Educational Choices

Latest Comparisons

  • Comparing Undergraduate Physics at the University of St Andrews and Durham University

    The University of St Andrews and Durham University are two of the most respected universities in the UK and both offer excellent undergraduate degrees in physics. Each university has strong research departments and produces graduates who go on to careers in science, engineering, finance and technology. However, there are some important differences in course structure, teaching style and the overall student experience.

    Official university websites
    https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/
    https://www.durham.ac.uk/

    Admissions and entry requirements

    Both universities are highly competitive for undergraduate physics.

    At the University of St Andrews, typical entry requirements for physics are around A*AA at A-level, including mathematics and physics. The university also values strong mathematical ability and a clear interest in physics shown through the personal statement.

    Durham University generally asks for similar grades for undergraduate physics courses, usually around A*AA or AAA depending on the course. Mathematics and physics are normally required subjects.

    Because physics is mathematically demanding, both universities expect students to have strong problem-solving skills and confidence with mathematics.

    Course length and structure

    One of the main differences between the two universities is the structure of the undergraduate degree.

    At St Andrews, undergraduate physics degrees normally follow the Scottish system and last four years. In the first two years students study physics alongside other subjects, which may include mathematics, computing or another science. This structure gives students some flexibility before specialising more fully in physics during the later years.

    At Durham, most undergraduate physics degrees follow the English system. A standard BSc degree usually takes three years, while an integrated master’s degree such as the MPhys takes four years. Students focus on physics and mathematics from the beginning of the course.

    Teaching and learning

    Both universities combine lectures, tutorials and laboratory work as part of their undergraduate physics programmes.

    St Andrews is known for relatively small class sizes and close contact between students and lecturers. Tutorials and small-group teaching are often used to help students develop their understanding of difficult concepts.

    Durham also offers lectures and problem classes, and students often receive academic support through their college as well as through their department.

    Laboratory work forms an important part of the undergraduate physics experience at both universities, allowing students to develop practical and experimental skills.

    Research opportunities

    Both universities have strong research departments in physics.

    At St Andrews, important research areas include condensed matter physics, photonics, materials science and astronomy.

    Durham is particularly well known for research in astrophysics, cosmology and particle physics, as well as condensed matter physics.

    Undergraduate students at both universities typically complete a research project in their final year, often working with a research group in the department.

    Student experience

    The overall student experience can feel quite different between the two universities.

    St Andrews is located in a small coastal town in Scotland. Because the town is relatively small and the student population forms a large part of the community, the atmosphere is often described as close-knit.

    Durham is located in a historic cathedral city in north-east England and has a collegiate system. Each student belongs to a college, which provides accommodation, social activities and pastoral support.

    Both universities have strong student societies, sports clubs and academic groups that physics students can join.

    Career prospects

    Graduates from both universities have excellent career prospects.

    Many physics graduates continue into postgraduate study or research. Others move into careers in engineering, computing, finance, data science or teaching.

    Both St Andrews and Durham have strong academic reputations, and their physics graduates are well regarded by employers.

    Overall

    Both the University of St Andrews and Durham University offer excellent undergraduate degrees in physics.

    St Andrews may appeal to students who prefer a smaller university environment and the flexibility of a four-year Scottish degree structure with broader study in the early years.

    Durham may appeal to students who prefer the collegiate system and a more focused physics course from the beginning of their degree.

    For undergraduate physics students, both universities provide strong teaching, research opportunities and preparation for a wide range of careers in science and technology.

  • Comparing the Physics Department at the University of St Andrews and the University of Oxford (Undergraduate Physics)

    The University of St Andrews and the University of Oxford are two of the most prestigious universities in the UK. Both offer excellent undergraduate physics programmes and produce graduates who go on to leading research careers, industry roles and postgraduate study. However, the two departments differ in scale, teaching style, academic intensity and research profile.

    Academic reputation

    Oxford is generally regarded as one of the world’s leading physics departments. In UK league tables it frequently ranks at or near the very top for physics and physical sciences.

    St Andrews also has a very strong reputation. In some UK rankings it places within the top universities for physics and astronomy and has been ranked among the best universities in the UK overall in recent years.

