This afternoon, our Lower School Eco-Reps and Year 10 Geography students came together to celebrate the 100th birthday of the incredible Sir David Attenborough 🌍💚 Joined by a very special cardboard guest, students reflected on Sir David’s lifelong dedication to protecting our planet and inspiring generations to care for the natural world. As a proud Eco School, Farlington is passionate about sustainability, with our thriving Eco-Reps programme helping to lead positive environmental action across the school community. Happy 100th Birthday, Sir David, from all of us at Farlington. Thank you for inspiring us all. 🌱✨ #iamfarlington #viveutvivas #ecoschool #saveourplanet #happybirthdaysirdavidattenborough

From adventures in Forest School to performing under the spotlight, every child’s journey at Farlington is unique. ✨ Join us at our Open Morning tomorrow, Saturday 9th May, and discover how we inspire confidence, spark curiosity and create opportunity at every stage from our nursery, Little Farlington, to Sixth Form, and every step in between. 💫 📍 Farlington School 📅 Saturday 9th May 🔗 Register via https://www.farlingtonschool.com/1099/visiting-farlington #FarlingtonSchool #iamfarlington #viveutvivas #OpenMorning #IndependentSchool #SchoolLife #FutureStartsHere #EducationJourney #WestSussexSchools

Today marked the return of Wonder Wednesdays, and we were excited to welcome lots of young explorers to the Little Farlington Forest School Area for a fun morning in the great outdoors 🌲🌳 First, our wonderful Little Farlington Forest School Leader, Grazi, told us the three rules of Forest School fun: ✅ Stay safe ✅ Be kind to others and to nature ✅ Have fun Then we set off to enjoy Forest School activities including bug hunting, bird watching, digging, painting, and cooking up a feast in the mud kitchen 😄 What a brilliant way to spend a sunny Friday morning! Wonder Wednesdays at Farlington School are free of charge and open to babies and children aged up to 4, plus their parents/carers. Our final Wonder Wednesday session for this term will take place on Wednesday 3rd June. Click below to book your place! https://forms.gle/xEmrqwxQGhPAQqDg7 #iamfarlington #wearefarlington #wonderwednesdays #forestschoolfun #preschoolactivities #thegreatoutdoors #outdoorfun #toddlerlife

Last month, one of our brilliant Year 10 Drama students, Iszy, entered the National Youth Monologues competition, a nationwide contest open to students aged 9 to 19 years old 🎭 We received the exciting news on Friday that Iszy has been selected for the Regional Southern Finals, in not just one category but two - the 'Contemporary' and 'Screen' categories 🙌 Almost 4,000 students from across the UK entered the competition, so we could not be more proud 🥰 The finals will take place in a West End theatre later this month. We've got everything crossed for you, Iszy! #iamfarlington #wearefarlington #schooldrama #youngtalent #nationalyouthmonologues

✨ Discover Farlington at our Whole School Open Morning! ✨ Join us on Saturday, 9th May, for a fantastic opportunity to experience life at Farlington. From the moment you arrive, you’ll get a real feel for what makes our school so special. 👋 Meet the Headmaster and our dedicated staff 🏫 Explore our beautiful grounds and exceptional facilities 🎓 Chat with our inspiring students 🍽️ Sample our outstanding catering 🕘 Arrival from 9:45am (to allow time for parking and signing-in) 🎤 Headmaster’s address begins at 10:00am After a guided tour, relax and enjoy refreshments while speaking with staff and learning more about our school community. We can’t wait to welcome you! 💙 Limited spaces are available, and registration is via our website: ⭐ https://www.farlingtonschool.com/1099/visiting-farlington #iamfarlington #independentschool #schoolopenday #OpenMorning #viveutvivas #happyfamilies #lowerschool #middleschool #seniorschool #sixthform #independentsixthform #nurserytosixthform #reachingfurthertogether

When a past paper question turns into a real-life experiment…we know it’s been a great lesson⚡🔬 A-Level Physics students in our Sixth Form didn’t just answer a question on standing wave patterns, they brought it to life by getting the equipment out and testing it for themselves! Watching theory transform into something visible (and very exciting) is what learning here is all about. 🤩 A perfect example of the Farlington MIRROR framework in action, especially the ‘I’ for Initiative. Curiosity is sparked, ideas are explored, and learning is taken beyond the page.💡 Current Year 10 students who may be considering their options for Sixth Form in 2027 are warmly invited to attend our Sixth Form Open Evening on Wednesday, 17th June, to find out all about our excellent Sixth Form provision, which includes a broad range of A-Levels, an impressive array of extra-curricular activities, and a wide range of leadership opportunities. Meet key staff and find out about our Higher Award Academic Scholarships for Sixth Form entry. ⭐ To book your place visit: https://www.farlingtonschool.com/1099/visiting-farlington #SixthFormLife #PhysicsInAction #LearningByDoing #FarlingtonMIRROR #iamfarlington #viveutvivas #STEMforKids #independentsixthform #sixthform

