Private Schools
Surrey has more top independent schools per square mile than almost anywhere outside London. Several date back to the Tudor era; others are modern specialists. Results speak for themselves.
Leading Boarding & Day Schools
Charterhouse
One of the original nine English public schools, founded in 1611 in London and relocated to Godalming in 1872. Now fully co-educational, Charterhouse sits on a 250-acre campus in the Surrey Hills with strong results across academics, sport, music, and art.
Cranleigh School
Founded in 1865 as the Surrey County School, Cranleigh is a leading co-educational boarding and day school set in 280 acres on the edge of the village. Well regarded for art, drama, and sport, with consistently good academic results.
Epsom College
Founded in 1853, Epsom College occupies an impressive 72-acre campus overlooking the Epsom Downs. Co-educational, with a long track record in the sciences and a disproportionate number of medics among its alumni.
Reed's School
Founded in 1813 by Andrew Reed, this independent school for boys occupies a beautiful 40-acre site in Cobham, with girls welcomed into the Sixth Form. Reed's has a close-knit feel and gets good results across academics, sport, and performing arts.
St John's School
A co-educational day and boarding school founded in 1851, on a 50-acre campus in Leatherhead. Good music, drama, and sport alongside solid academics.
King Edward's School
One of Surrey's oldest schools, founded in 1553 by King Edward VI. Set in a magnificent 100-acre estate, this co-educational boarding and day school is known for its music, wide range of activities, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Grammar & Selective Schools
Royal Grammar School, Guildford
Founded in 1509 and housed in part in a Tudor building on Guildford High Street, the RGS is academically selective and consistently ranks among the highest-performing schools in the country. Consistently at the top of league tables, it offers a rigorous education for boys, with a co-educational sixth form.
Guildford High School
Part of the United Learning group, Guildford High School is one of the leading girls' day schools in England. Top academic results, busy co-curricular programme, and a culture that pushes girls to think independently.
Specialist & Co-educational
Hurtwood House
A unique independent sixth-form college set in a country house estate in the Surrey Hills. Hurtwood has built its reputation on theatre, film, and music, and several well-known actors came through here. Academics are solid too.
Prior's Field
A girls' boarding and day school founded in 1902 by Julia Huxley, set in 42 acres of beautiful Surrey countryside near Godalming. Prior's Field does well academically, with a particular strength in creative and performing arts.
Claremont Fan Court School
Set within the grounds of the National Trust's Claremont Landscape Garden, Claremont Fan Court takes pupils from nursery to sixth form, and the grounds alone make it hard to beat as a place to go to school.
Notre Dame School
A Catholic independent day school for girls aged 2 to 18, set in a spacious campus in Cobham. Notre Dame has a friendly feel, reliable exam results, and good sport, music, and drama.
Surrey's Independent Schools
Schools are a big part of why families move to Surrey. Within half an hour of Guildford you've got Charterhouse (founded 1611, one of the original nine public schools), the Royal Grammar School (on part of its site since 1509) and Cranleigh School on a 280-acre campus in the Surrey Hills. The concentration of good independent schools here is hard to match anywhere else in England.
The choice is wide. Co-ed boarding schools include Epsom College, St John's Leatherhead and King Edward's Witley (Royal Charter, 1553). Hurtwood House, a sixth-form boarding college in the Surrey Hills, counts Emily Blunt and Hans Zimmer among its alumni and has a strong creative focus. Guildford High School ranks consistently near the top of national day school league tables. Prior's Field, founded by Julia Huxley in 1902, does strong academics alongside creative arts on 42 acres near Godalming.
The settings help too. Claremont Fan Court School sits in the grounds of the National Trust's Claremont Landscape Garden in Esher. Charterhouse overlooks the Surrey Hills from a 250-acre site. For families looking at property in the county, school proximity often drives the search. We'd always recommend visiting in person: open days tell you more than any prospectus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best private schools in Surrey?
Surrey's most highly regarded private schools include Charterhouse in Godalming (founded 1611), Royal Grammar School Guildford (founded 1509), Cranleigh School, Epsom College, and Guildford High School. Several consistently rank among the top independent schools in England for academic results. The best school for any individual child will depend on their strengths and interests, so visiting on an open day is always recommended.
How much do Surrey private schools cost?
Day fees at Surrey independent schools typically range from around £5,000 to £8,000 per term depending on the school and age group. Boarding fees are higher, generally between £12,000 and £15,000 per term at the leading schools. Some schools such as King Edward's Witley offer significant bursary support to families who need it.
Which Surrey schools are co-educational?
Charterhouse, Cranleigh School, Epsom College, St John's Leatherhead, King Edward's Witley, Claremont Fan Court, and Hurtwood House are all fully co-educational. Reed's School and the Royal Grammar School Guildford are boys' schools with co-educational sixth forms. Prior's Field, Guildford High School, and Notre Dame Cobham are girls' schools.
What is the most academic school in Surrey?
The Royal Grammar School Guildford is widely considered the most academically selective school in Surrey, consistently ranking among the top schools in England at both GCSE and A Level, with over 300 Oxbridge offers in the past decade. Guildford High School is similarly outstanding among girls' schools, regularly appearing in the upper reaches of national league tables.
Which Surrey schools offer boarding?
Schools offering boarding in Surrey include Charterhouse, Cranleigh School, Epsom College, St John's Leatherhead, King Edward's Witley, Hurtwood House (sixth form only), and Prior's Field. Most offer both full and weekly boarding alongside day places.
Are there any Surrey schools with scholarships?
Most Surrey independent schools offer scholarships and awards in areas including academics, music, art, drama, and sport. King Edward's Witley is notable for providing bursary support to a significant proportion of its pupils. Many schools also offer means-tested bursaries alongside scholarships to widen access.
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