Sir William Perkins's School Review 2026: Three Centuries of Academic Excellence

Founded in 1725 by a wealthy Chertsey merchant, Sir William Perkins's School now celebrates its tricentenary as one of England's most consistently high-performing independent schools. Stepping through the Victorian red-brick gates onto the 13-acre Surrey greenbelt campus instantly conveys serious academic intent; yet the modern architecture and investment in facilities reveal an institution equally focused on contemporary excellence and student flourishing. The school has just entered a transformational moment: from September 2026, boys will join a previously all-girls community in a carefully phased approach to co-education by 2030. With 77% of leavers progressing to university, 80% of A-level grades hitting A*-B, and a standing in the top 2% of schools in England (FindMySchool ranking), this is a destination school for families seeking uncompromising academic standards wrapped in a purposeful yet genuinely supportive environment.

The physical campus speaks volumes about institutional confidence. The main buildings date to the 1810s, their Victorian solidity juxtaposed against glass-walled contemporary wings and a striking Atrium Café that connects old and new. The 13 acres of grounds, with playing fields, tennis courts, and a floodlit Astroturf pitch, create space for both contemplation and action. The Sixth Form Centre, completed recently, features a careers centre, seminar rooms, and a terrace overlooking the grounds, signalling investment in preparing older students for life beyond school.

Ms Debbie Picton assumed the headship in September 2023, arriving from significant leadership experience in both single-sex and co-educational independent schools. Under her leadership, the school has maintained its tradition of rigorous academics whilst deliberately expanding opportunities beyond the classroom. The school's stated values centre on curiosity, ambition, and generosity. These are not slogans on a wall; they appear embedded in how the school allocates time, resources, and attention. Year 7 students settle quickly into a community where high achievement is expected and supported rather than anxiously pursued.

The inspector's observation that pupils "demonstrate excellent social awareness and they grow up to be poised, confident, and articulate" captures something true about the school's culture. Students navigate a demanding curriculum without the brittleness that sometimes accompanies competitive environments. The house system provides pastoral continuity, and the broad co-curricular programme ensures that academic excellence sits alongside other forms of distinction.

GCSE Results

In 2024, 77% of grades achieved were A*/A/9-8-7, and 43% of all grades awarded were top grade 9, the highest figure the school has recorded since the pre-pandemic grading system ended. This was matched by exceptional breadth: 100% of grades in Geography, Latin, and Music reached 9-7 standard, while English achieved 95% and Mathematics 85%. The school ranks 111th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 2% and first locally among Surrey independent schools. This ranking reflects sustained excellence; the school has held a position in the top tier for over a decade.

A-Level Results

At A-level, 80% of grades achieved were A*-B in 2024, with 46% reaching A*/A. The school ranks 238th in England (FindMySchool ranking), positioning it in the top 9% of sixth forms. Results remain consistent across subject areas. Mathematics achieved particular strength with 88% of grades in Further Maths hitting A*-B, while Classical Civilisation and Further Mathematics both achieved 100% A*-B grades. English Literature and History were equally strong, with entrants demonstrating both technical proficiency and genuine intellectual engagement.

The Extended Project Qualification, completed by sixth-formers, regularly attracts university notice. In Year 9, students can now complete the Project Qualification (Foundation or Higher level), introducing independent research methodology while results indicate sustained motivation through GCSE.

High-calibre teaching is evident across the campus. Teachers are subject specialists, many with advanced degrees and professional experience beyond the classroom. Classes are taught with evident rigour; lessons progress at pace without sacrificing clarity. The curriculum follows the national framework but extends well beyond its minimum requirements. Language provision is strong: beyond French, the school offers Spanish, German, Mandarin, and Latin. sciences are taught separately from Year 7, creating genuine depth in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Drama, Art & Design, and Music are offered as full GCSE and A-level subjects, signalling genuine commitment to creative disciplines alongside STEM.

The school emphasises personalised learning, with individualised support plans enabling students to receive tailored attention despite being part of a reasonably sized cohort. For those students with identified SpLD such as dyslexia, differentiated teaching within lessons is the first point of support, supplemented by one-to-one or small-group intervention where needed. This balance between maintaining classroom pace and providing individual adjustment appears to work well. Teachers actively know each student's learning profile.

