Across the UK, independent schools, more commonly referred to as private schools, have long held a reputation for their impressive academic performance. Freed from the constraints of government funding and curriculum mandates, independent schools are able to invest significantly in facilities, specialist teaching and individualised care.
Yet, the benefits of a private education extend beyond strong academic outcomes and positions on league tables. Parents are often drawn to the program of co‑curricular opportunities, from music, drama and debating to sports and outdoor pursuits, alongside the strong emphasis on instilling confidence, independence and leadership amongst its pupils.
Surrey is home to 47 independent schools that cater to secondary-age students, many of which also include nursery and primary institutions. The majority operate as day schools, although a little under half provide boarding in addition to day places. Graduates of these schools regularly progress to top Russell Group universities, Oxbridge or internationally renowned institutions that are supported by a network of alumni.
In this guide, we uncover the top five independent schools the county has to offer.
Guildford High School for Girls
- A levels: 84% A*/A.
- GCSEs: 98% grades 9-7.
This day school has earned a reputation as an academic powerhouse, consistently posting outstanding examination results. Named as the 2024 Independent School of the Year (The Sunday Times), recent academic terms have seen Guildford pupils achieve close to 98 percent A* or A at GCSE and its A‑level outcomes are similarly impressive.
Yet, beyond the statistics, Guildford High offers a holistic education approach that is designed to nurture the individual talents and interests of each student. The school places a strong emphasis on music, drama and sport and students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, including science laboratories, performing arts studios and extensive sports grounds, alongside dedicated pastoral care that supports personal development and wellbeing. The school also boasts an extensive alumni network across the arts, media and public services, including actress Julia Ormond, television presenter Louise Roe, Mumsnet founder Justine Roberts and Baroness Fiona Hodgson.
Lady Eleanor Holles School
- A levels: 75% A*/A.
- GCSEs: 96% grades 9-7
Located on the Surrey border in Hampton, Lady Eleanor Holles School, founded in 1710, comprises a small junior school and a larger senior school on a 24-acre site and has spent over three centuries empowering generations of women. The school won the title of The Best Independent Secondary School in 2025 (The Sunday Times) and is known for its exam results, which frequently approach the top of the national league tables.
Pupils benefit from modern theatres, excellent sports facilities and a focus on both creative and intellectual development, while LEH’s new strategy, Facing the Future Undaunted, sets out a vision to champion girls’ education and sustain the high aspirations that regularly see graduates take up places at Oxbridge and other prestigious universities. LEH alumni include trailblazers across science, business, the arts, media, sport and the armed forces, from Melanie Ivarsson, OBE, Chief Development Officer at Moderna, to Vanessa Kirby, actor and Alys Thomas, Commonwealth Champion swimmer.
Reigate Grammar School
- A levels: 77% A*/A.
- GCSEs: 90% grades 9-7
Established in 1675 by Henry Smith, Reigate Grammar School (RGS) is a co‑educational institution that has risen to prominence over recent years, with the 2023 Independent Schools Inspectorate praising RGS as “excellent in all areas”, alongside winning the title of Independent School of the Year in 2025 (The Sunday Times).
Its academic profile is equally outstanding, with around 90 per cent of GCSEs graded A* or A and A‑level outcomes that place it among the country’s best schools. However, what sets RGS apart is its philosophy that happy children achieve great things. A broad, enriching curriculum sits alongside exceptional opportunities in languages, arts, music and sport and the school invests heavily in pastoral systems to ensure each pupil is supported.
Opening in 2027, the Andy Paul Sport and Activity Centre, made possible by former pupil Andy Paul and RGS International partnerships, will feature a competition-standard sports hall, fitness suite, dance and multipurpose studio and outdoor all-weather MUGAs, with construction beginning in April 2026.
City of London Freemen’s School
- A levels: 70% A*/A.
- GCSEs: 86% grades 9-7
City of London Freemen’s School (CLFS) is a co-educational day and boarding school founded in 1854 by the City of London Corporation, originally as an orphanage for freemen’s children. In 1926, it relocated to its current 57-acre campus and transitioned from an orphanage to a fee-paying school, subsequently adopting the name of City of London Freemen’s School and catering to students aged 7 to 18.
In 2024, 70% of A-Level results were graded A*-A and 86% of GCSEs achieved grades 9-7. The curriculum is complemented by a wide range of co-curricular activities, including sports, arts and leadership programs and maintains strong ties with the City of London Corporation, with students having opportunities to engage with Livery Companies and participate in prestigious events such as the Lord Mayor’s Show and the Lord Mayor’s Banquet. The school's alumni, known as Old Freemen, include notable figures such as actor Andrew Garfield, musician Joe Strummer and investor Guy Spier.
Caterham School
- A levels: 71% A*/A.
- GCSEs: 85% grades 9-7
Founded in 1811 by Reverend John Townsend, Caterham School is a co-educational day and boarding school set on a 200-acre campus in Harestone Valley. The school serves students aged 3 to 18, including over 150 boarders, with 71% of A-Level results graded A* or A in 2024 and several students securing places at Ivy League universities.
Its extensive co-curricular program spans sports, music, drama and clubs such as Amnesty International and the Combined Cadet Force, whilst the campus includes sports fields, woodland, a high ropes course and an outdoor learning centre. Notable Old Caterhamians include actor Angus Deayton, cricketer Ali Brown and actor Jon Finch.
Collectively, these schools illustrate the appeal and benefits of an independent education in the South East. For families considering independent schooling, Surrey offers a cluster of schools that not only prepare pupils for university and professional life but also nurture the confidence, creativity and curiosity that will serve them as they continue in the wider world.
