Ditcham Park School

Set within the South Downs, Ditcham Park grew from Patricia Holmes's decision in 1976 to create a school in the existing buildings. That beginning still helps explain its scale: pupils from age 2 to 16 move through a co-educational day school where staff can keep track of individual progress and the senior years remain connected to the younger phases.

The Senior School covers Years 7 to 11 with a broad programme including English, mathematics, science, languages, humanities, music, art, drama, design technology, ICT, religious education and PE. At GCSE, English language, English literature and mathematics form the compulsory core before pupils choose science and four further subjects within a ten-GCSE pattern.

Practical work gives the curriculum a distinctive texture. History uses debate, role play, re-enactment and model-making, while Form 3 pupils can study the First World War through visits to Ypres and the Somme. Speech and drama, instrumental tuition and vocal work add performance opportunities, and the school provides specialist learning support alongside academic study.

Entry depends on space in the relevant year group. From Year 7, external applicants take English, mathematics, verbal and non-verbal reasoning assessments, meet a senior leader and provide a school report. Scholarships cover academic, music, art, drama and sport, with learning support considered as part of the admissions conversation.