The best private schools in Surrey & SW London

Are you thinking about going private? Find the right school for your child, says former Good Schools Guide writer Suzie Oweiss.

As a former writer for the Good Schools Guide and now a professional education adviser and partner with PS Education, Suzie Oweiss has visited and critically analysed many independent, grammar, and state schools. 

League tables have ranked UK schools for over a decade, but many of the best schools do not enter the leagues.

Further, not one of the leagues measures a school’s ability to love and care for its children, to provide a spiritual, moral, emotional, sporting, or artistic education for all its students, or to build the child’s character.

• Here, she identifies the top independent schools in Surrey and South West London, looking for more than just academic records.
• Below are the schools—not ranked—that I feel produce the highest value in terms of academic, sporting, and artistic achievement, results, and all-roundedness.

1. Hampton School

Hanworth Road, Middlesex, TW12 3HD | Telephone | Website

An independent day school for boys aged from 11 to 19.

Results for 2024:

• A levels: 93% A*-B, 76% A*/A.
• GCSEs: 95% grades 9-7.

Highly selective school with three adjectives used by current parents to describe it: Excellent, Incredible and Fantastic. Adding value rather than merely achieving results is at the heart of the school. Sport is very strong, especially in rugby, football, cricket and rowing. Very high achieving music students and over 20 choirs and ensembles to choose from.

A huge choice of extra-curricular activities, charity and community work at all age groups. Strong ties with neighbouring girls school, LEH – sharing school buses, drama productions, CCF and many more activities and events. Inclusive and diverse environment and a school for boys who are ready to work hard and stay on top of the game.

2. St George's College

Weybridge Road, KT15 2QS | Telephone | Website

An independent day school for boys and girls aged from 11 to 18.

Results for 2024:

• A levels: 83% A*-B, 60% A*/A.
• GCSEs: 95% grades 9-6.

As well as having pupils move from its own prep school into the senior, St G is also a popular choice for those wanting to move into a co-ed environment. Academically strong and ambitious.

It has come a long way over the years. There is a sense of pride and belonging amongst St G students and staff – the only Catholic Josephite school in the UK, it strives to represent that tradition and ethos very well. As well as the high standard academic choices, sport, drama and arts are a strong offering.

The incredible school grounds and abundance of land facilitate sports performance, with teams not only succeeding at the school level but also in national competitions. A nurturing, traditional school with proud and happy students who achieve incredibly well.

3. Kingston Grammar School

70 London Road, Kingston, KT2 6PY | Telephone | Website

An independent day school for boys and girls aged from 11 to 18.

Results for 2024:

• A levels: 95% A*-B, 73% A*/A.
• GCSEs: 92% grades 9-7.

KGS is a very well located school in the heart of Kingston attracting families from across the wider area even into Central London and Wandsworth and Clapham. A very highly academic school with entrance becoming more competitive.

Amazing subject choices from Maths, Science to up to 15 languages. Art and DT are huge here and so is sport. Very impressive degrees and uni destinations on exit.

Work Well and Be Happy is the motto of the school and quite rightly so. KGS offers just about everything from academic support, pastoral care to extra-curricular activities.  If you are looking for a country manor in leafy Surrey then this is not the school for you.

However, if you’re looking for an urban setting with great transport and a sense of independence, then KGS it is.   

4. Claremont Fan Court School

Sponsored | Claremont Drive, Esher, KT10 9HY | Telephone | Website

An independent day school for boys and girls aged from 2 to 18.

Results for 2024:

• A levels: 83% A*-B, around 60% A*/A.
• GCSEs: 83% grades 9-6.

Claremont (set in idyllic grounds in Esher) encourages its students to ‘be limitless in potential’ and ‘confident in character’. This describes the school pretty well especially because of its strength in pastoral care provision.

Although it is a place which welcomes children of all abilities and the school says that they are ‘gently selective’ at senior school level – the process is quite detailed and the students are expected to meet requirements before being offered a place.

Facilities are great – science block is a favourite for many. Art particularly celebrated too. Outstanding teachers always praised as well as a sound SEN department.

5. Notre Dame Senior School

Burnwood House, Surrey, KT11 1HA | Telephone | Website

An independent day school for girls aged from 2 to 18.

Results for 2024:

• A levels: 85% A*-B, 42% A*/A.
• GCSEs: 56% grades 9-7.

