Age Range. 2–11 (Pre-Preparatory age 2–7, Preparatory age 7–11).
Number of Pupils. 300 Day Girls.
Fees per term (2023–2024). Preschool (based on number of sessions attended), Reception: £4,505, Years 1 & 2: £5,168, Years 3 to 6: £5,978.
In 1936, Miss Katherine Millar was determined to breathe new life into the English educational system. She wished to create an environment that inspired a passion for learning. The doors of Rowan were opened wide to enable girls to develop a strong sense of self and establish lasting friendships. Three quarters of a century on, Katherine Millar’s core values are firmly established in the school. Girls achieve personal excellence in a warm, family environment.
As our motto says ‘Hic Feliciter Laboramus’; here we work happily.
The school is located on two sites very close to each other in a leafy part of Claygate. Rowan Brae accommodates the Preschool and Pre-Prep and Rowan Hill, the Prep.
Upon entering the Brae you cannot fail to notice the warm, friendly and happy atmosphere. The stimulating learning environment, both indoors and outdoors, creates an inspiring and engaging place to learn. Outstanding lessons and excellent resources allow all pupils to thrive and reach their potential. Girls in Year 2 are fully prepared for the seamless transition and exciting challenges which lay ahead at the Hill.
Girls at the Hill develop a thirst for knowledge, an appreciation of all subject areas and a deeper understanding of how to analyse and apply information across different areas of learning and in everyday life. The varied creative and outdoor curriculum continues to stimulate and inspire in all subject areas of day-to-day learning. Dynamic and challenging lessons, adapted to suit the girls’ needs ensure that they can truly achieve personal excellence. There is a superb ICT Suite, which was funded by the very supportive parents association, The Friends of Rowan, and well-equipped playgrounds and adventure walkways with a wooded area called The Spinney, which is held in great affection by the girls.
Girls are prepared for entry to a wide variety of senior independent day and boarding schools. There is an excellent record of 100% of girls moving on to a first-choice senior school with over 40 scholarships and awards being offered this year for academic, music, drama, sports or art.
Rowan offers a broad-based curriculum of work so that each pupil is able to develop her own talents and maximize her potential through an adventurous learning approach. The school welcomes visiting speakers and performers to enhance the curriculum. Day trips are also included in each term and the annual residential trips to Sayers Croft, The Isle of Wight, European ski resorts and France are both popular and highly educational in content. In addition, a wide variety of clubs are offered before and after school and at lunchtimes; they include drama, chess, art, science, foreign languages and a host of sports and musical activities. In addition, breakfast club and after-school prep clubs are available to support families.
Rowan has an outstanding Music Department, with all girls singing in a choir and playing the recorder. In addition, three-quarters of girls at the Hill play a further instrument. There are various ensembles, which the girls can also join in preparation for the orchestra. Girls at Rowan Brae are invited to play the violin or cello as part of the school’s String Initiative during Year 1, a fantastic opportunity to learn about music and performance.
The school has excellent sporting opportunities and achievements. Girls have the chance to represent the school both locally and nationally for sports such as swimming, gymnastics, tennis and biathlon. Games are developed throughout the school with girls taking part in their first matches from Year 2.
Rowan is very proud of its art, providing stunning displays around both the Brae and the Hill expressing the girls’ individuality and excellent capabilities.
With small classes on both sites and strong pastoral care it is Rowan’s aim to provide the essential early grounding in a happy, stimulating and secure environment where every child’s needs are catered for.
Prospective parents are encouraged to attend one of the Open Mornings held each term or to make an appointment to view the school during a normal working day. Admission in the Early Years is non-selective and early registration is advisable if a place in the Preschool is to be assured. Girls entering the school at 7+ will be invited to take part in a Discovery Day which takes place in November.
Assisted places are available and details may be obtained upon request from our Head of Admissions.
Charitable status. Rowan has a Local Governing Body that plays an active and supportive role in the school. Rowan is part of United Learning which is an educational trust controlled by a Board of Governors and chaired by Mr Richard Greenhalgh which comprises: UCST (a Company Limited by Guarantee, Registered in England, number 2780748, and a Registered Charity, number 1016538) and ULT (a Company Limited by Guarantee, Registered in England, number 4439859, and an Exempt Charity).