On Wednesday 22nd April, Farlington students Maisie, Iszy and Amelie proudly stood amongst a group of 22 others taking part in a 22-minute silent vigil on Whitehall in London, in support of the Lobular Moon Shot Project. The 22 participants represented the 22 people diagnosed with lobular breast cancer every day in the UK. The second most common type of breast cancer, the disease frequently fails to be detected on a mammogram or by ultrasound, and there is currently no specific treatment available. The Lobular Moon Shot Project was launched in Horsham in 2023 and is the subject of the short film 'Eve Groves', produced by Fact Not Fiction Films and featuring former Farlington student Millie. The project is now the most bipartisan politically supported campaign in British history, with 461 MPs calling on the government to fund a five-year £20 million research project on the disease, in the hope of developing a treatment. Farlington Deputy Head Mrs Gilbert says, "We are so proud of Maisie, Iszy and Amelie for putting themselves forward to stand amongst the other brave participants at this very moving and emotional event, in support of such an important cause." Thank you to Tristan Loraine, Project Manager of the Lobular Moon Shot Project, for inviting Farlington students to take part in the vigil. #iamfarlington #wearefarlington #lobularbreastcancer #standingtogether #silentvigil

This week our students have been making the most of the glorious weather and our beautiful 32-acre grounds - with outdoor learning in full swing and smiles all round 😊🌳📚 Over in Forest School, there has been much excitement as our resident ducks, Mr and Mrs Duck, proudly introduced their three adorable ducklings, which the children have named Dilly, Dally, and Dolly 🦆🐥 Our green-fingered members of Gardening Club have been hard at work preparing the ground for planting next week - we can’t wait to see everything come into bloom over the coming weeks! 🌱🌷 Our Year 12s have been thinking ahead to their futures, attending the UCAS Discovery conference and meeting representatives from over 100 universities, quite an eye-opening and exciting experience for them ✨ What a wonderful start to the summer term! ☀️🌈💫 #iamfarlington #viveutvivas #outdoorlearning #independentschool #gardeningclub #UCAS #Year12 #TogetherWeCan #summerterm #lowerschool #MiddleSchool #SeniorSchool

Wheels in motion, sunshine, and smiles! ☀️🚲 This week, our Reception children have had an amazing time taking part in the Bikeability Balance Bike Course, led by the WSCC Bikeability Instructors. 💙 Using fun games and playful challenges on balance bikes, the children built their confidence and developed essential cycling skills, learning how to steer, swerve, and even make safe emergency stops. Along the way, they also discovered the different parts of a bike and how to ride considerately around others. ⭐ Set on the tennis courts in beautiful sunny weather, every session was full of laughter and energy. It’s been fantastic to see our young riders gaining balance, awareness, and a love of cycling right from the start! 🤩 This experience also links beautifully to the ‘Real World’ element of Farlington’s MIRROR framework, giving children practical skills and awareness which they can use beyond the classroom in everyday life. 🌍 Well done to all of our budding cyclists - you did brilliantly! 🌟👏 #bikeability #balancebike #iamfarlington #independentschool #Reception2026 #reception #lowerschool #CyclingForKids #viveutvivas #togetherwecan #MIRROR #realworldlearning

Well, our Equestrian Team has certainly had a successful Easter! 🙌 Our youngest riders had an amazing day at the National Schools Equestrian Association Grass Roots Regional Final at Felbridge on Saturday 11th April 🤩 Bertie, Scarlett and Mima were crowned champions in the 40cm, with Bertie placing 3rd individually. Bertie, Daisy and Hettie then won the 50cm, with Bertie placing 3rd individually again, and Daisy 6th. Hettie then won the 60cm individual final! 🏆 The team's winning streak continued at the Farlington Riding Show at Coombelands this weekend. The sun was shining and we were delighted to welcome riders and spectators from near and far to enjoy a fantastic day of showjumping 👏 Our Equestrian Team celebrated success again, with Mima and Lottie placing 5th in the 40cm, and Daisy's team placing 1st in the 50cm (Daisy herself placed 2nd individually). Daisy's team won the 60cm too! 🥳 Last but certainly not least, Maisie teamed up with riders from Hurstpierpoint College to win the 90cm, with Maisie placing 2nd individually! 🥈 We are so very proud of our brilliant Farlington team, and were thrilled to host another wonderful Farlington Riding Show this weekend 🥰 Well done to all riders, and thank you for joining us! #iamfarlington #equestrianlife #ridingshow #showjumping #youngshowjumpers #felbridgeshowground #coombelandsequestrian Amanda Perrett Racing

