Manor House School in Surrey has been named in the Daily Telegraph’s Top 10 Most Beautiful Schools list.
The selective independent school for girls aged 2-16 at Little Bookham near Leatherhead appears sixth in the list, ahead of Eton, Stowe and Downside.
The Daily Telegraph listing highlights Manor House School’s smaller size which enables staff “to get to know and nurture pupils’ talents on an individual basis.”
Manor House School’s Grade II listed main building traces its history back to 1710 when the original Queen Anne house was constructed.
A new wing, the Arcot Hall, was added after the school (founded in Sidmouth, Devon in 1920) moved to Little Bookham in 1937.
The school’s 17-acre beautiful grounds offer a wide range of sports facilities, including a swimming pool, netball and tennis courts, athletics track and hockey pitch. The grounds adjoin the 12th century All Saints Church, one of the smallest parishes in the country.
Headmistress Miss Zara Axton said: “We have always taken immense pride in Manor House School’s unique setting because it plays such an important part in the high levels of pastoral care that we deliver.
“We are delighted that the beauty of our school – and the way in which it benefits our girls – has been recognised at a national level.”
Parents with girls at Manor House told how the school’s setting and ethos benefited their daughters.
Mrs Lillian Gilchrist said: “Being afforded the privilege of an education in a beautiful setting has the intended effect of providing an environment conducive to intellectual stimulation and emotional inspiration.
“I have remarked a newfound sense of responsibility and pride in my daughter since she began attending Manor House School. Not the sort of pride synonymous with arrogance or superciliousness, but rather, that side of pride which allows one to experience gratitude and appreciation, and which drives one forward on the path toward personal and academic success,” she added.
Mrs Michelle Clarence described Manor House School as “nurturing and embracing”.
She said: “My daughter loves school and feels like a significant part of the Manor House family. Most importantly she feels at home and valued at school. An outstanding education all round.”
Manor House enjoys strong success in academic studies, music, art, drama and sport. The Surrey Local Authority moderator described the school as ‘outstanding’ and ‘innovative’ following its Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) assessment.
Manor House School will be holding open mornings on February 9 2016, April 26 2016 and October 1 2016. Families are welcome.
For further details, please contact Admissions Manager Mary Fowell, 01372 457077, mfowell@manorhouseschool.org, https://manorhouseschool.org