Hampshire Life brings you the guide to some of the best independent schools and colleges across the county

Alton Convent SchoolAnstey Lane, Alton GU34 2NGTel. 01420 82070Email: enquiries@altonconvent.org.ukwww.altonconvent.org.ukAge range: 6 months (Garden House Day Nursery) to 18 yearsFees: Senior - �3,265Prep - �2,775Results: A-level Results, 70% of all grades were at A gradeGCSE results, over 60% gaining A*/A

Alton Convent School is a leading independent Catholic day school which nurtures, extends and challenges its pupils. There is a strong tradition of academic excellence and strong commitment to extra-curricular activities, including sport and the arts. The needs, potential and aspirations of pupils develop within an outward looking, dynamic and responsive school community which cares for, values and supports individuals.The selective senior school provides a broadly based education for girls from 11 to 18 years, while the prep and newly incorporated Garden House Day Nursery develops the potential of boys and girls up to 11 years. There is a commitment to a wider access policy with generous scholarships available at 7+, 11+ and 16+ . Creativity is fundamental to school life, with award-winning provision, Artsmark Gold Award, for art, music and drama and the newly-opened Creative and Performing Arts Centre provides excellent facilities.

Bedales Schools(incorporating Dunhurst and Dunannie). Church Road, Steep, Petersfield GU32 2DGTel. 01730 711733Age range: 3 - 18Fees: Bedales (13 - 18) Boarding �9,240 Day �7,265Dunhurst (8 - 13) Boarding �6,350 Day �4,970Dunannie (3 - 8) �2,125 - �2,600Results: A-level passes 33.9% at A and 63.6% at A & BIn Year 11, students study a combination of GCSEs, IGCSEs and Bedales Assessed Courses (BACs). IGCSE/GCSE/BAC passes at A* & A: 53.6%

The primary aim at the Bedales Schools is to develop inquisitive thinkers with a love of learning who cherish independent thought. Founder J H Badley believed that involving ‘head, hand and heart’ was the key to growth and development. Bedales have a broad and imaginative curriculum; a proud tradition of student involvement; 110 years’ experience of co-education and a strong sense of community. The 120-acre estate includes playing fields, orchards, woodlands and a farm. Bedales Assessed Courses (BACs) demonstrate a commitment to doing what is right for the students and prepares them better for sixth form and beyond.

St Swithun’s Junior School Alresford Road, Winchester SO21 1HA Tel. 01962 835750 Email: office.juniorschool@ stswithuns.com www.stswithuns.comAge range: Girls aged 3-11, Boys aged 3-7Fees: Year 3, 4, 5 and 6 - �3,100 per term. Reception, 1 and 2 - �2,410 per term. Nursery - �1,210 per term (half days)(Fee support, of up to 100 per cent, could be available for suitable candidates)Results: Early Years recently judged ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted.The Good Schools’ Guide 2010 said: ‘Here we have something really special: sparky, fun and innovative, while maintaining traditional values and academic standard. A cosy school that allows pupils to develop at their own pace but is never lax.’St Swithun’s is a non-selective school and their academic success is achieved through good teaching in small groups, excellent resources and facilities, supportive parents and motivated children who enjoy coming to school.All children have different talents and skills and the school’s teaching staff are committed to finding and developing these to boost the children’s confidence. When searching for a school, parents look for a number of qualities - confident and engaging pupils; staff who are dedicated to ensuring that the pupils are successful and happy; an understanding that every child is different and exceptional facilities.

Canford SchoolWimborne, Dorset BH21 3AD Tel. 01202 847207Email: admissions@canford.comwww.canford.comAge range: 13-18 yrsFees (per term): Boarding - �8,732 Day - �6,850Results: A-Level A/B: 90%, A: 60%GCSE A*: 41%, A*/A: 77%

Canford School in Wimborne has an Open Day on Saturday, May 15, from 9.30am to 1pm, giving visitors the chance to meet pupils and teachers, explore the grounds and find out more about Canford such as entry, scholarships and assisted places. Guided tours by pupils are available to show visitors around the school, including the day and boarding houses. At midday there will be a presentation about sixth form life with the opportunity for a question and answer session with current sixth formers.

Rookwood School Weyhill Road, Andover SP10 3ALTel. 01264 325900Email: office@rookwood.hants.sch.ukwww.rookwood.hants.sch.ukAge range: A co-educational day and boarding school for children aged 3-16 years.Results: GCSE 92% of subject entries awarded grades A*-C. 45% of all entries either A* or A. 100% pass rate at Grades A-G with 93.3% of candidates gaining at least five A*-C passes.Fees per annum: Day pupils (from reception onwards) �6,885-�11,340Full boarding �17,340-�20,295. For Nursery charges, contact the school bursary.

