Beatrice Ensor with Carl Jung

The creating of something new is not accomplished by the intellect alone. The creative mind plays with the object it loves.” C.G. Jung

In 1925 Miss Isabel King and Mrs Beatrice Ensor founded Frensham Heights. They were both Theosophists, a group of sceptical free-thinkers, reformers with a liberal, humanising agenda for education. The key-note of these new ideals and educational methods was: ‘faith in human nature and the spiritual powers latent in every child’. The practical implication of this philosophy was to guide the child’s instincts and impulses into constructive activities.

The first prospectus announced, besides dancing and opportunities for cycling, riding and cultural activities: ‘an unusually wide choice of leisure occupations under qualified teachers; these include dramatic work, photography, practical work in the workshops - including carpentry, metalwork, weaving, leather work, jewellery - gardening and team games.

Today we see this reflected in the equal status that the school gives to the performing and creative arts, for which it has an enviable reputation.