New Hall School
New Hall School
Chelmsford, England
New Hall School is set among old trees, open lawns and small woodland areas, and its origins date back to the time of Henry VIII. A touch of this history can still be felt today, even though most of the buildings themselves are more modern.
The school follows the so-called Diamond Model: boys and girls are taught together in the early years (up to age 11) and again in the Sixth Form (up to age 16), while lessons are single-sex during the middle years. This enables them to grow in confidence, whilst enjoying an education that is specifically tailored and recognises the differences in the way in which girls and boys learn. The pastoral needs of boys and girls are different and they mature at different rates.
Life beyond the classroom also plays a major role. With more than 150 clubs and activities, there is always something going on. At the same time, a clear set of values shapes everyday life at the school: pupils are encouraged to embrace the strong sense of community that defines New Hall.
The Details
The Academics
Academic results at New Hall School are very solid. In 2025, 43% of A-Level grades were A–A*, and 96% of leavers secured a place at their university of choice, including Oxford, Durham, UCL and Bath. Particularly popular A-Level subjects include Theology as well as Business & Economics. The school also broadens its academic offering through practical programmes, such as cookery classes run in partnership with the Leiths Academy.
Languages Taught
English, French, Spanish, Mandarin, Latin and Ancient Greek
The Boarding
Boarders live in four houses set across the school’s spacious campus, each home to around 50 to 60 students. Younger pupils share rooms, while from Year 10 onwards students have their own single rooms. There is plenty going on both during the week and at weekends, with a wide range of shared activities. A small but much-loved detail: at weekends breakfast is brought into the boarding houses — almost like being at home.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
Sport plays a big role at New Hall. The school is particularly strong in swimming, with its own Swimming Academy currently among the most successful in its league.
Alongside this, the school offers a broad sporting programme including rugby, football (for boys and girls), cricket, golf (played at a nearby golf course), netball, tennis and hockey. Many of these sports can be pursued throughout the year. The programme is further complemented by a Dance School as part of the co-curricular offering, as well as an equestrian centre with a 30 × 50 metre arena and two state-of-the-art riding simulators.
Weaknesses
The big wow moment may be slightly missing. New Hall comes across as a very solid, pleasantly down-to-earth school.
Location
New Hall School is located in Essex, around 45 minutes north-east of London, close to the cathedral city of Chelmsford. From there, regular trains run to London Liverpool Street, making travel relatively straightforward for international families and weekend visits.
London - 50 min by train
A very good option for 1 and 2 termers who would like to be close to London for easy logistics. Especially good for swimmers and other sporty types.
New Hall was once a Tudor palace of Henry VIII. A slightly surreal thought: where pupils today walk to chapel or hockey practice, the English royal court once moved through the same grounds.
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