In 1800, Madeleine Sophie Barat established the Society of the Sacred Heart, aiming for girls’ education with the same intellectual rigour typically reserved for boys. Woldingham, established in 1842 as the first Sacred Heart school in England, remains that vision embodied. Set across 700 acres of peaceful Surrey countryside with direct train access to London in just 30 minutes, the school combines the tranquility of rural boarding life with the accessibility of metropolitan opportunity. With 59% of GCSE grades at 9-8 and 51% of A-level grades at A*/A, Woldingham ranks among the top 3% of schools in England (FindMySchool data). The school educates approximately 650 girls aged 11-18, blending an all-girls ethos with serious academic ambition, three-major theatrical productions annually, and more than 100 clubs spanning everything from beekeeping to advanced physics.
The school's physical setting tells much of its story. The Victorian mansion at Marden Park sits at the heart of campus, flanked by gardens and distant views across the North Downs. Heritage buildings sit alongside modern facilities: a new Sixth Form Centre opened in Sept 2024, the Millennium Centre houses a highly regarded school theatre, and science provision includes dedicated blocks with individual labs. The scale feels deliberate. Unlike some sprawling campuses that can feel impersonal, Woldingham's 700 acres create space for contemplation without isolation.
The Catholic character is woven throughout daily life, though it sits lightly. About one-third of students are Roman Catholic; the remainder represent diverse faiths and none. Collective worship is central, with regular Masses and assemblies. Yet these are lived experiences rather than imposed obligations. Girls describe genuine engagement with the school's five Sacred Heart values: Faith, Intellect, Community, Social Awareness, and Personal Growth.
Under Head Sue Baillie, who arrived in September 2024 from Queen Margaret's School in York, the tone is collegial and forward-thinking. Baillie comes with a track record leading girls' day and boarding schools and a commitment to the school's Catholic heritage combined with contemporary education. Staff retention is notably strong, and the supporting team includes experienced housemistresses who live on campus and know every boarding student well.
The house system creates deep community. All students belong to one of four mixed-age houses named after significant figures in Sacred Heart history: Barat (for the founder), Duchesne, Stuart, and Digby. This mixing of year groups is deliberate. Upper Sixth students mentor Year 7s. House assemblies, competitions, and celebrations create belonging across ages. Girls report that by Year 9 or 10, they have real friendships spanning the entire school.
At GCSE in 2024, 59% of grades achieved 9 or 8 (the top two grades), and 77% achieved grades 9-7. These results place Woldingham 120th among state and independent secondary schools (FindMySchool ranking), positioning it in the elite tier at the top 3% of schools in England. Locally, the school ranks 2nd among secondary schools in Caterham. The breadth is notable. Strong performance extends across sciences (including separate biology, chemistry, and physics), languages, humanities, and the arts. Mathematics results are particularly strong, with STEM uptake notably high for girls in this age group.
The school credits its results to structured teaching with high expectations, but not to excessive pressure. Students describe a culture where intellectual challenge is normal but not obsessive. There is no sense of frantic tutoring culture; instead, teachers are experienced at explaining difficult concepts and extending able students through deeper understanding rather than rote learning.
At A-level, results are equally impressive. In 2024, 51% of grades were A*/A, with 83% achieving A*-B. The school ranks 210th, placing it in the top 8% in England (FindMySchool ranking). Again, the second-rank position locally reflects strong regional performance across Surrey and surrounding counties.
Students choose from 27 A-level subjects, enabling genuine specialisation. Popular choices include mathematics, chemistry, psychology, biology, and economics. Art, literature, and languages are equally supported. The school recognises that different students thrive with different combinations. Some pursue pure science; others balance humanities with sciences; some specialise in arts. This flexibility reflects the pedagogical approach.
In the 2024 cohort (cohort year 2023-24, n=83), 63% of leavers progressed to university, with an additional 11% entering employment and 4% pursuing further education. The university destinations are strong. Oxbridge sees regular entries, with 1 student securing a place over the combined measurement period (9% success rate from 11 applications). Beyond Oxbridge, students regularly progress to Russell Group universities including Warwick, Durham, Edinburgh, Imperial College, and UCL. This breadth reflects the school's academic ambition without narrowness.
