Notre Dame School Review 2026: Excellence Rooted in Four Centuries of Tradition

When the Sisters of the Company of Our Lady Mary arrived at Burwood House in 1937, they brought with them four centuries of educational expertise spanning back to 1607 in Bordeaux. Today, Notre Dame stands as an independent Catholic girls' school set across 26 acres of Surrey countryside, educating students from age 2 through 18 with a distinctive combination of academic ambition and pastoral care. The school ranks 554th for GCSE performance (top 25% in England, FindMySchool data), and 333rd for A-levels (top 25%, FindMySchool ranking). With 73% of A-level grades at A*-B and 67% of 2024 leavers progressing to university, Notre Dame delivers consistently strong outcomes. The campus itself feels as much country estate as school, with Burwood House's Georgian architecture anchoring a modern learning environment that includes a 350-seat professional theatre, an innovation centre, a 25-metre indoor swimming pool, and purpose-built science and creative facilities.

The Georgian mansion at the heart of campus sets Notre Dame apart immediately. Original features remain in Burwood House, but the school has grown thoughtfully around it. Stepping through the main entrance, there is a palpable sense of order without stuffiness. Girls move purposefully between lessons, engage with staff by name, and the Catholic ethos is woven throughout the day without feeling imposed. Morning Mass happens regularly, and religious teaching is explicit and integrated, yet families of all faiths are warmly welcomed.

Mrs Anna King leads the Senior School as Head, stewarding a community that numbers approximately 495 students across the secondary and sixth form phases. The school's focus is unashamedly girls-centred. This isn't marketing language but operational principle. Teachers understand adolescent girls, curriculum choices reflect their needs, and pastoral systems are built around female development. There is an adult grasp of vulnerability and resilience that makes the place feel genuinely safe.

The three most recent ISI inspections (2024 routine, 2020 compliance, 2017 educational quality) consistently rated the school Excellent across all areas. The 2024 inspection found girls confident, articulate, and actively engaged in their learning. Behaviour is exemplary without being oppressive. The school community includes recent alumnae mentoring younger students, a sign of the intergenerational bonds that form here. Girls describe Notre Dame as "one big family," and staff efforts to know each student individually are visible in daily interactions.

GCSE Performance

Attainment 8 scores of 65.2 sit well above the England average of 45.9, meaning girls are consistently achieving higher grades across their examined subjects than peer schools in England. In 2024, 32% achieved grades 5 or above in the English Baccalaureate, above the England average of around 32%. The school ranks 554th in England for GCSE outcomes, placing it comfortably in the top 25% of schools (FindMySchool ranking). Locally in Surrey, Notre Dame ranks 3rd among secondary schools, reflecting its position as a selective independent school in a competitive region.

The breadth of subjects examined demonstrates rigorous curriculum ambition. Every girl studies core subjects plus three modern foreign languages (Spanish, French, German) alongside Latin, History, Geography, and both practical and creative subjects. This breadth means students develop genuine intellectual flexibility.

A-Level Performance

Sixth Form results are equally strong. At A-level, 73% of grades fall at A*-B, a figure that exceeds England average achievement of 47%. The school ranks 333rd in England for A-level performance (top 25%, FindMySchool data), indicating sustained academic excellence from Year 9 through to university entry. Across the ablest students, 17% achieve A* grades and 23% achieve A grades, reflecting a cohort of girls with considerable academic potential.

The range of subjects available in the sixth form totals over 25, allowing students to specialise while maintaining breadth. Sciences are taken separately, permitting girls to pursue dual sciences or individual specialisms. Specialist facilities, including the Innovation Space with CAD-CAM, 3D printing, and laser-cutting technology, support high-level learning in STEM.

The curriculum at Notre Dame follows national frameworks but extends them deliberately. In the Senior School, girls study alongside subject specialists who combine academic rigour with engagement. The school operates a tracked system in mathematics from Year 4 (Prep School), meaning girls study at a level suited to their understanding rather than being held back or stretched beyond appropriate challenge.

Teaching methodology emphasises mastery. Concepts are taught thoroughly, understood deeply, and only then built upon. This approach means fewer girls slip through gaps. Academic mentoring begins in Year 9, with each student paired with a dedicated staff mentor who tracks progress, sets targets, and provides pastoral and academic oversight. At sixth form, this becomes even more individualised, with girls' university aspirations shaping their subject combinations and enrichment pathways.

STEAM learning (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Maths) is woven throughout rather than siloed. The soon-to-open ND Innovate space exemplifies this, featuring cutting-edge technology, CAD-CAM, 3D printing, laser cutting, podcasting, VR activities, and greenscreen filming, designed to embed STEM across the curriculum rather than keeping it confined to specialist rooms.

University Destinations

In 2024, 67% of leavers progressed to university (from a cohort of 24 students). Eight students secured places at Cambridge, demonstrating strength in competitive university entry. The school combines academic rigour with targeted university guidance. Sixth Form includes dedicated careers and university advice sessions, ensuring each girl has realistic targets and support in meeting them. Parents can use FindMySchoolComparison Tool to benchmark local university outcomes against regional and national patterns.

