Felsted School

Felsted, Essex CM6 3LL

This long-established Essex country public school has been educating and refining the sons of local well-to-do farmers for almost 450 years, but things they are a’changing. Felsted boys and girls (the school went co-ed in the Nineties) are more likely these days to come from Colchester and Chelmsford than from farmhouse and field, and their expectations are high. Thankfully, the school seems more than equipped to give them the best leg-up. 'It’s a supportive environment and plenty of high-octane opportunities are key to teasing out emerging talent,’ believes head Dr Walker, who arrived last September fresh from one of the best-performing selective states in the country. Very up on the latest educational thinking, he has a keen eye for change and has petitioned the views of parents as well as pupils about the direction the school should be heading. The famous ‘Front’ pitches by the ivy-clad school have seen many a wicket fall to a future county cricketer, but that’s not all that Felsted does well. It’s worth noting the rising stars in polo, sailing and riding, as well as national rugby and hockey players. Academic matters are not left on the sidelines, though, and a good number go to Oxbridge every year, with many more choosing other Russell Group universities. This newcomer to our guide is one to watch.