Professional courses are popular: medicine, dentistry, engineering, and law feature prominently among leavers. But so do humanities, social sciences, and creative disciplines. The sixth-form vocational pathway has been strengthened, with recognition that not all students wish to follow a three-subject A-level route.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
82.64%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
GCSE 9–7
77%
% of students achieving grades 9-7
The school articulates its educational philosophy as "empowered learning." This term could be empty corporate language, but in practice it reflects a genuine pedagogical approach. Students are treated as emerging adults with agency in their learning, not passive recipients. Teachers facilitate independent inquiry alongside direct instruction. Younger students are given increasing responsibility for their work as they move through the school.
Curriculum breadth is maintained through Year 11, with all students studying English, mathematics, sciences, at least one modern foreign language, and humanities. This contrasts with some schools moving toward narrow specialisation. The rationale reflects both the Sacred Heart mission and practical educational thinking: at 14 or 15, students often don't yet know their direction. A broad curriculum keeps doors open.
In the sixth form, specialisation increases but remains thoughtful. Students choose typically three or four A-levels aligned with university aspiration, complemented by extended project work and enrichment lectures. The school offers a dedicated Sophia Programme for sixth formers, exploring culture, science, society, ecology, and anthropology to develop critical thinking beyond examination syllabuses.
STEM receives particular attention, reflecting both world trends and deliberate school strategy. Girls are encouraged to see science and mathematics as accessible and valuable. Specialist teachers, dedicated lab spaces, and exposure to scientists and engineers through talks series help counter cultural narratives that discourage girls from physics and engineering. The effect shows in uptake: strong numbers of girls pursue STEM A-levels and subsequently STEM degrees.
Woldingham's co-curricular provision is exceptional and genuinely diverse. The school lists more than 100 clubs and activities, and unlike some schools where such numbers inflate small hobby groups, these are actively run and attended.
The Millennium Centre, opened in the 1990s and updated continuously, ranks among the finest school performance venues in England. The Dineen Auditorium seats 630 with a fully computerised sound and lighting system, an orchestra pit, and flexible staging. The supporting spaces include a dedicated recital room, iMAC computer suite with 24-track digital recording studio, keyboard studio, string and woodwind studios, and numerous practice rooms.
Music is taught to all pupils in Years 7-9 as part of the curriculum. Beyond the classroom, the school runs 11 named ensembles: Junior Choir (Years 7-8), Senior Choir (Years 9-Upper Sixth), Amaris (a competition choir selected by audition), Sinfonietta (grades 1-4), Symphony Orchestra (grade 5 and above), Scholars' Ensemble (for music scholars), Percussion Ensemble, Flutissimo (flute ensemble), Jazz Band, Chamber music groups, and string ensemble. All standards are welcomed; the philosophy is inclusion alongside excellence.
The evidence of quality is visible in outcomes. Students regularly gain places in the National Youth Theatre and National Youth Music Theatre. In 2024, Woldingham's Lee Trio won the U19 category at the prestigious national Pro Corda school chamber music festival and were invited to perform at Pro Corda's showcase concert at Drapers Hall in London. Students perform regularly with London orchestras and attend masterclasses with professional musicians.
Drama is compulsory for all pupils in Years 7-9. From Year 10, it becomes an option at GCSE and A-level, with several students annually continuing to drama degrees or professional training. Yet drama reaches far beyond the specialists. The school stages at least three major productions annually, and these are genuinely ambitious productions, not school play pastimes.
The physical infrastructure supports quality. Beyond the 630-seat Dineen Auditorium, there is a fully-equipped Studio Theatre, costume and wardrobe rooms with full construction facilities, scenery construction dock, and industry-standard sound and lighting control rooms.
Productions in recent years have ranged from classical texts to contemporary work. The scale is considerable: full orchestral accompaniment is possible; casts can exceed 100 students. Several recent alumnae have pursued acting professionally, including Carey Mulligan, the acclaimed film and stage actress. While Woldingham cannot claim sole credit for her success, her formative years in the drama programme under experienced drama teachers shaped her confidence and craft.
