Yorkshire


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where">WHAT? WHERE?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1031" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/06/The-Froebelian-School-Horsforth-1.jpg" alt="The Forebelian School in Horsforth" class="wp-image-4284" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/06/The-Froebelian-School-Horsforth-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/06/The-Froebelian-School-Horsforth-1-300x206.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/06/The-Froebelian-School-Horsforth-1-1024x704.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/06/The-Froebelian-School-Horsforth-1-768x528.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Tucked away in the leafy Leeds suburb of Horsforth is one of Yorkshire’s most distinctive Preps: The Froebelian School. Named after 19th-century educational trailblazer Friedrich Fröbel, it’s a small, creative, and academically ambitious school for children aged 2 to 11 yrs. Pupils are easily spotted across town thanks to their smart straw boaters and red flat caps – but plenty is going on behind the charming uniform.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1908" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/06/100�-Exam-Success-The-Froebelian-School-copy.jpg" alt="exam success at the froebelian school" class="wp-image-4293" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/06/100�-Exam-Success-The-Froebelian-School-copy.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/06/100�-Exam-Success-The-Froebelian-School-copy-236x300.jpg 236w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/06/100�-Exam-Success-The-Froebelian-School-copy-805x1024.jpg 805w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/06/100�-Exam-Success-The-Froebelian-School-copy-768x977.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/06/100�-Exam-Success-The-Froebelian-School-copy-1208x1536.jpg 1208w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Set in a Victorian house dating from 1879, Froebelian’s history is proudly rooted in early years innovation, and that progressive outlook remains core to its identity. The current roll sits around 139, and the school prides itself on blending high expectations with a nurturing, life-skills-focused ethos.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-facilities-nbsp">FACILITIES&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1183" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/07/Science.png" alt="kids in science lesson " class="wp-image-4379" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/07/Science.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/07/Science-254x300.png 254w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/07/Science-866x1024.png 866w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/07/Science-768x909.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The school’s hub is a large, modernised main hall where assemblies, concerts and performances take place. Classrooms are light, spacious and tech-savvy, but it’s the details that elevate them – like the storytelling throne in the library and the woodland murals by local artist John Giles.</p>



<p>Outdoors, pupils let off steam in a wraparound playground with a treehouse and basketball court, or venture into the ‘hidden forest’ for woodland learning. With limited space on-site, Froebelian makes excellent use of off-site facilities for sport, music and performance – a clever, city-savvy approach that works.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sport">SPORT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1323" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/06/The-Froebelian-School-Horsforth-Sport.jpeg" alt="children at the froebelian playing sport" class="wp-image-4282" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/06/The-Froebelian-School-Horsforth-Sport.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/06/The-Froebelian-School-Horsforth-Sport-300x265.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/06/The-Froebelian-School-Horsforth-Sport-1024x903.jpeg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/06/The-Froebelian-School-Horsforth-Sport-768x677.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>While Froebelian doesn’t have sprawling fields of its own, the school more than makes up for it by accessing some of the best facilities in Leeds – including university grounds, local clubs and professional-standard venues. Sport is well-organised and ambitious, led by Director of Sport and former Great British Pentathlete, Elizabeth McGurk, and supported by specialist coaches across netball, football, rugby, cricket, tennis and swimming. </p>



<p>Despite its size, the school regularly punches above its weight at fixtures and tournaments. Alumni include a GT Cup Championship racing driver – not bad for a small Leeds Prep.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-creative-arts">CREATIVE ARTS</h2>



<p>This is a school that absolutely walks the walk when it comes to creativity. From drama and music to visual art, the atmosphere is joyfully expressive. End-of-year productions are whole-school affairs (recent shows include Beauty and the Beast JR and Joseph) with a proper sense of occasion and polish. The entire school takes part with Y5 and Y6, supported by singing from the younger years. </p>



<p>A huge proportion of pupils play an instrument, join the Froebelian Band or perform in the choir. The Junior Choir has sung at big events – think Leeds Rhinos matches and stadiums and national competitions like the World’s Biggest Children’s Choir – and still makes time for care-home visits and local community performances.</p>