Browse the pages of the school’s website and you will read a great deal about respect, tolerance, nurturing and tradition. These words seem to describe the school perfectly. Notre Dame is certainly not an academic hot house but has definitely become more academic and entry is more challenging than before.

Girls will do well by working hard as well as being supported and nurtured. Drama, art and textiles are a clear strength – the performing arts facilities are amazing so are the endless fields and all weather pitches.

Set in an idyllic location – tucked away down a country lane. A huge array of clubs and activities – girls are encouraged to try everything from dancing to football, singing and chess. The choice is endless. Number dips at Sixth form – always been the case as girls move on to co-ed options or take up vocational courses.

6. City of London Freemen's School

Ashtead Park, Ashtead, KT21 1ET | Telephone | Website

An independent day and boarding school for boys and girls aged from 13 to 18.

Results for 2024:

• A levels: 92% A*-B, 71% A*/A.
• GCSEs: 86% grades 9-7.

Mainly a day school, although boarding numbers are growing. International school development and summer school seem to have enhanced its status as a boarding school, too. The school is one of the three City of London schools and therefore carries that tradition and history. Although very academic, it isn’t your usual pressuring hothouse. Students seem to achieve at a great pace.

Amazing grounds, although you have to delve in a little to see the beauty of the main house as the entrance can be deceiving. Lots of sports options and the school is creeping up to get to a high level of achievement.

Freemen’s boasts incredible state-of-the-art theatre and music studies as well as very impressive art. Overall, down to earth, high-achieving and happy school.

7. Box Hill School

London Road, Dorking, RH5 6EA | Telephone | Website

An independent day and boarding school for boys and girls aged from 11 to 18.

Results for 2024:

• A levels: 50% A*-B, 21% A*/A.
• GCSEs: 26% grades 9-7.

Almost equal divide with 60% day students and 40% boarders – 84% of boarders from overseas. Box Hill offers A levels as well as the International IB. Around half of sixth formers do the IB with overall scores are slightly above the world average. Although not an academic hothouse or highly selective, students are expected to achieve a certain level and to deliver top grades.

The school caters very well for those needing extra learning support – currently 140 or so pupils as well as others who need English language support. Sports opportunities for all – competitive and non. Beautifully placed in the heart of leafy Surrey with no shortage of space.

Entry into good universities as well as specialist courses and art or music foundation.

8. Epsom College

College Road, Epsom, KT17 4JQ | Telephone | Website

An independent day and boarding school for boys and girls aged 11 to 18.

Results for 2024:

• A levels: 87% A*-B, 61% A*/A.
• GCSEs: 74% grades 9-7.

It is a first-class school with first-class achievement and facilities. Under the new headship of Mr Mark Lascelles – the school has been enjoying an uplift.  Epsom has become a very popular choice with local pupils from top prep schools in Surrey.

The school is known to produce well-rounded, confident and dynamic individuals. Sports are very high on the agenda, especially rugby, with a number of old boys playing for Harlequins. Music, drama and art are also very popular. Around 10% of students are international, and EAL provisions are in place if needed. Hardly any leavers.

However, there is an expectation to work hard, enjoy life at Epsom and be dedicated.

9. The Harrodian School

Lonsdale Road, Barnes, SW13 9QN | Telephone | Website

An independent day school for boys and girls aged 4 to 18

Results for 2024:

• A levels: 86% A*-B, 49% A*/A.
• GCSEs: 77% grades 9-7.

Set on a 25-acre riverside estate in Barnes, Harrodian is a very highly sought-after school. Working at capacity is the aspiration of many local parents. Quite rigorous entry process – strong academic delivery, sound SEN and incredible art and sport. The music department is also outstanding. Some say it is an environment for affluent parents and celebrities but that can be said about most independent schools. A very large school so not for those looking for a small, cosy setting. Well worth a visit.

10. Reed's School

Sandy Lane, Cobham, KT11 2ES | Telephone | Website

An independent school for boys aged from 11 to 18.

Results for 2024:

• A levels: 86% A*-B, 55% A*/A.
• GCSEs: 81% grades 9-7.

A small school which has come a very long way throughout the year. Mostly day pupils with around 15% boarders. Amazing facilities and grounds and within easy reach from across Surrey and London. Academically, Reed’s results speak for themselves and one of its USPs is the STEM provision – Computer Science, Engineering and Electronics.

