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Set within thirty acres of Hampshire woodland and parkland, St Nicholas' School offers a distinct proposition in the local independent market: a single-sex education that runs from Nursery through to GCSE, ending at age 16. This structural choice is deliberate. By removing the Sixth Form, the school focuses entirely on the formative years, allowing Year 11 students to occupy the most senior leadership positions before they transition to specialist post-16 providers.
The setting is significant. Located in Redfields House, a handsome building with historical roots, the campus feels expansive yet contained. It is not an exam factory, nor is it a country club. Instead, it positions itself as a supportive atmosphere where academic rigour coexists with forestry, sports, and fresh air. The 2024 GCSE results, which place the school in the top 10% of schools in England, suggest that this balance is being struck effectively.
Arrival at St Nicholas' involves navigating a long, tree-lined driveway that immediately separates the school from the bustle of Fleet. The main building, Redfields House, retains its period charm with wood panelling and high ceilings, but the site has expanded significantly to include modern science blocks, a performing arts centre, and sports facilities. The atmosphere is one of calm industry. Girls move between buildings with a sense of ownership; the lack of a Sixth Form means the Year 11s set the tone, and they do so with noticeable maturity.
Dr Olwen Wright, Headmistress since 2019, has brought a clear vision to the school. With a background in educational leadership and a doctorate in Chemistry, she combines academic sharpness with a warmth that permeates the staff room. Her tenure has seen a modernisation of the curriculum and a strengthening of the school's pastoral identity. She knows the girls by name, a feat made possible by the school's size—small enough for no one to hide, but large enough to field competitive sports teams.
The school's ethos is grounded in its Christian foundation, though it wears its Church of England character lightly. It is inclusive, welcoming families of all faiths and none, yet the values of kindness and service are palpable. The school relies on a practical commitment to "being the best you can be". This is not hollow marketing; conversations with students reveal a genuine lack of arrogance. They are confident, certainly, but they are also grounded.
Academically, St Nicholas' punches well above its weight. The school ranks 444th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and ranks 1st among secondary providers in Fleet, placing it in the top tier locally.
In 2025, the school reported that 46% of GCSE grades were 9-7 (equivalent to A*-A), a strong performance that underscores its academic credentials. In the 2024 data, the average Attainment 8 score of 63.1 was significantly higher than the England average of 45.9. This metric, which measures average grades across eight subjects, indicates that a typical student here achieves nearly two grades higher per subject than the national norm.
The top 10% of schools in England further contextualises this success. St Nicholas' outperforms 90% of schools in England (top 10%). Crucially, nearly half of all pupils (48.8%) achieved Grade 5 or above in the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) subjects, demonstrating strength in the core academic pillars of English, mathematics, sciences, languages, and humanities.
The sciences are a particular strength, perhaps reflecting the Headmistress's own subject specialism. Biology, Chemistry, and Physics are taught as separate disciplines by subject specialists from Year 7, a rigorous approach that pays dividends in examination results. Art and Textiles also feature prominently in the results tables, dispelling the myth that academic schools cannot be creative.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
GCSE 9–7
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% of students achieving grades 9-7
The curriculum is designed to be broad and balanced. In the Junior School (Reception to Year 6), class teachers cover core subjects, but specialist teaching is introduced early. By Year 5 and 6, girls receive specialist instruction in Science, French, Art, Music, and PE, smoothing the transition to the Senior School.
In the Senior School, the approach becomes more specialised. Class sizes remain small, typically around 15 to 18, allowing for individual attention. Teachers are passionate about their subjects and use the 30-acre site as an extension of the classroom. Biology lessons frequently move to the woodland for fieldwork; Art classes sketch in the gardens; Drama rehearsals take place in the outdoor amphitheatre as often as in the studio.
Learning support is robust. The school identifies needs early and provides targeted intervention. This is not a "sink or swim" environment. The "Learning Hub" is a central resource where students can access support for specific learning difficulties or simply find a quiet space to consolidate their understanding. The emphasis is on "growth mindset", evidenced by the way girls are encouraged to view mistakes as part of the learning process.
Since St Nicholas' concludes at Year 11, the destinations process is a critical part of the school's offering. The lack of an on-site Sixth Form is framed as a benefit: at 16, girls are ready for a fresh start and a new environment, and they are free to choose the college that best suits their specific ambitions, rather than automatically drifting into a school Sixth Form.
The school has a dedicated careers department that begins working with students in Year 9. By Year 11, every student has a clear plan. Leavers disperse to a variety of high-performing providers. Many progress to Farnborough Hill or The Abbey for a continued single-sex independent experience. Others choose co-educational independent schools such as Lord Wandsworth College, Wellington College, or Bradfield College.
A significant number also move to the excellent local state sixth form colleges, particularly Farnborough Sixth Form College and Alton College, which are highly regarded for their A-level results and Oxbridge success rates. The school's track record in securing places at these competitive institutions is excellent. Girls leave St Nicholas' well-prepared for the transition; they are accustomed to leadership and independent study, making them attractive candidates for selective sixth forms.
Entry to St Nicholas' can occur at various points, with the main intakes at Nursery (age 3), Reception (age 4), and Year 7 (age 11).
For the Junior School, the process involves a taster day where the child joins a class for a morning. This allows the staff to assess social integration and academic potential in a low-pressure environment. It is not a formal exam, but rather a check that the child will thrive in the school's setting.
Entry to the Senior School at Year 7 is more structured. Candidates sit the CEM Select entrance assessment in the January of Year 6, covering Verbal, Non-Verbal, and Numerical Reasoning. The school also requests a report from the current head teacher. While the school is selective, it looks for potential and character as much as raw data. The interview with the Headmistress is a key component; the school is looking for girls who will contribute to the community, not just fill a seat in the exam hall.
