Top 10 Best Schools in Epsom and Ewell

Education in Epsom and Ewell

For many families, schools are the main reason to move to Epsom and Ewell. The borough offers an enviable range of options: highly regarded state secondary schools, outstanding primary schools, historic independent schools and easy access to selective grammar schools in the neighbouring London Borough of Sutton. This choice gives parents flexibility to find the right environment for their children, whether they prioritise academic results, pastoral care, sport, the arts or a particular ethos.

The following list highlights ten of the best schools serving Epsom and Ewell families. Each has its own strengths, so we recommend visiting open days, reading the latest inspection reports and speaking with current parents before making decisions.

Our Top 10 Schools

1. Epsom College

Epsom College is one of the country's leading independent co-educational schools, set in impressive grounds near the Downs. It offers day and boarding places, outstanding academic results and exceptional facilities for sport, music, drama and science. Its strong pastoral care and wide co-curricular programme help pupils develop confidence and leadership. The college has also expanded internationally, reflecting its global reputation.

2. Ewell Castle School

Ewell Castle School is an independent co-educational school housed in a historic castellated mansion in Ewell Village. It offers education from early years through sixth form, with small class sizes and a nurturing approach. Families value its friendly atmosphere and focus on developing each child's individual strengths.

3. Glyn School

Glyn School is a popular academy in Ewell with a strong reputation for academic achievement and sport. It educates boys in the lower school and offers a co-educational sixth form. The school's commitment to high expectations, character development and a broad curriculum makes it one of the most sought-after state schools in the borough.

4. Rosebery School

Rosebery School is a high-performing girls' academy in Epsom with a co-educational sixth form. It is known for excellent results, a supportive environment and strong provision in the arts and STEM subjects. Its emphasis on empowering young women to achieve their ambitions resonates with many families.

5. Blenheim High School

Blenheim High School in West Ewell is a co-educational academy praised for its inclusive ethos and commitment to every learner. It offers a broad curriculum, a thriving sixth form and a range of extracurricular opportunities. The school has invested significantly in facilities and teaching quality.

6. Epsom and Ewell High School

Epsom and Ewell High School is a co-educational secondary school known for its caring community and focus on personal development. It provides a wide range of academic and vocational pathways, helping students find the route that suits them best.

7. Kingswood House School

Kingswood House School is an independent school in Epsom offering education for pupils through to sixteen. Small classes, a personalised approach and strong learning support make it a good fit for children who thrive with individual attention.

8. Downsend School

Downsend is an independent co-educational prep school serving families in Epsom, Ashtead and Leatherhead. It offers a rich curriculum with an emphasis on sport, music and outdoor learning, preparing pupils for entry to senior schools across Surrey and beyond.

9. Nonsuch High School for Girls

Located just over the border in Cheam, Nonsuch High School for Girls is one of the country's top selective grammar schools. Entry is highly competitive and based on assessment, but its outstanding results and academic culture make it a goal for many Epsom families with academically able daughters.

10. Wallington County Grammar School

Wallington County Grammar School is a leading selective boys' grammar school in the London Borough of Sutton, with a co-educational sixth form. It is renowned for exceptional academic results, particularly in mathematics and sciences, and draws applicants from across south London and Surrey.

Trends in Local Education

Demand for school places in Epsom and Ewell remains high, reflecting continued population growth and families relocating from London. Schools are investing in technology, mental health support and enrichment programmes to prepare pupils for a fast-changing world. The eleven-plus remains a significant factor for families considering selective schools in Sutton, fuelling demand for tutoring. Independent schools are adapting to changes in taxation by emphasising value, facilities and co-curricular breadth.

How to Choose a School

Consider your child's personality, interests and learning style alongside results. Visit schools during the working day if possible to see the atmosphere in action. Read Ofsted or Independent Schools Inspectorate reports, check admissions criteria and catchment areas, and note application deadlines, especially for selective schools that hold assessments in the autumn. Travel time and transport links also matter for daily routines.

Primary Schools Worth Knowing

While this guide focuses mainly on secondary and all-through schools, Epsom and Ewell also has a strong primary sector. Many community, voluntary-aided and academy primary schools across Ewell, Stoneleigh, West Ewell and Epsom achieve good or outstanding inspection outcomes and are heavily oversubscribed. Faith schools linked to local Church of England and Catholic parishes are particularly popular, with admissions often prioritising regular worshippers. Because catchment areas for the most sought-after primaries can be very small, families planning a move should check historic allocation distances published by Surrey County Council before committing to a property. Applications for reception places are made through the county council, with deadlines typically falling in mid-January.

Final Thoughts

Epsom and Ewell offers families an exceptional choice of schools. Epsom College and Ewell Castle lead the independent sector, Glyn and Rosebery are standout state academies, and nearby grammar schools such as Nonsuch and Wallington provide selective options. With careful research and visits, parents can find a school where their child will flourish.