Strong SEN support in place and parents seem very happy with the pastoral care available. Music, art and sport are abundant and so much on offer for such a small school. An all-encompassing environment which caters for all.

11. St John's School

Epsom Road, Leatherhead, KT22 8SP | Telephone | Website

An independent day and boarding school for boys and girls aged from 11 to 18.

Results for 2024:

• A levels: 87% A*-B, 57% A*/A.
• GCSEs: 82% grades 9-7.

St John’s is placed in the heart of Leatherhead – as you drive towards it, you expect to see a town-style building until you are met with an incredible Victorian building which leads you to even more incredible grounds.

Academically high achieving but not a hot house – more of a school which strives to produce all-rounded students and added value is certainly key here – academic subjects, art, drama – all vital and everyone takes part and is included in everything. Strong feeling of camaraderie at all levels.

Sport is important and there are teams across abilities with matches against other schools and between houses on a weekly basis. The usual activities such as CCF and DofE are on offer as well as an array of opportunities for voluntary work and help within the community. Boys still slightly outnumber girls but quite a few enter the Sixth form from local girls’ schools.

12. Ibstock Place School

Clarence Lane, London, SW15 5PY | Telephone | Website

An independent day school for boys and girls aged 4 to 18.

Results for 2024:

• A levels: 64% A*-B, 56% A*/A.
• GCSEs: 88% grades 9-7.

Amazing grounds in what was once seen as a hidden gem. Ibstock Place has come forward leaps and bounds, becoming the first choice for local parents. The school’s mission is to get the pupils where they need to be without being an academic hot house and they do just that.

Very impressive personalised approach which gets the best out of the pupils. Art, drama and music are very popular too. Sports are on the rise, and now, more options are in place. A warm environment with wonderful facilities and vision.

13. Charterhouse School

Charterhouse Road, Godalming, GU7 2DX | Telephone | Website

A mainstream private school for boys (13-18) and girls (sixth form).

The Godalming school offers IGCSE, the Cambridge Pre-U and the IB diploma, plus GCSE and A levels. In 2019, 61% of A-level grades were A*-A and 70% of GCSE grades came in at 9-7. Students especially excel in History, Maths and Economics. Great facilities have set many Old Carthusian sports stars on their way. Other old boys include the Dimblebys, philosopher Don Cupitt, Jeremy Hunt and members of the rock group Genesis. 

14. Guildford High School

London Road, Guildford, GU1 1SJ | Telephone | Website

An independent day school for girls aged from 11 to 18.

Results for 2024:

• A levels: 96% A*-B, 83% A*/A.
• GCSEs: 97% grades 9-7.

A highly academic school with great results – very high achieving but does not place the girls in a pressure cooker. GHS produces confident, strong and happy students – many Oxbridge candidates as well as Russell group universities.

Sport, art, drama and music are outstanding so is the pastoral care provision. Not the place for you if you need dedicated one to one SEN – this is provided as part of the classroom teaching and a small percentage of the girls need it.

The school setting has a nice balance between urban and suburban and there is a lot of activity sharing with RGS nearby. GHS harnesses talent and creates support for you in any area in which you might be interested and where you show potential.

15. Cranleigh School

Horseshoe Lane, Cranleigh, GU6 8QQ | Telephone | Website

An independent day and boarding school for boys and girls aged from 13 to 18.

Results for 2024:

• A levels: 78% A*-B, 43% A*/A.
• GCSEs: 55% grades 9-7.

An all-rounder school to its true meaning – academic, looks to nurture all abilities and interests and very sporty too. Cranleigh truly caters for all – the high achievers, those needing support, and those in the middle. Set in leafy Surrey and on breathtaking grounds, the school is a favourite of many locals.

Many weekly boarders live within a very close distance. A wide range of subjects all the day up to A levels. A few decide to leave for the sixth form at local colleges. The current Head is about to pass the baton to the current Head of Benenden, so Cranleigh is destined to keep going from strength to strength. Friendly, strong and local – well worth considering.

16. Halliford School

Shepperton, TW17 9HX  | Telephone | Website

An independent day school for boys aged from 11 to 18 and girls from 16 to 18.

Results for 2024:

• A levels: 60% A*-B, 31% A*/A (2022).
• GCSEs: 56% grades 9-7 (97% 9-4).

Warm and encompassing – that’s how Halliford is often described. Around sixty places available in year 7, another 5 in year 9 and 50 or so for sixth form. One of the few which supports all levels – the ones in the middle don’t get left to their own devices as often found.

