Age range. 3–13. Boarding from age 7.
Number of pupils. 460 (120 full and weekly boarders; 340 day pupils – 110 in Kindergarten and Pre-Prep).
Fees per term (2023-2024). Boarders: £10,875 (Years 7 and 8), £9,810 (Years 4–6), £9,385 (Year 3); HM Forces boarders: £8,950 (Years 7–8), £8,525 (Years 3–6); Day pupils: £8,210 (Years 4–8), £7,750 (Year 3); Pre-Prep: £4,510 (Reception–Year 2), £2,245 (Kindergarten).
Farleigh is a contemporary, Catholic, co-educational boarding and day school, which welcomes children of all faiths, or none. Situated in a stunning Georgian country house standing in 70 acres of magnificent parkland and landscaped woodland in the Test Valley of Hampshire, near Andover, Farleigh is just over an hour from London and within easy reach of Southampton and London airports.
High standards are achieved both in and out of the classroom and excellent academic results are the norm, with leavers going on to a large number of leading senior schools and more than a third each year gaining awards/scholarships to their chosen destination.
Farleigh has outstanding facilities, which include an all-weather pitch, a purpose-built music school with 12 practice rooms, Recital Hall, rehearsal room, soundproof ‘rock’ room and recording studio. The Junior and Senior Boarding Houses have also undergone significant refurbishment. There is a spacious and light Art and Design Technology building, computer rooms with state-of-the-art technology, newly refurbished Theatre with tiered seating, fully adaptable staging and built-in LED lighting, a drama/dance studio, spacious recreation rooms, a fine Chapel, gymnasium, 22-metre heated indoor swimming pool, tennis courts and separate purpose-built Pre-Prep and Kindergarten with its own landscaped and secure playground. In addition, the school has three science laboratories and a food technology room, as well as additional circulation space with a well-lit ball play area and a small amphitheatre to the rear of the existing Farleigh Theatre.
The teaching staff is complemented by a committed pastoral team including Year Heads, House Parents, a Senior Nurse and a further Boarding Nurse and Day Matron. Many staff are resident, giving the school a welcoming family atmosphere, often commented upon by visitors. The latest ISI inspection of the school’s boarding provision was ‘Outstanding’ in all areas inspected, ‘with no recommendations’. The inspectors added, ‘Pupils demonstrate an extensive range of skills, knowledge and understanding well beyond the expectations for their age and ability across all areas of learning.’
The school provides a vibrant and active evening and weekend activity programme for boarders. Regular dinner nights, barbecue parties, annual X-Factor competition, theatre trips, quiz nights and bowling are just some of the weekend events organised for pupils. Weekday activities include bushcraft, forest school, cooking, cycling, community service, debating, golf, archery, yoga, winter cricket nets, swimming, water polo, tennis and additional sport sessions.
Drama, music and art play an important part in school life with two-thirds of the school learning at least one musical instrument and a quarter of the school taking up LAMDA drama lessons. A programme of major musical productions and informal concerts take place throughout the year and the children’s artwork is displayed around the school.
The major sports for boys are rugby, football, cricket, athletics and cross country; for girls they are netball, hockey, cricket, athletics and cross country. Swimming lessons and extra tennis coaching are offered throughout the year.
Charitable status. Farleigh School is a Registered Charity, number 1157842. It exists for the purpose of educating children.