November 15, 2019
Surrey's Best Independent Schools
There are many aspects of the Surrey Hills that draw young families to it. Having the convenience of London being at arm's reach whilst still having the luxury of easy countryside access is a rare offering in the housing market and a big sell.
However, there is another major perk that Surrey has going for it; it has some of the very best schools in the country. In fact, three of the top-performing schools in the UK are found in the self-styled home-counties capital of Guildford itself. The Telegraph's Top 100 UK private schools list last year ranked Guildford High School for Girls second; the Royal Grammar School (33rd) and St Catherine's (24th).
When considering where in the UK to call home, it is best to keep your child’s schooling in mind in order to give them the very best start in life. Understandably living near a decent school also only helps to improve the property value. Of course, every child needs something different from their education; however, we've drawn up a list of some great recommendations for independent schools in the Surrey area. We recommend researching all the various options in detail, attending an open day and starting the entry process as early as possible - competition remains fierce for the limited places available at the more prestigious schools.
Guildford High School for Girls
Frequently appears in the list of top ten performing independent schools in the UK and is a lovely day school near the centre of Guildford town. If your focus is on academics, then this is the school for you.
Type: Day / Girls
Royal Grammar School, Guildford
A high-performing option for boys. Found right in the centre of Guildford town and heavily integrated with the town's culture.
Type: Day / Boys
St Catherine's School, Bramley
St Catherine's is a village-based school with a strong focus on academic achievement and ties to the Church of England.
Type: Boarding / Day / Girls
Charterhouse School
This is Surrey's famous public school with a long history and extensive alumni. From next year they will be taking girls from the age of 13.
Type: Boarding / Day / Co-educational
St John's Leatherhead
Not as academically focused like the other schools on this list but still a respectable establishment for those who enjoy extra-curricular activities.
Type: Day / Boarding / Co-educational
The Royal School
Situated in Haslemere and ranking in the Top 100. It has a strong Christian foundation and became a diamond school in 2011.
Type: Boarding / Day / Co-educational
Cranleigh School
The Good Schools Guide describes Cranleigh as the “ideal for the sporty, energetic, sociable, independent and lovely child.”
Type: Boarding / Day / Co-educational
Hurtwood House
Entrance only from ages 15. Known more for its broad range of extra-curricular activities than it’s academic prowess.
Type: Boarding / Day / Co-educational
Duke of Kent
The Duke of Kent school is based in a gorgeous listed building in Ewhurst and is small in pupil size.
Type: Day / Co-educational
King Edwards, Witley
Has a reputation for a focus on sports and is known for encouraging its pupils to think independently.
Type: Boarding / Day / Co-educational
Prior’s field
A renowned feeder school for Russell Group universities and one of the more expensive schools in the area. Does offer generous scholarships.
Type: Boarding / Day / Girls
Tormead
Cited in the Sunday Times as a reason to live in Guildford and rumoured to have a friendly rivalry with Guildford High School.
Type: Day / Girls
For those readers with younger children who want to provide them with the very best start to their schooling years, then The Grantley Group recommends:
Longacre School
Family orientated with a focus on happiness at the core of its philosophy. Located in Shamley Green and welcomes parental interaction. Type: Day / Boys / Girls
Aldro School
Feeder school for Charterhouse and other public schools, very academic but with excellent extra-curricular activities on offer. Based in the charming village of Shackleford, near Godalming.
Type: Boarding / Day / Boys