A.S Neill's Summerhill School

A co-educational boarding school in Suffolk, England - The original alternative 'free' school

Founded in 1921, it continues to be an influential model for progressive, democratic education around the world.

Summerhill is the oldest children's democracy in the world. It is probably the most famous alternative or 'free' school. The system that Summerhill employs is not only about education - it is also a different way of parenting which eliminates most of the friction and many of the problems experienced by modern families.

"Summerhill is a real place, not a utopia. Living in a community of around 100 people is not always easy. Everybody is learning about themselves, and on a bleak January day, with the east wind blowing, things are sometimes not wonderful!



But Summerhill in summer time is lush, green and not unlike never-never land. It is more of a family or tribe than a school - full of companionship, laughter and real feelings.



For many Summerhill pupils it becomes the most meaningful experience in their lives".

Zoë Neill Readhead, Principal of Summerhill