Freemen’s was founded by the City of London Corporation in 1854 and remains one of its three independent schools. Our City connections continue to enrich school life today through governance, prizes, travel awards and exceptional opportunities for pupils.
Students regularly take part in high-profile City events – from the Lord Mayor’s Show to dinners and ceremonies at Guildhall, learning experiences at the Barbican, and charitable events at Mansion House.
Our Heads of School attend the prestigious Lord Mayor’s Banquet, and alumni may apply for the Freedom of the City.
This is a timeline
The City of London Freemen’s Orphan School opens in Brixton, educating the orphaned children of Freemen of the City. From the outset, it is proudly co-educational – making Freemen’s one of the oldest co-ed independent schools in the country.
The Lord Mayor’s annual visit becomes a major tradition. Pupil numbers rise above 150.
The School relocates to Ashtead Park. Day pupils join, the School’s name changes, and Freemen’s becomes firmly established as a co-educational day and boarding school in Surrey.
The first whole-school City Visit to the Square Mile takes place under Headmaster Eric Fielden – a tradition that continues today with groups of pupils.
Significant expansion under Headmaster Michael Kemp: new classrooms, the Swimming Pool, Assembly Hall and Junior School (Kemp House). Pupil numbers exceed 500.
Development continues under David Haywood, including a new Sports Hall, Art & Design Centre, Science & Technology Centre and the Haywood Centre.
Freemen’s celebrates 150 years, marked by a Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral and participation in the Lord Mayor’s Show.
Philip MacDonald oversees major projects including the Boarding House, Music School and progress on the Masterplan. Roland Martin becomes Headmaster in 2015.
Continued investment: a new Swimming Pool (opened by the Lord Mayor) and the transformation of Main House into the Sixth Form Centre.
The Independent Living Suite opens, giving Year 13 pupils the chance to prepare for life beyond home.
Freemen’s restructures into Lower Senior School (Years 7–9) and Upper Senior School (Years 10–11), alongside renewed long-term Masterplan development.
Freemen’s marks 100 years in Ashtead Park, beginning with a flag-raising ceremony and culminating in the Freemen’s Festival.
