Caterham School Review 2026

Choosing the right school is one of the biggest decisions a family ever makes. If you are exploring top independent schools in the south of England, the name Caterham School will come up again and again. Set in the beautiful Surrey Hills, Caterham School is a co-educational day and boarding school known for strong results, modern teaching, and warm pastoral care. In this review, we will look closely at what makes it special, what it costs, and who it suits best, all in simple and clear words.

This guide is written for real parents who want honest information, not just glossy marketing. We will cover the fees, the entry process, the results, and daily life at Caterham School, along with a few things worth thinking about before you apply. By the end, you will have a clear picture of whether this school could be the right home for your child. So let us begin this Caterham School review with the basics and then go deeper step by step.

What Is Caterham School and Where Is It Located?

Caterham School is an independent, co-educational school in Caterham, Surrey, on Harestone Valley Road. It sits on a stunning 200 acre campus in the Surrey Hills, with sports fields, woodland, a high ropes course, and an outdoor learning centre. This green and open Caterham School campus is one of the first things families notice and love about Caterham School Surrey. As both a Caterham School day school and a boarding school, it welcomes local and international pupils alike.

The school has a long history. It was founded in 1811 and has been co-educational for more than 35 years. It welcomes both day and boarding pupils, and it is part of the well respected HMC group of leading independent schools.

Here are the key facts at a glance:

• Type: Independent, co-educational day and boarding school
• Location: Caterham, Surrey, close to Gatwick and London
• Ages: 3 to 18, with a Prep School and Senior School on one campus
• Motto: Truth without Fear

The location is a real strength. Caterham School is about twenty minutes from Gatwick and a short walk from the local station, with fast trains into London. This makes Caterham School very convenient for both local and international families.

Why Is the Location Near Gatwick and London So Convenient?

Location matters more than many parents expect, especially for boarding families. One of the quiet advantages of Caterham School is how easy it is to reach. It offers the calm of the countryside with the connections of a city nearby.

Here is why families value the setting so much:

• It is only around twenty minutes from Gatwick Airport
• It is a short walk from Caterham Railway Station, with regular trains to London
• Central London is roughly forty five minutes away
• The Surrey Hills give a safe, green, and peaceful environment

For international boarding families, being close to Gatwick is a big plus, and the Caterham School Gatwick link is often mentioned in reviews. When people search for private schools near Gatwick, Caterham School often stands out for this reason. The easy Caterham Railway Station school access also makes daily life simple for day pupils travelling from nearby areas. So Caterham School blends a beautiful rural campus with strong travel links, which is a rare and welcome combination.

How Good Are the Academics at Caterham School?

Academics are where Caterham School truly shines. The school is known across the country for excellent results and a modern, thoughtful approach to learning. If you are wondering whether Caterham School is a good school, the exam results give a strong and clear answer.

Recent results have been very impressive:

• At A Level, around 64 percent of grades were A star or A in 2025
• At GCSE, over 91 percent of grades were the top A star or A range
• In 2023, nearly half of all GCSE grades were the highest Grade 9

These Caterham School GCSE results and Caterham School A-level results place it among the strongest schools in the country. In national comparisons and league table listings, Caterham School consistently ranks in the top tier. When people look at the Caterham School ranking and Caterham School league table position, they see a school performing at an elite level year after year.

What Is the EDGE Curriculum and Learning to Learn Approach?

What makes Caterham School different is not just results, but how it teaches. The school focuses on building independent, confident thinkers rather than simply pushing students to memorise facts. Two special programmes sit at the heart of this.

The first is the EDGE curriculum. EDGE stands for Explore, Develop, Grow, and Evolve. Through this, pupils learn across subjects, build real world skills, and think more deeply. The Caterham School EDGE curriculum even includes a sixth form careers carousel covering Oxbridge entrance, medicine, degree apprenticeships, and a finance qualification.

The second is the Learning to Learn program. This teaches students how to learn well, focusing on habits like curiosity, focus, and perseverance.

Here is what these programs give pupils:

• Stronger independent thinking and research skills
• Better focus, curiosity, and self organization
• Real world skills for university and careers
• A genuine, lifelong love of learning

The Caterham School Learning to Learn approach encourages children to work smart, not just hard. Together, these programs make the Caterham School curriculum modern, rich, and future focused.

How Does Caterham School Use Technology and Digital Learning?

Technology is woven naturally into daily life at Caterham School. The school is proud to be an Apple Distinguished School, a recognition given only to schools that use technology in creative and effective ways. This status reflects a real commitment to smart, modern teaching.

The Caterham School Apple Distinguished School status means pupils use technology to research, create, and collaborate. It is not about screens for the sake of screens. It is about using digital tools to deepen understanding and build skills for the future.

Here is how Caterham School digital learning helps pupils:

• Pupils research and create using modern tools
• Learning becomes more interactive and engaging
• Students build digital skills valued at university and work
• Teachers can give richer, faster feedback

This focus on Caterham School digital learning sets it apart from many traditional schools. It prepares young people for a world where technology is part of almost every career. In this way, Caterham School balances timeless values with a genuinely modern classroom.