<p>Drama is equally strong, with a specialist teacher, Lorraine Taylor-Parker, overseeing a programme that builds confidence and stage presence from an early age. LAMDA results are impressive, and performance is clearly part of the culture here, not just a bolt-on.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-school">SCHOOL</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="989" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/07/Sports-Day.jpeg" alt="sports day" class="wp-image-4378" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/07/Sports-Day.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/07/Sports-Day-300x297.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/07/Sports-Day-768x760.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Pupils are placed into one of four houses (Norman, Tudor, Stuart, Windsor), with healthy competition and plenty of team spirit. Classes are capped at 24, and there’s a clear focus on making lessons engaging and practical – with topics like global studies, ICT, and collaborative projects designed to inspire a genuine love of learning.</p>



<p>Trips and residentials happen from Y3 onwards, including a Paris trip for Y5 and Y6 with all the cultural highlights (yes, even the snails). Y6 pupils regularly gain places at top Leeds and West Yorkshire schools (Bradford Grammar, Woodhouse Grove or Leeds Grammar School) and the success rate for entrance exams is very strong. </p>



<p>A highlight of the school year is Speech Day at Yeadon Town Hall, where an eminent person hands out prizes – last year’s speaker was Olympian, Sir Bradley Wiggins (hopefully not in Lycra). </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-littlies">LITTLIES</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="2000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/06/IMG_5044.jpeg" alt="little one at the froebelian school" class="wp-image-4292" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/06/IMG_5044.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/06/IMG_5044-225x300.jpeg 225w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/06/IMG_5044-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/06/IMG_5044-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Children can start aged two in the dedicated Little Froebelians programme. From age 3-4 yrs, they join Lower Kindergarten, where mornings follow the EYFS curriculum and afternoons adopt a play-based, nursery-style approach. There’s plenty of enrichment – Forest School, yoga, ballet, sport – and a calm, creative energy to the setting.</p>



<p>Many pupils who join Froebelian have attended the school’s nearby nursery called <a href="https://www.froebelian.com/about-the-froebelian-school/first-steps-nursery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First Steps</a>, which caters for children from 3 mths to 5 yrs. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="943" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/06/The-Froebelian-School-Horsforth-2.jpg" alt="child and teacher hugging" class="wp-image-4286" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/06/The-Froebelian-School-Horsforth-2.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/06/The-Froebelian-School-Horsforth-2-300x189.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/06/The-Froebelian-School-Horsforth-2-1024x644.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/06/The-Froebelian-School-Horsforth-2-768x483.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pastoral-care">PASTORAL CARE</h2>



<p>The Froebelian approach to wellbeing is proactive and warm-hearted. The Happiness Hut – a twinkly, cushion-filled retreat space – is open to anyone needing a breather from the day, and transforms into a magical Santa’s Grotto come December. The head has also introduced a ‘Manifest with Mrs Coulson’ club, which has proved hugely popular. Children are shown how they can use the power of their minds to positively change their outlook and live in the moment.</p>



<p>Emotional literacy is taught early and often, through activities that help pupils recognise and manage their thoughts and feelings. There’s a strong emphasis on positive thinking, resilience and setting goals, baked into the everyday school rhythm.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-head">THE HEAD</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/06/Anna-Coulson-The-Froebelian-Schools-6th-Headteacher.jpg" alt="Anna Coulson The Froebelian Schools 6th Headteacher" class="wp-image-4283" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/06/Anna-Coulson-The-Froebelian-Schools-6th-Headteacher.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/06/Anna-Coulson-The-Froebelian-Schools-6th-Headteacher-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/06/Anna-Coulson-The-Froebelian-Schools-6th-Headteacher-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/06/Anna-Coulson-The-Froebelian-Schools-6th-Headteacher-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/06/Anna-Coulson-The-Froebelian-Schools-6th-Headteacher-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/06/Anna-Coulson-The-Froebelian-Schools-6th-Headteacher-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/06/Anna-Coulson-The-Froebelian-Schools-6th-Headteacher-1100x1100.jpg 1100w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Anna Coulson is a force to be reckoned with. Having spent two decades in education, Anna’s areas of expertise include delivering school improvement, strategic operational change and innovation in all areas of learning. In 2016, Mrs Coulson created a programme called ‘Developing Future Winners’ which explains the importance of teaching children the business environment, helping to motivate them to achieve their goals. </p>



