Farringtons School Review 2026: Co-educational Methodist Boarding and Day School

Set within 25 acres of parkland in Chislehurst, Farringtons School combines the space and spirit of a countryside boarding school with the connectivity of Greater London. Founded in 1911 by the Methodist Sisters of the Order originally as a girls' boarding school, it has evolved significantly into a fully co-educational all-through school while retaining its founding motto, Posside Sapientiam (Possess Wisdom).

The school serves approximately 730 pupils from age 3 to 19. It is not an academic hothouse but a "medium pressure" environment where the focus is balanced equally between academic progress and character development. The Methodist ethos of "doing all the good you can" permeates the school culture, creating an atmosphere that is visibly kind, inclusive, and grounded.

Mr David Jackson has led the school since September 2020. His leadership has overseen the consolidation of co-education and significant investment in facilities. The school sits in a unique position in the local market: less fiercely selective than the nearby grammar schools but offering a broader, more holistic education than many local day providers.

At drop-off, the gates reveal a campus that feels distinct from the suburban streets outside. The long driveway leads past extensive playing fields to the original Edwardian buildings, which have been augmented by modern additions including a dedicated science block and sports hall.

The atmosphere is one of purposeful calm. Unlike some London schools where the pace can feel frantic, Farringtons operates with a steady rhythm. This is partly due to the boarding influence; the presence of boarders on site means the school does not empty at 4pm, and the pastoral structures designed for residential care benefit the day students too.

The Methodist foundation remains central to the school's identity, though it is welcoming to families of all faiths and none. Chapel services are weekly and focus on moral values and reflection rather than dogmatic instruction. The "Farringtons ribbons" (awarded for values like integrity and resilience) are as coveted as academic prizes, signalling clearly to pupils what the community values.

Students here describe the environment as supportive rather than cut-throat. The transition to co-education is now complete and seamless, with a balanced mix of boys and girls throughout the year groups. The uniform—distinctive blazers with the school crest—is worn with pride, and behaviour in corridors is courteous.

In 2024, A-level results reflected a solid academic performance typical of the school's broad intake. Students achieved 46.8% of grades at A*-B, with 23.9% securing the top A*/A grades. These results place Farringtons in the middle 35% of schools in England (middle 35% of schools in England), ranked 1,311th nationally. While not rivalling the hyper-selective outcomes of nearby St Olave's or Newstead Wood, the value-added is often positive, representing strong progress for students of mixed ability.

At GCSE, the official government data ranks the school 3,818th in England. However, parents should view this ranking with significant caution. Like many independent schools, Farringtons offers IGCSE qualifications in core subjects (Mathematics, English, Sciences) which the government excludes from its performance tables. This results in official metrics appearing artificially low.

Internal data provides a more accurate picture of GCSE performance. The school reports that approximately 26% of GCSE grades were awarded at 9-7 (equivalent to A*-A) in the most recent sitting. This demonstrates that while the school is not purely academic in selection, the top third of the cohort achieves highly.

The curriculum is broad and flexible, designed to keep doors open. In the Senior School, class sizes are kept small, typically averaging around 18 in Lower School and dropping significantly for GCSE and A-level sets. This allows teachers to know pupils individually, a necessity for the "Floreat" program, which tracks student engagement and wellbeing alongside grades.

Teaching style is traditional but engaging. Departments like Art and Textiles are particularly strong, housed in light-filled studios that encourage creativity. The Science department, located in a purpose-built block, emphasises practical work.

Learning support is a key strength. The school has a dedicated Learning Development department that supports students with mild specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia. This is not a specialist SEN school, but the support is integrated and effective, allowing students with additional needs to access the full curriculum alongside their peers.

The majority of Sixth Form leavers progress to university. In the 2024 cohort, 54% of students moved on to higher education degree courses. A further 13% secured apprenticeships, reflecting a growing trend towards vocational pathways among independent school leavers.

University destinations are diverse, ranging from Russell Group institutions to creative arts colleges. In 2024, one student successfully secured a place at Cambridge, demonstrating that the pathway to elite universities exists for the most able. Other popular destinations typically include Leeds, Nottingham, and Kent, alongside art foundation courses at UAL.

The careers department is proactive, starting guidance in Year 7. By Sixth Form, students receive one-to-one mentoring for UCAS applications, ensuring that their choices align with their strengths rather than just league table prestige.

Entry to the Senior School (Year 7) is selective but accessible. The process involves an entrance examination sitting in early January, covering English, Mathematics, and Verbal Reasoning. The school also reviews a reference from the child's current headteacher and conducts an interview.

The school is moderately oversubscribed, but the ratio of applications to places is less intense than the local grammar schools. Farringtons looks for potential and "teachability" rather than just raw test scores. They are specifically looking for children who will contribute to the wider life of the school.

For 2026 entry, registration typically closes in early November 2025. Parents are advised to register by the start of Year 6 to ensure they receive all relevant communications.

For Sixth Form entry, external candidates typically require a minimum of six GCSEs at Grade 5 or above, with Grades 6 or 7 required in the subjects chosen for A-level study.