    In simple terms, Oxford is a globally recognised physics department with enormous research influence, while St Andrews is a smaller but highly respected department with an excellent reputation for teaching.

    Course structure

    The structure of the undergraduate physics degree differs quite significantly.

    At St Andrews the standard physics degree is typically four years. Students often take a broader range of subjects in the first two years before specialising fully in physics later in the programme.

    This system allows students to study modules such as mathematics, astronomy, computer science or philosophy alongside physics before committing fully to the subject.

    At Oxford the physics degree is usually three years for the BA or four years for the integrated MPhys. The course is highly specialised from the start and focuses heavily on mathematics and theoretical physics.

    The Oxford course tends to be more mathematically intensive earlier in the degree.

    Teaching style

    Teaching approaches differ between the two universities.

    Oxford is famous for its tutorial system, where students meet regularly in very small groups with academics to discuss problem sheets and theoretical work. This system is demanding but offers extremely personalised academic supervision.

    St Andrews uses a more typical UK university structure combining lectures, tutorials or small group classes and laboratory sessions.

    Because the physics department is smaller, students often report strong access to lecturers and a supportive academic environment.

    Class size and atmosphere

    St Andrews is a relatively small university and the physics department reflects this. Classes are generally smaller and the academic community can feel close knit.

    Oxford is much larger and attracts students from across the world with extremely strong academic backgrounds. The atmosphere is often described as intense and academically competitive, particularly in mathematically demanding subjects like physics.

    Research strength

    Oxford has one of the largest and most influential physics departments in the world. Research areas include quantum physics, particle physics, cosmology, condensed matter physics and quantum computing.

    St Andrews also has strong research groups, particularly in areas such as astrophysics, condensed matter physics, photonics and theoretical physics.

    Despite being smaller, the research produced at St Andrews is highly respected internationally.

    Student experience

    The overall student experience is quite different.

    St Andrews is located in a small coastal town in Scotland with a very strong student community. The university dominates the town and students often describe the experience as close knit and traditional.

    Oxford is a much larger historic university city with multiple colleges, extensive libraries and museums and a large international academic community.

    Career outcomes

    Graduates from both universities have excellent career prospects.

    Physics graduates from Oxford frequently go on to PhD research, finance and quantitative roles, technology and engineering careers, or academic research.

    St Andrews graduates also move into similar fields and many continue into postgraduate research, including PhDs at top universities around the world.

    Overall comparison

    Oxford and St Andrews both offer outstanding physics degrees but with slightly different strengths.

    Oxford may appeal to students who want one of the most prestigious physics departments in the world, extremely rigorous mathematical training, the tutorial system and a large research intensive environment.

    St Andrews may appeal to students who prefer a smaller and more personal academic environment, flexibility in the early years of study, a strong teaching reputation and a close knit student community.

    Both universities provide an excellent pathway into physics research, industry or postgraduate study. The best choice often depends less on academic quality and more on the style of course and university experience a student prefers.

  • Comparing Reigate Grammar School and Caterham School

    Reigate Grammar School and Caterham School are two highly regarded independent schools in Surrey. Both are co-educational and educate pupils aged 11–18, offering strong academic results alongside a wide range of extracurricular opportunities. Despite these similarities, the schools differ in their structure, academic profile and overall school atmosphere.

    Official school websites
    https://www.reigategrammar.org/
    https://www.caterhamschool.co.uk/

    Admissions and entry

    Both schools are selective independent schools and require pupils to pass entrance assessments before being offered a place.

    Reigate Grammar School admits pupils mainly at 11+ and sixth form. The admissions process normally includes entrance examinations, interviews and references from the pupil’s current school.

    Caterham School also admits pupils primarily at 11+ and sometimes at 13+ or sixth form. Pupils typically sit entrance assessments and attend interviews or assessment days as part of the admissions process.

    Both schools are competitive to enter and attract pupils from across Surrey and south London.

    Academic results

    Both schools achieve very strong academic outcomes, although Reigate Grammar School is often considered slightly more academically selective.

    Reigate Grammar School regularly achieves very high exam results, with the majority of A-level grades typically between A* and B. It often appears among the top performing independent schools in the South East.

    Caterham School also performs strongly academically, with a large proportion of A-level grades at A*–B and strong GCSE results.

