A very warm welcometo Barrow Hills
Barrow Hills is a lively and aspirational independent Prep school and Nursery for girls and boys aged 2 to 13 years.
Set within a beautiful woodland environment, we provide space for free thinking, growth, achievement, and wellbeing. For over 75 years, we have fostered a culture where every child feels happy, nurtured, and valued.
We believe in laying a strong foundation for a lifelong love of learning through our ambitious curriculum.
In our small, dynamic classes, we create tailored academic challenges, ensuring that every child feels supported and inspired. An exceptional co-curricular program adds depth, enrichment, and joy to their educational journey.
Results & Statistics
Academic Philosophy
Join us at an Open Morning
The best way to feel what life is like at Barrow Hills is to join us at an Open Morning. We warmly invite you to experience the magic of our school where our children flourish academically, socially and emotionally. A great opportunity to talk to our children and teachers about what makes our school such a special place.
Friday, 7th February or Friday 7th March 2025
From 9.15am to 10.45am
Join us to explore and experience everyday school life here at Barrow Hills
In the SPOTLIGHT
Barrow Hills Ski Trip – Claviere Italy 2025
The 2025 Barrow Hills ski trip to Claviere, Italy, was a week full of adventure, achievement, and unforgettable memories. Though the trip began with an unexpected twist—an evacuation of Gatwick Airport due to a fire alarm—this moment of chaos was...
Ski Skills!
During the Easter holidays Esme (6R) and Ottilie(2G) won their downhill ski races in Oberlech, Austria. Great skills ! Well done to you both!
Pre-Prep Awards
Work of the Week Congratulations to Hugo (Rec), Arthur (1G) and Walter (2G) who were awarded the accolade of Pre-Prep work of the week in assembly this morning. Gold Awards Year 2 Congratulations to Otis, Orson, Beau, Sophie, Matilda and...
Barrow Hills Bulletin, Friday 2 May 2025
Message From the Head Dear Parents, We’ve had a lovely start to the summer term, with the children enjoying their break times on the fields and our first cricket fixtures basking in sunshine. The school is busier than ever, now...
The Wellbeing Hub – May Schedule
The Wellbeing Hub is an excellent, expert resource providing guidance to proactively help parents support children’s mental health and wellbeing. Coming up next week: Wednesday 7th May at 6:30pm (BST) – Webinar: Calming the storm: Navigating challenging behaviour in ASD and...
🏃♀️These girls can… and do! 🏃🏾♀️
STRONG performances from our year 5&6 girls at the recent Hurstpierpoint Athletics Competition, a large event with some 15 schools competing.
Our girls secured a flurry of top five placings in the 75m, 100m, 200m and 300m sprints, as well as the 75m hurdles, 800m, long-jump and discus. Speed, stamina, and skill.
Do, how does a small co-ed school consistently achieve in big sports competitions?
🌟 We are generous with curriculum time and maintain perspective on what truly matters.
🌟 We set really ambitious standards of attainment for all.
🌟 We consistently emphasise ‘soft skills,’ such as collaboration, to nurture team players across all subjects.
Committed, dedicated to their coaches & each other and incredibly enthusiastic - These girls can... and do!
#wearepreparedforgreaterthings sportforall #surreyschools #bridewelischools #prepschools #education #schools #outdoorlearning
🍰Victoria Sponge Bake Off! 🍰
What better way to begin our studies of the Victorians and bring learning to life than with a ‘Victoria Sponge Bake Off’ in food tech!
Each bake off team independently measured, mixed, and baked their cakes to perfection -putting both their teamwork and culinary skills to the test.
Our kitchen was filled with the sweet smell of success, and of course, everyone enjoyed a well-deserved slice at the end of the day.
A delicious start to our journey into Victorian history!
#barrowhillsbakeoff #wearepreparedforgreatercake #skillsandteamwork #allinthedetail
🐝 This week in Reception the children have been all abuzz with bee-themed learning. They have absolutely loved diving into the world of bees – 🐝writing bee facts, designing 🐝 their own bee-friendly gardens, and getting creative with pipe cleaner bees.
A real highlight was our special visit from a 🐝 beekeeper, who brought in parts of a real hive and shared fascinating facts about how bees live and work. The children were full of brilliant questions and loved sharing their own 🐝 bee knowledge too.
Of course, a bee-themed week wouldn’t be complete without a delicious treat – honey sandwiches and honey on toast! 🐝
It’s been a wonderful week of learning, exploring and creating – full of buzz 🐝 and excitement!
#naturesclassroom #ecology #naturalhistorians #beesmatter #wearepreparedforgreaterthings #welikethemcozthey’refuzzy
Last week in Year 2, our topic on the Romans was brought to life by a wonderful school trip to Butser Ancient Farm.
We started our journey back in time in a roundhouse, then explored a reconstructed Roman villa, before the children had a go at making their own mosaics and spun their own woollen bracelets using wool and a drop spindle.
