Hanford School

Focus

An inspiring and adventurous education 

Day fees 2024/25

$23,400–$33,800 (incl. VAT)

Boarding 2024/25

$27,500–$35,800 (incl. VAT)

Pupils

100

Ages

7–13

Spear’s Review

Hanford encourages pupils to be free and creative, resilient and confident, with plenty of time to play, especially in their early years. Set within acres of wooded Dorset countryside, the school gives girls the opportunity to climb trees, assist in the maintenance of the walled kitchen garden, play tennis and partake in the archery and debate clubs. The ponies of Hanford – all girls are given the opportunity to ride – are part of the school’s deliberate decision to celebrate childhood. 

At that same time, traditional academic subjects prepare girls for life at senior school, and Hanford’s small classes and proven teaching methods often result in students winning academic, art, all-rounder and music scholarships at top senior schools across the UK. 

Senior school destinations

Girls move on to schools such as Bryanston, Downe House, Marlborough College, St Mary's Ascot, Westonbirt and Wycombe Abbey, among others, to continue their adventures. 

Head teacher

Hilary Phillips was appointed head in 2023, bringing with her a wealth of experience. Having attended Hereford Cathedral School and then Exeter University, where she gained degrees in French and Education, she spent eight years living and working in Portugal, where she was director of studies at the Cambridge School in Lisbon. She subsequently held roles at Edgeborough School and Benenden before taking up her first headship at the Monmouth School for Girls – now Haberdashers’ Monmouth School. Prior to arriving at Hanford, Phillips was head of Ashdown House School in East Sussex.

Admissions

Admission is overseen by the school head, and Hanford maintains a non-selective entry procedure, including academic performance. Parents are required to submit school reports, and girls are welcome to attend for a taster day. Offers are made within the year that a girl is due to start.

Accessibility

Heathrow Airport: 2 hours 30 minutes

Location

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