: Mrs C Wren, Chartered MCIPD
Registrar: Mrs J Armstrong
HR Manager: Mrs C Marsden, HND, MCIPD
Marketing Manager: Miss C Whitlock, BA Hons, CIM cert
Head of Estates and Facilities: Mr A Taylor, BEng, MSc
A full list of teaching staff is available on the website.