Cobham Hall is a Day and Boarding School for girls and boys aged 11–18. Housed in a beautiful sixteenth-century manor house in 150 acres of historic parkland near Rochester, Kent, the School enjoys exceptional transport links and is less than 30 minutes from London by train. Cobham Hall offers a range of flexi-boarding options as well as day, full and weekly boarding, providing flexibility for family life. At the heart of Cobham Hall’s educational experience are the fundamental values of Trust, Respect, Honesty, Kindness and Tolerance, which underpin the journey of personal growth and development that each student undertakes at Cobham Hall.
A Cobham Hall education is an education for life. A combination of high teaching standards, small class sizes, and a wide range of co-curricular activities help students to achieve excellent results, and to develop skills and interests for life. Together with our varied and forward-thinking enrichment programme, these enable our students to look deeper, challenge themselves, and unlock talents and abilities they never realised they had. At Cobham Hall, personal and academic success, health, wellbeing, and community go hand in hand. Our innovative, skills-based curriculum is designed specifically to develop the crucial life skills young people will need in our rapidly changing world: skills in complex problem-solving, project and time management, critical thinking and creativity; resilience, communication, determination, teamwork and compassion.
Key skills lessons are timetabled throughout, culminating in our Global Perspectives GCSE course and the Extended Project Qualification. As sixth former Rhiannon explains: 'Cobham has a lovely family feel and provides so many opportunities. Through these I have been able to develop my organisational and leadership skills, giving me the confidence to take the next steps in university and beyond.' An early member of the global Round Square network, Cobham Hall has long stood for internationalism, and Round Square values of democracy, environmentalism, adventure, leadership and service remain core to our ethos. Our alumnae are at the forefront of the arts, science, medicine, politics and sport, and include Olympic Gold-winner Kate French, BBC journalist and broadcaster Mishal Husain, and Baroness Kate Fall, member of the House of Lords.
Our newly co-educational Sixth Form, with its stunning social and learning hub, offers the ideal environment for boys and girls to prepare together – academically and socially – for university and the realities of 21st century life. Alongside a broad range of A Levels, the School offers a unique enrichment programme, aimed at enhancing Sixth Formers’ intellectual curiosity and creativity. All follow our unique Global Critical Thinking course and study the EPQ, prized by universities. Cobham Hall has also recently introduced the Ivy House Award, a pioneering leadership enrichment programme designed to give Sixth Form students access to life-changing personal and professional development, and build invaluable leadership and life skills.
A wide range of co-curricular activities are available, including the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and Model United Nations, which inspire students to step out of their comfort zone, try new things, and support their community; students also participate weekly in a wide range of sports. Cobham Hall achieves consistently good academic results, and almost all our students go on to university, some following highly academic routes, such as study at Oxbridge or Russell Group institutes, while others opt for more vocational courses.
Cobham Hall’s small class sizes mean each student gets the academic and pastoral support needed. Looking after students’ emotional and physical health forms the essence of our pastoral care practices. Wellbeing is central to school life, with timetabled lessons and a dedicated Wellbeing Centre.
Students are encouraged to explore the world around them through activities such as Model United Nations, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, or on national and international trips. As a Round Square school, students can attend conferences both in the UK and globally. Closer to home, surrounded by an abundance of nature, there is plenty of space to reflect amongst the bluebells and daffodils, to collect data for science lessons, to be inspired for Art lessons, to boost stamina and fitness in PE or simply to run around and enjoy life.
Fees per term (2024–2025). Day students £8,050–£8,450; Boarders £13,250–£14,800. Our Boarding fees include all basic tuition, accommodation, nutritious meals, compulsory non-residential academic trips, in-school activities including our comprehensive co-curricular and Saturday programmes, and stationery. Day Students are welcome to come in early for breakfast or stay late in the evenings for supper and Prep at no extra charge.
Charitable status. Cobham Hall is a Registered Charity, number 1064758. It exists to provide high-quality education for students aged 11–18 years.
Governors & Staff:
Governing Body:
Mr E Lipton (Chairman)
Court of Governors
Staff:
Headmistress: Mrs Wendy Barrett, BSc Hons London, PGCE
Deputy Headmistress: Mrs Sue Carney, BEd Exeter
Director of Studies: Dr Patrick Drumm, BMus, MA, DPhil
Head of Boarding and Pastoral: Mr James Williams, BMus, PGCE
Head of Upper School: Mrs Melissa Thompson, BSc London
Head of Lower School: Mrs Emma Wilkinson, BA London
* Head of Faculty
Ms Sarah Ryder, BSc (Head of Academic Progress)
Mrs Charlotte Pepper, BA (Head of Physical Education)
Ms Katherine Bonner, BA, MA (Head of English and Languages)
Mrs Kat Topps (Head of Student Support)