Every parent wants the best school for their child – but what does "best" mean?
As a former writer for the Good Schools Guide and now professional education adviser and partner with PS Education, Suzie Oweiss has visited and critically analysed a large number of independent, grammar and state schools.
UK schools for more than a decade have been ranked by league tables, but many of the very 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 – let alone build the child’s character.
Here she identifies the top independent schools in Surrey and South West London – with an eye for more than just the academic record. Below are the schools – listed alphabetically, not ranked – that I feel produce the highest value-added in terms of academic, sporting and artistic achievement, results and all-roundedness.
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1
Hampton School
A mainstream independent school for boys aged from 11 to 19
Hampton School is rated as one of the top independent schools in the country. In 2019, 79% of A levels were at A*-A and 91% of the grades at GCSE were at 9-7. Wide range of subjects on offer with science and maths being taught at IGCSE level.
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 Lady Eleanor Holles School (girls school next door) – sharing school buses, drama productions, CCF and many more activities and events.
The majority of boys join at 11+, 13+ or 16+. Entry is via competitive examination, references from the student’s current school and interview. Leavers head to top universities with 24 boys heading to Oxbridge in 2019.
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2
St George's College
A Catholic day school for pupils aged from 11-18
A popular choice for those wanting to a co-ed environment. Academically strong. In 2019, 53% achieved A*-A at A level and 80% achieved 9-7 grades at GCSE. There is a sense of pride and belonging among St George’s students and staff. As well as its high academic standards, sport, drama and arts are a strong offering, too.
The extensive school grounds encourage strong sports performance, with teams succeeding at school level and nationally. A nurturing, traditional school with proud and happy students who perform incredibly well. Many students come up through the Junior School, with others joining via entrance examinations at 11, 13 and 16.
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3
Kingston Grammar School
A mainstream co-educational independent school for pupils aged from 11 to 18
In 2019, 66% A*-A grades at A level and 90% 9-7 grades at GCSE. Academically robust, especially in Maths, English, sciences and languages – so across the board.
The school is situated in the heart of town with access to transport and shopping. A new-ish arts centre lends itself as a great facility for exhibitions and performances. Outstanding art, drama and music achievements.
Very good SEN provisions in place. Cricket, netball, football and hockey are very popular sports choices.
The atmosphere at the school is relaxed, with a real mix of backgrounds and abilities.
The main points of entry are at 11+, 13+ and 16+. Admission is by selection on academic merit. For all entries, there is an examination and interview. For 16+ entry predicted GCSE grades (or international equivalent) are considered as well.
Destinations include top universities, with 10 students heading to Oxbridge in 2019.
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4
Notre Dame Senior School
A Catholic day school for girls aged from 11-18, which welcomes all faiths
In 2019, 54% of students achieved A*-A at A level and 53% achieved 9-7 grades at GCSE. Notre Dame is a school which encourages and nurtures girls with all abilities. Girls do very well in textiles, drama and art.
They can learn modern dance, violin or drums, netball or football. The Montaigne Theatre has been a welcome addition to the school, as has the new all-weather hockey pitch. University choices in 2019 included Southampton, Durham and Nottingham Trent.
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5
Surbiton High School
A mainstream independent school for girls aged from 4 to 18
‘An urban school in suburbia’ with sports facilities close to the main buildings.
Surbiton High girls excel at the “Super Eight” sports: hockey, cricket, football, netball, gymnastics, rowing, tennis and skiing. In fact, sport is at the heart of the school as are art, drama and music.
Academically, the girls are bright, independent and taught the importance of high achievement. Teaching is exciting and enlightening. Technology plays a large part in their learning as does the importance of leadership and entrepreneurship.
A level grades in 2019 were at 60% for A*-A and almost 70% of GCSE grades were 9-7.
Most parents are working professionals and girls are educated to have the same approach to life. Entry is by assessment tests in English, Maths then an interview. The girls are asked to write a personal statement to discuss during the interview.
University applications are mostly Russell Group with 10% of girls heading to Oxbridge in 2018 and 2019.
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6
City of London Freemen's School
A day and boarding school for pupils aged from 7-18
Pupils mostly day, yet boarding numbers are growing after the launch of newly developed and impressive boarding houses. In 2019, 65% of students achieved A*-A grades at A level and 83% of students scored 9-7 grades at GCSE.
