Felsted School Review: Co-ed Independent School in Essex

• Boarding: Yes
• Local authority: Essex
• Pupils: 543; sixth formers: 243
• Ages: 11-18
• Gender: Mixed
• Religion: Church of England
• Fees: Day £12,216 per term; Boarding £18,702 per term (inclusive of VAT)

Felsted School offers a well-structured academic programme for pupils aged 4 to 18. The curriculum balances depth and breadth, encouraging intellectual growth and personal development at every stage.

Years 7 to 9 (Key Stage 3)
At this stage, pupils follow a broad curriculum covering English, Maths, Science, Humanities, Languages (both Modern and Classical), Creative Arts, and more.
Importantly, lessons are taught by subject specialists, and students benefit from access to Senior School facilities. This ensures a smooth transition as they progress through the school.

Years 10 and 11 (GCSE)
From Year 10, pupils begin preparing for their GCSEs. All students take core subjects including English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, and Science.
For Science, there is the option to study Combined Science or take the three separate sciences.
In addition, pupils choose four optional subjects, often including a language and a humanities subject.
This mix allows students to keep their options open, while also beginning to specialise ahead of Sixth Form.

Sixth Form: A Levels or IB Diploma
Felsted offers both A Levels and the International Baccalaureate (IB), giving students flexibility based on their strengths and goals.

• A Levels: Most students take three subjects, with the option to add a fourth or complete the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).

• IB Diploma: Students study six subjects, including three at Higher Level. They also complete Theory of Knowledge, an Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS). This programme suits academically curious and well-rounded students.

Felsted’s admissions process is straightforward, with the goal of ensuring that pupils are a good fit for the school and prepared for academic success. Entry tests consist of the following: Quantitative and Non-Verbal Reasoning, English Comprehension, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. These online tests are adaptive, meaning they adjust to each pupil’s level of ability. No special preparation or tutoring is required, though familiarisation exercises are provided to all registered candidates ahead of the assessments.

For pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), exam access arrangements are available. Parents are encouraged to discuss these needs with the school so that the appropriate support can be provided.

Offers of places at Felsted are based on entry test results, a personal interview with the Head, and a satisfactory confidential reference from the pupil’s current school. UK-based candidates typically visit Felsted for their testing and interview, but alternative arrangements can be made if necessary. 

For Sixth Form entry, candidates are expected to achieve a minimum of 32 points across their best six GCSE subjects, with a grade 6 in subjects they wish to pursue at A Level or at Higher Level in the IB Diploma. For more challenging subjects like Maths and Sciences, a grade 7 at GCSE is generally required.

Felsted is a popular choice for Sixth Form, and most places are offered and accepted by the end of January each year. If you’re applying after this time, you may be placed on a waiting list, so it’s recommended to apply early.