    Students from both schools regularly progress to Russell Group universities, and a number gain places at Oxford and Cambridge each year.

    School environment

    The atmosphere of the two schools can feel slightly different.

    Reigate Grammar School is located in the centre of Reigate and has the feel of a busy academic day school. It is known for high expectations, strong academic performance and a lively school community.

    Caterham School has a more traditional campus setting just outside the town of Caterham. The school emphasises innovation in teaching, technology and entrepreneurship alongside academic achievement.

    Facilities and extracurricular life

    Both schools provide extensive opportunities beyond the classroom.

    Reigate Grammar School offers sport, music, drama, debating and many other clubs and societies. The school has a strong reputation for encouraging pupils to balance academic work with extracurricular interests.

    Caterham School is set on a large campus and offers facilities for sport, performing arts and academic enrichment. The school has invested heavily in technology and digital learning, reflecting its focus on innovation.

    Fees

    Both schools charge independent school tuition fees.

    Reigate Grammar School fees are typically just over £9,000 per term depending on the year group.

    Caterham School fees are broadly similar to other Surrey independent schools and fall within a comparable range.

    Location

    The two schools are located relatively close to each other in Surrey.

    Reigate Grammar School is located in the town of Reigate in east Surrey.

    Caterham School is located about ten miles away in Caterham in the Tandridge district of Surrey.

    Both schools draw pupils from across Surrey, south London and neighbouring counties.

    Overall

    Reigate Grammar School and Caterham School are both respected independent schools with strong academic reputations and excellent extracurricular programmes.

    Reigate Grammar School is often chosen by families seeking a highly academic day school with very strong exam results and a long tradition.

    Caterham School appeals to families looking for a modern co-educational school with strong academic outcomes and a forward-looking approach to education.

    For many families the choice between the two comes down to the preferred school environment, location and whether they favour the more traditional academic feel of Reigate Grammar or the campus-style and innovative approach associated with Caterham School.

  • Comparing Bolton School Boys’ Division and Bolton School Girls’ Division

    Bolton School Boys’ Division and Bolton School Girls’ Division are two parts of the same historic independent school foundation in Greater Manchester. They share the same campus, traditions and overall governance, but they operate as separate single-sex schools for pupils aged 11–18.

    Official school website
    https://www.boltonschool.org/

    Admissions and entry

    Both divisions are selective independent schools and require pupils to pass entrance assessments before being offered a place.

    The Boys’ Division admits boys from around age 7 through to sixth form. Entry normally involves assessments in subjects such as English, mathematics and reasoning, followed by interviews.

    The Girls’ Division admits girls across the same age range and follows a similar admissions process, including entrance examinations taken during Year 6 for pupils hoping to join the senior school.

    Because the two divisions are part of the same school foundation, their admissions standards and expectations are broadly similar.

    Academic results

    Both divisions achieve strong academic results and have a reputation for academic success in the North West.

    The Boys’ Division regularly achieves high A-level results with a large proportion of grades at A*–A and A*–B.

    The Girls’ Division also performs strongly academically and consistently achieves high GCSE and A-level results.

    Students from both divisions progress to universities across the UK, including Russell Group institutions and occasionally Oxford and Cambridge.

    School environment

    Although the divisions share the same overall school foundation, their environments differ slightly because they are single-sex schools.

    The Boys’ Division focuses on an all-boys educational environment, with teaching designed to support how boys learn and develop confidence both academically and socially.

    The Girls’ Division emphasises collaborative learning and aims to build confidence and independence in girls, encouraging them to challenge themselves academically and personally.

    Despite these differences, both divisions share similar values and traditions as part of the same school.

    Facilities and extracurricular life

    Both divisions benefit from the extensive facilities available across the Bolton School campus.

    The school sits on a large site with sports fields, performance spaces and modern teaching facilities. Pupils from both divisions can take part in a wide range of extracurricular activities including music, drama, debating, sport and outdoor pursuits.

    The school also runs an outdoor education centre in the Lake District and offers programmes such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

    Sport is particularly strong in the Boys’ Division, with teams competing successfully in regional and national competitions.

    Size and structure

    Bolton School is one of the largest independent day schools in the UK with more than 2,500 pupils across its divisions.

