About the School

Founded in 1994 by Nicholas and Alison Alp, the New Forest Small School is a unique, human-scale school for all children aged 3 to 16. Led by the headteacher Alex James, the school has around 20 staff members, including full time class teachers and part time specialist teachers. We are situated in the heart of The New Forest, surrounded by open forest… ideal for walks, nature study and outdoor play.

The school 'believes that confidence and well-being are essential for pupils’ long-term success.' The school is 'rightly proud of the confident, well-rounded young people the pupils become.' Ofsted Report, June 2018

We have six classes; a Kindergarten, three primary classes and two secondary classes, which are limited to around 12 children to ensure that all pupils receive the attention and support necessary for their personal, social and academic development. We have a garden and use of local sports ground. We also have a vegetable garden where the children have been involved with sowing, growing, harvesting and ,of course, eating the produce! Children attend mostly on a full time basis, although some primary aged children may attend part time on a case by case basis.

We are a secular school with no religious or ideological affiliations. We take a non-judgmental, critical view of religions, encouraging tolerance of all beliefs whilst promoting the importance of ‘thinking for yourself’.

In this section you can read about the school's history, the structure of the school day and classes, our SEND approach and the school meeting. You can also find out about our talented and experienced team of staff, the School Advisory Board and the role of parents in our school.