It gives me great pleasure to introduce myself as the Headteacher of The Blue Coat School, Basingstoke. I am privileged and proud to say that I am the Headteacher of the school and I am excited to be working with such amazing staff and students.

The school has recently joined the South Farnham Educational Trust and is the second, secondary school alongside Brighton Hill School. As such we are in a great position to be at the forefront of educational developments to provide the best possible school experience for your child.

There is a strong sense of community within the school and a real desire amongst staff to grow and develop our teaching and provision. We are committed to ensuring a truly inclusive, enjoyable, and successful school environment for all children.

Every student has a place in our school, and the team and I are committed to high standards and expectations in every aspect of our work. I believe we can grow and develop as a school community to meet these expectations which will best prepare our students for a successful and happy life after their journey with us.

At The Blue Coat School, we value and respect the relationship which we have with our families, and we are keen to harness your support and collaboration to work effectively to ensure all children are successful.

I believe that the daily school experience for every child should be a safe and happy place where they are encouraged to think hard, learn, and feel enriched. We want students to come to our school and contribute to this culture, build positive relationships, and create a path for a successful future.

Jane Halsey – Headteacher

South Farnham Educational Trust is a growing Multi Academy Trust which was formed in 2015.

Our Trust currently consists of seven schools (six full members and one associate member), a Teaching School Hub and thriving SCITT.

South Farnham School consisting of 837 pupils from 4 to 11 years is situated on two sites, one in Menin Way and the other in The Bourne. It is an ‘Outstanding’ school, an RSHE hub, a Teaching School Hub and the Accredited Body for the Surrey South Farnham SCITT. South Farnham is the designated Academy Sponsor.

Highfield South Farnham School, a two-form entry primary school with a Nursery, catering for children from three years. After working with the Trust it has just become an ‘Outstanding’ school with a reputation for high-quality provision following an Ofsted inspection in January 2018.

The Raleigh School, a popular two form entry primary school in the semi-rural village of West Horsley. Following an Ofsted inspection in December 2017 it has also moved to an 'Outstanding' school from the previous 'Good' judgement, it is a primary school consisting of 436 pupils from 4-11.

Wallace Fields Infant School and Nursery, a thriving two form entry small, friendly, caring infant school and Shining Stars Nursery based in Ewell recognised as 'Outstanding' by Ofsted.

Busbridge Infant School, a popular two form entry infant school based in Godalming, Surrey.

Great Bookham School, a two form entry primary school based in Great Bookham, Surrey.

Brighton Hill Community School, a popular, over-subscribed and thriving secondary school based in Basingstoke, Hampshire. This 11 – 16 school has grown from 502 to 1,283 pupils in six years and joined the Trust in June 2023. The school's recent 'Good' OFSTED Inspection contained three 'Outstanding' grades within it and the inspection team praised the leadership team's relentless focus on continuous and rapid improvement and their creation of 'a positive culture of ambition and high expectations amongst staff and pupils' (2022). The school works as an ECF delivery partner for the SFET Teaching School Hub.

The Blue Coat School, Basingstoke, a secondary school for pupils aged 11 to 16 years. The school joined SFET on 1st June 2024. The original Blue Coat School was opened by Richard Aldworth, a successful London merchant in the 1600s. He started a school in Basingstoke at a time when education was in its infancy.

Kings Furlong Infant School and Nursery, a busy, thriving school based near the centre of Basingstoke.

Normandy Village School, a single form entry primary school based in the Surrey countryside near to Guildford.

Our associate member is St Mary's C of E (Aided) Infant School.

Our Teaching School Hub is one of 87 centres of excellence for teaching training and development in the country. We provide high-quality professional development to teachers in over 300 schools and at each stage of their career (from TA to executive leadership), outstanding teacher training and appropriate body services.

South Farnham SCITT - a primary Initial Teacher Training partnership of over 220 schools; graded 'Outstanding' in all areas by Ofsted. Nationally recognised within the DfE to be at the forefront of school-based training.

Vision and purpose of the Trust

• To create a group of schools that have a shared commitment to ensuring the highest possible outcomes for their children.

• Through close co-operation children, parents and teachers will share professional expertise, training opportunities and facilities to ensure that the whole is greater than the part.

• To create a learning environment where the highest possible standards are a feature of all schools.

• To establish a shared understanding of what works and a reflective, research-based approach to school improvement.

• To celebrate and develop the uniqueness of each school within the MAT family of schools.

Please click here to view our Careers Page & Website for further information