Head's welcome
On my own first visit, I was struck by the considerable heart that Farlington possesses, and by its warmth and welcome. Our students are bright, witty, engaging and charming, and our staff work tirelessly to make a positive difference in guiding and supporting our students to choose their own path reflective of their interests and talent. By the time they leave us, our students are confident, ‘grounded and rounded’ young people, able to confidently make their own way in life. People and relationships are what Farlington is all about!
As a new arrival myself this year (and as the first appointed Headmaster), it is a hugely exciting moment in the school’s history as we celebrate becoming fully co-educational in what is our 125th anniversary year. Farlington has always been a very special community and possessing of a strong set of values that underpin our ethos.
We strive to help our students develop confidence and self-belief, both inside and outside of the classroom. Our core values constantly seek to develop Individuality, Opportunity, and Community. Individuality is about finding, recognising, and celebrating each student’s voice. Our constant aim is to enable opportunities for our pupils to learn across our full and extensive curriculum, whilst each member of the school is recognised as a valued and valuable member of our community.
Friendships are forged for life, and our emphasis is on promoting respect for others, celebrating teamwork, and developing collective responsibility. Our size means that every pupil is known, and their voice is heard and respected. Older students play a positive role in supporting younger ones, and as a true ‘through school’ – educating students on the same site from 4 to 18 years – we provide a caring and cohesive community.
At Farlington, we encourage our students to be ambitious for themselves in all that they do, to take risks, to challenge themselves, and – importantly – to challenge and support one another.
Pastoral care and wellbeing are at the heart of a Farlington education, as is the importance of having fun, and we passionately believe that happiness enables success.
Thank you for taking this opportunity to read about Farlington and, I hope, gain a flavour of all that we have to offer. I would encourage you to visit the school to see for yourself what makes Farlington such a unique place. It is a family school in the truest sense, and I am sure that you will feel the same when you visit.
James Passam
Headmaster