The school's STEM society provides a forum for students interested in science and technology beyond the curriculum. Physics Society, Chemistry Society, Chemistry Cosmetics (applied chemistry club), Junior Medics Society (for prospective medical students), Maths Competition Club, and STEM Society create structures for deeper exploration.
The Kritikos programme stretches academic scholars in Years 7-11 through small-group debates, mini-lectures (staff or student-led), and independent research projects often inspired by museum trips or external lectures. The Café Scientifique brings external speakers from diverse STEM fields to communicate science in accessible ways.
Sport is mandatory in Years 7-11. The main sports are netball, hockey (autumn and spring), cricket, and tennis (summer). All pupils participate in PE lessons; the curriculum emphasises enjoyment, fitness, and teamwork alongside competitive development.
The sports facilities are excellent. The school operates a dedicated sports centre housing a large sports hall with a newly resurfaced playing surface (updated autumn 2021), two squash courts, a fitness studio, a refurbished dance and gymnastics studio with state-of-the-art sprung flooring, an indoor swimming pool, an indoor tennis dome for year-round play, an all-weather pitch, and extensive outdoor courts and pitches. For cricket, there are indoor nets available year-round.
A substantial number of girls represent their county or country in specific sports. The school explicitly supports elite athletes, permitting term-time absence for county and national competitions. Notable sports competitions include cross-country running, skiing, modern pentathlon, and lacrosse. Additional clubs span badminton, rock climbing, scuba diving, fencing, water polo, taekwondo, and gymnastics.
House competitions are keenly contested throughout the year, culminating in an annual sports day. Weekend activities often include sporting trips within the UK and overseas.
Beyond sport and performing arts, intellectual societies flourish. Model United Nations is active, with students attending conferences. Debating Society develops argumentation skills. Duke of Edinburgh's Award (Bronze, Silver, and Gold) provides structured outdoor and leadership development. Book Club, History Society, Classics Society, Chemistry Society, Physics Society, Current Affairs forum, and Shakespeare Society cater to diverse interests.
The school recognises that not all enrichment is formal. A Beekeeping Society, for instance, allows girls to engage with environmental science and animal husbandry directly. Crochet Club and other craft activities provide tactile creativity. The DJ Club and glee club create space for musical exploration beyond orchestral traditions.
For the academic year 2025-26, termly fees are as follows:
Fees data coming soon.
Boarding is central to Woldingham's identity, though approximately half the school board while half are day students. The school offers three options: full boarding (7 nights per week), weekly boarding (5 nights per week), and flexi-boarding (up to 3 nights per week, pre-booked termly).
Younger students (Years 7-8) live in Marden House, where shared rooms for up to four girls foster close friendships and community. The atmosphere is deliberately warm and familial rather than institutional. Housemistresses live on site and form deep relationships with students. From Year 10 onwards, students have individual study bedrooms. Upper Sixth students receive ensuite rooms, reflecting the transition toward independence.
Main House accommodates Years 9-11. Sixth Form students move to purpose-built modern accommodation in Berwick House and Shanley House, designed as a transition space combining independence with pastoral support.
Boarders remain on campus most weekends, though occasional exeats permit family time. The weekend programme includes social activities, sporting matches, cultural trips to London (theatre, museums), cinema, bowling, and leisure time. The balance aims for structure without regimentation.
Flexi-boarding opens boarding to families who want flexibility. A student might board two nights per week during busy periods or during parental travel. Ad hoc nights are available at £94 per night (including VAT at £112.80).
Flexi-boarding ranges from £80-89 per night (£288-286 including VAT per week for three nights).
Recognising its mission as a pioneer in girls' education, Woldingham remains committed to access. Approximately 10% of pupils receive means-tested bursaries. Bursaries are awarded to girls demonstrating strong potential who would otherwise be unable to attend. Awards are typically made at Year 7 entry and continue through to the end of Sixth Form, subject to annual review.
Scholarships are awarded for academic excellence, music, drama, art, performing arts, and sport. At 11+ entry, scholarships are available across these categories, with a dedicated Local Girl Scholarship for pupils at local maintained primary schools. At 13+, scholarships cover the same areas. At 16+ (Sixth Form entry), scholarships are offered in academics, art, drama, music, science, and sport. Scholarships typically provide 10-25% fee reduction and can be combined with bursaries in cases of genuine financial need.
