Terrington Hall School welcomed a record amount of pupils at the start of this term, with 195 boys and girls, including 30 new pupils, arriving through its doors.

Several year groups now have waiting lists after a surge in demand from families seeking an independent education at the co-educational school for children aged three-13.

The school roll was 148 when Headmaster Simon Kibler arrived in August 2020.

He said: “I’m absolutely thrilled that so many families are now entrusting us with their children’s education. It’s a reflection of the exceptional education we provide, in an environment where each child can grow and thrive.”

Mr Kibler said several factors were behind the increased interest in Terrington Hall, which sits in nine acres in the village of Terrington, and first opened its doors in 1921.

“Our main focus is on Kindness and that underpins everything we do,” he said. “I feel very strongly that children should enjoy being children, and discover their strengths as part of a kind and nurturing community.

“We of course aim for the highest academic standards, and 100% of the pupils have secured their first choice school over the last three years. But our main focus is to provide a supportive environment that inspires a love of learning in each child, along with and a curiosity in the world around them.”

Mr Kibler said that vision had struck a chord with parents, especially those who felt their children’s confidence had suffered during the Covid lockdowns. “Children make the most progress when they feel happy, secure and supported and that’s very much our focus at Terrington Hall.” He added.

New pupils were welcomed this term with a Harry Potter-style sorting hat ceremony to introduce them to their new Houses of Castle, Moor or Forest, named after the school’s surroundings.

The House system, coupled with Terrington Hall’s successful buddy and peer mentoring schemes, encourage friendship and support across the year groups, which bolsters the collaborative atmosphere across the school community.