    The Boys’ Division and Girls’ Division each have their own buildings, teaching staff and leadership teams, although they share some facilities and the same wider school foundation.

    In the sixth form, pupils from both divisions come together more frequently through shared facilities and activities.

    Location

    Both divisions are located on the same campus on Chorley New Road in Bolton in Greater Manchester.

    The shared campus means pupils benefit from extensive facilities while still maintaining the advantages of single-sex education.

    Overall

    Bolton School Boys’ Division and Bolton School Girls’ Division are closely linked schools with the same heritage, facilities and academic expectations.

    The Boys’ Division offers a traditional boys’ school environment focused on academic achievement, sport and leadership opportunities.

    The Girls’ Division offers a similar academic standard within a girls-only environment that emphasises confidence, collaboration and independence.

    For most families the choice between the two divisions is determined simply by the pupil’s gender, but both provide a very similar level of education, facilities and university preparation within the Bolton School foundation.

  • Comparing The Grange School and Manchester Grammar School

    The Grange School in Northwich and Manchester Grammar School (often called MGS) are two well-known independent schools in the North West of England. Both offer strong academic results and a wide range of extracurricular opportunities, but they differ significantly in their structure, selectivity, school culture and academic profile.

    Official school websites
    https://www.grange.org.uk/
    https://www.mgs.org/

    Admissions and entry

    Both schools are selective independent schools that require entrance assessments before offering places.

    The Grange School is a co-educational independent day school for pupils aged 4–18 located in Hartford near Northwich in Cheshire. Pupils can join at several stages including Year 7 and sixth form. The school focuses on a broad education with academic development alongside sport, music and enrichment activities. (Independent Schools Council)

    Manchester Grammar School is a boys’ independent school for pupils aged 7–18 in central Manchester. It is one of the most academically selective schools in the region and admits pupils through competitive entrance examinations and interviews.

    Academic results

    Both schools achieve strong academic results, although Manchester Grammar School is generally regarded as one of the most academically demanding independent schools in the North of England.

    At The Grange School, recent A-level results show about 55% of grades at A–A and 82% at A–B**, with many pupils progressing to their first-choice universities. (grange.org.uk)

    Manchester Grammar School typically achieves higher proportions of top grades and regularly appears near the top of league tables for independent schools in the North West. (robwilliamsassessment.co.uk)

    Students from both schools go on to leading universities across the UK, including Russell Group institutions.

    School environment

    The atmosphere at the two schools can feel quite different.

    The Grange School is a co-educational school with a reputation for a supportive and balanced environment where pupils are encouraged to develop academically and personally through a wide range of activities. (The Good Schools Guide)

    Manchester Grammar School has a long tradition as an academically focused boys’ school. The school emphasises intellectual challenge and high academic expectations, with many pupils pursuing competitive university courses.

    Facilities and extracurricular life

    Both schools offer a wide range of activities beyond the classroom.

    The Grange School provides extensive opportunities in sport, performing arts and academic societies, and is known for encouraging pupils to explore a wide variety of interests during their time at the school. (grange.org.uk)

    Manchester Grammar School also offers a large programme of clubs, music ensembles, drama productions and sports teams. Its long history and large student body contribute to a very active extracurricular culture.

    Fees

    Both schools charge independent school fees.

    The Grange School charges day fees of roughly £3,500 to £4,700 per term, depending on the year group. (Independent Schools Council)

    Manchester Grammar School’s annual fees are typically around £18,000–£19,000 per year, which is broadly similar to many independent day schools in major UK cities. (superprof.co.uk)

    Both schools offer scholarships and bursaries to support families with tuition costs.

    Location

    The schools are located about 25 miles apart in the North West of England.

    The Grange School is situated in Hartford near Northwich in Cheshire in a semi-rural setting.

    Manchester Grammar School is located in the city of Manchester, giving it a more urban environment and access to city facilities and universities.

    Overall

    The Grange School and Manchester Grammar School are both respected independent schools with strong academic reputations.

    The Grange School offers a co-educational environment with a balanced approach to academics, enrichment and pastoral care.

    Manchester Grammar School is often chosen by families seeking a highly academic boys’ school with a long tradition of academic excellence and strong university outcomes.

    For many families, the choice comes down to whether they prefer a co-educational school with a broad educational approach or a highly selective boys’ school with a strong academic focus.

  • Comparing Lady Eleanor Holles School and Notre Dame School Cobham

    Lady Eleanor Holles School (LEH) and Notre Dame School in Cobham are two well-known independent girls’ schools in south-west London and Surrey. Both offer strong academic programmes and a wide range of opportunities outside the classroom, but they differ in their academic focus, school culture and overall educational approach.

    Official school websites
    https://www.lehs.org.uk/
    https://www.notredame.co.uk/

    Admissions and entry

    Both schools are independent and charge tuition fees, with pupils usually entering through entrance assessments and interviews.

    Lady Eleanor Holles School is a highly selective independent girls’ day school located in Hampton. Entry typically takes place at 11+ and sixth form, and the admissions process focuses strongly on academic potential.

    Notre Dame School is an independent Catholic girls’ day school in Cobham for pupils aged 2–18, although families of all faiths are welcome. The school offers entry at a range of stages including Year 7 and sixth form.

    Academic results

    Both schools achieve strong academic outcomes, although LEH is often regarded as one of the most academically selective girls’ schools in the region.

    At Notre Dame School, a good proportion of GCSE grades are in the 9–7 range and many A-level grades fall between A* and B.

    Lady Eleanor Holles School generally achieves higher proportions of top grades and regularly appears near the top of independent school league tables for girls’ schools.

    Students from both schools progress to universities across the UK, including Russell Group institutions.

    School environment

    The atmosphere of the two schools can feel quite different.

    Lady Eleanor Holles School is known for a highly academic environment that encourages ambition and intellectual challenge. Many pupils aim for competitive universities and courses, and the school places strong emphasis on academic excellence.

    Notre Dame School emphasises a more personalised and nurturing approach. The school aims to provide a holistic education focused on confidence, kindness and personal development alongside academic learning.

    Facilities and extracurricular life

    Both schools offer a wide range of extracurricular opportunities.

    Lady Eleanor Holles School has extensive sports facilities by the River Thames and works closely with nearby Hampton School on some activities such as drama and music events.

    Notre Dame School is set in a large campus in Cobham with green space, sports facilities and outdoor learning opportunities.

    Both schools offer clubs, music, drama and sport alongside academic study.

    Size and school structure

    The schools differ in size and structure.

    Notre Dame School is smaller, with pupils across both prep and senior school.

    Lady Eleanor Holles School is generally larger at senior level and has a sizeable sixth form.

    The smaller size of Notre Dame can create a more close-knit environment, while LEH may feel more academically competitive due to its selective intake.

    Location

    The two schools are located a short distance apart in Surrey and south-west London.

    Lady Eleanor Holles School is located in Hampton near the River Thames.

    Notre Dame School is located in Cobham in Surrey, about 10 miles away in a more rural setting.

    Overall

    Lady Eleanor Holles School and Notre Dame School Cobham are both respected independent girls’ schools with strong academic results and supportive learning environments.

    Lady Eleanor Holles School is often chosen by families looking for a highly academic girls’ school with very strong exam results and competitive university destinations.

    Notre Dame School tends to appeal to families looking for a smaller girls’ school with a nurturing atmosphere, strong pastoral care and a balanced approach to education.

    For many families in Surrey and south-west London, the choice often comes down to whether they prefer the highly academic environment associated with LEH or the more personalised and community-focused environment offered by Notre Dame School.

  • Comparing Notre Dame School Cobham and Surbiton High School

    Notre Dame School in Cobham and Surbiton High School are two well-known independent schools in Surrey and south-west London. Both schools educate girls through their senior years and offer strong academic programmes along with extracurricular opportunities. However, they differ in their academic focus, school atmosphere, facilities and overall approach to education.

    Official school websites
    https://www.notredame.co.uk/
    https://www.surbitonhigh.com/

    Admissions and entry

    Both schools are independent fee-paying schools and select pupils through entrance assessments and interviews.

    Notre Dame School is a girls’ independent day school located in Cobham, Surrey. Pupils typically join at several stages including Year 7 and sixth form. The school emphasises a supportive admissions process that looks at the whole pupil rather than focusing only on academic testing.

