Orley Farm School

Nestled at the foot of Harrow Hill, Orley Farm School has quite the story to tell. Orley Farm School isn’t your typical London school. It boasts a sprawling 39-acre campus. Established in 1850, Orley Farm School initially served as the preparatory school for the prestigious Harrow School. Now, it stands as a fully independent private institution. Originally a boarding school for boys, Orley Farm School has evolved significantly over the years. Boarding was phased out in the 1980s. The dormitories were converted into classrooms. In 1994, Orley Farm School made the progressive decision to become co-educational, welcoming girls for the first time. The school’s motto, “Haec Cogitate” meaning “Think on these things,” reflects its commitment to intellectual curiosity. This motto is taken from St. Paul’s letter to the Philippians. Interestingly, the school’s name has literary connections. It’s named after Anthony Trollope’s novel “Orley Farm,” which describes the buildings the school once occupied. Orley Farm School even has its own coat of arms, granted in 1984. The design incorporates elements representing the Trollope family, Harrow School, and the Gardner family. In recent years, Orley Farm School has invested heavily in modernizing its facilities. This includes the Butler Hall, a new dining hall opened in 2015. It also includes the Elliot Block for drama and music, and the expanded Davies Library. The school’s commitment to providing a well-rounded education extends beyond academics. Their “Edge Programme” offers extracurricular activities like cooking, photography, and wildlife care. From its humble beginnings as a feeder school to its current status as a leading preparatory institution, Orley Farm School has certainly left its mark. It has educated notable alumni like author Anthony Horowitz and former MP Martin Stevens.