Address: Cranleigh School, Horseshoe Lane, Cranleigh, Surrey GU6 8QQ
Region: Surrey (see also London – Outer)
Pupils: 654, Sixth form 240
Fees: Day: £31,170 annually Boarding: £37,905 annually
Enquiries: the Head of School Administration
Description:
Founded in 1865 as a boys’ boarding school; girls have been included in the sixth form since 1971 and throughout the school from 1999. It has a splendid site in over 200 acres of farmland near the small town of Cranleigh on the edge of the Surrey Hills. The prep school adjoins the main campus and there are strong links between the two schools, particularly in music and sport. The buildings are striking and well-appointed. The school is well equipped, with a music school, three theatres and good facilities for art (including ceramics, sculpture, textiles and printmaking).There is a sports complex, floodlit astroturf, a golf course and pool. It is a well-run, energetic and purposeful school, which displays considerable enterprise in many fields. A large staff allows a very favourable staff/pupil ratio. Academic standards are high and examination results very good. It has a good reputation for art, music and drama (some 12 productions each year). It has a long-standing reputation for games and sports, of which there is a wide range available. Numerous clubs and societies cater for most needs. There is an active outdoor education programme and CCF, frequent and varied field trips and expeditions overseas, a substantial commitment to local community service and significant success in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme. The wide range of activities is designed to help students to broaden their horizons and exceed their expectations.
School Head: Headmaster: Martin Reader, in post from 2014. Educated at St Olave’s Grammar School, Orpington, and at universities of Oxford (English and MPhil) and Hull (MBA international school leadership). Previously Headmaster at Wellington School, Somerset, Senior Deputy Head at Reigate Grammar School, Deputy Head at Laxton’s and taught at St Edward’s, Oxford. Teaching staff: 97 full- and part-time.
Results: GCSE: The overall pass rate was 97%, with 50% of pupils achieving 8 or more A*-A (or equivalent). A quarter of the cohort achieved 10 or more A*-A (or equivalent). Grades in some subjects were exceptional, with more than 80% of pupils achieving 9-7 (equivalent to A*/A). A Levels: Students achieved an excellent set of A Level results this year, with 80 per cent of grades at A*-B and an overall pass rate of 100 per cent.
Furtherhigher: 99% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (45% after a gap year), 10% to Oxbridge – taking a range of courses including medicine, aeronautical engineering, international relations, maths, archaeology, sport, history of art, business management, philosophy.
Arts: Music: Up to 40% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 10 musical groups including symphony orchestra, wind band, chapel choir, big band, strings, trios, quartets, choir. About 30 concerts a year, some with professionals. Drama: GCSE and A-level may be taken. Majority of pupils are involved in school and house/other productions. 10+ productions a year. Art and design: On average, 60 take GCSE, 20 A-level. Art staff are all practising artists. Regular exhibitions.
Sport: Participation in sport/physical activity compulsory. 20+ offered including cricket, rugby, golf, fencing, riding (stables and sand school on estate), squash, netball. Pupils have represented country at athletics, hockey, cricket, rugby and equestrian sports; national champions in cricket, hockey, kayaking, biathlon and equestrian sports. Also bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award; CCF; community service; visits to sponsored school in Kitwe, Zambia. 50+ clubs and activities, eg bridge, chess, debating, science, Schools Challenge, Young Enterprise, coding, cooking, public speaking, shooting.
Formerpupils: Dr Derek Bourgeois (composer); Andrew Roberts (historian, broadcaster); David Westcott (GB hockey captain); Julia Ormond (actor); E W Swanton (cricket and rugby correspondent); Patrick Marber (playwright) Ollie Pop (England Cricket player), Will Collier (Harlequins and England Rugby player), Charlie Piper (Harlequins and England U17, U18, 20 Rugby player), Sam Arnold (Ireland U17, U18, U20, Ulster and Munster Rugby player)