The school, although very academic, is not a hothouse. Great facilities for sports. A state-of-the-art theatre hosts performances and concerts. The school was founded to educate orphaned children of the Freemen of the City of London, and still carries that tradition and history with it. Students are relaxed yet polite and respectful.
Students head to a breadth of universities to study a wide spectrum of subjects, from Mechanical Engineering to Hispanic Studies and Russian. Eight students headed to Oxbridge in 2019.
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7
The Lady Eleanor Holles School
A mainstream independent school for girls aged from 7 to 18
Highly academic, sporty and excelling in drama and the arts the school also has excellent facilities, including a superb boathouse. Perfect school for confident, dynamic high achievers; everything about the school means business – not forgetting fun and excitement to go with it.
In 2019, 77% of girls achieved A*-A grades at A level and 91% achieved 9-7 grades GCSE.
A real mix of families, many with brothers at Hampton School next door. Very good fee assistance – 100% bursaries available. Thirteen girls headed to Oxbridge in 2019; the rest go to other Russell Group universities such as Bristol, Warwick, LSE, UCL, Nottingham, Edinburgh and Manchester.
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8
Box Hill School
A day and boarding school for pupils aged from 11-18
The independent school has 60% day students and 40% boarders, with 25% of students from overseas. Offers A levels as well as the International Baccalaureate (IB). In 2019, 43% of students achieved A*-B grades and 20% achieved 9-7 grades at GCSE. The average IB score was 31.
The school has tonnes of tracking, mentoring, small group (and sometimes individual) teaching. The school promotes pupils focusing on their own growth, learning and success instead of comparing themselves to others. Sports opportunities for all – competitive and non. Entry into good universities as well as specialist courses at art or music foundations.
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9
Putney High School
A mainstream independent school for girls aged from 4 to 18
Excellent girls school with high academic results situated between rural and urban life. In 2019, girls achieved 67% A*-A grades at A level and 82% 9-7 grades at GCSE.
Lacrosse, rowing, tennis and netball are some of the sports on offer.
Perfect school for the confident, strong and assertive. Parents are mainly working professionals – all very happy with the teaching and all-round care for the girls.
Entrance at 11+ by competitive exam and interview. At 16+, girls need six GCSEs at A*/A, with A* at AS level in subjects they wish to study at A level.
Most girls stay for A levels apart from a few who go to boarding schools or co-ed sixth forms. UCL, King’s, Bristol, Bath, Durham and SOAS are just some of the university destinations, with several girls also heading to Oxbridge every year.
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10
Caterham School
A day and boarding school for pupils aged from 11-18
Excellent teaching in a bucolic setting. In 2019, 62% of A level grades were A*-A and 80% of GCSE grades were 9-7.
This is a top school which does not shout out enough about its achievements: modest, hard-working and dynamic – like its students. Strong in sport, too, especially rugby, lacrosse and hockey. Entry is at 11, 13 and 16 pending entrance exams and an interview. Students head to Russell Group universities including Oxbridge, Bristol and Exeter.
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11
Epsom College
A mainstream independent day and boarding school for pupils aged from 11 to 18 in Epsom
First-class school with first-class achievement and facilities. In 2019, 66% of students achieved A*-A grades at A level and 77% of students scored 9-7 grades at GCSE.
The school is known to produce well-rounded, confident and dynamic individuals. Sport is 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 provision is in place if needed.
The school week extends to Saturdays, ending with matches on Saturday afternoons. Students head to a broad spectrum of universities, including Oxbridge, King’s and Bristol.
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12
The Harrodian School
A mainstream co-educational independent school for pupils aged from 4-to-18
Founded in 1993, the Harrodian School has grown from a small school of 65 pupils to a current intake close to 1000 students.
Great results: 52% A*-A grades at A levels and 71% 9-7 grades at GCSE in 2019. Pupils excel in languages as well as business, drama and ICT.
Hard to believe such vast facilities could be found in the heart of town. All pupils encouraged to join sports teams but the emphasis is not overly competitive.
Families mainly affluent Barnes residents quite relaxed and a few first time buyers. General atmosphere is the ability to achieve without the stress!
Admission to the Senior School at 13+ is by examination at Common Entrance or the school’s own examinations and interview.