Mid-year entry is possible if places are available. Families relocating to the Fleet area often find the school's welcoming nature makes for a smooth transition, even outside standard entry points.
Pastoral care is the scaffolding upon which the school's academic success is built. The structure is based on form groups, but the house system—comprising four houses—provides vertical integration. This ensures that Year 7 girls interact with Year 11 leaders, encouraging a "big sister" culture that is genuinely supportive.
The school's size is its greatest pastoral asset. Staff notice when a girl is quieter than usual. The wellbeing dog, a popular member of the staff team, provides a non-judgmental presence for students who might be feeling anxious.
PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic education) is taken seriously and is responsive to the issues facing young people today, from online safety to body image. The school also employs a qualified counsellor who is available for students needing professional support. Inspection reports consistently highlight the girls' personal development as a significant strength, noting their articulate nature and emotional maturity.
The extracurricular programme is extensive, leveraging the school's facilities and grounds. Sport is central to life at St Nicholas'. The sports hall, floodlit courts, and extensive playing fields host fixtures in netball, hockey, football, and cricket. The school competes locally and regionally, and while participation is encouraged for all, the elite teams are competitive.
Music and Drama are equally vibrant. The Cottingham Theatre is a professional-standard venue that hosts regular productions. Recent performances have included ambitious musicals and serious plays, involving large casts and student technical crews. The Music department runs multiple choirs, an orchestra, and various ensembles, with peripatetic teachers offering tuition in everything from harp to drums.
Unique to St Nicholas' is the way it uses its woodland. "Forest School" is not just for the infants; the ethos of outdoor learning runs through the school. Clubs such as the Textile Club, Coding Club, and Debating Society ensure that every interest is catered for. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is popular in the Senior School, with high participation rates for the Bronze and Silver awards.
Fees for the 2024-2025 academic year are £6,502 per term for the Senior School (Years 7-11). In the Junior School, fees range from £5,427 (Year 3) to £5,693 (Year 6) per term. Reception fees are £4,270 per term. Lunch is included in the fees, simplifying the termly bill for parents.
The school offers a range of scholarships for entry into Year 7, including Academic, Art, Drama, Music, and Sport awards. These are merit-based and typically attract a fee remission of 5-10%, though the honour is often valued as much as the financial benefit. Means-tested bursaries are available for families who would otherwise be unable to afford the fees. These are rigorous in their assessment and are reviewed annually to ensure support is targeted where it is most needed.
Fees data coming soon.
The school day begins at 8:25am and ends at 3:45pm for the Junior School and 4:00pm for the Senior School. However, wraparound care is extensive. Breakfast club is available from 7:30am, and after-school care runs until 6:00pm, providing a crucial service for working parents.
Transport is well-organised, with a fleet of minibuses covering routes from surrounding areas including Farnham, Odiham, Hartley Wintney, and Camberley. The routes are reviewed annually based on demand.
No Sixth Form: The school ends at Year 11. While this allows for focused leadership opportunities for older girls, it does necessitate a school move at 16. Families must be prepared for this transition and the process of applying to new institutions during the GCSE years.
Single-Sex Education: St Nicholas' is exclusively for girls (though the Nursery accepts boys). Families considering this option must be committed to the benefits of single-sex education. The environment is tailored specifically to how girls learn and develop, which suits many, but some families may prefer a co-educational setting for social reasons.
Fees: As an independent school, fees are a significant commitment. While bursaries are available, they are limited. Families should assess the long-term financial implication, especially given that the school does not cover the final two years of schooling.
Transport Reliance: The idyllic semi-rural location means that almost all pupils arrive by car or school bus. There is no train station within walking distance. This creates a "school run" dynamic that can be busy, although the minibus service mitigates this significantly.
St Nicholas' School offers a compelling blend of academic ambition and pastoral warmth, set in an environment that allows girls to remain children for as long as they need to. The results speak for themselves—ranking 1st in Fleet—but the real value lies in the confident, articulate young women who emerge at 16, ready to tackle the next stage of their education. Best suited to families who value a bespoke, single-sex education where their daughter will be known, nurtured, and challenged in equal measure. The main challenge is the transition at 16, but for many, the foundation built here makes that leap a successful one.
Yes. St Nicholas' School is consistently high-performing. In 2024, it ranked 444th in England and 1st in Fleet for GCSE outcomes. The school was inspected by the ISI in October 2025 under the new framework, confirming it meets all standards.
Fees for the 2024/2025 academic year are £6,502 per term for Senior School students (Years 7-11) and range from £5,427 to £5,693 per term for the Junior School (Years 3-6). Reception fees are £4,270 per term. Fees are inclusive of lunch and most curriculum resources.
No. The school educates girls up to age 16 (Year 11). Students then transfer to a variety of local Sixth Form providers, including independent schools like Farnborough Hill and Lord Wandsworth College, or state colleges such as Farnborough Sixth Form College.
Candidates sit the CEM Select entrance assessment in the January of Year 6. This is a computer-based test covering Verbal, Non-Verbal, and Numerical Reasoning. A reference is requested from the candidate's current school, and girls attend an interview with the Headmistress.
Yes. The school operates a comprehensive minibus service covering routes from Farnham, Odiham, Hartley Wintney, Camberley, and other surrounding villages. Routes are adjusted annually based on the location of pupils.
Yes. Academic, Art, Drama, Music, and Sport scholarships are available for entry into Year 7. These are merit-based and typically offer 5-10% fee remission. Means-tested bursaries are also available for families who require financial assistance; these are subject to annual review.
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