Small class sizes and tailored approach with around 14% with SEN support. Three old Hallifordians competed in the Tokyo Olympics – sport high on the agenda and growing. Science provision strong and art and drama facilities impressive too.

The school website describes is as a warm-hearted school – it is certainly a small school with a big nurturing heart – down to earth and delivers results and well-rounded young people.

17. Radnor House School

Twickenham, TW1 4QG | Telephone | Website

An independent day school for boys and girls aged from 11 to 18.

Results for 2024:

• A levels: 73% A*-B, 42% A*/A.
• GCSEs: 62% grades 9-7.

More and more of a popular option nowadays. It used to be a less academic option, but that’s fast-changing. Not stressfully so – more of a paced approached. Good pastoral care and SEN support.

Beautiful setting by the river and Pope’s Villa and even more so once the move to nearby Kneller Hall happens. Although entry is getting more selective, it isn’t stressful. String teaching and great results!

Sport is on the up, and rowing is a firm favourite. Whether it’s drama, sport or art, everyone gets involved somehow and is included at various levels. The website describes the school as friendly and effective, and it certainly is!

18. Hampton Court House School

Hampton, KT8 9BS | Telephone | Website

An independent day school for boys and girls aged from 2 to 18.

Results for 2024:

• A levels: 70% A*-B, 30% A*/A.
• GCSEs: 76% grades 9-7.

HCH is a school for individuals. Achievement with Heart – A lifelong love for learning is how the school describes itself. Children are encouraged to have an opinion and to question themselves and others. The school delivers a bilingual curriculum up to year 4 and that continues on as students take French GCSE in year 9.

Entry to the school is more about fit than academic rigour although there is an entrance test, interview and so on. Set in a beautiful house surrounded by parkland, the school overlooks Bushey Park and Hampton Court Palace.

Sport is on the up, although class sizes restrict full-on team representation. Art and drama are getting there, too. New management and head pushing the school forward. If you are looking for a school that doesn’t fit a classic mould and delivers results and curious and happy individuals, the HCH is the one.

19. Royal Grammar School (RGS)

Guildford, GU1 3BB  | Telephone | Website

An independent day school for boys aged from 11 to 18.

Results for 2024:

• A levels: 95% A*-B, 81% A*/A.
• GCSEs: 74.5% grades 9-8.

Academically strong with rigorous entry requirements all the way to Sixth form. The school recognises that you cannot just scrape through and expect to do well once you are in. RGS looks for bright students with potential and dedication. Oxbridge and medic applications in double figures almost always. Sport on the up and definitely not lagging behind. Music, art and drama too.

SEN provision not really needed but there nonetheless for the handful that does. One of those schools which depicts the notion of it being one thing to get in but you need to make sure you can thrive while you are there. RGS shares activities with GHS nearby. Strong and very impressive school.

20. Tormead School

Guildford, GU1 2JD | Telephone | Website

An independent day school for girls aged from 4 to 18.

Results for 2024:

• A levels: 79% A*-B, 59% A*/A.
• GCSEs: 86% grades 9-7.

Tormead describes itself as offering ‘Impressive academic results alongside outstanding pastoral care’ and quite rightly so. The school strikes the balance of being academically sharp as well as having solid pastoral care. Girls get their heads down and work hard – with good SEN support where needed. School particularly enthusiastic about STEM subjects and offers a number of impressive enrichment programmes.

Very strong sport department with representation across many teams. Music and drama departments very good with many opportunities and plans to grow even more. Tormead produces strong, resilient and confident girls.

21. The Royal School

Haslemere, GU27 1HQ | Telephone | Website

An independent day and boarding school for boys and girls aged from 0 to 18.

• A levels: 59% A*-B, 32% A*/A
• GCSEs: 80% grades 9-5

A small school which is not academically selective but has a clear entry process testing in Maths and English as well as an interview with the Head. Lots on offer academically and good pastoral care in place, as well as SEN if needed. The school runs a very welcomed and popular Future Ready programme focusing not on ‘what to think, but how to think.’ Sport is strong but not at a high-performance level, although definitely on the up—small, dynamic and caring school.

22. Reigate Grammar School

Reigate, RH2 0QS | Telephone | Website

An independent day school for pupils aged from 11 to 18 with a linked prep school

Results for 2024:

• A levels: 97% A*-B, 77% A*/A.
• GCSEs: 93% grades 9-7.