It’s Primary School Offer Day! The start of an exciting new chapter, however, it can bring uncertainty if the place you’ve been offered doesn’t feel quite right.💖 At Farlington, our Early Years provision offers an exceptional start. With small class sizes, specialist teaching, and a nurturing, engaging environment - from outdoor learning to creative exploration - every child is supported to grow in confidence, curiosity, and independence from day one.🌱 This was highlighted in our 2024 ISI Inspection Report: “Children settle happily into the Reception class and are quickly ready to learn. The proportion of children who reach a good level of development in all areas of learning by the end of the Reception Year is above that found nationally.”⭐ We have very limited places remaining for September. If you’re reconsidering your options for your child, we would love to hear from you.💙 Contact our friendly Admissions Team on 01403 282566 or admissions@farlingtonschool.com and read our Guide to Primary School Offer Day on our website: https://www.farlingtonschool.com/578/latest-news/post/127/primary-school-offer-day-your-guide-to-the-next-steps #Reception2026 #PrimarySchoolOfferDay #earlyyearseducation #earlyyears #IndependentEducation #independentschool #iamfarlington #viveutvivas

The Benefits of an Independent Education in the Early Years

Many of us will be familiar with the concept of an independent or private primary school, often known as a ‘preparatory school’ or ‘prep school’, but how exactly do primary-aged children benefit from this kind of school? What is a 'Prep School'? Traditionally, prep schools are independent schools that educate children between the ages of 8 and 13 - before this age, children in the independent sector would traditionally attend a ‘pre-prep’, for pupils aged 4 to 7.  The term ‘preparatory’ describes how the schools prepare children effectively for the next step of their education at a senior school, where they will usually complete GCSEs and A-Levels. Horsham’s only co-educational independent all-through school and nursery, Farlington School caters for pupils from Nursery all the way up to Sixth Form. We are a true through school, educating children from 6 months to 18 years on the same site, and whilst we no longer use the term ‘prep school’, Farlington pupils proudly belong to one of four sections: Little Farlington Nursery (6 months to 4 years); the Lower School (Reception to Year 4); the Middle School (Year 5 to Year 8) or the Senior School (Year 9 to Year 13). The Curriculum at Private Schools Unlike mainstream schools, prep schools and other independent schools are not restricted to following the National Curriculum. This independence gives private schools the freedom and flexibility to deliver a curriculum that not only aligns with their vision and ethos, but can also be tailored to the needs of individual children. Thus, children at independent schools such as Farlington are not subjected to the ‘one size fits all’ approach.  As a member of the Independent Schools Association or ISA, we are required to deliver a broad curriculum at Farlington, where children are taught using the framework of the National Curriculum, but teachers also include extra activities from outside the syllabus to further enrich teaching and learning.  Farlington pupils experience a balanced and wide-ranging curriculum, with careful planning for continuity and progress that takes individual differences into account. The Farlington curriculum is designed to foster an interest beyond the curriculum and, particularly in the Lower School, to develop a love of learning from an early age. Class Sizes Prep schools and other independent schools tend to boast smaller class sizes compared to mainstream primary schools. Children at private schools therefore benefit from more individual time and attention from teachers, who can better assess a child's progress and tailor their learning accordingly. Teachers can also build an in-depth understanding of each child and know the strengths, weaknesses, and needs of each pupil. Smaller class sizes also enable children to build better relationships with their teachers and classmates, which encourages better class cohesion and less disruption. Specialist Teachers Rather than being taught all subjects by a single generalist teacher, primary-aged children attending a private school such as Farlington will enjoy some lessons led by subject specialist teachers. These teachers have substantial expertise and enthusiasm for their respective curriculum area, and can best support pupils of all abilities to reach their potential. Right from Reception, all pupils at Farlington School have subject specialists teaching music, modern languages and sport. Lower School students also enjoy weekly swimming lessons and weekly on-site Forest School sessions with our highly qualified Forest School Leader. Extra-Curricular Opportunities The educational experience at independent schools is enriched by the wide range of extra-curricular opportunities available to pupils from an early age. Farlington offers an extensive extra-curricular provision, incorporating sporting, creative and enrichment options. Our twice-daily activities programme allows every pupil to be involved in an enrichment activity - outdoors or indoors; practical, intellectual or unusual. We offer a range of extra-curricular art, music, dance and drama clubs, and provide a varied and inclusive extra-curricular sports programme. Clubs for the Lower School include Judo, Street Dance, Hockey, Training Orchestra, LEGO Club, Tennis, Arts & Crafts, Junior Choir, and Ballet. A wide range of activities and initiatives is a key advantage because it provides children with a truly well-rounded education and a broadened perspective. Pupils are able to discover and nurture new skills and interests, whilst building confidence, responsibility and valuable soft skills. They also develop strong friendships, have fun and improve their wellbeing. Discover the Lower School at Farlington The best way to see how your child could benefit from a Farlington School education is to come and visit us and find out all about the Lower School at Farlington! If your child is due to start his or her educational journey in the next few years, we would be delighted to welcome you to our Nursery & Reception Open Morning on Wednesday 29th April 2026. We will also be holding a Whole School Open Morning on Saturday 9th May 2026. To reserve your place at either of these events, please click here. Alternatively, we would be delighted to offer you a tour of the school and a meeting with our Headmaster, James Passam, on a date that is convenient for you. To book a tour, please contact our Admissions Team on 01403 282573 or by email: admissions@farlingtonschool.com.