In 2024, 77% of leavers progressed to university, with a further 2% entering further education and 10% moving directly into employment. This reflects the school's explicit positioning: preparation for higher education is central, but the school recognises that not all destinations are university. The university cohort regularly secures places at Russell Group institutions including Oxford, Cambridge, Durham, Imperial College London, UCL, Edinburgh, and Warwick. Notable alumni include Hattie Taylor, a British Olympic bronze medallist rower, whose success reflects the school's serious investment in sport at all levels.

Beyond raw numbers, university admissions demonstrate subject specificity. Medical school placements are notable; law, engineering, and sciences consistently attract strong cohorts. The careers team works extensively with Year 12 and 13 to ensure applications reflect genuine interest rather than parental aspiration. This individualism means destinations are genuinely diverse: some students progress to art foundation courses and conservatoires, reflecting the breadth of talent within the school.

The co-curricular programme represents a genuine pillar of SWPS education, not an optional extra. This is where the school's philosophy becomes tangible. The timetable reserves substantial time for activities, with clubs running during lunch and after school; coaches remain until activities finish, reflecting institutional commitment to access. Most clubs are free, though some third-party or off-site activities incur cost.

Rowing: A Standout Strength

The SWPS Rowing Club, established in 2003, has become one of the country's most successful school programmes. The club trains on the Thames at Laleham Reach from a purpose-built boathouse opened in 2016. Athletes have competed at the National Schools' Regatta, Henley Women's Regatta, and Henley Royal Regatta, with numerous students selected for the GB Rowing Squad. The ethos is deliberate: no minimum performance criteria exist, but passion for improvement is essential. Current students follow training programmes delivered by specialist rowing staff, incorporating diet, nutrition, conditioning, and time management alongside technical skill.

Drama and Performance Arts

Drama thrives across all year groups. The school operates two dedicated Drama Studios, providing rehearsal and technical facilities that rival many sixth-form centres. Students take lead roles directing, acting, and designing. The school produces full-scale productions regularly, with access to a 340-seat auditorium. Visiting professionals enhance the programme, ensuring students encounter contemporary theatre practice. Year 9-13 students can engage with the Higher Project Qualification, allowing them to develop independent projects on theatrical subjects alongside traditional GCSE/A-level work.

Music

Music is actively cultivated. The Jarvis Music Hall serves as the hub, and the music programme encompasses orchestral ensemble work, jazz ensembles, swing band, and smaller chamber groups. Music lessons, delivered by visiting specialists, cost £28.50 per 35-minute lesson (ten-lesson cycle). Over half the student body learns an instrument, creating a rich musical culture. A-level Music consistently attracts strong cohorts; GCSE entries achieved 100% grades at 9-7 in 2024.

Sport Beyond Rowing

Football, netball, and hockey form the core winter sports; cricket dominates summer. The school operates a sports centre comprising a large Sports Hall, fitness suite, studio, and classroom space. The floodlit Astroturf pitch enables evening fixtures; grass pitches accommodate football and cricket. Netball and tennis courts provide additional provision. Co-curricular clubs include gymnastics, cross-country, dance, badminton, volleyball, and athletics, ensuring multiple pathways to sporting engagement. The Sports Scholars' and Aspire programmes provide structured development for students showing potential at competitive levels; many recent leavers now compete professionally.

Academic Societies and Enrichment

Beyond the creative and physical, the sixth form provides academic societies, Model United Nations participation, Duke of Edinburgh's Award at Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels, and independent learning projects. Guest speakers and trips extend classroom learning. Book Club, Greek Club, Mandarin society, Lego Robotics Club, and Science Club offer diverse intellectual engagement. Student-led committees enable younger students to develop leadership; Year 12 and 13 students mentor younger peers through house leadership roles.

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award reaches all-time high participation; the resilience and self-reliance developed through expeditionary work feed directly into academic and personal maturity. Charitable service is embedded in the school calendar, with trips to support global partners and structured local volunteering opportunities.

Termly fees are £8,755.39 (inclusive of VAT) for 2025-26, equivalent to approximately £26,266 annually. This places SWPS mid-tier among independent day schools in Surrey and the South East. A registration fee of £200 is non-refundable; a deposit is payable on acceptance of a place and retained until departure.

School coaches and lunches are charged separately: Autumn term coaches £690 plus lunches £450; Spring term £598 and £390 respectively; Summer term £655.50 and £435. Music lessons cost £28.50 per 35-minute lesson. Trips and visits are charged as they are scheduled. The majority of extracurricular clubs carry no additional cost; some third-party or off-site clubs do.