    Surbiton High School is also an independent girls’ school at senior level and forms part of a larger school that includes preparatory and junior sections. Entry normally takes place through assessments and interviews, and the school is known to be academically selective.

    Academic results

    Both schools achieve strong results, though Surbiton High School is generally seen as the more academically intensive environment.

    At Surbiton High School, a high proportion of A-level grades are A*–A and many students go on to Russell Group universities.

    Notre Dame School also achieves good academic results and places a strong emphasis on progress and personal development, with pupils typically making strong progress across GCSE subjects.

    While both schools prepare pupils for university, Surbiton High is often regarded as one of the more academically competitive girls’ schools in the area.

    School environment

    The atmosphere at the two schools can feel quite different.

    Notre Dame School has a reputation for a nurturing and supportive environment. The school places emphasis on values such as respect, community and personal growth. It is often described as more balanced and less academically pressured than some nearby independent schools.

    Surbiton High School tends to have a stronger academic focus combined with high expectations for pupils. The school encourages ambition while also offering strong pastoral support.

    Facilities and extracurricular life

    Both schools provide a wide range of activities beyond the classroom.

    Notre Dame School is set in parkland in Cobham and has outdoor spaces, sports facilities and green surroundings which contribute to a calm learning environment.

    Surbiton High School operates across several sites in Kingston and Surbiton and offers facilities for sport, music, drama and academic enrichment. Pupils have access to clubs, societies and leadership opportunities throughout their time at the school.

    Fees

    Both schools charge independent school tuition fees.

    Surbiton High School fees are typically in the region of the mid-£20,000s per year depending on the year group.

    Notre Dame School fees are generally slightly lower than some larger London independent schools, although they still fall within the typical independent school fee range.

    Location

    The schools are located only a few miles apart in Surrey.

    Notre Dame School is located in Cobham, a village in Surrey known for its green surroundings and residential community.

    Surbiton High School is located in Surbiton and Kingston upon Thames, giving it a more urban setting with easy access to London transport links.

    Overall

    Notre Dame School Cobham and Surbiton High School are both respected independent schools with strong academic programmes and supportive learning environments.

    Notre Dame School often appeals to families looking for a smaller girls’ school with a nurturing atmosphere and a strong sense of community.

    Surbiton High School is often chosen by families seeking a more academically competitive girls’ school with very strong exam results and a wide range of opportunities.

    For many families in Surrey and south-west London, the choice often comes down to whether they prefer the smaller, community-focused environment of Notre Dame or the more academically driven setting of Surbiton High School.

  • Comparing St John’s School, Leatherhead and Kingston Grammar School

    St John’s School Leatherhead and Kingston Grammar School are two well-known independent schools serving Surrey and south-west London. Both are co-educational schools for pupils aged 11–18 and offer strong academic results alongside a wide range of extracurricular opportunities. However, they differ in their structure, academic reputation, facilities and overall school atmosphere.

    Official school websites
    https://www.stjohnsleatherhead.co.uk/
    https://www.kgs.org.uk/

    Admissions and entry

    Both schools are selective independent schools, meaning pupils must pass entrance assessments before being offered a place.

    St John’s School Leatherhead admits pupils mainly at 11+ and 13+. Many pupils join after attending prep schools and sit entrance tests or pre-tests before attending an interview and assessment day.

    Kingston Grammar School usually admits pupils at 11+ through entrance tests in subjects such as mathematics and English, followed by interviews and school references. Because of the school’s strong academic reputation, competition for places is often high.

    Academic results

    Both schools achieve strong academic outcomes, though Kingston Grammar School is often seen as the more academically selective of the two.

    At Kingston Grammar School, a very high proportion of A-level grades are typically A*–B and most GCSE grades fall within the 9–7 range.

    St John’s School Leatherhead also performs strongly academically, with a large proportion of GCSE grades in the 9–7 range and most A-level grades between A* and B.

    Students from both schools regularly progress to Russell Group universities, with some gaining places at Oxford and Cambridge.

    School environment

    Although both schools are academically focused, their environments can feel slightly different.

    Kingston Grammar School is located in the centre of Kingston and has a reputation as a highly academic day school. Many pupils travel in from a wide area across south-west London and Surrey, and the school emphasises academic ambition alongside sport, music and drama.

