Hurtwood House
Hurtwood House
Holmbury St Mary, England
Hurtwood House is renowned for all things creative – especially its outstanding art, theatre and music departments. Few other schools in Britain can match what’s on offer here. The atmosphere is informal and relaxed, but that doesn’t mean pupils can do as they please. Instead, the school strikes a rare balance between discipline and the freedom to explore and express creativity.
The Details
The Academics
Hurtwood House achieves strong academic results, particularly in subjects such as art, media, theatre and music. In 2023, 51% of A level entries were awarded an A grade.
Languages Taught
French
The Boarding
Around 80% of pupils board seven days a week. The attractive boarding houses are a short bus ride from campus, with most pupils sharing rooms until Year 13 – when many move into single rooms.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
Hurtwood House is nationally renowned for its unique creative offer – whether in music, theatre, art, dance or media. Here pupils aren’t taught by “ordinary” teachers, but by specialists in their field – directors, musicians, actors and filmmakers. Add to that state-of-the-art facilities, including a recording studio, a fully equipped professional theatre and dedicated academies for dance, film and drama.
The theatre department is regarded as the largest and most professional of any school in the country, with more than a dozen practising theatre professionals working directly with the pupils. The result: demanding projects, total commitment, and the chance to perform at an exceptionally high level even while still at school.
All this goes hand in hand with a distinctive school culture: pupils enjoy enormous freedom to experiment creatively, within a relaxed, first-name atmosphere. The small size of the school only strengthens this spirit, making achievements possible that go far beyond what most schools can offer.
Weaknesses
Sport isn’t the main focus here – unless, of course, it’s dance!
Location
Hurtwood House is set in a very rural location, about an hour south of London.
London Gatwick - 30 mins by car
Guildford - 30 mins by car
It's THE school for creative pupils.
To feel the creative heart of Hurtwood House, keep an eye on the school’s What’s On page. Regular public theatre productions and musicals give you the chance to see pupils performing live on stage – at an impressively high level.
Take a look at similar schools
Bryanston School
Dauntsey's School
Frensham Heights School
30 Years experience in the UK boarding school placements
For over 30 years, we have been guiding families in choosing the right British boarding school. This makes us one of the first and only agencies to specialise exclusively in this field. Our experience makes all the difference. Find out why that matters here.
Want to discuss any of the schools?
Please never hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. One of our consultants will be more than happy to talk to you and your child.