St Nicholas’ School is a warm and vibrant independent day school for girls aged 3–16 and boys aged 3–7, nestled in the stunning Hampshire countryside. Founded in 1935, our school has grown into a thriving educational community where every child is known, valued, and inspired to reach their full potential.
Our beautiful home at Redfields House, a Victorian mansion set in 30 acres of picturesque parkland, offers the perfect blend of heritage charm and modern facilities. From the moment you arrive, you will see why pupils flourish here – whether exploring our woodlands in Forest School, playing sports on our floodlit Astroturf, or performing in our purpose-built theatre.
Our youngest pupils begin their journey at Branksomewood, a light-filled, wooden nursery and infant department designed to create a calming, nurturing space where children thrive. Complete with its own adventure playground in the woods, a spacious hall and experienced staff, it’s the perfect first step into school life.
Our Junior and Senior departments are housed within Redfields House and its adjoining buildings, combining the character of an old family home with the energy and innovation of a forward-thinking school.
The site offers outstanding facilities designed to inspire and support every pupil’s talents and interests. The sports hall is fully equipped with multiple courts and a fitness suite. This facility has greatly enhanced sports lessons and enabled a wide range of competitions and extracurricular activities. Pupils can enjoy badminton, tennis, netball, volleyball and basketball throughout the year on high-quality courts.
Creativity flourishes in the dedicated Art, Design Technology and Textiles Centre. It features three spacious rooms with large work benches and a kiln for pottery. This wonderful building has also made it possible to convert the former Art Centre into specialist Music practice rooms. Pupils have the opportunity to receive tuition in violin, piano, guitar, harp, drums, singing, woodwind and brass instruments in a supportive environment.
The Pritchard Hall is named after the school’s founder and was opened in 2009. It is an impressive Performing Arts centre with semicircular raked seating for over 330 people. The hall also includes a fully equipped orchestra pit. Concerts and plays are regularly hosted in this venue. Additionally, the Drama department has two dedicated studios for rehearsals and creative work.
We have got state-of-the-art laboratories for junior and senior pupils. These bright and welcoming rooms provide both teaching areas and practical learning spaces. They encourage curiosity and hands-on discovery.
Other key features of the site include an all-weather Astroturf and floodlit tennis courts that can be used throughout the year.
Together, these excellent facilities create a stimulating and supportive environment where every pupil can thrive in Sports, Arts, Music and Sciences.
At St Nicholas’, academic standards are high – and so are our aspirations for every pupil. Small class sizes mean teachers truly understand each child’s strengths, encouraging them to aim high and grow in confidence. We offer a broad, balanced curriculum right through to GCSE, with over 20 subject options and tailored guidance to help every girl achieve her best.
Our extended day (7.30 am to 6.00 pm) supports busy families, and our structured personal development programme, including careers guidance, ensures girls leave us ready for the next step – whether that is sixth form, college, or scholarships to top independent schools.
Creativity, character and community are at the heart of our co-curricular programme. With opportunities ranging from drama, choir and orchestra to Taekwondo, Just Dance and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, pupils are encouraged to try new things and develop lifelong passions.
Our holistic approach includes everything from mindfulness walks and relaxation classes to pupil-led clubs and exciting Activity Weeks – ensuring every child feels supported, engaged and challenged at every stage.
Rooted in Christian values, St Nicholas’ welcomes families of all faiths. Daily assemblies encourage compassion, care and tolerance – helping pupils grow into thoughtful, respectful individuals ready to make a positive impact.
Located just off the A287, with excellent transport links including a dedicated school bus service from Farnham, Odiham, Fleet, Basingstoke, Camberley, Yateley, Aldershot and Farnborough, St Nicholas’ is perfectly placed for families across Hampshire, Surrey and Berkshire.
Pupils may join St Nicholas’ at any stage, subject to interview and availability. We offer scholarships and bursaries, and our 11+ entrance exam ensures every girl is placed in the right academic path for her.
Fees per term (2025–2026). Infants: £4,270–£4,631; Juniors: £5,427–£5,693; Seniors: £6,502; Nursery: £80.50 per day. Fees exclude VAT.
We warmly invite you to experience the spirit of St Nicholas’ for yourself. Meet our Headmistress, tour our facilities, and see why our pupils are so happy – and so successful.
Contact the Registrar for a prospectus or to arrange a visit.
St Nicholas’ School – where children are known, inspired and empowered.
Charitable status. St Nicholas’ is a Registered Charity, number 307341. It exists to provide high-quality education for children.