<p>Brimming with stoicism, Coulson did not sit around panicking when Labour introduced VAT on private schools. Instead, she told parents that the school would cover the recent introduction of VAT costs for their child’s first two terms. Cue a collective sigh of relief from grateful parents.</p>



<p>Oh, and when she isn’t running a bust school and looking after her two daughters, Coulson&#8217;s been writing a book. Her first book, <em>Roxie, the Little Fawn</em>, teaches resilience, love and strength through stories of seven woodland friends, is due to be published in September. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quirks">QUIRKS</h2>



<p>It wouldn’t be Froebelian without a few brilliant curveballs. Last December, the school transformed itself into a giant advent calendar – complete with a ribboned bow and a raffle to match. One family won a year’s free fees, while others bagged prizes from babysitting to PT sessions and bespoke art.</p>



<p>Then there’s Chef Matty, a beloved figure on-site who worked with pupils and parents to design the Froebelian Menu – packed with local, seasonal produce and inclusive of all dietary needs. He’s also known for running award-winning community cookery projects – a foodie hero in his own right.</p>



<p>We love a cool alumni story. One former pupil, Umar Hussain, has had a meteoric rise through the film industry. At 25, he was the line producer for <em>Star Wars</em>: <em>The Last Jedi</em> – and is one of film giant Disney’s youngest producers ever!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wrap-around-care">WRAP AROUND CARE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1836" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/06/The-Froebelian-School-Horsforth-4.jpg" alt="children at The Froebelian School Horsforth" class="wp-image-4287" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/06/The-Froebelian-School-Horsforth-4.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/06/The-Froebelian-School-Horsforth-4-245x300.jpg 245w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/06/The-Froebelian-School-Horsforth-4-837x1024.jpg 837w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/06/The-Froebelian-School-Horsforth-4-768x940.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/06/The-Froebelian-School-Horsforth-4-1255x1536.jpg 1255w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Busy parents are well-catered for. Breakfast Club runs from 7.30am, and after-school clubs are abundant, including drama, chess, ballet, table tennis, Pilates and coding. Holiday clubs run every week of the holidays (bar Christmas) and flexible booking is available.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-isi-report">ISI REPORT</h2>



<p>The latest report can be seen <a href="https://www.isi.net/institutions/school/the-froebelian-school-7115" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mobile-phone-policy">MOBILE PHONE POLICY</h2>



<p>Mobiles are not allowed in school or on trips – a screen-free haven for growing minds.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transport">TRANSPORT</h2>



<p>Well connected via bus routes, with parking options on Clarence Road, Back Clarence Road, Newlay Lane and New Road Side.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fees">FEES</h2>



<p>Reception – Y6 costs, £4,360 per term (including lunch and many extracurricular clubs). Wrap-around care, such as Breakfast Club, is £5 per session, while an hour of post-school homework and activity club costs £6.50. </p>



<p>A Holiday Club runs every week of the holidays except for Christmas and costs from £40 per week. Flexible Lower Kindergarten sessions can be booked for full school or half school days, and Universal Funded Early Education Entitlement is offered for all families for 15 hours of funding. </p>



<p>There is also a Bursary and Hardship Policy supporting prospective and current parents. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-word-on-the-street">WORD ON THE STREET</h2>



<p>Parents love the community feel here – and the clever extras like a parents’ WhatsApp group and monthly magazine supporting local businesses. Several staff members are former pupils, and one much-loved caretaker even came out of retirement to return. There’s loyalty and warmth in spades – a place where people stick around for a reason.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<p><strong>GOOD FOR:</strong> Families looking for a friendly, progressive Prep that values confidence, creativity and kindness as highly as academics. Excellent leaver destinations and a huge amount of heart.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>NOT FOR:</strong> Those who want on-site fields and endless space – sport happens offsite, though the range and quality are impressive.</p>



<p><strong>DARE TO DISAGREE:</strong> Next Open Day: Fri 24 Apr at 9.30am or <a href="mailto:office@froebelian.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">contact</a> the admissions to arrange a visit.</p>



<p><em><a href="https://www.froebelian.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Froebelian School</a>, Clarence Road, Horsforth, Leeds LS18 4LB. Tel 0113 258 3047</em></p>


The Froebelian School, Horsforth, Yorkshire

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