Celebrating its centenary this year, Frensham Heights maintains its founding focus with a broad and enriching arts grounding
Frensham Heights celebrates its centenary in 2025, marking a forward-looking approach to education that is arguably even more relevant today than it was in 1925. The creative thread that the school’s founders embedded into the early curriculum is still part of the Surrey school’s makeup.
The founders championed the importance of the creative and performing arts in developing the whole child and this legacy continues. Every child at Frensham Heights experiences Dance, Music, Drama, Art, Ceramics and Design Technology from the earliest years through to the end of Year 9. From the school’s perspective, the arts are critical to a child’s development and are essential to their ability to contribute to the world we live in today.
Sixth Form Arts Awards recognise the talented students that choose Frensham through their A-level years. These attract students who excel in either the Creative or Performing Arts and want to pursue their passion alongside their chosen A-level subjects. As part of the Arts Awards offer, they are prepared for their next steps with enrichment opportunities relevant to their field of study. This includes visiting industry professionals, audition training, workshops and trips to theatres, galleries and concerts.
Facilities at the school include a superb Design and Technology workshop and bespoke areas for A-level art students – a graphic design studio, photography studio and a ceramics studio with throwing wheels and kilns. For the performing arts, there are two dance studios, two drama studios and the Aldridge Theatre, which lies at the heart of Frensham life.
This space has staged countless wonderful musicals, plays, concerts and dance shows. It has also hosted many a visiting speaker and even a TEDx or two. This flexible and inspiring space transforms into the setting for art exhibitions and a social hub when parents and students gather. Activities for the wider community also happen here – including charity events and community festivals, such as the Farnham Literary Festival.
“The arts are critical to a child’s development and are essential to their ability to contribute to the world we live in today”
The overriding Frensham ambition is to allow students to follow their passion for the arts, be it to pursue a full-time career in drama, dance, art or music or as a study alongside their academic subjects. The school supports and champions all those who aim for the highly competitive entry to drama schools, conservatoires or film industry openings. Equally, it celebrates those who become lawyers who can really sing, mathematicians who paint brilliantly and actors who are also passionate historians.
Now, in our 100th year, the aim remains the same. The school wants every Frenshamian to leave well-rounded and fully prepared for the world of work they are entering, and with the resources to draw on to continue their association with, and pleasure in, the arts.
Frensham Heights frensham.org
Further reading: Heathfield School’s passion for fashion
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