The children tried their hand at archaeology, carefully sifting layers of sand using small trowels to discover a wide range of ‘finds’ – and finally we all enjoyed a jewellery-making workshop, carefully and sensibly using pairs of jewellery pliers to make spirals of copper wire, which they crafted into rings.
We were so proud of the children on the trip – their behaviour was exemplary. It was a super trip – even the weather was with us!
#handsonlearning #enrichment #bringinghistorytolife #teamwork #wearepreparedforgreaterthings
Last week, Year 6 headed off on a five-day residential in Snowdonia, where they tackled mountain walks, explored underground caverns, and even braved the exhilarating zip line! It was a truly action-packed week that pushed them out of their comfort zones and into new realms of confidence and teamwork.
Residentials like these are invaluable in helping children develop independence and self-belief. With the guidance and encouragement of their teachers, they discover joy in new experiences, forge lasting friendships, and build a deeper curiosity about the world around them. We hope they all returned home with stories to tell, a sense of achievement, and memories they’ll treasure.
#preparedforgreaterthings #adventure #teamwork #independence
On Tuesday afternoon we were delighted to host our annual Athletics Pentathlon, welcoming teams from five local Prep Schools to compete.
The sun shone as our determined young athletes competed in their five events—800m, 70m hurdles, long jump, ball throw, and 150m and we were delighted to place 3rd overall.
Highlights included a 1st place finish for our U9A girls and individual medals for our U9 girls, U11 boys), and U11 girls. Our thanks as ever to our brilliant sports department for creating such wonderful opportunities for the children to challenge themselves and develop such great sportsmanship.
#wearepreparedforgreaterthings #determination #Cocurricularexcellence
#bridewellschools
What a fantastic trip and an equally fantastic group of children! The residential was packed with outdoor adventures, team-building activities, and plenty of giggles. The children were a credit to the school, embracing every challenge with enthusiasm and a great team spirit.
Highlights included pond dipping, where the children discovered a range of fascinating pond life, an earth walk, encouraging them to connect with nature through all their senses and raft and shelter building where their team spirit and sense of adventure shone. Caving was a big hit, with pupils navigating tunnels and building confidence underground, while bouldering tested their climbing skills and perseverance.
Back at Abinger Lodge, there was plenty of fun and bonding in the dormitories. Activities like bracelet making, group cricket, and a lively talent competition brought everyone together. Evening activities included a tuneful campfire, where the children entertained us with singing, dancing and humorous sketches and a bat walk, using echolocators to listen for bats in flight.
It was a truly enriching experience, and we hope the memories made will stay with the children for a long time.
#wearepreparedforgreaterthings #independence #teamwork
🐜 Prepare to be Curious 🐛
This week, Reception have been fully immersed in the fascinating world of minibeasts. The children have shown incredible curiosity and enthusiasm as they explored the creatures that live all around us. From investigating habitats to closely observing features, they have been carefully studying details, noticing similarities and differences, and asking brilliant questions to deepen their understanding.
We’ve been learning about the important role minibeasts play in our natural world - how they help plants grow, keep our gardens healthy, and more. The children especially loved our hands-on session with The Backyard Bug Experience, where they had the chance to get up close with real insects. This exciting experience truly brought their learning to life.
@thebackyardbugexperience #barrowhills #bridewellschools #preparetobecurious
On this #VEDay80, we stand alongside our wider Bridewell Schools Family in moments of reflection and remembrance for lives lost and forever changed, and the enduring impact of the Second World War on our communities. We celebrate the freedoms fought for on our behalf and pay tribute to those who are currently serving and continue to do so.
We are forever in their debt.
#BarrowHills #BridewellSchools #VEDay #VictoryInEuropeDay #RememberingTogether
The Italian Alps offered a week full of adventure, achievement, and unforgettable memories.
The group quickly settled into the rhythm of the trip, and Claviere – a charming resort – proved to be the perfect setting. Throughout the week, the pupils were impeccably behaved, showing kindness, maturity, and constant support for one another.
With excellent skiing, beautiful weather, and a spirit of joy, it was a trip that will be fondly remembered by all who took part. ⛷️
#barrowhillsschool #skitrip #adventure #claviere #italianalps #bridewellschools #achievement #growth
Year 6’s cake sale at Barrow Hills was a sweet success, blending creativity, community spirit, and a commitment to making a difference. A heartfelt thank you to all who contributed and supported this initiative. #BarrowHillsSchool #bridewellschools #CommunitySpirit #Year6Fundraiser #MakingADifference
Dive into a busy HIVE of activity and immerse yourselves a world of wonder, discovery and imagination
Prepare to be busy as you create, explore and enjoy family fun in our vibrant outdoor setting. There’s something for every explorer and adventurer, and everyone is very welcome.
Free entry & all busy bees are welcome. We look forward to seeing you on Saturday 7 June at 9.30am!
For more info: https://www.barrowhills.org/2025/04/07/a-hive-of-activity-an-immersive-family-activity-morning/
#family #fun #immersive #activitymorning #barrowhills #bridewellschools
