Surrey has a wide choice of independent schools, which is wonderful for families and, at times, a little overwhelming. Every website promises excellent teaching and happy pupils, so how do you work out which independent school in Surrey is right for your child?
Having welcomed many families through our doors, we have put together the questions we think matter most. They apply wherever you are looking, not just at Surbiton High.
1. Start with your child, not the league table
Results matter and are worth looking at, but the best school for your child is one where they will be happy, stretched and known. Do they thrive somewhere buzzing or somewhere calmer? Are they sporty, creative, academic or still finding out? Write down three things you want a school to do for your child and take that list to every visit.
2. Think about single-sex, co-educational or both
Some families feel strongly either way; many have not thought about it until they start looking. Surbiton High follows a diamond model: boys and girls are taught separately in our Boys’ Prep and Girls’ Prep from Reception to Year 6, and from Year 7 our Senior School and Sixth Form are for girls. Ask every school how its structure shapes learning, leadership and friendships.
3. Look at the whole journey
Changing schools is a big step, so think about where your child could be in five or ten years. Does the school offer continuity through to Sixth Form, and what are the main entry points? At Surbiton High, families can join at Reception, Year 3 (7+), Year 7 (11+), Year 9 (13+) and Sixth Form, with occasional places in other year groups.
4. Ask how well-being is supported
Pastoral care is one of the most important things to understand and one of the hardest to judge from a prospectus. Ask who your child would go to if they were worried, how the school keeps in touch with parents and what specialist support is available. You can read about our own approach in our recent well-being article.
5. Explore life beyond the classroom
Clubs, sport, music, drama and trips are often where children discover what they love. Ask what is on offer and how many pupils actually take part. Our Expanding Your Horizons booklet lists over 150 different opportunities, and much of our sport takes place at Hinchley Wood, our 39-acre sports ground.
6. Check the practicalities
Travel, timings and costs shape family life for years. How will your child get to school each day? We run 11 bus routes across the area, as well as a late coach service. Ask about wraparound care, what the fees include and whether scholarships and bursaries are available.
7. Visit, and visit again
Nothing replaces seeing a school in person. Watch how pupils speak to each other and to staff, and ask pupils what they enjoy most. If you can, go to an open event and then come back for a smaller tour.
If Surbiton High is on your list, we would love to meet you. Visit our Visits & Open Days page or contact our admissions and reception teams at admissions@surbitonhigh.com. Registration for 7+ and 11+ entry in September 2027 closes on Monday 2 November 2026.
