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Are you considering a private school in Surrey for your child? There are more than 30 independent secondary schools in the county.
Find out everything you need to know about private schools in Surrey, including fees, exam results, and how to apply for a place.
What are the best private schools in Surrey?
Surrey is home to some of the country's top schools. The following 10 private senior schools are ranked the best in Surrey for 2025 based on recent exam results. Most of these schools are also within the top 100 private schools in the UK.
Guildford High School
Reigate Grammar School
Royal Grammar School, Guildford
City of London Freemen's School
Caterham School
Epsom College
St John's School, Leatherhead
St Catherine's, Bramley
Reed's School
St George's Weybridge
How much do private schools cost in Surrey?
Fees vary between schools, but the cost of independent education in Surrey is above the national average. Annual fees typically range from £23,000–£25,000.
It's important to note that these figures can vary. Additional costs such as boarding, uniforms, extracurricular activities, and trips may apply.
What's included in the school fees?
Independent school fees always include the cost of teaching. Some of the fees which might be charged separately include school lunch and exams (e.g. GCSEs, A levels and the IB Diploma). If your child goes to a boarding school, the fees usually include the full cost of boarding (lodging, meals etc.).
Before you register your child for a school, it's best to check exactly what's included in the fees. You will usually need to pay a non-refundable registration fee on application (often £100–£300) and a deposit when you accept an offer.
Help with school fees in Surrey
Most private schools in Surrey offer financial assistance to children who meet certain criteria. The most common type of assistance is a bursary, which is means-tested. Lots of schools also offer scholarships, but these are based on talent and are not means-tested.
Bursaries are a type of means-tested financial assistance. They're normally offered on a sliding scale, so children from lower-income families receive more support. Eligible children still need to meet the school's entrance criteria.
Most private schools in Surrey offer bursaries that can cover up to 100% of school fees. Some also help with the other costs of private education, such as school uniforms, lunch, transport, and extracurricular activities.
If you think your child might be eligible for a bursary, you'll need to complete a bursary application form for your target school. This will involve supplying detailed financial evidence. You might also have a home visit from a member of the school's bursary team.
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Private girls' schools in Surrey
Day school in Guildford for girls aged 4–18.
Address: Guildford High School, London Road, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 1SJ
Number of students: 1,000+
Fees per term: £8,329
Financial assistance: means-tested bursaries
11+ scholarships: academic and music
A level results (2024): 95.8% A*–B
GCSE results (2025): 98.2% A*/A/9/8/7
National rank: 8
Private boys' schools in Surrey
Day school in Shepperton for boys aged 11–18 with a mixed sixth form.
Address: Halliford School, Russell Road, Shepperton, Surrey, TW17 9HX
Number of students: 450+
Fees per term: £7,500–£8,640
Financial assistance: means-tested bursaries and sibling discount
Scholarships: academic, art, drama, music and sport
A level results (2024): 55% A*–B
GCSE results (2024): 99% 9–6 (A*–C)
Private co-educational schools in Surrey
Day and boarding school in Dorking for ages 11–18.
Address: Box Hill School, Old London Road, Mickleham, Dorking, Surrey, RH5 6EA
Number of students: approx. 400
Fees per term: £8,623–£14,351
Financial assistance: means-tested bursaries
11+ scholarships: academic, art, drama, music, and sport
A level results (2024): 50% A*–B
IB results (2024): 32 average points
GCSE results (2024): 26% A*/A/9/8/7
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