What Are Best Private & State Schools in Surrey?

You will find private schools and state academies among the best schools in Surrey. With so many high-ranking settings in the local area, moving to Oxshott, Claygate or Leatherhead can bring the best schools in easy reach. But to find the best place to live in Surrey for schools, you first need an idea of the options on offer.

To help you, we have put together a guide to some of the best schools in Surrey.

What are the best schools in Surrey?

Surrey is well-represented by some of the region’s best private primary schools and secondaries, as well as highly regarded state junior and high schools. A note on grammar schools – the county’s own Guildford’s Royal Grammar School for boys, and co-ed Kingston Grammar School, now rank among the best independent schools in Surrey. However, some of the best grammar schools like award-winning Nonsuch High School for Girls, are nearby.

Some of the best schools in Surrey include:

1. Claremont Fan Court School

Address: Claremont Drive, Esher, Surrey, KT10 9LY
Age group: Pre-School, Junior, Secondary, Sixth Form

Centred around an elegant 18th Century mansion and set within 100 acres of historical grounds, Claremont Fan Court School is an all-through co-ed school for 1,200 pupils. The school’s academic reputation shows in its exam results, with 97% of A level grades A* to C, rounded out by sporting and artistic opportunities – all set within 100 acres of historical grounds. Annual tuition fees range from £7,920 to £27,675 pa.

2. City of London Freemen’s School

Address: Ashtead Park, Ashtead, Surrey, KT21 1ET
Age group: Junior, Secondary, Sixth Form

This co-educational independent school ranks as one of the best boarding schools in Surrey alongside Epsom College, Caterham School and Charterhouse. Sports are high on the agenda for its 943 pupils, but don’t overlook the arts programmes and theatre. As per the Independent Schools Council, it offers a “high quality, whole-person education”. Applicants often come from Surrey prep schools like Danes Hill School in Oxshott, with leavers frequently progressing to Oxford, Cambridge and Russell Group universities. Fees range from £22,662 to £31,788 pa, with the useful option of ad hoc boarding offered at £75 +VAT per night.

3. Rowan Preparatory School

Address: 6 Fitzalan Rd, Claygate, Esher, Surrey, KT10 0LX
Age group: Pre-Prep, Prep

Claygate’s popular Rowan Preparatory School for girls is considered one of the best prep schools in Surrey. Just under 300 pupils study under the motto ‘Hic Feliciter Laboramus’, or ‘Here We Work Happily’, with specialist lessons offered from preschool and strong arts and sports programmes. Fees start at £15,870 pa. Leavers often progress to the best Surrey girls’ schools like Lady Eleanor Holles, and co-ed senior schools like St. John’s School Leatherhead.

4. The Raleigh School

Address: Northcote Crescent, West Horsley, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT24 6LX
Age group: Pre-School (from September 2026), Junior

Raleigh School is one of the best state primary schools in Surrey, as a Sunday Times Parent Power League Table top 100 school for 2026, coming joint-first in Surrey for KS2 achievement. However, this Ofsted Outstanding-rated school encourages social skills and confidence alongside academics. It educates pupils from ages 4-11, with the new pre-school accepting children aged 3-4 in a purpose-build space onsite. Many progress to Howard of Effingham School.

5. Howard of Effingham School

Address: Lower Road, Effingham, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT24 5JR
Age group: Secondary, Sixth Form

This large, high-achieving comprehensive school is one the best state secondaries in Surrey, based on Sunday Times Parent Power Guide league table rankings. The catchment area extends to Cobham, East Horsley, West Horsley and Fetcham at the time of writing, but consult the school for up-to-date admissions information. Howard of Effingham is a sought-after school, so proximity can count.

6. Weydon School

Address: Weydon Lane, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 8UG
Age group: Secondary

Currently the Sunday Times Parent Power 2026 top-ranking state secondary for 11-16 year olds is Weydon School, maintaining its reputation as one of the best non-selective state schools for GCSE students. Admissions are competitive, so proximity can count. Surrey County Council’s catchment map offers guidance. Leavers move on to popular Sixth Forms like All Hallows Catholic School and Godalming College.

Surrey schools compared

School	Category	Stage	GCSE Results 2025	A Level Results 2025
Claremont Fan Court School	Independent	Pre-School, Junior, Secondary, Sixth Form	57% grades 7-9	84% grades A* to B
City of London Freemen’s School	Independent	Junior, Secondary, Sixth Form	82% grades 7-9	92% grades A*-B
Rowan Preparatory School	Independent	Pre-Prep, Prep	N/A	N/A
The Raleigh School	State Academy	Pre-School (from September 2026), Junior	N/A	N/A
Howard of Effingham School	State Academy	Secondary, Sixth Form	37% grades 7-9	84% grades A*-B
Weydon School	State Academy	Secondary	48% grades 7-9	N/A

When you’re moving with children, school proximity and catchments can add to the pressure. Could a Fetcham or Effingham property to meet your requirements? Contact Davies Property Partners, we will be glad to advise on the best places to live in Surrey for schools.