The school offers a 5% sibling discount. Armed Forces families receiving Continuity of Education Allowance qualify for a 20% boarding bursary.
An acceptance deposit is required: £2,400 for boarders, £1,200 for day students. For international students, an additional overseas acceptance deposit of £19,838 is payable.
Extra charges beyond tuition include school uniform, extra-curricular activities exceeding £50 (requiring parental agreement), instrument tuition or hire, day student transport, mandatory guardians for overseas students, examination fees, and course materials.
The school places pastoral care at the forefront of its mission. Every girl is known by name and supported as an individual. Form tutors remain consistent across a student's years, ensuring continuity of relationships.
From September 2025, a dedicated Wellbeing Centre called "The Hub" opened as part of this commitment. Woldingham is among a small number of UK schools with timetabled wellbeing lessons, supporting mental/physical health alongside critical thinking for decision‑making and resilience.
Counselling services are available for students navigating personal difficulties. The learning support team includes qualified teachers specialising in specific learning needs such as dyslexia. The school welcomes pupils with mild learning difficulties and aims to support neurodiversity through individualised planning and classroom adjustments.
Approximately 25% of the school receive some form of SEND support. Provision is typically "light touch," delivered through high-quality classroom teaching supplemented by targeted small-group or individual sessions where needed.
For boarders, the boarding team includes housemistresses, residential assistants, and nursing staff. The boarding houses operate as close-knit communities with regular activities, celebrations, and support systems embedded in daily life.
Entry points are at Year 7 (age 11), Year 9 (age 13), and Sixth Form (age 16), though limited spaces occasionally exist for Years 8 and 10.
For Year 7 and Year 9 entry, candidates complete the ISEB online pre-test (either at their current school or at Woldingham), attend an assessment day at school, sit a short creative writing paper, and participate in an interview.
For Sixth Form entry, assessment includes online tests in English, mathematics, and science, followed by interview. Entry requirements are typically a minimum of eight GCSEs with an average grade of 5.5, with grade 7 or above required for most A-level subjects.
The school welcomes international students and offers flexi-boarding to facilitate access. International applicants may require IELTS or other English language certification depending on educational background.
Woldingham is a Catholic school and welcomes girls of all faiths or none. All students are expected to participate in assemblies, attend Mass, and take Theology GCSE in Year 11. Preference in admissions is given to families of practising Roman Catholic faith, though this is not exclusive.
The school accepts pupils with physical disabilities provided the site can accommodate them and welcomes pupils with mild learning difficulties. Individual assessment of needs occurs before admission, with tailored support agreed with families.
Catholic Identity Genuine and Pervasive: The school's religious character is not nominal. Daily worship, regular Masses, theology curriculum, and explicit reference to Catholic teaching are integral to school life. Families uncomfortable with this level of religious engagement should consider alternatives. The school acknowledges that not all students are Catholic but expects respectful participation in the community's religious life.
Boarding Requires Adjustment: While the boarding community is warm and familial, full-time boarding at age 11 is a significant step. Students separated from parents for weeks at a time need resilience and a capacity to form strong peer relationships. Younger boarders share rooms, limiting privacy. The school's support systems are strong, but boarding suits some students far more than others.
Rural Location Requires Transport: While Woldingham station is on the school boundary and provides direct train access to London in 30 minutes, the daily journey from central London involves travel time beyond the train itself. For day students commuting from distant parts of the southeast, the logistics are significant. Car parking is available for those driving, but congestion at drop-off and collection can be challenging. The location is peaceful and beautiful for resident boarders but may feel isolated for day students.
Academic Pace is Substantial: The school maintains high expectations across the board. While not a pressure cooker, students are expected to engage seriously with their work, participate actively in lessons, and develop independent study habits from Year 7 onwards. Students who struggle academically may find the pace challenging.
All-Girls Environment: This is fundamental to Woldingham's identity and educational philosophy. While research increasingly shows benefits for girls in single-sex settings (particularly in STEM and leadership development), it is not right for all families. Those seeking co-education should look elsewhere.
