City of London Freemen’s School
Ashtead Park, Ashtead, Surrey KT21 1ET
Telephone: 01372 822400
Motto: Domine dirige nos
City of London Freemen's School is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 7 to 18. It is set within 57 acres of stunning parkland in historic Ashtead Park, on the edge of the picturesque village of Ashtead in Surrey. The school is just a 40-minute train journey from Central London, with both Gatwick and Heathrow airports approximately 30 minutes away.
Our mission, to learn, lead and make a difference, is woven into every part of school life, guiding each pupil as they discover and develop their academic, creative, sporting and personal potential. Freemen’s is a place where every pupil finds their path.
History and ethos. Founded in 1854 in Brixton to care for the orphaned children of Freemen of the City of London, Freemen’s has always been co-educational and community focused. Nearly 170 years on, these values remain central to who we are: a nurturing school that honours tradition while embracing the future.
Academic excellence. Academic success is a cornerstone of life at Freemen’s. In 2025, 92% of A level grades were A*–B, and 90% of pupils went on to their first-choice universities, including 71% to Russell Group institutions. But for us, education is about more than results; we aim to develop compassionate, grounded and purposeful individuals ready to make a difference in the world.
Campus. Freemen’s is set on a single campus where historic charm meets modern innovation. Our facilities include:
•a thoughtfully modernised Main House (the Grade II listed and (formerly known as) Ashtead Park Manor, built in 1563)
•spacious, contemporary, well-equipped classrooms and flexible workspaces
•a bright Orangery, Musical Recital Hall and Ferndale Theatre
•a large indoor pool, grass playing fields, and Astroturf pitches.
Wellbeing and pastoral care. Wellbeing is central to the Freemen’s experience. We offer robust pastoral support systems that ensure every pupil feels safe, supported and encouraged to thrive, both personally and academically.
A vibrant community. Freemen’s is more than a school; it’s a thriving community where every pupil is known, supported and encouraged to pursue their interests. We help students prepare for Senior School, Sixth Form and life beyond, through a balance of academic challenge, pastoral care and co-curricular enrichment.
Co-curricular. The co-curricular programme is a dynamic mix of sports, music, drama, Duke of Edinburgh (DofE), Cadet Force (CCF), and a wide variety of creative and globally minded activities. These opportunities encourage pupils to make a difference both within our school and the wider community. Pupils are encouraged to take initiative, contribute to the world, and grow as confident, well-rounded individuals.
Boarding at Freemen’s. Our purpose-built boarding house, Walbrook, is a modern, inclusive home for pupils from across the UK and around the world. Available for full, weekly or flexi-boarding, Walbrook provides a nurturing environment that fosters independence, community and personal growth.
Independent Living Programme: Our Independent Living Programme gives Year 13 pupils the opportunity to experience life away from home and develop essential life skills. Located in the Main House, this contemporary suite features bedrooms, bathrooms, a kitchen and a lounge, accommodating up to eight students each week as they prepare for future student life.
Connections with The City: As part of the City of London Corporation, Freemen’s senior pupils benefit from strong ties with the Livery Companies, Guilds and The City itself. These associations provide pupils with awards, scholarships, event invitations, and valuable networking opportunities that support future careers.
Transport and location. Just 40 minutes by train from Central London, Freemen’s is easily accessible by road, rail and dedicated school transport. We partner with Zeelo to provide a carbon-neutral coach service across Surrey and South-West London, with planned routes to Teddington and Weybridge launching in 2026. A shuttle service is also available from and to Ashtead Station.
Scholarships and bursaries. We offer scholarships for entry into Years 7, 9 and 12, and they are awarded in recognition of outstanding ability in Academics, Music, Sport, and other areas of excellence. We believe in making quality education accessible to academically talented pupils, regardless of their financial circumstances. Bursaries are awarded based on performance in the entrance assessments and are subject to financial means-testing and annual review.
Admissions. Our main entry points are Years 3, 7, 9 and 12, but we consider applicants for other year groups where space allows. For more information or to arrange a visit, please contact our friendly Admissions Team at: admissions@freemens.org
Governors & Staff:
Headmaster: Roland Martin
Deputy Head: Stuart Bachelor
Deputy Head, Academic: Paul Bridges
Chief Operating Officer: Oonagh O’Mahoney
Senior Leadership Team:
Assistant Head (Head of Sixth Form): Rachel Keightley
Assistant Head (Head of Senior School): Sophie Blair
Assistant Head (Head of Junior School): David Harry
Assistant Head (Head of Boarding): Alan Auld
Assistant Head (Learning, Teaching and Innovation): Christopher Kellaway
Director of Inclusive Learning: Sarah Bailey
Assistant Head (Co-Curricular): Jamie Shore-Nye
Assistant Head (Staff and Staff Development): Mrs Emma Smith
Director of External Relations: Lisa Way
Director of HR: Anna Atkins
Teaching staff:
A detailed list of the Teaching Staff can be found on the school’s website.
List of Governors:
Jamel Banda (Chairman)
Philip Woodhouse (Deputy Chair)
Alderman Christopher Makin
Alderman Robert Howard (ex-officio)
Alderman Tim Levene (ex-officio)
Roy Anklesaria
John Foley
Nicholas Goddard
Clare Verga