New Forest Small School
Lyndhurst, Hampshire · SO43 7BU
A*–B A-level
—
9–7 GCSE
—
Day fees
£8k
Inspection
Not yet inspected
New Forest Small School is a progressive, child-centred independent school serving ages 3–16 in rural Hampshire. Founded in 1994, it emphasises small class sizes, human-scale community, and individual development across academic, social and emotional dimensions. The school philosophy prioritises nurturing environments, creativity, and self-expression within a structured but flexible pedagogical framework.
- →Very small pupil roll (61 total) enabling personalised attention and genuine knowledge of each child
- →Progressive, child-centred ethos balancing academic rigour with emotional wellbeing and creativity
- →Rural New Forest location offering outdoor learning opportunities and close-knit community feel
- →Early Years Funding Scheme participation making kindergarten accessible (15–30 hours funded)
Who thrives here
Families seeking a nurturing, non-pressurised alternative to mainstream education who value creativity, individuality and pastoral care. Pupils who thrive in small, tight-knit communities and benefit from a slower pace may flourish here.
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
1 Southampton Road
Lyndhurst, Hampshire
SO43 7BU
Nearest stations
Frequently asked questions
What are the fees at New Forest Small School?
Day fees at New Forest Small School are approximately £8,400 per year (2024/25).
How do you get into New Forest Small School?
New Forest Small School admits pupils at 3+, 4+, 7+, 8+, 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by Interview, Assessment. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.
Is New Forest Small School a boarding school?
New Forest Small School is a day school in Lyndhurst and does not offer boarding.
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓Genuinely small, nurturing community where every child is known well by staff
✓Progressive, flexible approach to learning respects individual pace and developmental stage
✓Strong creative and pastoral culture; children develop confidence and self-expression
✓Outdoor New Forest setting supports experiential, nature-based learning
✓Low staff-to-pupil ratio enables real personalisation and early intervention for difficulties
Common concerns
!Very small roll (61 pupils) limits peer diversity, social breadth, and competitive breadth in sports/co-curricular
!No recent Ofsted inspection means limited external validation of safeguarding, teaching quality, or governance standards
!Fees unknown but likely modest for independent sector; financial sustainability of tiny independent school unclear to prospective parents
!Limited sports facilities and specialist provision typical of village-scale operation
!Lack of extensive extracurricular breadth or elite pathways (music, sport, drama) compared to larger independents