Rookwood School’s latest ISI inspection report described the school as ‘outstandingly happy and successful’. With strong academic teaching and excellent facilities, including a �2 million sports hall opening this spring, Rookwood provides a balanced all-round education. The pre-prep, prep and senior schools offer a seamless transition from nursery right through to GCSE. Rookwood is non-selective yet small classes and individual attention result in high academic achievement. Scholarships at 11+ and 7+: Means-tested bursaries throughout the school. The next Open Morning is on Thursday, May 6, 9.30am to 12.30pm.

Salesian College Farnborough 119 Reading Road, Farnborough GU14 6PATel. 01252 893000Email: office@salesiancollege.comwww.salesiancollege.co.ukAge range: Boys aged 11-16 and a co-educational sixth form. Fees: �8,214Results (latest) In 2009, 98% of students passed at least 5 or more subjects at grades A* - C. 74% of our A level students were awarded grade A or B.

Salesian College in an independent grammar school for boys aged 11 to 16 with a thriving co-educational sixth form. For over 100 years, Salesian College has offered a traditional education based on the Christian values of hard work, courtesy and respect for others. It is not surprising that the college has an enviable reputation for developing each individual student academically, culturally, physically and spiritually. Prospective students and their parents can attend the Open Morning on Saturday, May 8, from 9.15am until 12.30pm.

St Nicholas’ SchoolRedfields House, Redfields Lane, Church Crookham, Fleet GU52 ORFTel. 01252 850121Email: registrar@st-nicholas.hants.sch.ukwww.st-nicholas.hants.sch.ukAge range: Boys aged 3-7Girls aged 3-16Fees: Nursery �1,281.00 (5 sessions)Infants - �2,562.00 Juniors - �2,916.00 Seniors - �3,480.00Results: 97% GCSE pass rate at A*- C in 2009

St Nicholas’ is a small independent school set in 27 acres of beautiful surroundings in the heart of the Hampshire countryside, providing a well-balanced and individual environment enabling children to achieve success. Offering an extended day from 8am until 6pm to all girls from Juniors and Seniors.Built in 1996, Branksomewood is a beautiful wooden building with a light and spacious interior. It houses the Nursery and Infants School. Girls and boys from three to seven years thrive in this warm and inviting environment.The school has a full-size sports hall, with viewing gallery, changing rooms and showers, Art, DT and Textile Centre. There’s also an excellent art block, housing spacious art facilities including a textile room with sewing machines and large work benches.

The Gregg SchoolTownhill Park House, Cutbush Lane, Southampton. SO18 2GFTel. 02380 472133. Email: office@gregg. southampton.sch.ukwww.gregg.southampton.sch.ukAge range: Girls and boys 11-16 years Fees: �3,130 per term (�9,390 per annum)Results (2009): A*-C grades: 85%,5 or more A*-C grades: 87%

The Gregg School is situated to the east of Southampton, and set in 23 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds. The School, which currently has 300 students on roll, has a unique family atmosphere and an excellent reputation for its outstanding pastoral care. A high value is placed on identifying and developing each child’s individual talents and abilities, and small classes, taught by experienced and dedicated staff, ensure that every student has the opportunity to achieve their very best.A broad and balanced curriculum is supplemented by a wide range of extra-curricular clubs and activities, ranging from orienteering to off-road buggy building.The school’s music and drama departments provide a host of opportunities for students to perform to a range of audiences, and the school regularly achieves success in sporting disciplines at both city and county level. A comprehensive transport service is provided for students living within a 15-mile radius of the school.

GEMS Sherfield Sherfield-on-Loddon RG27 0HU Tel. 01256 884800 www.sherfieldschool.co.ukAge range: A co-educational day school for children aged from 3 months to 18 yearsFees: �2,580 to �4,112 per termResults: A*- C 87% (2009)

Sherfield offers a first-class academic education within a forward-looking and enriched curriculum. Teaching methods are a blend of the traditional and the very best new ideas. The school believes in setting high standards, developing self-discipline and meeting the needs of the individual within an enjoyable and challenging environment. Central to their philosophy is enhancing children’s learning and progress through working in partnership with parents. The school is open from 7.30am to 6pm, five days per week, for 48 weeks of the year. There’s an ‘Introduction to Sherfield’ Open Morning on Tuesday, May 11.