Admission to the Sixth Form is by examination, interview and GCSE results.
University destinations vary between very good to top choices across the UK.
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13
Reed's School
A day and boarding school for boys aged from 11-18, and for girls in the sixth form
Although the majority are day pupils, the school has a boarding school feel. Expectations are set high but without pressure. Boys do well and become well-rounded individuals while at the school. In 2019, 50% of grades at A level were A*-A and 73% of grades at GCSE were 9-7.
The school is popular for its performing arts but with its amazing grounds and facilities, even more so for sport, with fantastic sporting facilities. Students go on to all the top universities to study geography, history, engineering and medicine.
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14
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Emanuel School
A mainstream co-educational independent day school for pupils aged from 10 to 18
Emanuel was founded in Elizabethan times for the education of 10 boys and 10 girls and has grown to be a school of high academic achievement with 48% A*-A grades at A level and 72% 9-7 grades at GCSE in 2019.
Excellent quality of teaching and full of happy children. Amazing science, languages and design technology as well as IT facilities. Emanuel School excels at sport, art, music and performing arts.
Very good provision for children needing learning support – around 15% have mild learning difficulties.
Majority of parents are working and mostly local families. Entrance is selective – at 10+, 11+, 13+ and 16+. All pupils are interviewed and need to get 60% at the entrance exam. The school looks for uniqueness and not just highly academic candidates. Good discounts for siblings who meet the entry requirements. Bursaries and scholarships are also available to all. University destinations mostly Russell Group with a couple to Oxbridge.
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15
St John's School
A day and boarding school for pupils aged from 11-18
Academically strong, but with good pastoral care. In 2019, 62% of students achieved grades A*-A at A levels and 76% of students achieved grades 9-7 at GCSE. Roundedness is a focus.
Academic subjects but also art and drama are considered vital. Sport is important too, with weekly matches against other schools and between houses. CCF and DofE are on offer, as well as an array of opportunities for voluntary work. The school looks charming, with red brick buildings, bright classrooms, and a grassy quadrangle and also has excellent facilities, including a new sports/swimming complex completed in 2019.
University choices vary from Oxbridge to Exeter, Durham, Warwick Loughborough, Southampton and Liverpool.
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16
Frensham Heights
Mainstream independent day and boarding school for pupils aged 13-18
For good boarding school type education with a touch of modernism. No uniform, teachers and pupils on first name terms, yet the mood is highly respectful.
2019 saw 46% A*-A at A level and 23% 9-7 at GCSE. English, Maths, Geography and History are always popular, Art even more so. Around the school one constantly reads three words: think, create, explore. These sum up the FH ethos.
Just under 50% of students leave after GCSE to attend local/state sixth form colleges.
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17
Ibstock Place School
A mainstream co-educational independent day school for pupils aged from 4 to 18
All students take IGCSE in all main subjects and have to take two languages: French, plus one from German, Italian, Mandarin Chinese, Spanish or Latin.
Results: 58% of grades at A level in 2019 were A*-A and 73% of grades at I/GCSEs were 9-7. The Sixth Form has been around for over ten years and is proving to be a great success.
Competitive sports and a great range of extra-curricular activities on offer. Debating, public speaking and drama are very popular.
Parents vary from professional couples to city executives and one or two celebrities. Highly over-subscribed.
All pupils are interviewed and have to sit exams in English, Maths and Verbal/Non-Verbal Reasoning. Some leave after IGCSE but most stay on and gain places at top universities in the UK and the US.
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18
Charterhouse School
A mainstream independent 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 rock group Genesis.
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19
Guildford High School
Mainstream independent day school for girls aged 11-18
Strongly academic school with results to match: in 2019, 77% of A level grades were A*-A and 97% of GCSE grades were 9-7. All girls study Latin for three years and take three separate science subjects.
Students also excel in music, drama and sport. Throw in a wide range of clubs and other extra-curricular activities, and the result is that the girls are occupied throughout the day. Yearly exams are always held before half-term holidays, so girls get a well-deserved break. Entrance at 11 is highly competitive, with a few ad hoc places up for grabs in other year levels.
Around 20% each year go on to Oxbridge, with the rest securing places at Durham, Warwick and other top universities.
