Educational Choices

Tag: news

  • Comparing Exam Results at Hampton School and St John’s School Leatherhead

    Hampton School and St John’s School Leatherhead are both strong independent schools in the Surrey and south-west London area. However, their academic results show some differences in overall attainment, particularly at A-level and GCSE.

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

    A-level results

    Hampton School is generally considered one of the more academically selective boys’ schools in the region, and this is reflected in its A-level results.

    At Hampton School, a very high proportion of A-level grades are typically awarded at A* or A, placing the school among the strongest performing independent schools academically.

    At St John’s School Leatherhead, results are also strong but slightly less concentrated at the very top grades. A significant proportion of A-level grades are usually in the A*–B range.

    Both schools therefore achieve very high pass rates, but Hampton School typically has a larger proportion of the very highest grades.

    GCSE results

    GCSE results show a similar pattern.

    St John’s School Leatherhead reports a high percentage of GCSE grades at 9–7, which is strong compared with national averages.

    Hampton School also achieves very high GCSE results, with a large majority of grades in the 9–7 range, reflecting the academic selectivity of its intake.

    University destinations

    Both schools send many students to leading universities.

    Students from Hampton School frequently go on to Russell Group universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, as well as competitive courses such as medicine, engineering and physics.

    St John’s School Leatherhead also sends pupils to a wide range of universities including Russell Group institutions, although its ethos is often described as producing well-rounded students rather than focusing purely on academic competition.

    Academic profile

    The difference in results partly reflects the type of school.

    Hampton School is a highly selective academic boys’ day school, with entrance exams that attract very strong academic candidates.

    St John’s School Leatherhead is co-educational and slightly broader in its intake, with a strong emphasis on balancing academics with sport, arts and extracurricular activities.

    Overall comparison

    In simple terms:

    • Hampton School tends to achieve higher proportions of A* and A grades, reflecting its very academic intake.
    • St John’s School Leatherhead still achieves strong results, particularly at GCSE and A-level, but with slightly fewer top grades overall.
    • Both schools send students to leading universities and provide strong academic preparation.

    Overall, Hampton School is often seen as more academically selective, while St John’s Leatherhead combines good results with a broader educational approach and a strong focus on pastoral care and extracurricular life.

  • Comparing St Alban’s Catholic Primary School (East Molesey) and St Paul’s Catholic Primary School (Thames Ditton)

    St Alban’s Catholic Primary School in East Molesey and St Paul’s Catholic Primary School in Thames Ditton are two popular Catholic primary schools in the Elmbridge area of Surrey. Both serve pupils aged 4–11 and are part of the Catholic Diocese of Arundel and Brighton. They share similar values and religious foundations but differ slightly in size, results and school environment.

    Official school websites
    https://www.stalbans.surrey.sch.uk/
    https://www.stpauls-thamesditton.surrey.sch.uk/

    Admissions and entry

    Both schools are state-funded Catholic primary schools and give priority to children from Catholic families, although other pupils may also apply if places are available.

    St Alban’s Catholic Primary School is located on Beauchamp Road in East Molesey and educates children aged 4–11. The school has just over 400 pupils.

    St Paul’s Catholic Primary School is located on Hampton Court Way in Thames Ditton and also serves pupils aged 4–11. The school has around 340 pupils.

    Both schools are mixed (co-educational) and follow the national primary curriculum alongside Catholic religious education.

    Academic results

    Both schools achieve strong academic results compared with national averages.

    St Alban’s Catholic Primary School performs particularly strongly in national assessments, with a high proportion of pupils reaching the expected and higher standards in reading, writing and mathematics at the end of primary school.

    St Paul’s Catholic Primary School also achieves strong results, with many pupils meeting or exceeding national expectations at the end of Key Stage 2.

    Both schools therefore perform well academically, although St Alban’s is sometimes seen as having particularly high attainment levels.

    School environment

    The atmosphere in the two schools is quite similar because they share a Catholic ethos.

    St Alban’s Catholic Primary School emphasises high expectations, strong behaviour and a supportive community where faith and learning are closely linked. The school encourages pupils to develop academically, socially and spiritually.

    St Paul’s Catholic Primary School focuses on values such as respect, responsibility and kindness. Pupils are encouraged to contribute positively to the school community and take on responsibilities as they grow older.

