Box Hill School
The Educatus Explorer recently enjoyed a summer term visit to the beautifully located Box Hill School in Surrey, a co-educational secondary school offering both a British and International Baccalaureate curriculum. Sunny weather shows this campus-style school, set amongst 26 acres of lush green space, at its best - a real mix of modern and traditional, the latter particularly showcased by the architecturally beautiful main building (and home to some of the boarding houses) with its stained-glass windows and floor-to-ceiling oak. The modern can be seen in the newer additions of the state-of-the-art, wood-clad sports centre (opened in 2018). Each building has its own personality, each a showcase of great examples of student work or thoughtful decoration, inspirational prints and posters. There is a drama studio, impressive music block and a creative art department that explores all mediums.
Social, physical, artistic and intellectual talents are all central features of life for Box Hill students. The grounds have areas dedicated to different year groups to eat and socialise outside, and there is an impressive canteen to bring everyone together for meals. There is great focus on pastoral care (we spotted a school dog) with dedicated staff and a wellbeing hub. The school greatly values pupil involvement in both competitive and recreational sport, offering over 20 sporting activities. A high ropes course and climbing wall add to the sense of adventure to be found on-site.
Artistic talent is fostered through the curriculum, co-curricular activities, and an excellent offer of creative subjects through to sixth form. The school achieves solid results at GCSE, A-level and in the IB diploma with recent leavers heading off to universities in both the UK and abroad. Recent destinations included Bristol, Exeter, Leeds, UCL and Edinburgh, Hamburg and New York.
Key to the school’s ethos is participation in the Round Square worldwide association of schools (other Round Square schools in the UK include Gordonstoun and Latymer Upper) who work to prepare their pupils for their life beyond education, providing them with experiences that demand courage, generosity, imagination, principle and resolution. Students are, for example, supported by a planned programme of careers education activities throughout their entire school career. Coupled with the school’s own holistic and inclusive ethos, this makes for a welcoming yet inspiring backdrop for students whatever their goals or aspirations may be.
The school offers great travel links to London, including a school bus route which takes in parts of south-west London, and also attracts international students. Many of these come from Europe to benefit from the English language and pre-sixth programme that the school offers as a pathway to its sixth form, to follow either an IB diploma or A-level pathway with a wide range of subject choices.
The school provides Full, Weekly, and Flexi (from 2 nights per week) boarding options, creating a unique home-like environment where students become part of a supportive, nurturing community that feels like a large, happy family. The Educatus Explorer finds that Box Hill School embraces a whole-child approach, offering numerous opportunities for every student, whatever their strengths and character. Truly inspirational.
Box Hill School :: Independent Schools Inspectorate (isi.net)