Parents should check their distance from the school if relying on day places, as traffic in Chislehurst can be heavy. Families interested in this option can use the FindMySchoolMap Search to check their precise distance from the school gates.

Pastoral care is the spine of Farringtons. The Chapel serves as the spiritual heart, but the pastoral system is practical and multi-layered. Every student belongs to a Tutor Group and one of the four Houses: Fisher, Hatton, Davies, or Wilkinson.

The House system fosters vertical integration, where older students mentor younger ones during House Music, House Drama, and Sports Day. This breaks down year-group silos and creates a genuine sense of family.

Wellbeing is proactively managed. The "Floreat" programme (meaning "let them flourish") explicitly teaches resilience, mental health awareness, and study skills. The school counsellor and chaplain are available for students needing confidential support. Inspectors in 2022 noted the high quality of pastoral support and the positive relationships between staff and pupils.

Farringtons offers full, weekly, and flexi-boarding for students aged 11 to 19. There are two boarding houses: South House for girls and West House for boys. Both are located in the main school building, providing a secure, homely environment.

Boarding here is small-scale and intimate rather than industrial. With around 60-80 boarders, staff know everyone. The mix includes local students (often weekly boarders) and international students from over 20 countries. This diversity gives the school a global outlook that benefits the day students too.

Weekends are active for full boarders, with trips to London theatres, museums, and local attractions like Bluewater. For local families, the flexi-boarding option is a lifeline during busy periods or parents' business trips.

The extracurricular programme, known as "Farringtons Features", is extensive. Activities run during lunch and after school.

Sport

Sport is inclusive but competitive. The 25 acres include football and rugby pitches, netball courts, and a heated outdoor swimming pool (used in summer). The Sports Hall hosts badminton, basketball, and indoor cricket. While not a national powerhouse in every sport, the school fields competitive teams in netball and football, and promotes a "sport for all" philosophy.

Creative Arts

This is a major pillar of the school. The Drama department produces high-quality productions annually in the Ferens Hall, ranging from musicals like Matilda to serious plays. The Music department offers individual tuition in most instruments, with choirs, orchestras, and rock bands performing regularly. The purpose-built Art and Design studios are a hive of activity, with student work displayed throughout the school corridors.

Clubs & Societies

Students can join the Debating Society, Science Club, or the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme (Bronze to Gold). The school also runs a popular Combined Cadet Force (CCF) in partnership with a local grammar school, offering leadership training and outdoor adventure.

Farringtons is an independent school, and fees apply.

2025-2026 Fees: Day fees for the Senior School are £7,752 per term (£23,256 per year). Prep School fees (Reception to Year 2) are £5,916 per term. Full boarding fees are £16,668 per term, while weekly boarding is £13,176 per term.

Scholarships are available for entry into Year 7, Year 9, and Year 12. These are awarded for excellence in Academia, Art, Drama, Music, and Sport. Scholarships typically carry a fee remission of 10-20% and can be supplemented by means-tested bursaries.

Bursaries are available for families who cannot afford full fees. These are means-tested and rigorously reviewed. They are designed to widen access, though funds are limited and highly competitive.

The school day runs from 8:30am to 4:00pm. Wraparound care is extensive due to the boarding provision; day students can join boarders for breakfast from 7:30am and stay for supper and prep until 6:00pm or later (for an additional charge).

Transport is well-managed, with a network of school minibuses covering routes across Bromley, Bexley, and North Kent. The nearest station is Chislehurst (20 minutes walk), providing links to London Bridge and Charing Cross.

The Zone at Farringtons provides nursery education for children aged 3 to 4. Housed in a dedicated bright facility within the Prep School, it offers a seamless transition into Reception.

The focus in the Nursery is on learning through play, balanced with early phonics and numeracy. Specialist teachers from the main school deliver sessions in Music, PE, and French, giving the youngest children access to facilities rarely found in standalone nurseries.

Funding for the government's 15 and 30 free hours is available for eligible families. Parents should check the school website for specific session costs and "top-up" fees for the additional services provided.

Fee commitment: Fees rise annually. Families should budget for increases of 3-5% per year. While less expensive than some central London day schools, the cost over seven years is significant.

Academic ceiling: While results are solid, this is not a "hot-house" grammar school. Parents seeking a high-pressure environment where 90% of grades are A*/9 may find the pace here too gentle. The value lies in the breadth and support rather than raw exam drill.

Location traffic: Perry Street can be heavily congested at peak times. The school bus service is a practical necessity for many, but families driving for drop-off should plan for delays.

International mix: The boarding house has a strong international contingent. While this adds diversity, some local families prefer a purely local peer group. Conversely, others see this global network as a major advantage.

Farringtons School offers a refreshing alternative to the breathless intensity of London's academic hothouses. It is a school that truly knows its children, providing a safe, grounded, and values-led education where character counts as much as calculus. Best suited to families seeking a supportive co-educational environment that will nurture confidence and roundedness alongside decent academic results. The main challenge is balancing the fees against the free grammar school provision nearby, but for those who value the holistic approach, Farringtons makes a compelling case.