New Hall School Overview
New Hall School is a leading Catholic independent boarding and day school for boys and girls aged 3-18. It is located in the countryside of Chelmsford, Essex in Eastern England. Set in the 70-acre stunning location of the former Tudor palace of Beaulieu— once owned by Henry VII— the school is surrounded by a historic park and extensive gardens. New Hall is around an hour ride from London and well within easy reach from all major London airports. Founded by the Canonesses of the Holy Sepulchre in Liège in 1942, the school is the oldest Catholic school in England. It became a separate educational charity with boys first admitted to the senior school in 2005. Just like other Catholic schools such as Downside School, it is renowned for its exceptionally high teaching standards. New Hall School is also one of the HMC schools. The total number of students is around 1,349, of which 240 students are boarders.
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New Hall School Academic Matters
New Hall School is committed to giving students the strongest foundation for life, equipping them to face the world with confidence. Academic excellence is fostered through a culture of care, trust, and mutual respect. The school follows a distinctive diamond model: pupils are taught in co-educational classes up to age 11 and again in the Sixth Form, while from 11 to 16 they learn in single-sex classes.
This approach allows for more focused academic and pastoral support during key developmental years while removing gender-based subject bias in the Sixth Form. New Hall delivers a broad curriculum that accommodates a wide range of interests, offering subjects such as Politics and Theology, which are rarely found in other schools. Language learning is a priority—French begins at age three, Latin at seven, and Spanish at twelve.
The school is widely recognised for its exceptional academic outcomes. Graduates progress to top universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, the Russell Group, leading Art Foundation programmes, and institutions abroad.
New Hall School Courses And Programmes
New Hall School’s Senior School (Years 7–11) offers a well-rounded academic programme designed to develop students intellectually, creatively, socially, and morally. The school adopts a distinctive diamond model: boys and girls are taught in co-educational classes until age 11, then in single-sex classes from 11 to 16, before returning to a co-educational Sixth Form. This structure allows for more tailored academic and pastoral support during key developmental years.
At the core of the Senior School curriculum are subjects such as English Language and Literature, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Students also study a range of modern and classical languages including French, Spanish, Latin, and Classical Greek. Humanities subjects like History, Geography, and Theology are integral, with Politics introduced from Year 10. The curriculum is further enriched by subjects such as Computer Science, Art, Design & Technology, Photography, and Cookery, offering students both academic and practical skills.
To develop research, independence, and communication, students undertake the AQA Level 2 Project Qualification—a long-term project spanning 10 to 18 months. This fosters skills in self-management, analysis, and structured thinking. High-achieving students are invited to join the Most Able & Talented (MAT) programme in Years 10–11, which includes academic enrichment activities, specialised clubs, Oxbridge preparation visits, public speaking, and competitions.
Learning support is also prioritised through the Learning Development Department, which offers tailored assistance for students with specific educational needs such as dyslexia and dyscalculia. This includes small-group sessions, study skills mentoring, and in-class support to ensure all learners are able to progress confidently.
The Senior School experience is complemented by an extensive co-curricular programme. Students are encouraged to participate in a variety of clubs and activities across sports, academics, and personal development. Programmes like the Duke of Edinburgh Award and the Personal Development Award further nurture character, leadership, and resilience.
In the Sixth Form (Years 12–13), students choose from a wide array of A-Level subjects including Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, English, History, Politics, Economics, Psychology, and Modern Languages. Options also include BTEC Sport, Business, and the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), providing flexible pathways to suit varied university and career goals.
New Hall School Fees
Full Boarding: £46,044 per annum (Inclusive VAT).
New Hall School Application Deadline
Applications for boarding places should be submitted to the College before the September prior to the start of the academic year the student wishes to enter. For example, applications for entry in either September 2026 or January 2027 should be submitted before September 2025.
New Hall School Boarding And Pastoral Care
New Hall welcomes students from different traditions, seeking to build a Christian community that has its prayer and service to others. The Catholic values of trust and respect lie at the heart of pastoral care. Full boarding, weekly boarding and flexi-boarding are available across six single-sex houses, namely Magdalen, Hawley, Dennett, Earle, Petre and Campion, for students aged from 7 to 18. Around a third of the boarders are international, with the majority in the Sixth Form houses. The team of boarding staff is dedicated to providing a happy, settled and safe family environment for every child. Single study bedrooms are offered for most boarders, and all rooms are well furnished with internet access.
New Hall School Extracurricular Activities
New Hall School places a strong emphasis on co-curricular and personal development, recognising that education extends far beyond the classroom. The school’s co-curricular programme is carefully designed to provide breadth and balance, helping students grow into well-rounded, confident individuals. With over 100 clubs and activities on offer each week, students are encouraged to try new experiences, develop their talents, and build key life skills.
In sport, students regularly achieve county, regional, and national honours across a wide range of disciplines. The school’s excellent facilities—including a 25-metre indoor swimming pool, sports hall, athletics track, netball and tennis courts, and extensive playing fields—support both recreational and competitive sporting pursuits. Teams represent New Hall in fixtures throughout the academic year, fostering teamwork, discipline, and resilience.
The performing arts are also a core part of the co-curricular offering. Students take part in LAMDA courses to enhance their communication skills and stage presence, while drama and dance opportunities are plentiful. The school stages at least eight productions annually, with roles available both on stage and behind the scenes. New Hall’s Dance Club has performed at prestigious events, including the Opening Ceremony of the London Olympic Games, highlighting the calibre of its creative programmes.
This extensive co-curricular structure is complemented by leadership and personal development programmes such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award and the school’s bespoke Personal Development Award. These initiatives cultivate independence, initiative, and character—preparing students not just for university, but for life.
New Hall School Reviews
New Hall School Contact Information
Address: New Hall School, The Avenue, Boreham, Chelmsford, Essex CM3 3HS
Email: admin@newhallschool.co.uk
Phone: 01245 467 588
Website: newhallschool.co.uk
