Farleigh is a wonderful place in which to spend your childhood. It is set in the Test Valley of Hampshire in 70 acres of parkland and woodland where children can be 'free range' in safety - and this only an hour from London. The Georgian house, which is the center of the school, provides a welcoming home for over 460 boys and girls aged 3 to 13. This is particularly important for our 120 boarders and 20 resident staff.
Attentive pastoral care is one of our particular strengths and we go to great lengths to ensure the fulfillment of all our pupils. They experience a stimulating curriculum complemented by the opportunities for games and sport as well as extensive music, art, and drama. These are such important years as they lay foundations for up to ten years before the children go on to senior schools.
All this is rooted in the Catholic vision of life, which values each individual and encourages a sense of wonder about life. Welcoming members of all faiths, Farleigh is a place of energy and spirited inquiry where our children grow in kindness and confidence.
Farleigh's Catholic foundation and ethos remain central to all that we do.
- To share with parents in the spiritual, moral, and intellectual development of their children in a Catholic community, which welcomes all faiths.
- To provide a first-class education striving for excellence in all academic, cultural, and sporting pursuits, giving every child the confidence to discover where their gifts lie and to enjoy their talents.
- To educate children in the teaching and sacramental life of the Church and to encourage them towards a life of faith.
- To create a well-ordered and caring school community, where the self-respect and dignity of each person will flourish.
- To help Farleigh pupils to grow up honorably, inspired by high ideals, so that they may serve others generously, and be strong in friendship and family.
To live out our ethos as a Catholic school and in so doing:
- Ensure the development of our children, spiritually, morally, socially, intellectually, and culturally.
- Provide a broad and high-quality education for children of the mixed ability which will lay strong foundations for a fulfilling and rewarding life.
- Prepare and educate each child for the appropriate first choice of senior school.
- Make Farleigh a special place to enjoy a part of their childhood through warm pastoral care of the highest standard.
Each year we send pupils to leading senior schools via Pre-Assessment, Common Entrance, and 13+ scholarships. We aim high and seek to foster curiosity and real enjoyment of life-long learning. We also educate our pupils for the modern world, equipping them with the soft skills they will need for the future, such as collaboration and teamwork. Examples of how soft skills are woven into the curriculum include group and pair work, class and year group trips, and the Ambassador Programme (in Years 7 and 8).
Our multi-sensory/active learning approach encompasses every type of learner: visual, kinaesthetic, and auditory and exciting teaching methods ensure children are encouraged to be active participants, rather than passive listeners.
The curriculum is broad and differentiated, tailored to individual needs. The Arts, Sciences, Humanities (Religious Studies, Geography, History), and Languages (French and Latin), together with high spiritual and moral values are at the heart of the school curriculum. ICT (Information and Communication Technology) is integral to the teaching of these subjects.
We also encourage independent learning and therefore teach examination techniques and give training in study skills. Pupils in Years 3, 4, and 5 are taught predominately by their form taker with specialist teachers for Art, DT, Games, Music, and Drama. Pupils are also inspired to develop a lifelong love of reading. Alongside reading challenges and author visits, at least half an hour is set aside every day for reading.
Learning Support is available for children with specific educational needs and those identified as able, gifted, and talented.
