Senior Department - Year 7 to Year 11
The Cobham Free School (CFS) senior department opened in September 2014 following a successful bid to the government as part of wave 4 of the Free School Programme. It merged with the junior department to form an all-through school, with Year 6 CFS pupils automatically progressing to Year 7 without the need to re-apply. There are 80 additional spaces for external applicants into Year 7 in September 2022, and 48 extra places from 2023 onwards. The senior school has 4 forms per year group (104 pupils). The department is based in the Main School, Portsmouth Road, Cobham, KT11 1TF.
Students in the senior department are taught a traditional, knowledge-rich curriculum delivered in exciting and imaginative ways. They study a wide range of subjects in Key Stage 3 and are able to choose from a varied selection of options for Key Stage 4 GCSEs. All students undertake classes in the English Baccalaureate (Ebacc) subjects and are well-prepared for success in GCSEs exams at the end of Year 11. There is a focus on helping students achieve their aspirations for the future through a well-planned Careers education programme. We offer a traditional, academic curriculum and do not run BTECs or other vocational subject courses. All students are expected to take a language with a choice of Spanish, French or Latin.
In Key Stage 3 we run one accelerated class per year group, and three mixed classes. This model ensures that students are stretched academically where needed and extra support is given to those who would benefit most. In Key Stage 4, we offer traditional sets in the core subject areas.
During their time in the senior school, pupils have access to an excellent enrichment programme, providing the opportunity to explore individual interests, and develop skills and talents. Pupils are encouraged to contribute to the wider school life in a variety of ways, such as taking on leadership positions, being part of the eco group or school council, contributing to sports teams and musical performances or playing an active part in the House System. We are pleased to be able to offer bronze, silver and gold levels of the Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE) > at Cobham Free School. This opportunity is open to all students in Year 9 - Year 13.
We have very high expectations for behaviour, with the intention that students demonstrate respect and courtesy to all in the community. A smart appearance, with close adherence to the uniform code and high standards of personal presentation are also required.
Mrs Basu
Message from Mrs Basu Head of Senior
I wish you a warm welcome to Cobham Free School (CFS) senior department, where we have the highest expectations, the highest aspirations and a strong, supportive community where everyone is welcome. With small class sizes, we are able to get to know each of our students individually and provide them with excellent teaching, excellent facilities, and a wide and varied curriculum.
We have a strong focus on CFS values that are very much aligned to the British Values and these are promoted across the curriculum, in the pastoral programmes and in the way staff and students are expected to behave.
Pupils thrive at CFS where warm and supportive relationships are fostered both within the classroom and through our cultural and extra-curricular activity programme, which enables students to develop the knowledge and skills required to excel in the future.
Senior School Day
Students are able to enter the school premises from 8:05 in the morning, are expected to be in classrooms ready for registration at 8:20 and lessons finish at 16:00. There are 10 lessons a day which are 35 minutes in length, although many subjects are taught in double periods.
We have an extended day with all pupils being offered free clubs or homework study supervision until 16:45.
We are pleased to be able to offer bronze, silver and gold levels of the Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE) at Cobham Free School. This opportunity is open to all students in Year 9 - Year 13.