What Are the Fees at Caterham School in 2026?

Fees are one of the most important parts of any school decision, so let us be clear and honest here. Caterham School is a premium independent school, and the fees reflect that. Please remember that fees change each year and now include applicable VAT, so always confirm the latest figures directly with the school.

Based on the 2026 and 2027 academic year, the Caterham School fees per term are roughly as follows:

Caterham School day fees: about 9,665 pounds per term for Years 7 to 13

Sixth form day entry: about 10,125 pounds per term

Caterham School boarding fees, full boarding: about 20,170 pounds per term for Years 9 to 13

Weekly boarding: about 16,830 pounds per term for Years 9 to 13

To view it yearly, the Caterham School day fees come to roughly 29,000 pounds, while full boarding is around 60,000 pounds a year. The Caterham School sixth form fees are slightly higher than the lower years. These are significant sums, so it is worth exploring financial support, which we cover next. Understanding the full Caterham School fees picture early helps families plan with confidence.

Does Caterham School Offer Scholarships and Bursaries?

Yes, and this is good news for many families. Caterham School wants to welcome talented children from a range of backgrounds, so it offers both scholarships and bursaries. These can make a real difference to the overall cost.

Scholarships reward talent and are awarded for strong ability in areas such as academics, music, drama, art, and sport. Bursaries are different. Caterham School bursaries are means tested, which means they are based on family financial need and can offer substantial help.

Here is a simple breakdown:

• Caterham School scholarships recognise excellence in academics, music, art, drama, and sport
• Caterham School bursaries provide means tested financial support based on need
• Both can be combined in some cases to reduce fees further

If you are asking does Caterham School offer scholarships, the answer is a clear yes. Families are encouraged to apply early and ask the admissions team for full details. Exploring Caterham School scholarships and bursaries can open the door for children who might otherwise miss out on this excellent education.

How Do Admissions and Entrance Exams Work?

The admissions process at Caterham School is competitive but well organized. The school is academically selective, so if you are wondering is Caterham School selective, the honest answer is yes. Children join at set entry points and sit assessments suited to their age.

The main Caterham School admissions entry points are:

 

• Caterham School 11+ entry, the most common starting point
• Caterham School 13+ entry, often through deferred entry
• Caterham School 16+ entry, for sixth form entry

For younger entry, pupils sit the Caterham School ISEB pretest, an adaptive online test, followed by an EDGE Experience Day with further assessments and fun group activities. The Caterham School entry requirements focus on academic ability, potential, and attitude to learning.

Here is what the process usually involves:

• Registration and the ISEB Common Pre-Test
• The Caterham School entrance exam and assessment day
• An interview and a report from the current school

For Caterham School sixth form entry, places depend on GCSE results and subject choices. Understanding the Caterham School admissions steps early gives your child the best chance of success.

What Is Boarding Life Like at Caterham School?

Boarding is a big part of the Caterham School experience. The school offers a warm, friendly, and well supported boarding community, which is one reason families searching for the best boarding schools Surrey and even the best boarding schools UK often shortlist it.

Caterham School boarding is known for its caring atmosphere and modern, refurbished accommodation. Pupils enjoy a busy program of activities, trips, and weekend fun, so boarders feel at home and never bored.

Here is what boarding life offers:

• Comfortable, modern Caterham School boarding houses
• A friendly, diverse, and supportive community
• A full program of evening and weekend activities
• Strong pastoral care and daily support

As one of the leading co-ed boarding schools Surrey has to offer, Caterham School gives both weekly and full boarding options. This flexibility suits many family situations. Whether your child boards full time or weekly, the Caterham School boarding houses aim to feel like a true second home.

How Is Sport, Music, and Drama at Caterham School?

A great school is about more than exams, and Caterham School knows this well. Life beyond the classroom is rich and varied, with something for every child. The school offers over one hundred and sixty clubs each week, so pupils are spoilt for choice.

Caterham School sport is strong and inclusive, with excellent facilities including a modern Sports Centre and wide playing fields. Whether your child is a keen athlete or just enjoys staying active, there is a place for them.

The arts are just as impressive. Caterham School music and drama thrive in a superb Centre for Performing Arts, which includes a full size theatre and a dance studio.

Here is a taste of what is on offer:

• A wide range of team and individual sports
• Choirs, orchestras, and music groups for all levels
• Regular plays, concerts, and performances
• Over one hundred and sixty clubs and activities each week

This breadth helps children grow in confidence and discover new talents. Strong Caterham School sport and vibrant Caterham School music and drama make daily life exciting and well rounded.

Is Caterham School Inspected by Ofsted or the ISI?

This is a common point of confusion, so let us clear it up. As an independent school, Caterham School is not inspected by Ofsted. Instead, it is inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate, known as the ISI. So if you are searching for Caterham School Ofsted results, you should look for the ISI reports instead.

The good news is that the Caterham School ISI inspection results are outstanding. The school has been rated Excellent, the highest grading available.

