Hazelwood School
Hazelwood School is a coeducational Nursery and Prep School for children aged 9 months to 13 years, set within 25 acres of woodland on the Surrey-Kent border. As an outstanding school, Hazelwood combines an exciting curriculum with exceptional indoor and outdoor facilities, underpinned by a visionary approach to teaching and learning. Its ongoing commitment to delivering an enriching, well-rounded education that prepares pupils for a fast-changing world informs every key decision made by Head Lindie Louw and the Governors. The school is unapologetically forward-thinking, introducing bold initiatives designed to equip children with the human skills needed to succeed in tomorrow’s world.
One of its most impactful recent developments has been the introduction of Flexible Classrooms. What began as a pilot programme has now been embedded across the entire school. Pupils are given agency over how they learn: from comfortable seating with lap trays for individual iPad work, to round tables designed for collaborative brainstorming, complete with whiteboards to capture ideas visually. There are quiet zones with beanbags for sensory regulation, as well as designated areas for focused independent work or targeted teacher support.
The result is a dynamic, purposeful learning environment where interactive, hands-on lessons are the norm. Pupils take greater ownership of their learning, and the freedom to choose their workspace nurtures creativity and critical thinking. It is not unusual to see children working on wobble chairs or seated on the floor with lap desks. Hazelwood recognises that learning is not one-size-fits-all, and this element of self-directed choice has led to happier, more engaged pupils. Teachers report a tangible shift in classroom energy, with measurable academic benefits — including one pupil achieving 22% higher in a maths assessment when working at a standing desk.
Another significant milestone is the opening of the Ruth Bourne Building for Upper School pupils in Years 5 – 8. This purpose-built space provides a clean, modern environment that reflects contemporary professional settings. Space-saving furniture ensures an uncluttered atmosphere, collaboration zones encourage team discussion, and wipeable walls promote the free exchange of ideas. The design supports both independent study and collective problem-solving, enabling older pupils to engage deeply with their learning in a comfortable and forward-thinking setting.
Last year, Hazelwood has also relocated its youngest Reception children to the Wolf’s Hill site. Previously based with the Nursery at Bluehouse Lane, the three Reception classes have joined the wider school community, benefiting from the outstanding facilities available across the 25-acre campus from the very start of their educational journey. Enhanced parent parking, a new all-weather awning for year-round outdoor play, a sandpit, and an expanded forest school development area now enrich the experience of the school’s youngest pupils.
Wellbeing remains central to the Hazelwood ethos, exemplified by the opening of its Wellbeing Hub. The hub provides a safe and nurturing space where children can speak with trained staff or receive one-to-one support. It also offers tailored provision for pupils with additional learning needs, reinforcing the school’s holistic approach to education.
Hazelwood demonstrates that education need not remain static. In a world defined by change, the school continues to evolve, adapting to the individual needs of its pupils while maintaining impressive academic outcomes and a strong culture of enrichment.