City Of London Freemen’s School: A Comprehensive Review
City of London Freemen’s School (CLFS) is a co-educational day and boarding school set in 57 acres of beautiful Surrey countryside. Founded in 1854, it originally educated orphans of the Freemen of the City of London but has since evolved into a high-achieving independent school.
With a strong academic record, a wide range of extracurricular opportunities, and a focus on developing well-rounded individuals, CLFS balances tradition with a modern approach to learning. The school takes pride in pastoral care, small class sizes, and a welcoming atmosphere, making it an appealing choice for families looking for an all-through education from their children.
Table of Contents
Key Features of City of London Freemen's School
- Boarding: Yes
- Local authority: Surrey
- Pupils: 795; sixth formers: 216
- Ages: 13-18
- Gender: Co-ed
- Religion: Christian Inter-denominational
- Fees: Day £10,596 per term; Boarding £16,810 per term (inclusive of VAT)
City of London Freemen's School Results
Latest Results
- A Level Results (2025): 72% A*/A
- GCSE Results (2025): 82% 9-7
The school has seen its sixth form leavers secure spots in top universities across the UK< including Oxford and Cambridge, Bath, Warwick, Exeter, LSE, UCL, and more.
Teaching and Learning at City of London Freemen's School
City of London Freemen’s School offers a well-rounded and forward-thinking academic experience. The focus is on strong academic results, but just as importantly, on developing independence, creativity, and resilience.
Teaching Approach
Teachers aim to inspire curiosity and confidence. Lessons are engaging, with clear goals and consistent support. Staff build strong relationships with students and encourage a growth mindset. Mistakes are seen as part of the learning process. The school also embraces modern challenges, including AI and digital skills, to ensure students are ready for the future.
Curriculum Overview
Lower Senior School (Years 7–9):
A broad, balanced curriculum covering core subjects (English, Maths, Sciences), Languages, Computing, Art, Drama, DT, Music, Geography, History, and RE. Students are grouped by ability in Maths, Science, and Languages to support individual learning needs.Upper Senior School (Years 10–11):
Students take GCSEs, continuing with core subjects and a range of electives.Sixth Form:
Students specialise in A-level subjects, preparing for university and beyond.
Core Teaching Principles
Freemen’s teaching is guided by six principles:
- Challenge – setting high expectations
- Questioning – encouraging critical thinking
- Feedback – providing actionable support
- High Expectations – aiming for the best outcomes
- Modelling – showing how to think and work effectively
- Explanation – delivering clear and structured instruction
Boarding at City of London Freemen's School
Boarding at City of London Freemen’s School is a small, close-knit community based in Walbrook House, a modern, purpose-built facility in the heart of the school campus. With around 70 boarders from a range of nationalities, students live in a friendly, inclusive environment where they receive individual attention and care from dedicated staff.
The school offers full and weekly boarding from Year 9 and flexi-boarding from Year 7, giving families flexibility based on their needs. Boarders live in “pods” of up to 10 students, in a mix of single and shared rooms with desks, storage, and shared social areas. The house includes a large open-plan common space with a TV, computer games, board games, and a pool table, as well as a device-free “Chill Out Zone”, a creative hub for arts and crafts, a music practice room, and two kitchens for snacks and light cooking.
Boarders also have full access to the school’s 57-acre campus, including an award-winning swimming pool, gym, tennis and basketball courts, theatre, and Sixth Form centre.
The boarding staff are fully involved in school life, supporting students academically and pastorally. They supervise prep, run activities, and provide personal support. Graduate assistants also play an active role, whether helping with studies or challenging students at chess, FIFA, or table football.
With a warm and supportive atmosphere, boarding at CLFS provides students with a safe, structured, and social environment where they can excel academically, gain independence, and build lifelong friendships.
Extracurricular Activities at CLFS
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) & CCF
DofE is a huge part of school life at Freemen’s. Nearly every Year 9 student takes on the Bronze Award, and many continue to Silver and Gold. The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) is smaller, with around 100 students in the Army and RAF sections, but still a great option from Year 9. Even the headmaster is currently undergoing training, showing the school’s commitment to leadership and adventure.
Clubs & Societies
With over 90 clubs and societies, students can explore interests beyond the classroom. The school made a strong push post-Covid, recognising how much students missed these activities. Options range from Minecraft and philosophy to debating and eco society. Debating is especially growing in popularity, offering students the chance to sharpen their skills in competitions and discussions.
Music
Freemen’s takes music seriously, with a dedicated music block featuring a professional acoustic concert hall, recording studio, live band practice room, Mac suite, and multiple practice rooms. Students can join orchestras, choirs, and ensembles, and there are regular performances at top London venues like Milton Court and St John’s Smith Square. The facilities are outstanding, including a Steinway grand piano in the concert hall. Some parents would like to see more encouragement for students who play instruments but don’t yet participate in groups.
Drama
Drama takes place in the Ferndale Theatre, where students put on high-quality productions with top-tier teaching, lighting, and sound opportunities. There’s even a special effects club. Past productions include Alice in Wonderland and Lord of the Flies, which was staged in the new outdoor classroom. Students also benefit from regular theatre trips, including visits to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Art & Design Technology (DT)
The double-storey art department is a lively space where students can explore painting, textiles, ceramics, and more. The school focuses on each student’s strengths, producing impressive work displayed across campus. Over in DT, students work on real-world projects using top-tier equipment. One standout piece? A beautifully crafted pair of slatted chairs made from tools the school smartly acquired from another institution.
Sport
Sport at Freemen’s is widely available but not the school’s strongest area. Parents note room for improvement in coaching and organisation, though students appreciate the encouragement and variety of options. There are opportunities to compete in basketball, badminton, squash, cross-country, and table tennis, as well as the core team sports:
- Boys: Rugby, football, cricket, with optional hockey and football.
- Girls: Hockey, netball, tennis, and cricket.
Generally, facilities are excellent, including a hockey Astro, new swimming pool, vast pitches, and a well-equipped gym and fitness suite. Students also rate the ski trips highly. While the school isn’t dominant in competitions, individual students have earned regional and national representation in various sports.
Admissions Process: Entering CLFS
13+
Most students move up from the junior school with automatic entry, but there are around 20 additional places (soon to increase) for external applicants. These spots are highly competitive, with applicants sitting tests in English, maths, and non-verbal reasoning, followed by an interview and a school report review. The school mainly attracts students from local prep schools like Downsend, Danes Hill, Cranmore, and Homefield. The admissions team is highly selective, looking for students who show spark, creativity, and strong academic ability.
Sixth Form
Each year, around 20 students join the Sixth Form, including international boarders. Entry requirements include at least seven GCSEs at grade 7 or above, including maths and English. Some subjects have higher entry criteria—most require a grade 7, but maths and sciences require a grade 8. Applicants also go through an interview and must provide a school report.
CLFS Testimonials and Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions about CLFS
Yes, the school is coeducational, accepting both boys and girls.
Open days are typically held in October, November, and June.
The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, drama, and community service.
The school provides a comprehensive college counselling programme to support students in their post-secondary education goals.
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