Orley Farm has evolved since September 1850 from a boarding school for boys preparing for Harrow, to a co-educational, day school. In 1984 the Official Grant of Arms was awarded. The arms and crest have three historical sources: the stag holding an oak leaf is the Trollope family crest; crossed arrows and a silver laurel wreath are included on the Harrow arms, and the “Hurst” of oak trees on the shield and sprig of oak in the badge refer to the Gardner family. The motto, Haec cogitate., “think on these things”, comes from St Paul’s letter to the Philippians. Orley Farm was originally a traditional boarding prep school similar to the likes of Ludgrove and Heatherdown Preparatory Schools. During the 1980s by about 1983, boarding was phased out after over 130 years and the dormitories were converted into classrooms. In 1994, the school administration made the landmark decision of admitting girls for the first time. The pre-prep department had opened by 1992 when boys aged rising 5 were admitted.
Edge
Orley farm has a program called the edge program and consists of extracurricular activities such as cooking house skills and looking after the wildlife. This starts from Year 5
Houses
Each pupil and staff is randomly assigned to one of the four houses upon entry. The houses are named after former headmasters and activities are overseen by house teachers.
Hastings - Housemaster: Mr S Bloom
Hopkins - Housemaster: Mr Z McAllister
Broadrick - Housemaster: Mrs R Gascoigne
Julians - Housemaster: Mr P Ryan
New Buildings
Butler Hall
In July 2015, the first of 4 major building projects came on line after the school invested just under £10 million to upgrade the facilities. The new dining hall overlooking the pool was named after Lord Butler, a former pupil, who joined the school to open the building. It is a multi function space that helps serve over 600 meals but also doubles as a lovely light atrium for reception drinks before school events.
Elliot Block
In September 2015, the original music school was turned into a building called the Elliot Block. It consists of new facilities supporting Drama and Music and was named after Ian Elliott, a former Headmaster, who valued the wider curriculum, something that has always marked Orley Farm out as an exceptional school that prepares pupils for life rather than simply exams.
Davies Library
In September 2015, the Davies Library was reopened having moved it from the old Gardner building and tripling the size. It was opened by Justin Davies, a former Headmaster, who valued the pursuit of academic excellence. Whilst many schools are closing their libraries, Orley Farm has consciously decided to invest in books as well as technology in this stunning new facility.
Gardener Building
In February 2016, the new Gardener Building opened with 12 completely refurbished classrooms that join to the Elliott Building via an enclosed bridge. The Mathematics, English, computer science & Science departments are now all housed in this purpose build facility that caters for education in the 21st century.
