Frewen College

• Location: Nortiam, East Sussex, England,
• Age: 7-19 years old, day school and boarding,
• Type: mixed,
• Number of students: 131,
• Accommodation: residence, guesthouse.

Frewen College is a unique private school located in East Sussex, catering to children aged 7 to 19 who have learning difficulties such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, and dyscalculia. The institution prioritizes creating a comfortable learning environment tailored to the specific needs of students with speech and communication challenges.

Situated in East Sussex, Frewen College boasts a rich history spanning over 100 years and holds the distinction of being the oldest school specializing in educating children with dyslexia in the country, and possibly in the world. The college operates as both a day school and a boarding school, aiming to maintain a friendly, family-like atmosphere where every child feels at ease.

In a recent inspection, Ofsted commended Frewen College for its "strong focus on addressing the specific difficulties of teaching pupils."

The school is divided into three sections: Preparatory School, Senior School, and Senior Years (the Sixth Form is organized in collaboration with its partner, Bexhill College). This structure allows Frewen College to offer a continuous education path, starting from the age of 7 and accommodating students at any stage of their schooling journey.

Due to dyslexia and a lack of adequate specialist support, students' admission outcomes are often significantly lower than expected for their age, especially in English and mathematics. Frewen College takes this feature into account and strives to close student gaps as soon as possible. All students are regularly tested to establish baselines and track progress, allowing them to quickly improve their reading, writing, and spelling scores.

If necessary, students are given additional time in external exams and are allowed to use assistive technology.

In grades 10-11, the institution offers a wide range of subjects for in-depth study. Here you can take the GCSE exam and various advanced courses, for example, Creative iMedia, BTEC, Functional Skills Level 2. Students can also choose to take the Level 1 Functional Skills course, if necessary.

Regardless of the program, all students study English, Mathematics and Science, elective subjects including humanities, arts, technology and sports.

The British Dyslexia Association and the Professional Association of Teachers of Students with Special Learning Difficulties have invited Frewen College to take part in a series of informational films showcasing best practices in teaching dyslexia. The videos demonstrate some of the strategies used by the school's educators to help students with dyslexia learn effectively and succeed; Each film focuses on a different aspect of teaching and learning. 

Students over the seventh year of their studies live in separate residences for on-campus. You can choose the option of accommodation - the whole week or a couple of days a week.

In Frewen College operates many clubs that allow students to gain new knowledge, skills, and experiences according to their interests:

• Art
• Knitting
• Cycling
• Board games,
• Horticulture
• Chess
• Photography
• Pottery,
• Archery,
• Riding.

The educational institution takes advantage of its location in the countryside and uses the vast area for hiking and orienteering. There are competitions and events between houses, there are optional lessons in German, Italian and French, and an active program of weekend activities.

• Individual approach and disclosure of the potential of each student. Frewen College takes into account the specific learning difficulties of each child, provides them with support and creates conditions for them to reach their maximum potential. The school guarantees thorough monitoring of progress and high-quality feedback.
• Small classes and one-on-one lessons if needed. Children study in small classes, and the learning process is complemented, if necessary, by individual lessons or therapy.
• Teaching staff with extensive experience working with children with different educational needs.
• A wide range of subjects and programs. Frewen supports young people with a very wide range of abilities, from those who are able to pass the GCSE final exams at an outstanding level, to those for whom the combination of Level 1, Functional Skills and Level 1 Functional Skills will already be an excellent personal achievement.

Location & Facilities Frewen College provides a safe and peaceful environment for students. The school is located in the picturesque Wealden countryside, on the border of Kent and Sussex, on the outskirts of the historic village of Northiam. The school is located in gardens that were laid out in 1681, including an arboretum and a topiary chess garden. In addition to the gardens, to Frewen College Adjacent to it are 60 acres of playing fields and grounds and another 100 acres of ancient deer park for cross-country running and nature walks. The college is only an hour's drive from London, Gatwick Airport and the Channel Tunnel. Nearby are the large towns of Hastings, Ashford and Tunbridge Wells, as well as the small historic towns of Rye, Battle and Tenterden.

The main building is a Jacobin-style mansion owned by the Frewen family for more than 300 years. On the territory there are a variety of architectural buildings: spacious classrooms, laboratory, creative workshops, a library and recreation areas. The high school is located in a separate educational building, which has its own assembly hall, science laboratories and specialized classrooms equipped with interactive whiteboards and the latest technology.

Additional costs at the time of admission:

• Assessment of readiness to learn and introduction to the school,
• Non-refundable registration fee,
• Refundable deposit.

The tuition fee includes meals, accommodation, study materials and stationery. Additional Courses:

• Speech development,
• Psychotherapy
• Additional classes in small groups.

1. Fill out a short form and register.
2. Attend open days. The school strongly recommends taking part in this event virtually: choose a free date for the virtual tour, fill out an application and wait for an invitation from the school.
3. Pass the interview. After Frewen College reviews the application and decides that the student is a good candidate, the admissions committee will invite parents with children to meet and discuss in detail the specifics of education.
4. Spend a few days at school. Those who plan to study full-time will be offered one or two school days, three days and two nights at school - applicants for boarding. If necessary, a recommendation may be requested.
5. Get the school's decision. As a rule, within a few days, the educational institution will inform whether it can offer a place, send a full report on the assessment of the student's level of preparation.
6. Register. If you are offered a seat, you will receive an official letter and a registration form to fill out and return. At this stage, a non-refundable registration fee must be paid.
7. Sign the contract. The final stage, in which a refundable deposit must be made. 

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision