The importance of a great education is always incredibly high on the list of parental priorities. Any location that a family considers must have the very best schooling to support their ultimate decision, and understanding the criteria of what makes a good school is essential.
The town of Cobham in Surrey is fortunate to benefit from both independent and state-funded schools that operate to the highest quality in results-led attainment and overall pastoral care. There is a long standing history of academic excellence in Cobham that, aligned with its proximity and easy access to the UK’s capital city, makes it a very attractive option in this regard.
Here is a selection of some of the very best schools in Cobham.
Cobham Primary School
Cobham Primary School certainly makes the most of the picturesque environment in the town of Cobham to promote a nurturing and inclusive educational environment. The modern facilities present for all year groups are augmented by a more traditional charm here with the school hall detached from the main building, near the local village bowling green for a touch of classic England at outdoor assemblies and events. This is a co-ed school for the ages of 4-11 that recently achieved an Ofsted rating of Outstanding in early 2024. With just over 200 pupils, Cobham Primary School benefits from a 22:1 pupil to teacher ratio that is extremely good for a state school in any part of the country. It is clear that this has a positive influence on results too, with over 78% of pupils reaching higher standards of reading, writing and maths at the all-important Key Stage 2. An ambitious curriculum drives excellence in personal development with language acquisition and phonics for the very early year groups being a particular benefit.
Feltonfleet Preparatory School
Feltonfleet Preparatory School offers a flexible educational experience for pupils between 3 and 13 years of age, with full, day or weekly boarding available for those aged 7 and above. It operates as a charitable trust through a range of fees to match the boarding level, culminating in around £8500 per term for weekly boarders. The four core values of honesty, responsibility, respect and kindness are the driving force for a schooling that seeks to foster a growth mindset for resilience and elevated self-esteem. A sprawling 25-acre estate with a grade II listed building at the centre is the perfect home for state-of-the-art facilities here that include an on-site performing arts centre. Academic achievement is consistently high with many pupils going on to earn scholarships at the prestigious educational institutions of Woldingham, Wellington, and Epsom. Its independent status allows for a unique curriculum that builds on its ties to these secondary school options to create great opportunities for further learning and personal growth into young adulthood.
ACS International School
ACS International School in Cobham is a co-educational independent school that looks after the learning requirements of children from 2 years of age all the way through to 18. Set on a majestic 128-acre campus, it is home to around 1,300 students that represent over 70 nationalities. This means that the academic qualifications it provides are suitably diverse to match the needs of all pupils with a comprehensive international curriculum that includes the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, Advanced Placement (AP) Courses, and the US High School Diploma. Two separate boarding houses cater for the different age groups with Seniors from 16- 18 years and Junior students from 13-16. The Expected Learning Outcomes at ACS International instil values of communication, confidence and caring alongside academic achievement to serve the global community of families that the pupils come from. Teaching students to stand out and not blend in is an admirable philosophy to guide young minds from all over the world as they live and learn together. Notable alumni from ACS in recent years include the fashion designer Misha Nonoo and the journalist Dave Weigel.
Notre Dame School
Notre Dame School is an independent Catholic Day School for girls aged 2-18 years set in the wonderful Cobham surroundings of lush countryside. This school has historically enjoyed excellent academic progress with the results to consistently prove the success of their teaching methods. 224 GCSE results here saw 30% of pupils achieve the highest tier of grades, and 54% achieve the second highest tier, in at least 9 subjects. This is well above the national average for Independent schools and more than double the level reached at UK Secondary Comprehensives. Building on this foundation, Notre Dame School attends to their own Able, Gifted and Talented cohort through a proprietary Above & Beyond the Curriculum (ABC) program. This encourages students to take part in Maths challenges and events such as the British Science Association’s recognised Crest Awards, alongside several enriching societies, councils and clubs at the school. With dedicated sports, drama, arts and music activities available throughout the year to stretch and develop emerging talent, the curriculum is balanced with opportunities for excellence across every subject.
Reed’s School
Reed’s School has a fascinating history that dates back to the endeavours of the famous philanthropist, Andrew Reed, in 1813. He began the London Orphan Asylum to provide care and education for children that had lost their fathers and mothers were unable to support them. Eventually, the premises moved from London to Cobham, and it evolved into the internationally renowned Reed’s School of the modern day. The innovative and dynamic learning methods employed at the school drive excellent academic achievement here for 790 pupils between the ages of 11-18, with a co-educational sixth form available from 16-18. Notable pupils that have recently wandered these prestigious corridors include the tennis player Tim Henman OBE and Academy Award nominee, Tom Hardy. The tennis and drama academies, amongst many others at Reed’s, look destined to uncover similar talent for the future here too.
Cobham continues to impress with a wealth of educational institutions that demonstrate a fantastic understanding in the shaping of young minds. Taking the time to visit the schools to get an appreciation of the atmosphere first-hand, is always a great idea. These are the places that will have a huge influence on children during their most important and transformative years. The reputations and credentials of these institutions will speak for themselves, it should be more about seeing which place is the best fit for you and your family.