Governors & Staff:
Chair of Governors: Chris Netherton
Headmistress: Dr Olwen Wright, PhD Winchester, MA, BA Hons, PGCE
Director of Teaching and Learning and Director of Music: Benjamin Pont, BMus Hons Royal College of Music, PGCE
Director of Pastoral Care and Safeguarding Lead: Stella Lawson, BA Nottingham Trent, QTS
Head of Infants and Juniors: Lee Render, BA Hons Surrey, QTS
Bursar: D T Canning, FCCA
Teaching Staff:
Marwa Aladi, BA American University Ciro, Level 2 Certificate in Young People's Mental Health
Florence Ayache, BA Hons Glamorgan, QTS (Spanish and French)
Helen Barnes, BA Ed Hons Exeter (Deputy Head of Juniors)
Marcia Barrington, NVQ
Celia Beard, OCR Level 7 Diploma in Assessing Teaching Learners with SpLD
Sophie Brown, BSc Hons Nottingham Trent, QTS
Sarah Cluett, BA Hons University of the West of England Bristol, PGCE, OTS
Victoria Cooper, BSc Hons Portsmouth, QTS
Gemma Cross, BSc Wales, PGCE, OTS (Science)
Theresa Durrant, BA Hons University of Surrey (Head of Drama)
Joanne Edwards, BA Hons Brunel, PGCE (Head of History)
Rachel Firth, BA Hons Bath (Textiles)
Amy Franke, BMus Hons, MMus Surrey (Music)
Terri Gough, Higher Education University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
Annemarie Gluck, Diploma in Education University of Cape Town, QTS
Lee-Anne Hampson, BA Hons University of Southampton, Post Graduate Certificate in Education, QTS
Kaeleigh Hapsa, CACHE, Level 3 Diploma
Marina Heppenstall, BSc Hons University of St Andrews
Rebecca Hoddinott, BA Hons South Bank (Food Prep and Nutrition)
Zaynah Hodges, LLB Hons University of Surrey, QTS
Laura Homer, BA Hons Wales, PGCE (Key Stage 2)
Hannah Hopkins, City & Guilds, Level 3 (LSA and ELSA)
Stephanie Hoskins, BA Hons Bristol, QTS
Georgina Hugill, BA Hons Brunel University
Andrea Hutchison, BSC Hons Oxford Brooks University, PGCE
Irina James, BA Hons Odessa State University
Jomcy John, BSc Mahatma Gandhi University
Malini Kakkar, BA Hons Delhi University
Pilar Kimber, MA Reading (Latin and Classical Civilisation)
Stella Lawson, BA Nottingham Trent, QTS (Teacher of English/Phase Leader)
Abigail Longworth, BA Hons Exeter, PGCE, QTS (Director of Sport)
Deborah Martin, BA Hons Surrey (Mathematics and ELSA)
Lyndon Martin, BSc Surrey, QTS (Mathematics)
Teresa Mills, BA Manchester, PGCE, QTS
Wendy Moller, BEd South Africa (Foundation Stage Teacher)
Hollie O'Brien, Cache Level 3 Diploma in Child Care and Education
Sarah Park, BA Hons Keele, QTS (Activities, Head of English)
Virginia Pearson, Perf Cert RAM, LTCL, ARCM (Music)
Rose Pentangelo; BA Hons University of Greenwich
Benjamin Pont, BMus Hons (Director of Music)
Joanna Pont, BMus Hons (String Tutor)
Mary Porter, BSc Hons Southampton, MA UCL, QTS (Geography)
Lisa Ruffell, BA Hons Roehampton Institute, QTS
Lucy Sartori, BSc Hons Royal Holloway and Bedford New College, QTS
Carola Tavella, Degree in Foreign Language and Literature, University of Genova
Louise Wallace, BA York, PGCE, QTS (Curriculum Support)
Clare Wegrzyk; BA Hons Humberside University
Dan Wileman, BSc Hons Open University
Hannah Willmott, BSc West of England, PGCE, QTS
Xinsheng Zhang, MEd Johannesburg SA (Chinese Mandarin)
Peripatetic Music:
Eleanor Bowyer, PGCE Middlesex (LAMDA, Speech and Drama)
Wendy Busby, BMus Hons (Voice)
Sylvia Ellison, BA Hons, PG Dip RCM (Oboe)
Vanessa Gynn, BA Hons, PG Dip RCM
Claire Hasted, BMus Hons (Violin)
Claire Hickling, BMus Hons (Piano, Flute)
Oksana Maxwell, LTCL (Piano)
Valerie Mitchell, LRAM (Piano, Cello)
Austin Pepper, ALCM (Brass)
Rachel Riordan, Adv Teaching RSM (Saxophone, Clarinet)
Rebecca Whittock, BA Hons London (Violin)
Administration:
Assistant Registrar: Natasha Mabilat, BA Hons
Catering: Hayley Chubb, Chartwells, Compass Group PLC
Admissions & Marketing Manager: Paula Stelfox, AMCIS in Admissions Management
Headmistress’s PA: Kathryn Killick, BSc Hons, Business and Technology
Laboratory Technician: Michele Axton, BA Open University
Payroll and Pensions Administrator: Debbie Smitherman, Dip Pensions & Payroll Management
School Assistant: Amanda Bullock
School Secretary and Medical Officer: Sarah Watkins, RGN, NNEB
Maintenance:
Afternoon Caretaker: Peter Attwood
Assistant Maintenance Officer: Bruce Sharp, City & Guilds Levels 2 & 3
Bus Drivers: Trevor Mills; Glenn Shearer, Midas Trained
Head of Maintenance: Paul Rippingale, Midas Trained
Morning Caretaker and Bus Driver: Timothy Hunt, Midas Trained