Beyond undergraduate entry, girls progress to a wide range of institutions. The school maintains an active alumnae network, with recent leavers returning to mentor younger students, creating visible pathways to achievement in higher education and professional life.

Sixth Form Progression

Internally, students completing GCSE can continue to sixth form, though external students are also welcomed. The school emphasises that progression is natural but not automatic; sixth form entry requires meeting academic requirements appropriate to course choices. Girls seeking places at competitive universities receive specific preparation, including application support, interview coaching, and targeted mentoring in their areas of study.

Music: A Thriving Programme

Music at Notre Dame reaches well beyond the classroom curriculum. The school supports musicians across all levels, from those beginning lessons to aspiring conservatoire students. Several pupils have auditioned successfully for national ensembles including the National Schools Symphony Orchestra, while others have founded their own bands or pursued music industry careers.

The co-curricular music programme includes Notre Dame Singers, Chamber Choir, Orchestra, Concert Band, String Ensemble, and Jazz Ensemble. Choirs tour regularly, having performed in cathedrals across London, Rome, Paris, Vienna, and Santiago de Compostela. A major musical is produced annually in collaboration with the Drama Department, providing opportunities for musicians to work alongside actors and technical teams in large-scale productions. The recording studio on campus supports both performance and production, giving students access to professional-standard facilities.

Drama: Professional-Standard Theatre Work

The 350-seat theatre is not merely a facility but a catalyst. The Christmas Musical is the centrepiece, an auditioned large-cast production featuring girls from Year 13 down to Year 8, alongside technical operators, stage managers, costume designers, and prop-makers. The Lower School Play rehearsed in spring term gives younger girls the chance to take leading roles in age-appropriate productions. The Inter-House Drama Festival Competition in May sees Year 7-10 girls directed by Year 10 GCSE student-directors produce a half-hour play in house groups, competing for the House Drama Cup judged by external adjudicators.

Beyond school, the Exposure Theatre group takes sixth form actors to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival annually for a week of performance and cultural immersion. LAMDA private lessons support girls interested in performance, literature, and public speaking, with graded examinations in Acting, Verse and Prose, or Public Speaking throughout the year.

Sports: A Deliberately Inclusive Programme

Sport at Notre Dame operates on a deliberate principle; the school avoids categorising girls as "sporty" or "unsporty." Instead, it offers choice and opportunity. The senior school provides nine competitive sports alongside 41 active clubs. Competitive offerings include Hockey, Netball, Cricket, Football, Swimming, Athletics, Cross-Country, Biathlon, and Tennis. Fixture programmes run across the year, with matches arranged against local independent and state schools.

Beyond competitive sport, the activity clubs span everything from yoga and pilates to aqua aerobics, volleyball, zumba, and mindfulness. The recently completed strength and conditioning fitness suite gives girls access to non-competitive fitness facilities. This approach means girls at every ability level find something, and participation rates reflect genuine engagement rather than pressure.

STEM and Innovation

The Innovation Space, ND Innovate, exemplifies the school's investment in STEM. Equipped with CAD-CAM, 3D printing, laser cutting, podcasting equipment, VR activities, and greenscreen filming technology, it functions as a hub where STEM is embedded across the curriculum rather than isolated to science lessons. The satellite-building and coding programme attracts sustained engagement. Weekly clubs include Robotics, iDEA (digital enterprise), and CREST (STEM research) schemes. Competition teams tackle challenges like the Top of the Bench Chemistry Competition, and girls are encouraged to pursue STEM subjects at A-level and university.

The dedication to STEM extends to careers planning. Girls receive work experience, internships, and career preparation through partnerships with alumnae working in STEM fields, creating visible pathways into engineering, technology, medicine, and related fields.

Art and Creative Practice

The Art Department functions as an open creative space. Students study painting, drawing, sculpture, 3D work, photography, collage, fine art textiles, computer art, and printmaking. Classes run at lunchtime and twice weekly in evenings, with an atmosphere described as relaxed and welcoming. Girls are encouraged to enter competitions and attend life drawing classes and Saturday art sessions organised through external partners like The Sorrell Project. A-level students have access to a discrete studio for portfolio development during study periods.

An end-of-year exhibition in summer term celebrates creative work across the school and is open to pupils, parents, and the public. Recent year groups have created large-scale group artworks now permanently installed in the grounds, embedding their work into the fabric of the school.

Sixth Form Enrichment

Beyond enrichment through subject choice, sixth form students access an expansive programme. The PILLARS framework, Personal skills, Independence, Leadership, Aspirations, Relationships, Spiritual exploration, sits at the heart. Unlike examined subjects, PILLARS allows genuine exploration of philosophy, ethics, personal development, and future planning without assessment pressure.

Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) allows Year 12 students to establish and run real businesses with mentorship from business partners. Duke of Edinburgh Award progression toward Gold recognises girls pursuing sustained achievement. The Green Committee, led by sixth formers, drives sustainability initiatives. Student prefects, elected by staff and students, hold significant responsibility, leading school council, facilitating student voice, and managing a participatory budget scheme through which they allocate school funds.

Trips are significant. Recent destinations include New York/Washington, Paris, Florence/Venice, NASA Space Centre, skiing, and sports tours. Educational residential trips include lectures, masterclasses, field work, and theatre visits. This geographical and cultural breadth is intentional, reflecting the school's belief in developing globally aware young women.

Senior School fees for 2025-26 are available through the school's detailed fee schedule. Day pupils pay fees on a termly basis, with monthly payment instalments available. A 20% sibling discount applies to the youngest child when three or more are at the school concurrently.

The school is genuinely committed to accessibility. Bursaries are means-tested and substantial; the school explicitly states no prospective parent need feel unable to afford Notre Dame due to fees. Families receiving bursaries receive significant assistance, often full fee coverage. Scholarships, awarded for academic, music, sport, or art achievement, carry prestige and typically cover 10-25% of fees, though they can combine with bursaries.

Entry points include Reception (age 5), Year 7 (age 11), Year 9 (age 13, for external girls), and Sixth Form (age 16). The school is selective, using entrance examinations and interviews to assess suitability. Year 7 entry remains the largest intake. Academic scholarships are available at all entry points (11+, 13+, sixth form), alongside awards in Art, Drama, Music, and Sport. In 2026, a new STEM scholarship was introduced for 13+ entry, reflecting investment in girls' STEM progression.

The admissions process is straightforward but competitive. Girls register through the school's open portal, sit entrance assessments, and participate in interviews. Decisions emphasise academic potential, engagement, character, and alignment with the school's Catholic ethos. External girls joining sixth form can study up to 25 subjects and integrate fully into the established community.

The integrated academic and pastoral system is deliberate. Each girl has an Academic Mentor from Year 9, a member of staff who knows her well, tracks her progress, and provides both academic and pastoral support. In the sixth form, this becomes even more intensive, with girls developing close relationships with mentors who understand their aspirations and challenges.

The school recognises mental wellbeing alongside academic achievement. LAMDA lessons support girls interested in performance and public speaking. A counselling service is available. The pastoral curriculum includes PSHE (Personal, Social, Health, Economic) education, helping girls navigate adolescence with understanding.

The house system provides additional pastoral structure, with each girl assigned to a house from arrival. Houses develop strong identities and participation in inter-house competitions (drama, sport, other activities) builds community and belonging.

The school operates on a traditional calendar with three terms. School day timings are standard (beginning around 8:50am, finishing around 3:30pm for main school; the sixth form centre operates with slightly different timings). Term dates are published annually. The school is located within walking distance of Cobham town centre and is accessible via main roads (A3, M25 within 5 minutes) and rail (Cobham & Stoke d'Abernon or Weybridge stations within 3 miles). A coach service operates for parents requiring transport support.

Catholic ethos is genuine and pervasive. Daily prayer, regular Masses, and explicit religious teaching are integral. While families of all faiths are warmly welcomed, those uncomfortable with explicit Catholic practice should visit and assess whether the environment suits their family.

Independent school fees apply. Despite bursary support, parents should understand fee structures and available assistance before applying. The school website provides detailed fee schedules and bursary information.

Entrance is selective. The school attracts strong applicants. Entrance examinations and interviews mean not all girls who apply will secure places. Parents should approach admissions realistic about competition and their daughter's academic profile.

Sixth form is separate journey for external applicants. While internal progression from GCSE to sixth form is natural, external girls joining at 16 are new entrants. The school supports integration, but families should understand this is not automatic continuation.

Notre Dame School delivers exactly what it promises: excellence rooted in tradition, supported by modern facilities and teaching. Four hundred years of educational heritage are visible in the school's confidence and composure. Results speak clearly; girls achieve at levels well above national averages, a fact driven by rigorous curriculum, expert teaching, and individualised academic mentoring.

What distinguishes the school is the integration of academic ambition with genuine pastoral care. The school doesn't separate these; they reinforce one another. Girls thrive academically partly because they feel secure, known, and supported. The extracurricular programme is genuinely ambitious, the theatre productions, music tours, STEM innovation, and range of sport are not token activities but core to the educational mission.

The school is best suited to girls and families seeking rigorous academics, strong values education, and access to extensive facilities (theatre, science labs, pools, sports grounds, creative spaces) within a school of manageable size where students are known individually. Catholic families, or families comfortable with the school's explicit faith dimension, will find the integration of spirituality into daily life a genuine strength. Families valuing girls' education specifically, seeking a place where curriculum and pastoral care are designed with girls' development in mind, will find significant appeal.

The main consideration is whether the Catholic ethos and selective admissions process fit your daughter and your family's expectations. For those they suit, Notre Dame offers education that equips girls for university and beyond with confidence, knowledge, and grounded values.