City of London Freemen’s School. One of the best Surrey co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 7–18, set within 57 acres of historic parkland in Ashtead Park. Just 40 minutes by train from Central London and close to Gatwick and Heathrow airports, Freemen’s offers an inspiring environment where pupils are encouraged to think critically, lead confidently and make a positive difference.
History and Ethos. Our mission - to learn, lead and make a difference - shapes every aspect of school life, guiding pupils as they develop academically, creatively, socially, and personally. Founded in 1854 to educate the orphaned children of Freemen of the City of London, the school has always been co-educational and community focused, balancing strong tradition with a forward-looking ethos.
Academic Excellence: Academic excellence is at the heart of school life, reflected in consistently strong GCSE and A-level results. In 2026, pupils achieved an outstanding set of GCSE results across a broad and academically ambitious curriculum spanning Mathematics, Sciences, Languages, Humanities, English, Computing, and the creative and practical subjects. An impressive 42% of grades were awarded at grade 9, 64% at grades 8–9, and 82% at grades 7–9.
The 2026 A-level cohort also achieved excellent results across a wide range of subjects, with 90% of grades awarded at A*–B, 68% at A*–A, and 30% at A*. For the third consecutive year, more than two-thirds of all grades achieved at Freemen’s were awarded at A* or A, demonstrating the consistency and breadth of academic achievement across the School.
The Freemen’s Pathway. The Freemen’s Pathway provides every pupil with a personalised, ambitious education that develops knowledge, skills, confidence and character. Through increasing independence, choice and opportunity, pupils are encouraged to discover their strengths and interests and prepare for success both at school and beyond.
Campus. Freemen’s is set on a beautiful, single-site campus where historic charm meets modern innovation, with all school facilities conveniently located in one place.
Wellbeing and Pastoral Care. As a through-school, Freemen’s provides a seamless educational journey from Junior School to Sixth Form: once you’re in, you’re in. Pupils who join the Junior School progress without sitting 11+ entrance exams, benefiting from continuity, close relationships with teachers and highly personalised pastoral care. This approach was praised in the school’s most recent ISI inspection, which highlighted pupil wellbeing as a significant strength. The school’s commitment to wellbeing has also been recognised nationally through the Wellbeing Award for Schools.
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. Beyond the classroom, Freemen’s pupils play an active role in School life through leadership, music, drama, sport, debating, charity fundraising and mentoring younger pupils. These opportunities complement academic achievement, building confidence, resilience, creativity and a strong sense of responsibility while preparing pupils for life beyond school. Alongside academic success, pupils benefit from more than 150 co-curricular activities, excellent facilities and dedicated wellbeing support, providing a rich and well-rounded experience.
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 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 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 Vectare to provide a carbon-neutral coach service across Surrey and South-West London. A shuttle service is also available from and to Ashtead Train Station.
Scholarships & Bursaries. Academic and Music scholarships available at 11+, 13+ and 16+ means-tested Bursaries available.
Admissions. Our main entry points are Years 3, 7, 9, and 12, but we consider applicants for other year groups where space allows.
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): Emma Smith
Director of External Relations: Lisa Way
Director of HR: Anna Atkins
List of Governors:
Jamel Banda (Chairman)
Philip Woodhouse (Deputy Chair)
Alderman Robert Howard (ex-officio)
Deputy Keith Bottomley (ex-officio)
Roy Anklesaria
John Foley
Nicholas Goddard
Clare Verga
Tessa Marchington