    St John’s School Leatherhead offers a broader campus environment and combines academic study with strong pastoral care and community values. The school has a Church of England foundation and places emphasis on character development alongside academic success.

    Facilities and extracurricular life

    Both schools offer extensive extracurricular opportunities.

    Kingston Grammar School has facilities in central Kingston as well as sports grounds across the River Thames near Hampton Court. These support a wide programme of sport, music, drama and clubs.

    St John’s School Leatherhead is set on a large campus in Surrey and offers facilities for sport, performing arts and boarding. The school is particularly known for its house system and strong participation in drama, sport and outdoor activities.

    Fees

    Both schools charge independent school fees.

    St John’s School Leatherhead day fees are typically in the region of £29,000–£33,000 per year, with higher costs for boarding.

    Kingston Grammar School fees are broadly similar to other London independent day schools, generally in the high £20,000s per year depending on the year group.

    Location

    The schools are located about ten miles apart.

    Kingston Grammar School is located in central Kingston upon Thames, making it easy to reach by train and bus from London and surrounding areas.

    St John’s School Leatherhead is located in Leatherhead in Surrey on a large campus setting just outside the town centre.

    Overall

    St John’s School Leatherhead and Kingston Grammar School are both respected independent schools with strong academic records and a wide range of extracurricular opportunities.

    Kingston Grammar School is often chosen by families looking for a highly academic day school with very strong exam results and a central London-area location.

    St John’s School Leatherhead appeals to families seeking a co-educational school with a larger campus, boarding options and a strong balance between academic work, sport and pastoral care.

    For many families in Surrey and south-west London, the decision often comes down to whether they prefer a highly academic city-based day school or a broader campus-style school with boarding and a strong community atmosphere.

  • Comparing Hampton School and St John’s School Leatherhead

    Hampton School and St John’s School Leatherhead are two well-known independent schools in the Surrey and south-west London area. Both offer strong academic results, extensive extracurricular programmes and preparation for leading universities. However, they differ in their structure, school culture and overall educational approach.

    Official school websites
    https://www.hamptonschool.org.uk/
    https://www.stjohnsleatherhead.co.uk/

    Admissions and entry

    Both schools are selective independent schools, meaning pupils must pass entrance assessments and interviews before being offered a place.

    Hampton School is a boys-only independent day school for pupils aged 11–18 located in Hampton, south-west London. Entry usually takes place at 11+, with around 160 places available each year and several applicants competing for each place.

    St John’s School Leatherhead is a co-educational independent school for pupils aged 11–18. It offers both day and boarding places and admits pupils mainly at 11+ and 13+. Entry normally involves assessments, an experience day and an interview.

    Academic results

    Both schools achieve strong academic outcomes, although Hampton School is often ranked among the highest performing independent boys’ schools in the UK.

    At Hampton School, recent A-level results show a very high proportion of grades at A* and A, reflecting its highly academic intake and rigorous teaching environment.

    St John’s School Leatherhead also performs strongly academically. A large proportion of GCSE grades are typically in the 9–7 range and most A-level grades are A*–B.

    Students from both schools regularly go on to Russell Group universities, with some securing places at Oxford or Cambridge.

    School environment

    The two schools differ in their structure and atmosphere.

    Hampton School is a traditional boys’ academic school with a long history dating back to the sixteenth century. The school emphasises intellectual curiosity, academic challenge and a very wide co-curricular programme including music, drama and sport.

    St John’s School Leatherhead offers a co-educational environment and has a Church of England foundation. The school aims to combine academic success with strong pastoral care and a sense of community.

    Families often choose between the two depending on whether they prefer a single-sex or co-educational school environment.

    Facilities and extracurricular life

    Both schools offer extensive opportunities outside the classroom.

    Hampton School has a large campus with sports fields, theatres, music facilities and a wide range of clubs and societies.

    St John’s School Leatherhead is set in a campus of around 50 acres and provides facilities for sport, performing arts and boarding as well as a wide range of extracurricular activities.

    Sport plays an important role at both schools, and pupils often compete at county or national level.

    Fees

    Both schools charge independent school tuition fees.

    Hampton School fees are around £9,972 per term.

    St John’s School Leatherhead fees vary depending on whether pupils are day students or boarders, with day-school fees generally in a similar range to other Surrey independent schools.

