Pupil of 10 years Kirsten Constantine, 14, said: “I like the community and it’s a free way of learning – you’re independent. All of the work that you do in the Upper School counts for your portfolio instead of GCSEs. You then have options for later life.”

Parent of two pupils Alexa Crook said: “What appeals to me is the breadth of the education they get and the fact that it’s not just academic. It develops the whole personality of the child. This can only prepare them for when they enter the real world.”

Music teacher Wendy Morrow said: “The education has grown up to suit the child rather than indoctrinating an education on a child that’s not ready for it. From a very early age we allow the child to play and express themselves.”

History and crafts teacher Tony Andrews, who is Upper School administrator, said: “From a teacher’s point of view it’s an all-round curriculum where every subject is a core subject. We teach a broad curriculum to benefit the students.”

Pupil of seven years Sophie Dickenson Bampton, 14, said: “It’s a free way of learning and it’s not structured like a state school. We have to go out and research in the Upper School and it’s quite independent. To be honest it’s more like real life.”

Sam Dennis, who has one child at the school and another starting in September, said: “It’s special because it’s based around the child’s individual needs. It’s not forcing them through at a set level. It develops the child and the person, not just the academic.”