There are more than 5,000 listed school buildings in England, and many of the most spectacular are to be found in the independent sector. Thalia Thompson looks at five of the most enchanting
Independent schools offer a first-class education. In many cases it comes in truly stunning surroundings. Some schools have the splendour of a stately home, some have an idyllic setting in beautiful countryside and others offer an inspirational sense of heritage and tradition. When there are nationally important buildings or landscapes to maintain, schools cannot work alone. Some schools work with heritage organisations to preserve their historic surroundings. In other cases, it?s the National Trust or Landmark Trust, or a specific charity has been set up. At Stowe School in Buckinghamshire, for example, the Capability Brown-designed gardens are the responsibility of the National Trust ? and the Stowe House Preservation Trust was created to undertake an ambitious restoration programme. These partnerships also allow for managed public access. This never impinges on school life; open days are usually during holidays and where it?s more frequent ? for example, Lancing Chapel in West Sussex is open almost every day ? the demarcation between public access and the school itself is very clear. 
Charterhouse School, Surrey
Charterhouse school is steeped in history. The stately sandstone buildings are fine examples of the Romantic Gothic style, with spires, statues and walls decorated with the ...