City of London Freemen’s School

City of London Freemen’s School,
Ashtead Park,
Ashtead,
Surrey,KT21 1ET

01372 822400

Boarding at Freemen’s – A Community That Feels Like Home

Walbrook Boarding House is a warm, close-knit community where pupils feel supported, valued and at home. With a boarding tradition dating back to 1854, Freemen’s combines its rich heritage with modern pastoral care, all within easy reach of London, Heathrow airport and Gatwick airport.

Academic Excellence

Academic excellence is at the heart of boarding life, reflected in consistently strong GCSE and A-level results. In 2026, pupils achieved an outstanding set of GCSE results across a broad and academically ambitious curriculum spanning Mathematics, Sciences, Languages, Humanities, English, Computing, and the creative and practical subjects. An impressive 42% of grades were awarded at grade 9, 64% at grades 8–9, and 82% at grades 7–9.

The 2026 A-level cohort also achieved excellent results across a wide range of subjects, with 90% of grades awarded at A*–B, 68% at A*–A, and 30% at A*. For the third consecutive year, more than two-thirds of all grades achieved at Freemen’s were awarded at A* or A, demonstrating the consistency and breadth of academic achievement across the School.

Alongside academic success, pupils benefit from more than 150 co-curricular activities, excellent facilities and dedicated wellbeing support, providing a rich and well-rounded boarding experience.

Co-curricular, Wellbeing & Facilities

Wellbeing is central to life at Freemen’s, supported by a dedicated pastoral team and recognised through recent ISI and Wellbeing Award for Schools recognition. Pupils benefit from balanced routines, more than 150 co-curricular activities and excellent facilities, creating a supportive environment where they can thrive.

The Freemen’s Pathway

The Freemen’s Pathway provides every pupil with a personalised, ambitious education that develops knowledge, skills, confidence and character. Through increasing independence, choice and opportunity, pupils are encouraged to discover their strengths and interests and prepare for success both at school and beyond.

Campus:

The single-site campus blends historic character with modern facilities, including the Grade II listed Main House, contemporary classrooms, a recital hall, theatre, an indoor swimming pool, extensive playing fields, and Astroturf pitches. A vibrant co-curricular programme, flexible boarding at Walbrook, strong City of London connections, scholarships and bursaries ensure every pupil can find their path and thrive.

Boarding fees – 2026 – 2027 from £17,990 – £20,509 Boarding fee per term. All meals included

Head’s Welcome

Having boarded myself, and having spent most of my career in boarding schools – including five years as a House Master – I know how important it is that young people feel their boarding house is truly a home-from-home: a place of warmth, security and belonging.

At Freemen’s, we are fortunate to have pupils who aspire not only to learn, but also to contribute to a strong and caring community. It has been a privilege to watch our boarding house, Walbrook, flourish over the past decade, shaped by the dedication of outstanding colleagues who understand the privilege and responsibility of being in loco parentis.

Walbrook is a family. Young people who thrive here embrace every opportunity, both within and beyond the school day, and their contributions are recognised and valued – just as they have been since Freemen’s was founded in 1854 as a school for boarders.

Mr Roland Martin
Headmaster

School Data

Gender Mixed
Age Boarding (13-18)
Type Boarding,
Day School,
Weekly Boarding,
Size 982
Head: Roland J. Martin

Open Days

Our Open Events are designed to give you a flavour of what it is like to be part of the Freemen’s community with plenty of opportunity to meet and chat to our staff and pupils. We have arranged our events throughout the year, so that they are not only at a time to suit you, but also offer you and your child a variety of experiences.

Wednesday 25 Febraury, 2026 – Senior School Working Open Morning 

Friday 27 Febraury, 2026 – Junior School Working Open Morning

Wednesday 4 March, 2026 – Sixth Form Working Open Morning

Wednesday 25 March, 2026 – Boarding House Open Evening

Bursaries

Academic and Music scholarships available at 11+, 13+ and 16+ Means-Tested Bursaries available.