Three Rivers Academy and Esher Church of England High School are two state secondary schools serving pupils in the Elmbridge area of Surrey. Both are mixed comprehensive schools, but they differ in their structure, academic profile, facilities and overall feel.
Official school websites
https://www.threeriversacademy.org/
https://www.esherhigh.surrey.sch.uk/
Admissions and structure
Both schools are non-selective state schools, meaning pupils are admitted mainly based on local admissions criteria rather than entrance exams.
Three Rivers Academy is an 11–18 mixed secondary school located between Hersham and Walton-on-Thames. It is part of The Howard Partnership Trust and has around 1,500 pupils, including a sixth form.
Esher Church of England High School is an 11–16 mixed academy located in Esher. It does not have its own sixth form, so many pupils move on to nearby sixth-form colleges such as Esher Sixth Form College after Year 11.
Because of this difference, Three Rivers offers a full secondary pathway through to A-levels, while Esher High focuses on education up to GCSE.
Academic results
Academic outcomes differ somewhat between the two schools.
At Three Rivers Academy, around 43.6% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in GCSE English and maths in recent results.
At Esher Church of England High School, around 57% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above at GCSE, which places the school roughly in the middle range nationally but slightly stronger than some nearby comprehensives.
Both schools aim to provide strong progress for pupils across a range of abilities rather than focusing purely on academic selection.
School environment
The two schools have slightly different cultures.
Three Rivers Academy emphasises an inclusive and supportive learning environment, with the school describing itself as a “vibrant, caring and inspiring school” focused on helping every pupil flourish. (Three Rivers Academy)
Esher Church of England High School has a Christian ethos and places importance on values such as community, dignity and responsibility.
The presence of a Church of England identity gives Esher High a slightly more values-based framework compared with many other local state schools.
Facilities
Both schools have seen investment in facilities in recent years.
Three Rivers Academy moved into a modern £40 million building in 2018 with updated classrooms and specialist facilities.
Esher High has also invested in facilities, including a performing arts centre, sports facilities and new science laboratories.
Both schools offer sports, music, drama and extracurricular activities alongside academic lessons.
Size and pupil numbers
The schools are similar in overall size but have slightly different structures.
Three Rivers Academy has around 1,500 pupils aged 11–18 and includes a sixth form.
Esher Church of England High School has around 1,100–1,200 pupils aged 11–16.
This difference means that Three Rivers tends to feel more like a traditional secondary school with sixth form, while Esher High operates more as an 11–16 high school feeding into local colleges.
Location
Both schools serve communities in north Surrey and south-west London.
Three Rivers Academy is located in Hersham near Walton-on-Thames.
Esher Church of England High School is located in Esher on More Lane.
The two schools are only a few miles apart and draw pupils from many of the same surrounding towns including Walton, Esher, Thames Ditton and Molesey.
Overall
Three Rivers Academy and Esher Church of England High School are both established comprehensive schools serving the Elmbridge area.
Three Rivers Academy offers a larger campus and a full pathway through to sixth form, with modern facilities and a broad curriculum.
Esher Church of England High School offers education up to GCSE level within a structured community framework influenced by Church of England values.
For many local families, the choice often depends on factors such as sixth-form plans, location and the type of school environment they prefer.
Educational Choices 