Here is why the inspection record stands out:

• Caterham School was rated Excellent in its ISI inspection
• It became the first UK school to receive three Key Areas of Strength in an ISI inspection
• Inspectors praised teaching, pastoral care, and pupil wellbeing

This makes the Caterham School ISI inspection record genuinely special. While parents often search for a Caterham School Ofsted rating out of habit, the ISI report is the correct and very impressive place to look.

How Many Students Go to Oxbridge From Caterham?

University results are a key measure for many parents, and Caterham School performs strongly here too. The school has an excellent record of sending pupils to top universities in the UK and abroad.

Many leavers go on to Russell Group universities, and a good number secure places at Oxford and Cambridge each year. If you are asking how many students go to Oxbridge from Caterham, recent years have seen around ten or more pupils gain Oxbridge places annually, along with strong success in medicine.

Here is a snapshot of university destinations:

• A steady stream of Caterham School Oxbridge places each year
• Strong success rates for medicine and dentistry applicants
• Many pupils entering leading Russell Group universities

The Caterham School Oxbridge record reflects both the school’s teaching quality and its excellent careers guidance. For ambitious families, this track record is one of the most attractive parts of the whole Caterham School story.

How Does Caterham School Compare to Other Schools?

It is natural to compare schools before making a choice. Caterham School sits among the very best independent schools Surrey has to offer, and it holds its own against strong local rivals. Each school has its own character, so the right fit depends on your child.

Here are some common comparisons:

• Caterham School vs Whitgift School: Whitgift is a boys school in Croydon, while Caterham School is co-educational, which suits families wanting a mixed environment
• Caterham School vs Epsom College: both are strong co-ed Surrey schools, with Caterham noted for its EDGE curriculum and technology focus
• Caterham School vs Woldingham School: Woldingham is a Catholic girls boarding school, while Caterham offers co-ed day and boarding

When weighing Caterham School vs Whitgift School, Caterham School vs Epsom College, or Caterham School vs Woldingham School, the co-educational setting and modern approach are key strengths. As one of the best independent schools Surrey families consider, Caterham School appeals to those wanting balance, breadth, and innovation.

What Practical Details Should Parents Know?

Beyond the big topics, a few practical details help families plan. These small things matter in day to day life at Caterham School and are worth checking early.

Here are some useful points:

• Caterham School uniform is smart and traditional, with clear guidelines provided by the school
• Caterham School term dates follow the usual September to July school year, split into three terms

Open days are the best way to see the school in person

Attending a Caterham School open day is highly recommended. Walking the campus, meeting staff, and seeing pupils at work tells you far more than any brochure. You can check the school website for the next Caterham School open day, current Caterham School term dates, and the latest Caterham School uniform details. Seeing it all in person makes your final decision much easier and more confident.

How Can Expert Guidance Help You Choose the Right School?

Choosing between top schools can feel overwhelming, especially for busy or international families. This is where experienced education advisors can make a real difference. Good boarding school consultants Surrey families rely on can guide you through every step with calm and clarity.

Here is how expert guidance can help:

• Shortlisting schools. Advisors help you compare options like Caterham School against other strong choices based on your child’s needs.
• Admissions support. They guide you through the ISEB pretest, entrance exams, and interview preparation.
• Scholarship and bursary help. They explain how to apply for Caterham School scholarships and bursaries and present a strong case.
• Boarding advice. For overseas families, they explain boarding life, travel, and settling in.

Working with knowledgeable boarding school consultants Surrey based can save time, reduce stress, and improve your child’s chances of success. Whether you are local or applying from abroad, expert support helps you make a confident, well informed choice about Caterham School and any other schools on your list.

FAQs 

Is Caterham School a good school?

Yes. Caterham School is widely regarded as one of the best independent schools in Surrey. It has excellent GCSE and A-level results, an Excellent ISI inspection rating, strong pastoral care, and a modern curriculum. Its results and reputation place it among the top co-educational schools in the country.

Is Caterham School selective?

Yes, Caterham School is academically selective. Pupils sit assessments at 11+, 13+, or 16+, including the ISEB pretest and an assessment day. Entry is competitive, so early preparation is helpful. The school looks for ability, potential, and a positive attitude to learning.

How much are the fees at Caterham School?

Caterham School day fees are roughly 9,665 pounds per term, while full boarding fees are around 20,170 pounds per term for the 2026 and 2027 year. Fees change annually and now include applicable VAT, so always confirm the latest figures with the school directly.

Does Caterham School offer scholarships and bursaries?

Yes. Caterham School offers scholarships for talent in academics, music, drama, art, and sport. It also offers means tested bursaries based on family financial need. Both can significantly reduce the overall cost, so it is worth applying early and asking for full details.

Is Caterham School inspected by Ofsted?

No. As an independent school, Caterham School is inspected by the ISI, not Ofsted. Its most recent ISI inspection rated it Excellent, and it was the first UK school to receive three Key Areas of Strength. Look for the ISI report rather than an Ofsted rating.

How do I visit Caterham School?

The best way is to attend a Caterham School open day or book a private tour through the school website. Visiting lets you see the campus, meet staff and pupils, and get a real feel for daily life before you apply.