Mowden Hall School is located in the heart of beautiful Northumberland

While the last couple of years has undoubtedly been extremely hard, people have still been able to extract some positives. One of these is definitely the renewed appreciation for the great outdoors and the benefits it affords our wellbeing. Across the nation, people have reestablished their connection with their outdoor space

Life at a Country Prep School

Outdoor Inspiration

“Earth and sky, woods and fields, lakes and rivers, the mountain and the sea, are excellent schoolmasters, and teach of us more than we can ever learn from books.” – John Lubbock

While we aren’t able to offer up a mountain or the sea, the school is situated on over 52 acres of luscious grounds, with candid views of fields, rolling hills and friendly sheep who often show interest in the children by poking their heads over the fence.

Surrounded by historic landmarks such as Hadrian's Wall you certainly know that you’re in the countryside. Children are allowed to roam free, build dens in the woods, climb trees, get muddy - be children. ‘Children only have one childhood’; is an ethos that sits at the core of our values. Our children have the scope to run around and play in one of the greatest assets on earth; that certainly makes for a stimulating and profitable learning environment.

Sustainability

“If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.” – Marcus Tullius Cicero

The school’s Eco Garden is a special place. The project provides an exciting gateway for the children to learn about growing their own produce and creating a more sustainable environment for themselves, as well as future generations. Any harvest is sent to the school kitchen to be made into something delicious for all the children to enjoy.

At the other end of the grounds, Woodland Classroom encourages the children to learn about the natural environment and observe wildlife. They also develop survival skills, such as building fires and orienteering. These activities help strengthen relationships with each other, improve communication skills and enjoy shared experiences that then translate into a foundation for better classroom relationships.

In a country Prep School, there is a ‘come rain or shine’ mentality, from which emerges a more resilient child.

Wellbeing

”You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” – Buddha

The holistic approach at Mowden Hall School develops our pupils to be kind, confident, independent, and resilient. With a balance between academic and pastoral, the outdoors is an outlet for children to be children; getting muddy, jumping in puddles and impromptu breaktime rugby matches.

There are also many opportunities for extracurricular activities. There is an abundance of riding schools and events in this part of the world, an array of wildlife for nature and bird watching (we have a resident Short-eared Owl who often patrols the skies above the school), eco-initiatives and an array of sports that can be played as soon as you step outside the classroom.

Appreciation

“Heaven is under our feet as well as over our heads.” – Henry David Thoreau

The stunning aspect that can be enjoyed at a country Prep School shouldn’t be taken for granted. When you are continually surrounded by such beauty there is a danger that you become immune to the aesthetics and your appreciation wavers.

The children are taught to appreciate the simple things that life offers and growing up in an environment such as this is a privilege, and while they should enjoy the space for adventures, it is still essential to treat the countryside with respect.

This resonates as positive, well-mannered children who recognise how fortunate they are to have such an incredible outlet to their studies.

Family & Community

“Love is a better teacher than duty.”– Albert Einstein

Mr Marchbank founded Mowden with the aim to run a school that would not just provide academic rigour, but a place where the school would work together like a family, encouraging freedom of thought, individual development and mutual respect and trust that a Prep school thrives on.

Supported by its continuing rich history as a dedicated and vibrant educational academic institution, we are proud to say that we have maintained the wonderful concepts upon which it was founded. Instilling a sense of adventure and love of learning that is echoed throughout the ages, permeating the very school corridors and grounds.

Mr Marchbank started something so beautifully unique and special; we take pleasure in carrying forth the greatness he exemplified at Mowden Hall School.

We are a Mowden family.