Summerhill School
URN: 124870 • Leiston IP16 4HY
Overview
- Name
- Summerhill School
- URN
- 124870
- Type
- Other independent school
- Phase
- Not applicable
- Status
- Open
- Gender
- Mixed
- Religious
- None
- Admissions
- Non-selective
- Trust
- Private
- Yes
- Ofsted rating
- n/a
- Ranking score
- 55.7 / 100
Leadership & Contact
- Headteacher
- Zoe Readhead (since 2025) , Principal
- Telephone
- 01728830540
- Website
- Visit
- Address
- Westward Ho, Leiston IP16 4HY
Summary
Summerhill School, located in Leiston, Suffolk, is an independent mixed school founded by A.S. Neill over a century ago. It operates on a progressive educational philosophy that prioritises the individual needs and freedoms of children, allowing them to learn in a ‘free-range’ environment. With a current enrolment of 53 pupils and a capacity of 90, the school fosters a community atmosphere where children can grow socially and emotionally, engaging in self-directed learning without the constraints of traditional educational structures.
The curriculum at Summerhill is not fixed; instead, students choose their activities and subjects, promoting autonomy and personal responsibility. This approach encourages children to develop their interests and skills at their own pace, supported by a dedicated staff who facilitate learning rather than dictate it. The school also emphasises the importance of play and social interaction, viewing these as essential components of a child's development.
Summerhill is more than just a school; it is a community where companionship and real feelings are integral to the experience. The ethos of self-governance and mutual respect creates a unique environment that many students find profoundly meaningful. The school also engages with parents and the wider community through initiatives that promote children's rights and well-being.
The curriculum at Summerhill is not fixed; instead, students choose their activities and subjects, promoting autonomy and personal responsibility. This approach encourages children to develop their interests and skills at their own pace, supported by a dedicated staff who facilitate learning rather than dictate it. The school also emphasises the importance of play and social interaction, viewing these as essential components of a child's development.
Summerhill is more than just a school; it is a community where companionship and real feelings are integral to the experience. The ethos of self-governance and mutual respect creates a unique environment that many students find profoundly meaningful. The school also engages with parents and the wider community through initiatives that promote children's rights and well-being.
Useful links
- Celebrations, Events and Trips (calendar)
- A.S. Neill and History (other)
- An Alternative to Mainstream School (other)
- Contact Us (other)
- Learning at Summerhill (other)
- Summerhill News (other)
- SHOP (other)
- Statutory documents & Inspection reports (other)
- Visiting Summerhill School (other)
- Working at Summerhill (other)
Nearby alternatives
- First Base Ipswich Academy (72.7)
- First Base, Ipswich (72.7)
- First Base (70.2)
- On Track Education Mildenhall (69.1)
- Churchill Special Free School (67.7)
Trends
| Date | Pupils | Boys | Girls | Capacity | FSM% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-07-14 | 53 | 29 | 24 | 90 | |
| 2024-09-11 | 51 | 25 | 26 | 90 | |
| 2023-09-11 | 53 | 28 | 25 | 90 | 0.00 |
| 2022-09-11 | 53 | 28 | 25 | 90 | 0.00 |
| 2021-09-11 | 59 | 31 | 28 | 90 | 0.00 |
| 2020-09-11 | 67 | 37 | 30 | 90 | 0.00 |
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