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20
St Paul's School
A mainstream independent school for boys aged from 13 to 18
The school describes itself as ‘a selective independent school in West London for bright, inquisitive boys aged 7–18 years.’ And they certainly are! In 2019 at A-Level, 80% of grades awarded were A*-A and at GCSE, 96%% of grades awarded were 9-7.
Brilliant teaching, incredibly rich curriculum and happy, bright and confident boys – a recipe for continued success. St Paul’s is a school which prides itself in value-added and is strongly anti league tables.
Extremely strong in sport, music and drama with superb facilities.
Boys move from the school’s prep school, Colet Court or externally – all selected through testing and interviewing process.
Several students head to Oxbridge each year and the rest to top UK and US universities.
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21
Streatham & Clapham High School
A mainstream independent school for girls aged from 3 to 19
Founded in 1887, the school is based in the heart of South London and offers a wide range of subjects at all levels - all available at GCSE and IGCSE levels (apart from Classics).
In 2019, 38% of grades were A*-A at A level and 72% of grades were 9-7 at GCSE.
As well as being involved in the Head Master’s lecture series, all sixth-form students participate in the school’s unique Kinza programme – a compulsory enrichment programme offering a range of over 30 topics which the girls study one afternoon each week.
Parents from a range of backgrounds and cultures. Diversity across the year groups. Extremely friendly and supportive of all girls.
Entry into the school is competitive. Interviews at all levels and at 16+ minimum of six GCSEs required, with A*/A grades in subjects chosen for AS level.
Destinations – some leave after year 11 and around half stay on and get places at Russell Group universities.
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22
Royal Grammar School
Mainstream independent day school for boys aged 11-18, located in Guildford
RGS is an outstanding school with an inevitable highly competitive entry – around 400 pupils apply for 100 available places per year. In 2019, 67% scored A*-A at A level and 89% scored 9-7 at GCSE.
Students excel at the sciences, maths and languages, with options including Mandarin, Arabic and Russian, as well as Latin and Greek.
RGS is in town, but sports pitches are not far away, with rugby, cricket and hockey all on offer. There are new performing arts and music facilities, and each year pupils go on to the top universities, with up to 30 Oxbridge offers.
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23
Cranleigh School
Mainstream independent day and boarding school for pupils aged 13-18
In 2019, 39% of Cranleigh pupils scored A*-A at A level, with over 50% of students scoring 9-7 at GCSE. The campus and facilities are second to none and the school excels at sport.
Each year sees entrants into top universities. Sporting choices are vast: 31 pitches and up to 29 teams competing every Saturday in a variety of sports. Performing arts is another strength, with 70 to 80 performances a year. There is also a strong sense of community. Even the boarders are quite local, resulting in active parental involvement with lots of social activities.
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24
Sir William Perkins School
A day school for girls aged 11-18
Sir William Perkins School (SWPS) is growing from strength to strength, with 51% of students achieving A*-A at A levels and 72% of students achieving 9-7 at GCSE in 2019. It is a welcoming, diverse, down-to-earth school.
Popular sports include hockey, netball and badminton, as well as swimming and rugby. The school also has its own boathouse and girls excel at rowing. Plenty of co-curricular activities are also on offer, including dance, music ensembles and language clubs.
Entrance is by examination at 11, with an option to defer a place offered for entry at 13. Students head to a broad spectrum of universities, with 3 girls going to Oxford in 2019 to study Chemistry, Law, and Classics.
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25
St Catherine’s School
A mainstream independent day and boarding school for girls aged 4-18
Situated in the pretty village of Bramley, St. Catherine’s girls excel on all fronts – academics, sport and the arts. In 2019, 64% of A level grades were A*-A and 83% of GCSE grades were 9-7. The girls do well across all subjects.
Great sporting and performing arts facilities provide ample opportunities for girls to engage in all manner of co-curricular activities, from lacrosse to chess, trampolining to public speaking, and choir to charities. It’s a popular choice for families living anywhere near its vicinity – and for many, further afield who choose to board - and many girls come up to the senior school through the prep school.
Entrance is by examination at 11, with occasional places opening up in other years. Girls head to top universities every year to study an impressively diverse list of subjects – Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Greek & Hebrew, Animation Production, Dentistry, Medicine, Modern Languages, and the list goes on! In 2019, 4 girls headed to Oxbridge, with many also headed to St. Andrew’s, Durham, Exeter, and King’s College.
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