Cranleigh School: Leading Co-Educational Boarding in England

Introduction to Cranleigh School

Cranleigh School is a prestigious co-educational boarding school located in Surrey, England. Established in 1865, it offers a comprehensive education that combines academic excellence with traditional values. The school is situated in picturesque countryside, just an hour's drive from London, providing families with a balance between tranquil rural surroundings and easy access to urban life.

Unique Aspects of Cranleigh School
  • Academic Excellence Cranleigh is renowned for its high-quality teaching and impressive examination results both at GCSE and A levels. The curriculum encompasses a wide range of subjects, fostering critical thinking, creativity and independent thought. The school's distinctive approach, known as "Cranleigh Thinking," encourages students to think beyond exam syllabuses, preparing them to become global citizens.
  • Extracurricular Activities The school places significant emphasis on sports, music, arts and drama. With state-of-the-art facilities, including a sports centre, theatre and art studios, Cranleigh offers numerous opportunities for students to explore their interests and develop leadership skills.
  • Pastoral Care and Support A key focus of Cranleigh is the well-being of its students. Experienced housemasters, housemistresses and tutors provide continuous support, helping students build confidence and form strong friendships. The boarding house system forms the foundation upon which pupils’ well-being and sense of community are built.
  • At Cranleigh, students acquire not only knowledge but also essential life skills needed for success in a rapidly changing world. The school boasts a strong track record in helping students achieve their goals, with approximately 90% of Cranleighans taking up places at Russell Group universities each year.

Woodland Fitness Centre
16+ Entry to Cranleigh
Cranleigh General Science Laboratory
Admission to Cranleigh School

The admissions process at Cranleigh School is designed to identify students who will thrive academically and contribute positively to the school community. Early registration is recommended, ideally in Year 4 or 5, especially for 13+ entry. It is also possible to gain entry to the school for at 14+ and 16+. The process typically involves several stages:

Visit the School: Prospective families are encouraged to attend open mornings or arrange individual visits to experience the school's environment and ethos.

Registration: Submit a completed registration form along with a non-refundable fee of £200.

Entrance Assessments: Registered applicants are required to sit the ISEB Common Pre-Test at their current school or at an accredited exam centre between October and mid-November of the year prior to entry. Students are assessed on their proficiency in English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning.

Academic interview: Following the entrance tests, candidates are invited to an academic interview either in person or online. This includes an informal interview with a senior staff member and academic interviews with subject teachers. A reference from the candidate’s current school is also required. The aim is to evaluate the candidate's interests, abilities and potential contribution to the Cranleigh community.

Offers: After reviewing assessment results and school references, unconditional offers are made to candidates who demonstrate the potential to excel academically and actively participate in the school's co-curricular life.

Navigating the admissions process for prestigious institutions like Cranleigh School can be complex. Astra Education specialises in educational consultancy, offering personalised guidance to families seeking placement at top UK boarding schools. We provide a free consultation to discuss your child's educational aspirations, assess their strengths and outline the steps necessary for a successful application to Cranleigh, among other schools. Our accredited consultants are dedicated to ensuring a seamless and informed journey towards securing a place at this fantastic school. To schedule your free consultation, please contact us at info@astra-education.co.uk or call +44 (0) 7716 302 005.

Cranleigh School tuition fees: from £52,699 per year (inclusive of VAT).



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