On Wednesday 11th October, FHS was a vibrant hive of creativity and activity as we welcomed prospective families and their daughters to FHS for our annual three-session 11+ Open Evening. Before embarking on tours of the School, incoming Head Alexandra Haydon spoke to attendees about her passion for our ethos and appreciation of our values at FHS. We very much look forward to welcoming Mrs Haydon as Head in January 2024. Following this, Upper Sixth and Lower School pupils spoke about what makes our FHS community so welcoming and inclusive, as well as sharing their favourite aspects of school life.
Our guests were then given tours of the School led by Year 8 pupils, excited to share what they love most about FHS. Classroom were alive with vibrant subject displays, demonstrations and interactive workshops showcasing the dynamic, inspirational teaching, focusing on thinking innovatively, problem-solving, developing leadership skills and resilience, which we offer at FHS. With everything from marvelling at methane bubbles in Chemistry to trying your luck in Latin scrabble, from creating mandalas in TP to enjoying a mini workout in our state-of-the-art Sixth Form Gym, there was something for everyone to enjoy. Other sections showcased what makes FHS so unique, for example our double national award-winning Creative Enterprise and TIPS (Thinking Innovatively and Problem Solving) programmes, our transformational Sixth Form Centre, the Old School House, and our Centre for Creative Learning, winner of a national RIBA architecture award.
Thank you to all our students and staff for being such fantastic ambassadors for the School, and truly epitomising the reasons we were named Sunday Times Independent School of the Year 2023. It was wonderful to welcome so many prospective families; thank you so much to all who came and thank you to those who have already provided such lovely feedback, some of which is listed below:
“We left with a strong sense of the community spirit – positive, kind and strong relationships between girls and mutually-respectful teacher-pupil relationships”
“Yes – Francis Holland is our first choice school for our daughter. We care deeply about pastoral care and general wellbeing, alongside an excellent education, so we feel this would be a fantastic fit for her, as the all round education is so well balanced.”
“My daughter absolutely loved the school atmosphere, library, green recreation areas and the menu created by French chef!”
“I thought the pupils did an amazing job talking about their school and participating with enthusiasm and engagement in the classroom. It was clear they were happy in the environment and we got a great feel for the school. Great ambassadors for FHS”
“We were guided by a Lower Sixth girl, who was a living advert for FHS – so open, intelligent, interested, relaxed – a wonderful role model for the little ones!”
“We came away in awe and believe the school would be the perfect fit for our daughter. The girls are confident and happy, but not arrogant.”
To see highlights from the Open Evening, visit our Instagram and view the 11+ Open Evening story highlight.
To find out more about Year 7 September 2024 entry, visit here.
Registration will close on Friday 10th November 2023.
