Felsted School has once again been included in the prestigious Tatler Schools Guide, which recognises the UK’s leading independent schools and celebrates the breadth of education, opportunities and experiences they provide for pupils.
Felsted is a boarding and day school for girls and boys aged three to 18, set on a 90-acre countryside campus in north Essex. The school provides a leading all-round education, combining academic ambition with sport, enrichment, community and global education, alongside a strong focus on pupil wellbeing and character development.
Tatler’s 2027 review praises Felsted’s ability to combine its rich heritage with a modern approach to education, noting that the school is “undoubtedly rooted in history. However, it firmly embraces modernity”. The review highlights the recently completed performing arts studio and computer science centre, as well as Felsted’s extensive music and performing arts provision, including pupils selected for the Essex Youth and National Youth Orchestras. The review also recognises Felsted’s commitment to making a positive difference beyond the school gates, including sharing teaching expertise and facilities with local primary schools and offering full Sixth Form bursaries to suitable applicants from Royal Docks Academy in east London.
Felsted School was founded in 1564 by Richard Lord Riche, Lord Chancellor to King Edward VI, and famously educated the four sons of Oliver Cromwell. It was one of the 12 founder members of The Heads’ Conference (HMC) and is a leading member of the Round Square Conference of world schools, providing pupils with opportunities to take part in international exchanges, service projects and volunteering around the world.
The unique ethos of the school is underpinned by ambition, integrity and network, providing an inclusive global community where everyone can thrive.
“Felsted is a school with a remarkable heritage and an exciting future,” commented Head Lara Péchard who joined the school in September 2026. “I am delighted to see the breadth of our pupils’ achievements and opportunities recognised by Tatler, and to be joining such a vibrant and compassionate community. Our ambition is to ensure every pupil is encouraged to discover their strengths, embrace opportunities and develop the confidence and character to make a positive difference.”
Felsted is well known nationally for its success in the arts and sports, and former students include England rugby international Max Malins, cricketer Derek Pringle, Olympic trap shooting bronze medallist Matthew Coward-Holley, as well as virologist and broadcaster Dr Chris Smith (‘The Naked Scientist’) as well as former chief of the defence staff General Lord Dannatt, playwright Alecky Blythe and Former Surgeon-gynaecologist to the Royal Family Sir Marcus Setchell.
Pupils join Felsted at the ages of 3, 7, 11, 13 and 16 and scholarships and bursaries are available. Around 80 per cent of Felsted students aged 13 to 18 board, and a fifth of those are from families based outside of the UK. Academic achievement remains an important part of the Felsted experience; in 2026, nearly 50% of GCSE entries were awarded 9-7 (A*/A), while at A level 60% achieved A*-B and the average International Baccalaureate score was 34 out of 45, well above the global average of 30.88. The vast majority of leavers were awarded places at their first-choice universities or on highly competitive degree apprenticeship programmes. To find out more about entry into Felsted, book a place at an upcoming Open Morning at www.felsted.org/opendays.
For further information or comment, please telephone the Felsted Marketing Department on 01371 822647 or email marketing@felsted.org
Categories: Felsted School School News
