Chafyn Grove was founded as Salisbury School in 1879. It became a preparatory school in 1916 and has been co-educational since 1980. Facilities are constantly updated to keep up with educational change. Chafyn Grove is purpose built and there are modern Pre-Prep, Junior Block and Music School buildings. Each child enjoys an integrated arts course, with equal opportunities in pottery, woodwork and art during the year. Two new squash courts were opened in 1989 and a Creative Arts Centre, with facilities for drama, music, art, pottery, wood and metalwork, was finished in 1990. In addition to the standard curriculum which prepares children for Common Entrance at 13, there are 38 activities to choose from during the year, most included in the fees. There are 11 acres of playing fields and a heated swimming pool. Sports on offer include rugby football, hockey, netball, pop lacrosse, cricket, tennis, rounders and squash. A magnificent new Sports Hall was opened in January 1992 and in 1995 a new teaching block comprising 2 Science rooms, 2 Maths rooms and a Computer Centre. There is a broad programme of activities for boarders each weekend and full use is made of facilities offered in the hinterland, Salisbury and Southampton for field and theatre trips. Parties regularly go to France and skiing in Switzerland. Though Chafyn Grove values its scholarships to public schools, which are rewarded for exceptionally gifted children, it puts greater emphasis on providing the greatest possible stimulus and encouragement for the development of every child's talents in a friendly, disciplined atmosphere.