Woldingham is one of England's finest girls' independent boarding schools, combining academic excellence with a genuine commitment to girls' education as a transformative force. The school lives its stated mission meaningfully rather than through marketing language. Results are genuinely strong without being obsessive; facilities are outstanding; pastoral care is evident in daily practice; and the all-girls environment is deliberately structured to encourage girls to lead, speak, and pursue their ambitions without navigating competitive dynamics with boys.
The school suits girls who will thrive in a boarding community, engage seriously with academics, embrace broader intellectual and creative pursuits, and connect with the Catholic values framework even if they don't share the faith. For families seeking a well-rounded education where girls are known, supported, and challenged, and where both academic and personal development are genuinely valued, Woldingham merits serious consideration. The limiting factors are the boarding requirement (which many families prefer), the rural location, the Catholic identity, and the full fees (though financial aid is genuinely available).
Best suited to: girls aged 11-18 seeking boarding or day education in a leading all-girls Catholic school with exceptional facilities, strong academic results, and a genuine commitment to pastoral care and personal development.
Main challenge: Entry is competitive and places are limited, particularly at Year 7. Families should apply early and ensure their daughters are genuinely keen to board or prepared for significant daily travel if day. The school does genuinely consider bursaries for able girls from lower-income families, but support is means-tested and not guaranteed.
Yes. Woldingham ranks 120th in England for GCSE results (top 3%, FindMySchool ranking) and 210th for A-levels (top 8%, FindMySchool ranking). The school was rated Excellent in its 2018 ISI inspection and Outstanding in its 2020 Catholic School Inspection. In 2024, 77% of GCSE grades were 9-7, and 83% of A-level grades were A*-B. Leavers regularly progress to Russell Group and Oxbridge universities. The school is widely recognised as one of England's leading independent girls' boarding schools.
For 2025-26, day fees are £9,830 per term (approximately £29,490 annually) for Years 9-Upper Sixth, and £8,330 per term (approximately £24,990 annually) for Years 7-8. Full boarding fees are £16,590 per term (approximately £49,770 annually) for Years 9-Upper Sixth, and £14,690 per term (approximately £44,070 annually) for Years 7-8. Weekly boarding and flexi-boarding options are available at lower costs. An acceptance deposit of £2,400 (boarders) or £1,200 (day) is required. The school offers means-tested bursaries to approximately 10% of pupils and merit-based scholarships across academic, music, drama, art, and sports. Families should contact the school directly for detailed fee information and bursary eligibility.
Entry is selective. The school accepts approximately 60-90 pupils per year at Year 7 from significantly more applicants, making entry competitive but not as intensive as entrance to grammar schools. The admissions process includes entrance testing, an assessment day, and interviews. Academic ability and potential are essential, but the school also seeks girls who will contribute to the community. Families are encouraged to visit the school and speak with the admissions team early in the process.
The school offers more than 100 clubs and activities annually. Sports include netball, hockey, cricket, tennis, swimming, cross-country, athletics, badminton, squash, fencing, water polo, rock climbing, and taekwondo. Performing arts include 11 music ensembles (choirs, orchestras, bands), drama productions, and technical theatre. Academic societies include Model United Nations, Debating, Duke of Edinburgh's Award, and subject-specific clubs (Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Classics, History). The school also offers activities including beekeeping, book clubs, and creative arts clubs.
Exceptionally strong. The school's Millennium Centre is one of the finest school performance venues in England, with a 630-seat Dineen Auditorium, dedicated recital rooms, 24-track digital recording studio, and multiple rehearsal spaces. Music is taught to all pupils in Years 7-9. The school runs 11 named ensembles ranging from chamber groups to symphony orchestra and jazz band. Students are regularly selected for the National Youth Theatre and National Youth Music Theatre. Professional musicians deliver masterclasses, and performances are held regularly with London orchestras.
The school offers full boarding (7 nights per week), weekly boarding (5 nights per week), and flexi-boarding (up to 3 nights per week, pre-booked termly). Younger boarders (Years 7-8) live in Marden House with shared rooms fostering community. From Year 10 onwards, students have individual study bedrooms. Housemistresses live on site. A dedicated Wellbeing Centre opened in September 2025. Counselling and learning support services are available. The school is experienced in supporting girls adjusting to boarding and provides comprehensive pastoral care.
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