Why Cobham Hall

We aspire to offer a caring environment and an inclusive spirit and encourage students to challenge themselves. We believe that by taking part in everything Cobham Hall has to offer, our students discover more about themselves. In turn, they excel academically and leave us fully prepared for the path they have chosen.

Education should be about preparing students for life beyond school. At Cobham Hall, students acquire the knowledge they need to pass examinations, but also learn the skills needed to apply, assess, evaluate, use, re-evaluate, and develop that knowledge as they journey through life, enabling them to thrive after school and beyond in a world constantly changing and enveloped in an environment of ‘alternative facts’ and ‘fake news’.

We believe that the combination of our core values – Trust, Honesty, Respect, Kindness and Tolerance – and the below elements of Cobham Hall result in each student discovering there is more in them than they think.

Focus on the Individual

We believe in educating the individual. Being a small school allows us to be aware of each pupil’s talents, strengths and potential, and we aim to encourage every student to develop all aspects of their character.

Students have the attention they need academically, allowing each to be challenged both inside and outside of the classroom, to push themselves beyond their own personal comfort zone. They also get the support they need pastorally; our supportive environment means students have the confidence to put themselves forward, to take a chance, to not stand back and watch others but to get involved, and – just as crucially – pick themselves up if things don’t go as planned.

As a School where everyone knows everyone, we have a natural advantage in providing excellent, individual care for all our students. Strong communication between Pastoral, Academic and Boarding staff ensures that each student gets the care and support needed to thrive.

Challenge and Opportunity

We aim to provide, and encourage students to take, as many opportunities as possible. This develops a wide range of interests, skills and abilities in each student.

Our strong Extra-Curricular Programme offers a range of activities that provide the students with the opportunity to have fun as well as develop or learn new skills. As a Round Square school, students have the opportunity to travel the world for conferences, exchanges or ‘Big Build’ Service Projects.  These are in addition to the day-to-day fabric of Cobham Hall: activity mornings, positions of leadership, and service activities.

Diversity

We celebrate diversity in all its forms, from the many different nationalities, backgrounds, abilities, and talents that make up our student body, to the numerous and varied opportunities provided to develop and challenge our students.

Our whole School is very diverse, and we encourage all of our students to find out about other nationalities, eat different foods, listen to different views – all of which will prepare them for the multicultural world we live in.

Inspirational Setting

Cobham Hall is ideally located. Situated on the edge of the Kent Downs, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the School is based in an impressive 16th Century Manor House nestled in 150 acres of historic parkland; an idyllic rural setting, yet with excellent transport links.

Originally home to British nobility, our school family make excellent use of the grounds and surrounding areas. Students can practice in the Downs for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expeditions, have campfires in the clearing where Charles Dickens’ writing chalet once stood, or enjoy BBQs in Lady Darnley’s garden. The grounds can be used for enhancing classroom studies: data for environmental studies, space for physical education, and natural sets for drama or film studies are all just outside the door of our teaching block. They can also enjoy life’s simpler pleasures: climbing trees, picking daffodils, and simply relaxing in sunshine. All are activities that develop our students’ physical, social, moral and spiritual qualities, alongside the academic success that flourishes as a result.