Close to the London–Surrey border, Esher is among the most expensive places to live in the UK. While its affluent status is reflected in its high property prices, the suburb is perhaps even better represented by its commitment to private education.
Surrey is home to the highest number of independent schools of any area in England, with nearly one in five children attending a private school. Esher and its immediate surrounding areas are home to several well-known independent institutions, maintaining a higher propensity for private education than the county average.
In this guide, we reveal the best independent schools in and around Esher.
Claremont Fan Court School
Set within 100 acres of sweeping parkland designed by Capability Brown and featuring a Grade I listed 18th-century Palladian mansion, Claremont Fan Court School is one of the leading independent schools in Surrey. Educating pupils from nursery through to sixth-form, the school promotes a culture that encourages growth that extends far beyond exam success.
The school grew from modest yet meaningful beginnings that continue to shape its vision and ethos today. The origins begin in Clear View, a girls’ school that was founded by Christian Scientist families who sought an education for their daughters. Soon after, a group of Christian Scientist teachers established Fan Court, a boys’ preparatory school in Chertsey. The two schools united in 1978, then became Claremont Fan Court School.
The school focuses on 20 core character qualities, each integrated into a distinctive programme that spans all areas of school life, ensuring a truly comprehensive educational experience. This was reflected in its 2025 results, with an outstanding 100% A level pass rate and 57% of GCSE grades at 7-9. However, life extends beyond its strong academic outcomes, with over 60 clubs and activities, from sport, music and drama to debating, STEM and the arts, giving students endless opportunities to explore passions and discover new talents.
Milbourne Lodge
Named in the 2026 Tatler Schools Guide as one of the 'Top Prep and Public Schools in the UK' and shortlisted for Independent Prep School of the Year 2025, Milbourne Lodge is a co-educational preparatory school with a Church of England affiliation for children aged between 4 and 13 years.
Founded in 1912 by Harvey Wyatt, the school has remained on its original eight-and-a-half-acre site in Esher, where the buildings continue to house the Prep and Pre-Prep schools. Renowned for its academic outcomes, Milbourne Lodge is frequently recognised as one of England’s leading preparatory schools and secures scholarships and senior entry to the top day and boarding schools in the country.
Since joining the Cognita Schools group in 2007, the institution has expanded to include a full Pre-Prep for boys and girls, which is aligned with the modern preparatory structure. Continued investment in the school's facilities has seen the addition of new classrooms, a purpose-built science laboratory and upgraded changing rooms. Pupils are also encouraged to explore new interests across a wide variety of activities, from Chess, Judo, PlayBall, Performing Arts, LAMDA Speech and Drama Debate Club, which reflects the school’s commitment to an all-round education. This dedication to excellence is mirrored in outstanding academic results, with 96% of pupils achieving A*-B in core subjects such as English, Maths and Science.
Rowan Preparatory School
Rowan may be small in size but the school offers far more than just academics. Across Rowan Brae (ages 2–7) and Rowan Hill (ages 7–11), its founding motto, “Hic Feliciter Laboramus” (“Here We Work Happily”), still feels alive nearly nine decades later. The girls’ warmth and confidence reflect a community where happiness and learning go hand in hand to ensure that pupils are exceptionally well-prepared for entry to top selective senior schools.
Founded in 1936, every girl benefits from a rich and balanced education that extends well beyond the classroom. Sport, drama and music play an integral role in school life, with all pupils enjoying regular games, swimming and PE, with many students even continuing to compete at regional and national levels. Creativity flourishes too, with over 95% learning an instrument and taking part in musical theatre and choirs.
Academic achievement remains exceptional, with a 100% success rate at 11+ and more than 40 scholarships awarded to leading schools, including Epsom College, Guildford High and Wycombe Abbey. With access to over 20 acres of woodland for outdoor learning, specialist teaching in science, engineering and robotics and initiatives such as the Strings Programme for all Year 1 pupils, Rowan continues to deliver on its philosophy: to balance academic ambition with ample support and opportunity.
Shrewsbury House School
Established in 1865, Shrewsbury House School is one of England’s oldest boys’ preparatory schools, educating boys aged 4 to 13. True to the School’s motto, “Alta Peto”, which translates to “I aim high”, Shrewsbury House continues to inspire generations of boys to strive for excellence in all they do.
Founded by Henry Wilson, a local clergyman, Shrewsbury House School first opened in the centre of Surbiton, taking its name from the Wilson family’s connection to the town of Shrewsbury in Shropshire. In 1979, Shrewsbury House transitioned to a charitable trust, overseen by a Board of Governors and known as the Shrewsbury House School Trust. The Trust has since grown to include Shrewsbury House Pre-Preparatory School in Esher and The Rowans School in Wimbledon, which became part of the Trust family in 2017.
Inclusivity lies at the heart of school life, encouraging every boy to embrace new challenges and experiences, from performing in annual year group concerts and plays to representing the school in football, rugby, and cricket. Music thrives across eight dedicated rooms, while sports are supported by an IRB-certified all-weather pitch, grass grounds, a heated swimming pool and an indoor sports hall. Classrooms are equipped with smartboards and laptops, along with a library, while specialist labs and high-tech facilities bring Science, Art, coding and robotics to life.
The six years spent at Shrewsbury House are formative, building independence, resilience and a strong work ethic that encourages future success. Many pupils continue to leading senior schools, with 85% of the Class of 2025 securing their first-choice entries to higher education.