Reigate Grammar is one of those unique schools which merges academic success with nurture and great pastoral care – this is at the heart of everything the school offers. Outstanding results and offering of subjects and courses. Leavers go on to Oxbridge and top universities, but there is something for everyone. Music, art, and sports are high on the agenda but not over-powering. Reigate looks at every child and caters for them as individuals rather than expecting them to fit into a mould.

23. Manor House School

Leatherhead, KT23 4EN | Telephone | Website

An independent day school for girls aged from 2 to 16.

Results for 2024:

• GCSEs: 58% grades 9-7.

Since we last went to press, St Teresa’s, Cranmore and Manor House partnered together under the Effingham Schools Trust – this exciting merger means that between them, the three schools care for boys and girls of all ages – from nursery all the way to the completion of their schooling. Worth looking at!

As for Manor House, it is a popular choice for local parents who want a seamless entry from prep to senior and those who want to avoid the stresses of vigorous entrance exams and hot housing. Manor House caters well to families who prefer to move to a co-ed sixth form.

A good choice of subjects at GCSE. The school does not enforce triple science or language options – also plenty of vocational choices. Art and music as well as sport are popular too. A beautifully set, wholesome and nurturing yet forward-thinking school.

24. Ewell Castle School

Epsom, KT17 2AW | Telephone | Website

An independent day school for boys and girls aged from 3 to 18.

Results for 2024:

• A levels: 56% A*-B, 35% A*/A.
• GCSEs: 39% grades 9-7.

Inspire, Engage, Excel – that’s what you read as soon as you visit the school’s website and quite rightly so.

A hidden gem spread over four sites within easy reach by road and train. One of the few schools which caters for all abilities – not an academic hothouse but rather a school which caters for all ( A good range of BTECs on offer as well as A levels).

Ewell Castle has a unique approach in that it tailors its delivery depending on individual student needs. A very strong SEN department which welcomes all those who need it. Sport stands out at the school and is one of its main strengths – a vast choice as well as a tennis academy which won LTA 2022 Surrey Tennis School of the Year & is ranked 3rd in the UK as well as thriving a cricket academy too.

Drama and art are also well invested in. A school where you will be looked after if you struggle and if you excel – a happy and unpretentious school.

Lady Eleanor Holles School

Hampton, TW12 3HF | Telephone | Website

An independent day school for girls aged from 11 to 18.

Results for 2024:

• A levels: 94% A*-B, 75% A*/A.
• GCSEs: 95% grades 9-7.

LEH is a hub for strong girls who like a challenge, want to work hard and try new things. The website starts with the sentence: LEH is a remarkable school and that it is.

Academic, sporty, strong in arts and drama as well as pastoral care. LEH strikes a healthy balance by being a very high achieving school but not a stressful hot-house – although it is fair to say that it’s an environment for those who want to be stretched and thrive with the challenge.

All the attributes of an empowering all girls education but also shares a great deal with its neighbouring boys school, Hampton.

About the author

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Suzie Oweiss – Senior Education Consultant, PS Education Suzie has been in education for over 20 years, with 12 years of BBC experience as a writer, broadcaster and producer. She began as a reviewer for the Good Schools Guide, for which she visited, reviewed, and critically analysed many independent, grammar and state schools. She has recently helped pioneer a new student assessment system widely used by international students seeking places at UK schools and universities. For advice, see pseducation.co.uk or email info@psed.co.uk.

Choosing the right school - advice from the expert

As an education consultant, I find myself running into parents who think I have all the answers and can somehow draw up a list of definitely ‘good’ and ‘bad’ schools. Yet nothing could be further from the truth. Schools are homes from home for our children for at least 12 years, precisely how they need to regard them. I always try to tell parents there is no such thing as a good school – only one that is right for their child. When considering a school, look at its strengths and what really makes it stand out.

Consider what your child enjoys, his or her ability and preferred learning style. Look at your family situation and what works for you geographically. And how about the choice between co-ed and single-sex? Or between day and boarding school? It’s also vital to look beyond waiting lists and the entrance exam.

Cramming to pass an exam is all very well, but steady preparation for a place at the most suitable school – where your child can thrive, enjoy life and nurture an appetite for learning – is a different matter entirely. I have visited schools and advised families for over 15 years, and the rule remains the same: match a unique offering to the characteristics and strengths of your child. If the match is right, everyone wins.