Scholarships are available at Year 7, Year 9, and Sixth Form entry, covering Academic, Art & Design, Drama, Music, Sport, and STEM achievement. Scholarships typically provide 10% reduction in tuition fees but can be combined with bursaries for eligible families. Bursaries are means-tested and can provide substantial support up to full fees. Families are encouraged to contact the admissions team to discuss financial support confidentially; the school demonstrates commitment to socioeconomic diversity within its intake.

A sibling discount applies: 5% reduction for a second child, 10% for a third, provided all remain enrolled.

Year 7 entry (age 11) is the principal admission point. Candidates register by the end of October of the year preceding entry, paying a non-refundable registration fee of £100. The school assesses candidates through entrance examination and interview. This is selective; not all applicants are offered places. Year 9 entry also operates on a similar basis. Sixth Form entry requires a minimum of grade 5 in GCSE English and Mathematics, alongside strong results in intended A-level subjects.

As the school moves towards co-education from September 2026, applications from boys will begin for Year 7 and Year 12 places initially. The admissions process remains rigorous; candidates are assessed equally regardless of gender.

The house system is the backbone of pastoral provision. Each house operates with a Housemaster or Housemistress who knows students individually, meeting regularly with tutors and younger students. The tutor group (6-8 students) provides daily academic and pastoral oversight. This layered approach ensures that wellbeing concerns are identified and addressed early.

The school recognises that academic success and emotional wellbeing are interlinked. Dedicated pastoral staff support students navigating anxiety, friendship difficulties, or academic pressure. External counselling services are available for more complex needs. Peer support systems enable older students to mentor younger ones, building resilience and belonging.

The catering team provides nutritionally balanced meals, and dietary requirements are accommodated. Sixth Form students enjoy greater autonomy, with independent lunch options and a dedicated common room with kitchen facilities.

School Hours

The main school day typically runs from 8:30am to 3:30pm, with some after-school clubs extending to 5:30pm or later depending on activity. The sixth form schedule operates on a different timetable, reflecting greater independence and university-style learning patterns.

School Coaches

The school operates a coach service to and from central Chertsey and surrounding areas. Specific routes are published on the transport page; coaches incur separate termly charges (see fees section above).

Transport Access

The site is located near Chertsey town centre with good road and rail communications. The school is approximately 25 miles from London and accessible via the A3 and local rail services.

Contact the school directly for enquiries.

Selectivity and Entrance Competitiveness: This is a selective school with an entrance examination and interview. Not all applicants are offered places. Families should familiarise themselves with the entrance process and timelines well in advance. The school publishes registration dates annually; registration typically closes by the end of October.

Transition to Co-Education: From September 2026, boys will join the school in a phased approach. While the school has carefully planned this transition, some established families and current students may experience adjustment. The integration of boys into the existing girls' culture will unfold over several years as the school becomes fully co-educational by 2030. Families considering entry should be comfortable with this evolving context.

Independent School Fees: At approximately £26,266 annually (plus separate coaches and lunches), this represents significant investment. While the school offers scholarships and means-tested bursaries, it remains financially accessible only to families of above-average means unless substantial financial aid is available. Families should carefully assess affordability before committing to the admissions process.

Pace and Expectation: SWPS maintains high academic expectations. The curriculum moves at pace; independent learning is expected from Year 7. Students who thrive here are intrinsically motivated, intellectually curious, and capable of managing multiple demands. Students seeking a gentler academic environment or those requiring highly structured support may find the pace unsettling.

Sir William Perkins's School represents everything the independent sector should aspire to: uncompromising academic standards delivered by expert teachers within a genuinely supportive community that develops the whole person. Three centuries of history have instilled institutional confidence; recent investment in facilities and pedagogical innovation demonstrate commitment to remaining relevant and forward-thinking. The school ranks among the top 2-3% of schools in England, yet avoids the anxious atmosphere that sometimes accompanies ultra-selective institutions. Instead, there is purposefulness, high expectation, and genuine care.

The move to co-education is a significant strategic decision, rooted in expanding access and the belief that girls and boys learn best together. For families within reach of the admission bar and the financial investment, SWPS offers a genuinely excellent secondary education in an environment where academic excellence and personal development coexist. Entry is selective; fees are substantial. But for those who secure places, this is a school that delivers on every dimension: academically, pastorally, culturally, and athletically.