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City of London Freemen’s School

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

01372 822400

Welcome to Walbrook – where pupils live and learn together

City of London Freemen’s School is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 7–18, founded in 1854 and set within 57 acres of Surrey countryside. Located just 40 minutes from Central London and around 30 minutes from Heathrow and Gatwick airports, its single-site campus blends historic charm with excellent modern facilities, including the Grade II listed Main House, contemporary teaching spaces, a recital hall, theatre, indoor swimming pool, extensive playing fields, and Astroturf pitches.

Freemen’s offers a rich co-curricular programme and a wide range of scholarships and bursaries. Guided by its mission — to learn, lead and make a difference — the school supports pupils’ academic, creative, and personal development within a tradition of community and forward-thinking values.

Academic excellence is a cornerstone of life at Freemen’s. In 2025, 92% of A level grades were A*–B, with 90% of pupils securing places at their first-choice universities, including 71% at Russell Group institutions.

The contemporary and perfectly sized boarding house, Walbrook House, provides a warm, supportive “home away from home” for boarders from Year 7 onwards, offering modern accommodation, exceptional pastoral care, and a diverse, inclusive community. Flexi boarding is available from Year 7, with weekly and full boarding from Year 9. Led by Head of Boarding Mr Alan Auld, the experienced boarding team supports pupils’ academic progress and personal development, providing guidance, encouragement, and a strong support network.

Wellbeing sits at the heart of boarding life and was praised in the school’s most recent ISI inspection, alongside strong staff–pupil relationships and outstanding pastoral care. Boarders also enjoy a wide range of co-curricular, leadership, and enrichment opportunities, including unique links with the City of London Corporation.

With its exceptional facilities, caring ethos, and vibrant community, boarding at Walbrook House offers a happy, enriching, and memorable school experience.

freemens.org

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	900
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

Open Events

Bursaries

‘Through the provision of Bursaries, Freemen’s is committed to providing academically able students, whose parents may not otherwise be able to afford the full cost of fees, the opportunity to attend the School. Scholarships are also available, and are awarded in recognition of excellence, achievement and potential in academic study or music. They carry considerable prestige for the award holder and are offered on entry to Year 7 (11+), Year 9 (13+) and Year 12 (16+).

Scholarships & Bursaries