    Both schools place strong emphasis on pastoral care and community values.

    Facilities and activities

    Both schools offer a broad range of opportunities beyond the classroom.

    At St Alban’s, pupils take part in school trips, residential visits and extracurricular clubs alongside their academic learning.

    At St Paul’s, pupils also have access to a range of clubs, sports and enrichment activities, and the school provides additional support such as breakfast and after-school clubs.

    These activities help support pupils’ wider development in addition to academic learning.

    Size and community

    The schools are similar in structure but differ slightly in size.

    St Alban’s is slightly larger, with just over 400 pupils across the primary years.

    St Paul’s is somewhat smaller, with just over 340 pupils, which can create a slightly more intimate school community.

    Location

    Both schools are located very close to each other in Elmbridge.

    St Alban’s Catholic Primary School is in East Molesey near Hampton Court.

    St Paul’s Catholic Primary School is in Thames Ditton along Hampton Court Way.

    Because of their proximity, families in areas such as Molesey, Thames Ditton, Esher and parts of Kingston often consider both schools.

    Overall

    St Alban’s Catholic Primary School and St Paul’s Catholic Primary School are both respected Catholic primary schools with strong academic results and supportive communities.

    St Alban’s is slightly larger and often recognised for particularly strong academic attainment.

    St Paul’s offers a similarly supportive environment with strong pastoral care and a slightly smaller school community.

    For many local families, the choice between the two schools often depends on location, parish connections and personal preference rather than major differences in educational quality.

  • Comparing RGS Surrey Hills and Notre Dame School Cobham

    RGS Surrey Hills and Notre Dame School Cobham are two independent schools located in Surrey. Both offer education for secondary-school pupils and sixth form students, but they differ in structure, school ethos, academic profile and student experience.

    Official school websites
    https://www.rgs-surreyhills.org/
    https://www.notredame.co.uk/

    Admissions and entry

    Both schools are independent and selective, requiring assessments and interviews before pupils are offered places.

    RGS Surrey Hills is a co-educational independent school for pupils aged 11–18. It offers entry mainly at Year 7, Year 9 and sixth form and considers school reports, interviews and assessments as part of the admissions process.

    Notre Dame School is a girls-only independent Catholic day school in Cobham that accepts pupils aged 11–18 for the senior school, with additional entry points including sixth form.

    The most obvious structural difference is therefore that RGS Surrey Hills is co-educational while Notre Dame is a girls’ school.

    Academic results

    Both schools achieve good academic results, although they differ slightly in academic profile.

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

    RGS Surrey Hills has seen improving results in recent years, with a growing proportion of GCSE grades in the higher bands.

    Both schools send students to a range of UK universities and emphasise strong academic preparation alongside personal development.

    School environment

    The atmosphere at the two schools is noticeably different.

    RGS Surrey Hills promotes a global and outward-looking culture, with a mix of British and international students and a strong emphasis on leadership, service and global awareness.

    Notre Dame School has a Catholic foundation and focuses strongly on values such as compassion, confidence and personal development alongside academic success.

    As a girls’ school, Notre Dame often emphasises confidence building and leadership for young women.

    Facilities and campus

    Both schools are located in attractive parts of Surrey and have spacious campuses.

    RGS Surrey Hills is set in countryside near Box Hill and sits in a large area of grounds, offering both day and boarding options.

    Notre Dame School is also set in attractive grounds in Cobham and provides facilities for sport, arts and academic study within a traditional independent-school campus environment.

    Size and pupil numbers

    The schools differ slightly in size.

    RGS Surrey Hills is a relatively small school with a few hundred pupils aged 11–18, including both day students and boarders.

    Notre Dame School is somewhat larger overall, with pupils across both prep and senior school.

    The smaller size of RGS Surrey Hills can create a more intimate school environment, while Notre Dame has a slightly larger community.

    Fees

    Both schools charge independent school fees.

    Notre Dame School charges tuition fees typical of independent day schools in Surrey.

    RGS Surrey Hills fees are broadly similar, although boarding places increase the cost for students who live on campus.

    Location

    Both schools are located in Surrey but in different settings.

