Kingswood House School Review 2026: A Supportive Haven for Individual Growth

In the 2024 GCSE results, Kingswood House students achieved an average Attainment 8 score of 32.6. This figure reflects the school's broad and inclusive intake, which includes a significant proportion of students who receive additional learning support. The school ranks 7th locally among secondary providers in Epsom and 3,716th in England (FindMySchool proprietary ranking). Performance sits in the national lower tier, which represents the bottom 40% of schools in England; however, for many families here, the raw data is secondary to the value added for individual students.

At the primary phase, the school does not publish SATs results in the same format as state providers, focusing instead on internal tracking and preparation for senior school transition. The latest ISI inspection findings confirm that pupils make good progress across the curriculum, with many exceeding expectations relative to their starting points. The academic focus is on building solid foundations and confidence in core subjects, particularly for those who may have struggled in larger primary settings.

Teaching at Kingswood House is characterised by small class sizes, typically ranging from 12 to 15 students, which allows for significant individual attention. The curriculum is broad and balanced, following the National Curriculum but with the flexibility to adapt to student needs. In the lower years, there is a strong focus on literacy and numeracy, bolstered by specialist teaching in subjects like Science, Music, and PE from an early age.

As students move into the senior years, the GCSE curriculum offers a range of traditional academic subjects alongside creative and vocational options. The school's Study Centre is a central pillar of the academic provision, staffed by specialists who provide targeted support for students with dyslexia, dyscalculia, or other learning needs. This is not a bolt-on service but is integrated into the school day, ensuring that students can access the curriculum effectively. The approach to learning is practical and supportive, with teachers using a variety of multi-sensory techniques to engage different types of learners.

As the school currently concludes at age 16, the focus of the senior years is on preparing students for life beyond GCSEs. There is a dedicated transition programme to help students and parents navigate the choices for post-16 education. The majority of leavers progress to a variety of local sixth form colleges, further education colleges, and other independent senior schools.

Common destinations include Epsom College, Reigate College, and Nescot, depending on whether the student is seeking an academic A-level route or a more vocational pathway. The school's careers department provides individual guidance, including mock interviews and work experience placements, to ensure students are well-prepared for their next steps.

Admissions to Kingswood House are handled directly by the school and are designed to be as stress-free as possible. The primary entry points are at Year 3 (7 plus) and Year 7 (11 plus), though occasional vacancies arise in other year groups. The process typically involves a taster day, where prospective pupils spend time in their current year group, and a non-threatening assessment of their current levels in English and Mathematics.

Rather than a strict pass or fail entrance exam, the school looks for students who will benefit from the small-scale, supportive environment. For students requiring significant support through the Study Centre, a separate assessment with the Head of Learning Support is usually required to ensure the school can meet the child's needs. Open Mornings are typically held in October and March, providing a chance for families to see the school in action.

Pastoral care is the bedrock of the Kingswood House experience. The small size of the school means that every member of staff knows every pupil, creating a safety net that is difficult to replicate in larger institutions. Each student has a form tutor who acts as the primary point of contact for parents and oversees the student's daily wellbeing.

The school uses a proactive approach to wellbeing, including regular PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic) lessons that cover topics like resilience, online safety, and mental health. There is a clear and well-enforced anti-bullying policy, and students report feeling safe and heard. For those needing extra support, the school has access to counselling services and works closely with external professionals where necessary.

The extracurricular programme at Kingswood House is impressively varied for a school of its size. There is a strong emphasis on sport for all, with every student given the opportunity to represent the school in fixtures regardless of their ability. Facilities include an on-site sports hall and the use of local grounds for rugby, football, cricket, and athletics.

Music and Drama are also prominent, with regular productions in the school hall and various musical ensembles, including the School Choir and the Rock Band. The school offers a range of lunchtime and after-school clubs, such as the Lego Club, Fencing, and Karate. STEM excellence is encouraged through participation in the Faraday Challenge and local robotics competitions. The Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme is well-established in the senior years, with many students working towards their Bronze and Silver awards, fostering independence and teamwork.

The school day begins at 8:25am and concludes at 3:45pm for younger pupils, with senior students finishing at 4:10pm. Wraparound care is a significant benefit for working parents. Breakfast Club runs from 7:30 to 8:30am, costing £12 with breakfast or £6 without. Late Club is available from 5:00 to 6:00pm, providing tea and supervision for £12.

For transport, the school is within walking distance of Epsom railway station. Several school minibus routes serve the local area, including Kingston and Dorking, with morning and afternoon services costing between £180 and £225 per term.

Fees & Financial Aid

For the 2025/2026 academic year, termly fees at Kingswood House are £6,599 for Year 3, £6,739 for Year 4, £7,222 for Years 5 to 6, £7,735 for Years 7 to 8, and £8,200 for Years 9 to 11. These fees include VAT, lunches, and books.

The school offers means-tested bursaries to families who require financial assistance, subject to annual review. Scholarships are awarded for academic, sporting, musical, and artistic merit, typically providing a 10% to 20% reduction in tuition fees. Families should contact the Head of Admissions for details on the application process for financial aid.

• Inclusive Results Profile: The school's GCSE results reflect its non-selective and supportive intake. Parents seeking an academic league-table leader may find the raw data lower than some neighbouring prep-to-senior pipelines.
• End at Year 11: As the school concludes at age 16, families must prepare for a transition to a new environment for A-levels or further education.
• Limited Grounds: While the school makes excellent use of its space, the on-site outdoor areas are more compact than those of some rural independent schools.
• Study Centre Costs: While support is integrated, specialist one-to-one or group sessions in the Study Centre attract additional fees, such as £48 for a 30-minute 1:1 occupational therapy session.

Kingswood House School is an excellent choice for families seeking a supportive, small-scale education where their child will be seen as an individual rather than a statistic. It successfully balances academic ambition with a deep-seated commitment to pastoral care and learning support. Best suited to students who may be overwhelmed by larger settings or who require a supportive atmosphere to build their confidence during the pivotal years between age 7 and 16. The main challenge for many is the planned transition at 16, but for those who value the journey as much as the destination, Kingswood House provides a secure and encouraging start.