Independent Schools in Surrey

Longacre School is a co-educational independent day school and nursery for children aged 2 to 11, situated in the village of Shamley Green near Guildford. Set within over nine acres of grounds in the Surrey Hills, the school is housed in an original 1902 building supplemented by modern classrooms, a sports hall, and Astroturf. Founded in 1946 by Ursula Fairfax-Cholmeley, the school follows the motto “A happy heart goes all the way”. Its ethos emphasises a nurturing environment where pupils are encouraged to explore the outdoors through woodland areas and an onsite forest school.

Rydes Hill Preparatory School & Nursery is a co-educational independent school for children aged 2 to 7, located in a leafy suburb of Guildford. Founded in 1945 by the Daughters of Mary and Joseph, the school is based in Rydes Hill House, a striking 18th-century Georgian building featuring a Victorian clocktower. Now part of the Tormead family, the school follows a nurturing ethos where "happy children learn". Specialist facilities include a dedicated STEAM suite, a performing arts centre, and Forest School areas, supporting a broad curriculum delivered through small, individualised classes.

Aberdour School is a co-educational preparatory day school for children aged 2 to 11, situated in 12 acres of grounds in Tadworth, Surrey. Founded in 1928, the school emphasises a personalised approach to learning through its bespoke "Personalised Achievement Leaders" system. Facilities include a purpose-built nursery, modern science laboratories, and extensive outdoor space for sport and play. The curriculum is designed to identify and nurture individual talents, preparing pupils for transition to a wide range of senior schools while fostering a supportive and inclusive community environment.

St Teresa’s Effingham is an independent day and boarding school for girls aged 2 to 18, set within 55 acres of parkland in the Surrey Hills. Founded in 1928 by the Religious of Christian Instruction, the school is situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is centred around an 18th-century manor house. It maintains a Catholic ethos while welcoming pupils of all faiths. Notable facilities include an on-site equestrian centre, a 300-seat performing arts theatre, and a tennis academy. Since 2019, it has formed part of the Effingham Schools Trust alongside Cranmore School.

St Christopher's School is a co-educational independent pre-prep and nursery in Epsom, Surrey, catering for pupils aged 2 to 7. Founded in 1938 and situated in an Edwardian house near Epsom Downs, the school focuses on creativity and independence within a nurturing atmosphere. Facilities include a dedicated Forest School, a sports field, and a multi-purpose hall for assemblies and sport. Now part of the Reigate Grammar School Group, the school provides specialist teaching in subjects such as French, Music, and Art, aiming to prepare children for their transition to junior schools after Year 2.

Essendene Lodge School is a co-educational day school and nursery for children aged 2 to 11, situated in Caterham, Surrey. Founded in 1964, the school operates with small class sizes and offers a broad curriculum that includes specialist teaching in music, French, and physical education. The school is located in a residential setting and focuses on preparing pupils for the 11-plus examinations and the transition to various senior schools. Facilities include an on-site nursery and outdoor play areas.

Reed's School is an independent day and boarding school for boys aged 11 to 18, with a co-educational Sixth Form, located on a 40-acre site in Cobham, Surrey. Founded in 1813 by the Reverend Andrew Reed as the London Orphan Asylum, the school moved to its current premises in 1946. It offers a variety of academic and extracurricular programmes, with dedicated facilities including an indoor cricket centre and a regional tennis academy. The school maintains an emphasis on character development and pastoral care, rooted in its historical foundation as a charitable institution.

Laleham Lea School is a Catholic independent co-educational day school for pupils aged 3 to 11, situated in Purley, Surrey. Founded in 1945, the school is housed in a Victorian building and provides a primary education rooted in Christian values. It emphasises a nurturing environment with small class sizes to support individual academic and personal growth. The curriculum is broad, incorporating various extracurricular activities alongside core subjects. The school aims to develop well-rounded individuals within a close-knit community, preparing them for the transition to senior education.

Charterhouse is a co-educational independent boarding and day school for pupils aged 13 to 18, situated on a 250-acre campus in Godalming, Surrey. Founded in London in 1611 by Thomas Sutton, the school relocated to its present site in 1872, where it is housed in distinctive Gothic Revival buildings. The curriculum balances academic rigour with music, the arts, and sport. Notable facilities include the Queen’s Sports Centre and an art studio. Historically, Charterhouse is recognised for its significant role in the early development and codification of association football rules.

Seaton House School is an independent day school for girls aged 3 to 11, with a co-educational nursery, located in Sutton, Surrey. Founded in 1930, the school is situated in a residential setting and emphasises a nurturing environment with small class sizes. It focuses on providing a broad curriculum that prepares pupils for the 11-plus transition to both grammar and independent senior schools. Facilities include dedicated spaces for music, art, and ICT, supporting a range of extracurricular activities alongside its core academic programme.

Caterham Prep is a co-educational day school for pupils aged 3 to 11, located in the Harestone Valley, Surrey. Sharing a 200-acre site with the senior school, it provides access to extensive woodland for outdoor learning. The curriculum balances academic study with digital innovation and wellbeing. Facilities include an indoor swimming pool and dedicated performing arts spaces. The school is part of an institution founded in 1811, which was originally established for the sons of Congregational ministers before moving to its current location in 1884.

Frensham Heights is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 3 to 18, situated on a 120-acre estate near Farnham, Surrey. Founded in 1925, the school maintains a progressive ethos where students do not wear a uniform and staff are addressed by their first names. The campus is centred around a Grade II listed Edwardian mansion and features a dedicated performing arts centre. The school emphasises individual development and creative expression, offering a broad curriculum that includes a strong focus on outdoor education and the arts.

Cumnor House Boys School is an independent day school for boys aged 2 to 13, located in South Croydon, Surrey. Established in 1931, the school operates across two sites and provides a curriculum focused on preparing pupils for the 11-plus and 13-plus entry into senior schools. Facilities include a swimming pool, music rooms, and extensive sports fields. The school emphasises a balance of academic rigour and character development, offering a variety of extracurricular opportunities in sport, music, and the arts to foster well-rounded individuals.

Woldingham School is a Catholic independent day and boarding school for girls aged 11 to 18, situated in a 700-acre estate within the Surrey Hills. Founded in 1842 by the Society of the Sacred Heart, it is one of the oldest girls' schools in the UK. The school is housed in Marden Park, a former country estate near Caterham. Its facilities include a 600-seat professional theatre and a modern sports centre. The curriculum focuses on academic breadth alongside a commitment to the Sacred Heart values of personal growth and social awareness.

Sutton High School GDST is an independent day school for girls aged 3 to 18, situated in the heart of Sutton, Surrey. Established in 1884, the school is a member of the Girls' Day School Trust and provides a continuous education from nursery through to sixth form. The campus features a blend of Victorian buildings and modern facilities, including a dedicated sixth form centre and specialist spaces for performing arts and sport. The school's ethos focuses on fostering a supportive community that encourages academic curiosity and personal growth in every pupil.