    Location

    The schools are located within a short distance of each other in south-west London and Surrey.

    Hampton School is located in Hampton in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames.

    St John’s School is located in Leatherhead in Surrey, around ten miles south of Hampton.

    Overall

    Hampton School and St John’s School Leatherhead are both highly respected independent schools with strong academic results and a wide range of extracurricular opportunities.

    Hampton School is often chosen by families seeking a highly academic boys’ school with exceptional exam results and a long tradition.

    St John’s School Leatherhead appeals to families looking for a co-educational independent school with a strong community ethos and a balance between academic work, sport and pastoral care.

    For many families the choice comes down to whether they prefer a single-sex academic environment or a co-educational school with a broader campus experience.

  • Comparing The Tiffin Girls’ School and Tiffin School

    Tiffin Girls’ School and Tiffin School are two of the most academically successful state schools in south-west London. Both are selective grammar schools located in Kingston upon Thames and share a common history, but they differ in their student body, admissions profile and aspects of school culture.

    Official school websites
    https://www.tiffingirls.org/
    https://www.tiffinschool.co.uk/

    Admissions and entry

    Both schools are selective grammar schools and admit pupils based on academic performance in the 11+ entrance examination.

    Tiffin School is a boys’ grammar school for pupils aged 11–18. Around 180 boys are admitted each year into Year 7 through competitive tests in English and mathematics. The school remains boys-only in Years 7–11 but its sixth form is now co-educational and admits girls as well.

    Tiffin Girls’ School is the girls’ equivalent grammar school. It also admits pupils at age 11 through selective entrance examinations. The school typically offers around 180 places each year and is heavily oversubscribed, with large numbers of applicants competing for places.

    Academic results

    Both schools are widely known for extremely strong academic results.

    Tiffin Girls’ School regularly achieves very high GCSE outcomes. In recent results around 94% of GCSE grades were in the 9–7 range, reflecting the school’s very strong academic intake. (The Tiffin Girls’ School)

    Tiffin School also produces excellent GCSE results, with around 79% of grades awarded at the highest levels of 7–9 in recent years. (Tiffin School)

    Pupils from both schools frequently progress to Russell Group universities, with many students going on to study at highly competitive institutions including Oxford and Cambridge.

    School environment

    Although the schools share a similar academic focus, their environments are slightly different.

    Tiffin School has a long tradition as a boys’ grammar school and emphasises academic achievement alongside strong extracurricular opportunities such as music, sport, debating and drama.

    Tiffin Girls’ School is known for its academically ambitious environment and focus on intellectual development. The school encourages pupils to pursue a wide range of academic and creative interests within a structured and supportive setting.

    Facilities and extracurricular life

    Both schools provide a wide range of activities outside the classroom.

    Tiffin School offers clubs and societies covering areas such as performing arts, sport and languages. The school also has specialist status in performing arts and languages.

    Tiffin Girls’ School also offers a broad curriculum including languages, sciences, arts and extracurricular opportunities such as music, drama and academic societies.

    Because both are state grammar schools, their facilities are generally more modest than those of nearby independent schools, though both have invested in specialist teaching spaces and enrichment programmes.

    Size and structure

    The schools are similar in overall size.

    Tiffin School has around 1,400 pupils aged 11–18.

    Tiffin Girls’ School has roughly 1,200 pupils including a sixth form of around 300 students. (Wikipedia)

    Both schools admit pupils at Year 7 and also allow some entry into sixth form based on GCSE results.

    Location

    The schools are located very close to each other in Kingston upon Thames.

    Tiffin School sits on Queen Elizabeth Road, while Tiffin Girls’ School is located nearby on Richmond Road. Both draw pupils from across Kingston, Surrey and parts of south-west London.

    Overall

    Tiffin Girls’ School and Tiffin School are among the highest performing state schools in the region and share a similar academic ethos.

    Tiffin School offers a traditional boys’ grammar school experience through Years 7–11 with a co-educational sixth form.

    Tiffin Girls’ School offers an academically selective environment for girls throughout secondary school and sixth form.

    For many families the choice between the two is straightforward because of the single-sex structure, but both schools provide highly academic education and strong preparation for university.