HISTORY:
Felsted is a co-educational, boarding and day school for children aged 4 to 18 years. Felsted School was founded in 1564, as a Grammar School by Richard Lord Riche who lived at Leez Priory. Lord Riche was by then an old man, approaching seventy, but at the peak of his career he had been Lord Chancellor under King Edward VI. Lord Riche endowed the foundation with land in Essex, a farm on Moreton, the rectories of Matching, Braintree and Broomfield, as well as land in Felsted itself.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR:
The inspiration invariably happens during the interviewee’s formative years, often at school. On occasion the role of a teacher is even publically acknowledged.
That is why at Felsted dedicated teachers will provide your child with a very rich diet of sport, music, drama and art alongside a plethora of extra curricular options such as, Medical society, Pilates, Photography, Debating or Travel Media.
ENGLISH SUPPORT:
Pupils who use English as an additional language, and who are identified as needing additional English language support, may be advised to have EAL lessons if they need to improve their English language skills.
SIZE:
There are over 500 pupils in the senior school and approximately 80% of these pupils board in some way. International boarders are welcomed from Year 5 upwards (typically age 9/10) and there are just over 100 international boarders in total.
POST-16 QUALIFICATIONS:
Felsted offers the IB and has strong educational results. 2019 IB results maintained the school’s three-year average of 34 points.
At Felsted, pupils following the A Level/BTEC route will usually study 3 subjects and supplement this with the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ
PRE-16 QUALIFICATIONS:
In Year 9 pupils study up to eighteen subjects over a two week timetable of 58 periods. The aim is to provide a broad, balanced curriculum which allows pupils to experience a wide range of subjects, some of which may not have been offered during their earlier schooling. Each lesson is 55 minutes in length apart from those on a Saturday morning, which last for 50 minutes.
The aim for Years 10 and 11 is to follow a curriculum based on a ‘core’ of English, Maths and Science and four ‘options’ that ensures a broadly balanced programme for all pupils, without inhibiting the specialisation required for a variety of Sixth Form courses.
In Years 10 and 11, every pupil studies English Language, English Literature, Mathematics and Science. There are two routes through Science GCSE: pupils can choose to study separate Sciences, in which case they must choose Science as one of their ‘option’ subjects; otherwise, they will study Combined Science: Trilogy (worth two GCSEs). The remaining four optional subjects allow the opportunity for pupils to tailor their programme to suit their abilities and intentions for further study. The framework within the options ensures that a balanced curriculum is followed. In certain circumstances a pupil will be advised to take three rather than four optional subjects so that additional time may be spent on supporting their core subjects. In Years 10 and 11 pupils also follow non-examined courses in Physical Education and PSHE (Personal Social and Health Education).
ACCOMMODATION:
The youngest boarders (9-12) stay in the Prep School boarding house, and transfer over to the senior school at the age of 13. A dedicated English as an Additional Language Department provides excellent support to those children who do not speak English as a first language and a specifically designed induction programme enables international boarders to settle as quickly as possible into Felsted school life.
SEN:
it is fair to say Felsted is highly regarded nationally for its pastoral care and well-being-which is a school-wide approach including both staff and pupils. At the heart of this is the ‘Well being’ centre. “Located in the heart of our school is our Wellbeing Centre, a calming hub where all members of the Felsted community can seek respite and access resources to support their mental health. The decor is natural, the furniture comfortable and the atmosphere calming, with a focus on a sensory experience. All pupils are introduced to the Wellbeing Centre through their PSHE lessons and activities associated with wellbeing, such as mindfulness, meditation, yoga and pilates.