Prior’s Field is the place to achieve. It’s a school where girls are encouraged to grasp opportunities – from taking to the court in our elite Tennis Academy, adopting leading roles in a West End calibre cast, designing electric guitars at lunchtime, creating artwork worthy of national display, scaling a glacier or rising to the challenge of young chemist of the year.
Our core aim is achieving happy girls, from which success will blossom. We focus on the development of unique individuals from an inclusive cohort. We boast a strong family ethos, a superb rural site and big ambitions for our girls. Prior’s Field provides the space, inspiration and environment to allow every girl to achieve in every aspect of her school life.
Prior’s Field is a vibrant and successful school with a fascinating history. Nestled within stunning Surrey countryside, we feel hundreds of miles away from the hustle and bustle of London, but can actually be in the city within forty minutes. Our safe, tranquil setting is home to a school with a difference, a place where individuality is celebrated and uniqueness embraced: a happy, positive environment where the girls enjoy learning.
Prior’s Field is situated in 42 acres of Surrey parkland and offers a safe and rural environment, but is just minutes from the A3 to London and the south coast. Close to Godalming and Guildford stations (the train to London Waterloo takes on average 45 minutes), Prior’s Field is also conveniently placed between Heathrow and Gatwick airports.
Distinctive route to high achievement
Our founder, Julia Huxley, was an inspirational teacher with pioneering ideas about the education of young women in Edwardian England. In 1902 she realised her dream. Prior’s Field was established as a progressive school which stimulated its pupils intellectually and broadened their cultural horizons. Her bold spirit and legacy of successful innovation continue to shape our work today.
This is the route to high achievement that Prior’s Field offers: high expectations and plenty of ambition within an environment that provides both a springboard for success and a safety net.
Motivation, self-belief and enjoyment
As a relatively small senior school of 440 girls, aged 11-18, we are focused on the development of unique individuals. Our Sixth Formers go on to a wide range of top universities, including Oxbridge, to study courses as diverse as their talents and ambitions: from architectural engineering to biological sciences, neuroscience, fine art, law and music. Pupils are encouraged to involve themselves in the more than 50 extracurricular clubs and activities available, including: climbing, circus skills, sculpture club and funky food.
Our Ethos
Achieving happy girls, every day, is our core aim. The happiness and well-being of our girls has always been at the heart of what we do because we know that contented and fulfilled girls, succeed. They have the confidence to step outside the box, take risks, try new challenges and embrace opportunities.
Achieving Creatively, Actively, Pastorally and Academically
We celebrate achievement in the round – creatively, actively, pastorally and yes of course academically – but not to the exclusion of everything else. Our interest is in the whole girl; her achievement in everything she does and every aspect of her school life. In her interaction within the school community; in her belief in herself, in her contribution as a pupil, as a peer, as a friend and as an ambassador for Prior’s Field for the whole of her life.
At the end of their time with us girls will have done very well academically, but it is their experience of school life that will have made all the difference. As they complete their journey, we take great pride in the young women they have become: well balanced, thoughtful of others and fully prepared for the next stage of life. They go on to a broad range of universities to study courses which reflect the independence, diversity and intellectual acumen we have supported. They have a confident belief in shaping their own futures.
Boarding at our heart
Boarding has always been at the heart of Prior’s Field; ISI inspectors highlighted the ‘‘atmosphere of trust, tolerance and friendship in the boarding houses’’. Boarders are supported by a team of dedicated, resident staff and enjoy an extensive programme of activities.
Excellent facilities include a Science, Music and Technology centre, with flagship interactive technology to support girls’ learning; an all-weather sports pitch; tennis academy for pupils of exceptional ability; superb Creative Arts centre; Sixth Form gym and separate Sixth Form House with quiet study areas, social loft space and ensuite bedrooms. The Junior Boarding House includes a statement pink staircase to welcome you, ‘extra bouncy’ carpets in bedrooms and sparkly bathroom floors, at girls’ request.
Scholarships and bursaries
Scholarships and Exhibitions for Talent are awarded to pupils entering at 11+, 13+ and Sixth Form who display above average ability academically or in Art, Drama, Music or Sport. Means-tested bursaries are also available at these entry points; a forces discount of 20% applies on boarding places for those in receipt of CEA.
“Prior’s Field consistently turns out a confident set of girls who ‘success stories abound’.” Tatler Schools’ Guide 2022
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