Lady Eleanor Holles School (often called LEH) and Surbiton High School are two highly regarded independent girls’ schools in south-west London. Both schools offer strong academic results and a wide range of opportunities beyond the classroom, but they differ in history, admissions style, academic reputation and school atmosphere.

Official school websites
https://www.lehs.org.uk/
https://www.surbitonhigh.com/

Admissions and entry

Both schools are independent and charge tuition fees, with pupils usually joining at age 11 through entrance assessments and interviews.

Lady Eleanor Holles School is known for being particularly selective. It offers entry at several stages including Year 3, Year 7 and sixth form, and focuses strongly on academic potential. The school is well known for preparing girls for highly competitive universities and careers. (Lady Eleanor Holles –)

Surbiton High School also selects pupils through entrance tests and interviews. It offers a continuous pathway from early years through to sixth form, with separate prep schools and a girls’ senior school. The school emphasises both academic achievement and pupil wellbeing in its admissions approach. (Surbiton High School)

Academic results

Both schools achieve strong academic outcomes, though LEH is often ranked among the very top independent girls’ schools in the UK.

Lady Eleanor Holles School regularly appears high in national league tables. Around 77% of A-level grades are A* or A and roughly 94% of GCSE grades are at the top levels (7–9). (Top School Guide)

Surbiton High School also performs well academically. In recent A-level results, around 62% of grades were A* or A and over 85% were A* to B. Many pupils progress to Russell Group universities and other competitive destinations. (Surbiton High School)

School environment

The atmosphere of the two schools can feel quite different.

Lady Eleanor Holles School is known for a highly academic culture and strong intellectual environment. Pupils are encouraged to aim for ambitious university destinations and the school has a reputation for academic rigour and confidence-building.

Surbiton High School tends to emphasise a balanced education combining academic success with pastoral care and personal development. The school often highlights the importance of happiness, confidence and individuality alongside academic achievement.

Facilities and extracurricular life

Both schools offer a wide range of extracurricular opportunities.

Lady Eleanor Holles School has extensive facilities including sports grounds by the River Thames and strong partnerships with nearby Hampton School for shared activities such as drama productions and events. (Lady Eleanor Holles –)

Surbiton High School offers a broad programme of clubs, music, drama and sport across its various campuses in Kingston upon Thames. The school also runs many enrichment opportunities, trips and leadership programmes.

Fees

Both schools charge independent school fees, though they vary slightly depending on the year group.

Surbiton High School sixth-form fees are roughly £26,890 per year, with additional costs for some activities or trips. (Best Schools)

Lady Eleanor Holles School fees are also in the typical London independent day-school range, reflecting its facilities and academic reputation.

Location

The two schools are only a few miles apart in south-west London.

Lady Eleanor Holles School is located in Hampton near the River Thames and close to Hampton Court Palace.

Surbiton High School is located in central Surbiton and Kingston upon Thames, making it easy to reach from many parts of Surrey and south-west London.

Overall

Lady Eleanor Holles School and Surbiton High School are both excellent independent girls’ schools but they appeal to slightly different families.

Lady Eleanor Holles School is often seen as one of the most academically selective girls’ schools in the region, with exceptional exam results and strong university outcomes.

Surbiton High School offers a strong academic education combined with a strong emphasis on pupil wellbeing, confidence and a broad school experience.

For many families the choice comes down to whether they prefer the highly academic environment associated with LEH or the balanced academic and pastoral approach offered by Surbiton High School.