    RGS Surrey Hills is located near Mickleham and Dorking close to Box Hill in the Surrey Hills countryside.

    Notre Dame School is located in Cobham, a well-known Surrey village close to the A3 and within easy reach of Kingston, Esher and Weybridge.

    Overall

    RGS Surrey Hills and Notre Dame School Cobham are both respected independent schools with strong pastoral care and academic programmes.

    RGS Surrey Hills may appeal to families looking for a co-educational school with boarding options and an international outlook.

    Notre Dame School may appeal to families seeking a girls-only school with a strong pastoral culture and Catholic heritage.

    For many families in Surrey, the choice often comes down to whether they prefer a co-educational environment with boarding options or a girls’ school with a strong pastoral focus and long tradition.

  • Comparing Esher Sixth Form College and Godalming College

    Esher Sixth Form College and Godalming College are two of the most popular sixth-form colleges in Surrey. Both specialise in education for students aged 16–19 and offer A-levels and vocational courses. They are similar in many ways but differ slightly in size, atmosphere, results and location.

    Official college websites
    https://www.esher.ac.uk/
    https://www.godalming.ac.uk/

    Admissions and entry

    Both colleges admit students after GCSEs and usually require a set number of GCSE passes, often including strong grades in the subjects students wish to study at A-level.

    Esher Sixth Form College is located in Thames Ditton near Esher and Kingston. It attracts students from a wide area including Elmbridge, Kingston and parts of south-west London.

    Godalming College is located in the town of Godalming near Guildford and draws students mainly from south and west Surrey as well as parts of Hampshire.

    Both colleges are non-selective sixth-form colleges, but strong GCSE grades are expected for most A-level courses.

    Academic results

    Both colleges achieve strong A-level outcomes compared with national averages.

    At Esher Sixth Form College, recent results show an overall pass rate of about 98.5%, with around 60% of grades at A–B* and roughly 32.5% at A–A*. (Esher Sixth Form College)

    Godalming College also performs strongly, with many students achieving high grades and making above-average progress compared with their GCSE results. (godalming.ac.uk)

    Government performance data shows both colleges achieving above-average progress scores, meaning students tend to do better than expected based on their GCSE results. (Compare School Performance)

    School environment

    The atmosphere of the two colleges can feel slightly different.

    Esher Sixth Form College has a reputation for a busy and energetic environment with a large student body. The college focuses strongly on A-level study and preparing students for university.

    Godalming College is often described as having a slightly calmer and more campus-style environment. It emphasises independence and personal development alongside academic study.

    Facilities and courses

    Both colleges offer a wide range of A-level subjects including sciences, humanities, languages and creative subjects.

    Esher Sixth Form College provides A-levels and BTEC courses and has modern teaching facilities, laboratories and performing arts spaces. The college has also received an Outstanding rating from Ofsted in recent inspections. (Ofsted Reports)

    Godalming College offers a similarly broad curriculum including A-levels, BTECs and GCSE resits, with facilities for sciences, arts and sports.

    Both colleges encourage students to take part in enrichment activities such as clubs, sports teams and volunteering.

    Size and student numbers

    The colleges differ slightly in size.

    Esher Sixth Form College has around 2,000 students and is one of the larger sixth-form colleges in the region.

    Godalming College is slightly smaller but still large, with around 1,800 students.

    Both colleges therefore feel more like small universities compared with school sixth forms.

    Location

    Location is often an important factor when choosing between the two.

    Esher Sixth Form College is located in Thames Ditton near Kingston and is easily accessible from places such as Esher, Walton, Molesey and Kingston.

    Godalming College is located near Guildford in a quieter market town setting.

    Students often choose based on travel distance and transport links.

    Overall

    Esher Sixth Form College and Godalming College are both highly regarded sixth-form colleges with strong academic results and good university destinations.

    Esher Sixth Form College may appeal to students looking for a large, lively college environment with a strong academic focus.

    Godalming College may appeal to students who prefer a slightly smaller campus atmosphere and a quieter location.

    For many students in Surrey, the decision between the two colleges often comes down to location, travel time and personal preference rather than major differences in academic quality.

    If you want, I can also write a much sharper comparison (like a league-table style breakdown of 10 differences) — which works very well for blog posts or school comparison websites.

  • 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 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.