Parsons Mead was founded in 1897. It is a charitable trust which provides education for girls. The original building is now used mainly as the Boarding House and it retains its character of a large house standing in spacious gardens.
The aim of the curriculum is to provide a sound, broadly based education up to GCSE followed by a two year Advanced Level course in preparation for university or professional training. In addition to 5 core GCSE subjects, girls choose 4 others from a range of 18. In the Sixth Form, where they are taught in small tutorial groups, most girls choose 3 Advanced Level subjects from a total of 23 offered. Sixth Formers have their own study rooms.
Buildings and facilities are constantly being upgraded. Senior girls are taught in specialist rooms for most subjects. A new Drama Studio opened in 1993, a Science Block in 1992, a Sports Hall in 1989. There are well equipped rooms for Technology, Information Technology, Art, Textiles, Home Economics, Music and Modern Languages. A new Junior School building is about to be started, with completion in 1998. In addition to the Sports Hall, there are two hockey pitches, an outdoor swimming pool and five tennis/netball courts. There are two well-stocked libraries. The school has a well-deserved reputation for music and drama. There are major productions each term.
Boarding accommodation ranges from small dormitories for younger girls to individual study bedrooms for senior girls. Boarders are cared for by experienced Housemistresses and fully trained nurses. All food is prepared on the premises under the supervision of the Domestic Bursar.
The School is conveniently located about 1 mile from junction 9 of the M25. It is midway between Gatwick and Heathrow airports. Ashtead Railway Station is within a 15 minutes walk. The school minibus meets relevant trains every morning and evening.
Day boarding is available from 7.45am (including breakfast) until 8pm (including evening meal).
There is a growing Old Girls' Association, run by Miss Louise Firth who can be contacted via the School Office.
