About Surrey & Sussex Grammar Schools
Surrey & Sussex hosts 20 selective schools — primarily independent schools serving the well-heeled commuter belt south of London. Key state-affiliated selective schools include partially-selective schools like Wallington High School for Girls. Famous independents include Tonbridge School, Caterham School, Cranleigh, Whitgift, Royal Russell, Lancing College, and Brighton College. Some state grammars are also covered (Tiffin Girls' borders Surrey). The region's strong tradition of selective private education means many families choose between Surrey's £20,000+ independents and London's state grammars.
History & Tradition
Selective education in Surrey and Sussex dates to the medieval period — Tonbridge School (1553), Charterhouse (1611), Lancing College (1848), Brighton College (1845). Cranleigh School (1865) and Whitgift (1596) followed. While Sussex has no state grammar schools (all comprehensive since 1976), Surrey retains some partially-selective schools and is closest to Sutton's 6 selective state grammars.
The Entry Test
Most Surrey & Sussex selectives use the ISEB Pre-Test (independents) or borough-specific tests (Wallington High via Sutton SET). Independent schools often add school-specific Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning, and interview rounds. Many fee-paying selectives also test at 13+.
Surrey & Sussex 11+ at a Glance
7 Things You Should Know About Surrey & Sussex Grammar Schools
Researched facts about the region's selective schools — drawn from official sources, school websites and education research.
- 1Surrey is England's wealthiest county by household income — home to many of the UK's top fee-paying independents serving City commuters and international families.
- 2Sussex has no state grammar schools — it abolished selection in the 1970s. Selective education in Sussex is exclusively via fee-paying independents (Brighton College, Lancing, Roedean).
- 3Surrey-based families often apply to London grammars in neighbouring Kingston (Tiffin) or Sutton (Wallington, Wilson's) — both within commuting distance from Guildford, Esher, Cobham and Weybridge.
- 4Whitgift School (Croydon) and Trinity School (Croydon) are major Surrey-based selective independents — both with strong music traditions and substantial bursary programmes.
- 5Caterham School, Reigate Grammar, and Lingfield College in Surrey all run their own 11+ entry tests separate from the ISEB Pre-Test — typically with a school visit and interview round.
- 6Brighton College (East Sussex) has been ranked Sunday Times Independent Senior School of the Year multiple times — one of the country's most academic non-grammar schools.
- 7Many Surrey/Sussex independents offer means-tested bursaries up to 100% of fees for families earning under £80,000 — a useful pathway for academically strong children from middle-income families.
| Rank | School Name | Gender | PAN | 11+ Exam | GCSE 9-7 | A-Level A*-B |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #82 | St Andrew’s RC School, Leatherhead#82 | Mixed | — | Diocesan / Aptitude | 52.5% | 82.4% |
| Aldro School | Boys | — | Independent | — | — | |
| Ardingly College | Mixed | 150 | Independent | 76.1% | 84.2% | |
| Bedales (Dunhurst) School | Mixed | — | Independent | — | — | |
| Bede's Prep School | Mixed | — | Independent | — | — | |
| Box Hill School | Mixed | — | Independent | — | — | |
| Brighton College | Mixed | 160 | GL Assessment | 98% | 97.9% | |
| Brighton Girls | Girls | — | Independent | — | — | |
| Burgess Hill Girls | Girls | — | Independent | 69.3% | 78.8% | |
| Claremont Fan Court School | Boys | — | Independent | 57% | 83.9% | |
| Cobham Hall | Girls | — | Independent | 45% | 40% | |
| Ditcham Park School | Mixed | — | Independent | — | — | |
| Epsom College | Mixed | 160 | GL Assessment | 87.1% | 90.6% | |
| Guildford High School | Girls | 108 | CEM Select | 96.7% | 97.3% | |
| Hurstpierpoint Prep School | Mixed | — | GL Assessment | — | — | |
| Prior's Field | Girls | — | Independent | 61% | 65% | |
| Reigate Grammar School | Boys | 160 | Independent | 89.7% | 93.9% | |
| Roedean School | Girls | 85 | Independent | 76% | 81% | |
| Royal Russell School | Mixed | — | Independent | 58.9% | 69.7% | |
| Worth School | Mixed | — | CEM | 60% | 70% |
Surrey & Sussex Grammar Schools — Frequently Asked Questions
Which are the top-ranked grammar schools in Surrey & Sussex?
In the 2026 Sunday Times Parent Power tables, the highest-ranked Surrey & Sussex grammar schools include St Andrew’s RC School, Leatherhead. Full rankings plus GCSE and A-Level results for every school are in the table above.
What 11+ exam do Surrey & Sussex grammar schools use?
Most Surrey & Sussex grammar schools admit pupils through the Independent 11+. Check each school's row above, as some set their own entrance test or use a different exam board.
What makes Surrey & Sussex grammar schools distinctive?
Surrey is England's wealthiest county by household income — home to many of the UK's top fee-paying independents serving City commuters and international families.
What else should families know about the Surrey & Sussex 11+?
Sussex has no state grammar schools — it abolished selection in the 1970s. Selective education in Sussex is exclusively via fee-paying independents (Brighton College, Lancing, Roedean).
Nearby Regions
Many families consider grammars in neighbouring regions to maximise options. Explore: