Rosebery School: Academic Excellence in a Historic Girls' School

Built in 1927 on land gifted by the 5th Earl of Rosebery, this all-girls academy sits within walking distance of Epsom railway station, commanding a position of heritage and continuity. The school's founding coincided with Lord Rosebery's birthday; he approved the use of his name and gave permission for the primrose flower — his family symbol — to become part of the uniform. This historical moment set in motion a school that has spent nearly a century developing girls into assured, ambitious learners. The January 2023 Ofsted inspection rated Rosebery School as Outstanding, a judgment that placed it firmly among the highest-performing non-selective schools nationally. With around 1,476 students aged 11-18 and a sixth form population of approximately 300, the school ranks 326th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 7% of schools nationwide. At A-level, Rosebery ranks 463rd in England (FindMySchool data), positioning it in the top 17% nationally. The school is an academy within GLF Schools, a multi-academy trust of 40 schools serving over 10,000 pupils across five regions in southern England, yet Rosebery retains a distinctly local character rooted in Epsom's community.

Students at Rosebery describe a school characterised by calm and order. The atmosphere is purposeful without being pressurised. Behaviour is exemplary throughout the school day, with low-level disruption rare and addressed promptly when it occurs. Girls demonstrate a genuine sense of belonging and take pride in their community, shaped in part by the house system, which organises pupils into four named houses: Malala, Elizabeth, Pankhurst and Curie. Each house is named after a woman of historical significance — Malala Yousafzai (education activist), Queen Elizabeth II, Emmeline Pankhurst (suffragette leader), and Marie Curie (physicist and chemist). New pupils are placed into one of these houses and remain members throughout their school career, creating vertical integration and meaningful peer mentorship. The house system drives friendly competition through social and academic contests, fostering collective identity whilst maintaining individual challenge and achievement.

Under the leadership of Headteacher David Lach (who took post in September 2024), Rosebery continues to build on a foundation laid by his predecessor, Ros Allen. Lach has worked at the school for a decade and brings deep familiarity with its culture. His vision emphasises developing the whole child, integrating pastoral support, personal development and citizenship into the fabric of daily life. Teachers here possess strong subject expertise and demonstrate enthusiasm evident in lesson planning that emphasises knowledge retention and progressive challenge. The school's values — Excellence, Endeavour, Opportunity — are not merely abstract statements but observable in how pupils engage with work and with one another. Respectful interactions permeate the school; kindness and consideration are the norm rather than the exception.

GCSE Performance

In the most recent examination cycle, Rosebery students demonstrated compelling academic achievement. The average Attainment 8 score was 62.6, significantly above the England average of 45.9. At GCSE, 38% of grades were 9-8 (the highest grades), with a further 18% achieving grade 7. Combining these, 56% of all entries reached grades 9-7, well above the England average of 54%. This consistency in top-grade achievement reflects rigorous teaching and high expectations across subjects.

The school's Progress 8 score of +0.79 indicates that students make above-average progress from their Key Stage 2 starting points, meaning that attainment gains are pronounced across the cohort. The English Baccalaureate take-up (entrance into the five EBacc subjects of English, mathematics, science, languages and humanities) stands at 59% of pupils, above the national average entry rate of 41%. Of those taking the EBacc, 59% achieved grade 5 or above in all qualifying subjects, placing Rosebery in the upper tier for this combined measure. These metrics signal that the school is not narrowing curricula towards high-attainment cohorts; instead, it is widening opportunity and demonstrating strong outcomes across a diverse intake.

Ranked 326th in England (FindMySchool ranking), Rosebery places in the top 7% of secondary schools nationally and second among Epsom secondary schools, demonstrating that this is a consistently high-performing comprehensive serving its community exceptionally well.

A-Level Performance

The sixth form builds on lower school success without resting on it. At A-level, 14% of grades were A*, with a further 23% achieving A, meaning 37% of all entries were graded A*-A. Adding the B grades (29%), fully 66% of students achieved A*-B, well above the England average of 47%. These figures suggest rigorous post-16 provision with strong access to Russell Group and leading universities.

Rosebery's A-level ranking of 463rd in England (FindMySchool data) places it in the top 17% of sixth form providers nationally and second in the local Epsom area, reflecting consistent delivery of ambitious post-16 education alongside strong pastoral transition from Year 11.

The curriculum at Rosebery is deliberately ambitious. Key Stage 3 pupils follow a broad, balanced programme: English Language and English Literature, mathematics, separate sciences, geography, history, and a modern language (French or Spanish). From Year 9, pupils select three option subjects from a range including art, dance, drama, music, PE, computer science, business studies, food preparation and nutrition, design and technology (product design or textiles), and religious studies. Teachers emphasise knowledge retention through spaced repetition and retrieval practice rather than mere coverage of content. Assessments are standardised and feedback is focused on closing identified knowledge gaps, creating a culture of continuous improvement. Sixth form students choose 3-4 A-levels or a combination of BTEC and A-level qualifications, supported by a rich programme of Personal Development Education (PDE) delivered fortnightly, covering themes from mental health and self-defence to university finance and health and fitness. Students speak of lessons being well-structured with clear expectations, where teachers demonstrate confident subject mastery and enthusiasm for their disciplines.

The school holds specialist status in mathematics and ICT (awarded in 2006), reflecting its strengths in these areas. The curriculum balances academic rigour with creative opportunity. All pupils in the lower school study PE, and there is a mandatory requirement to select at least one creative subject (art, dance, drama, music or PE) to ensure no student loses access to the expressive arts. The School's commitment to broad education means few are narrowed out of options early, preserving future pathways.

In the 2023-24 cohort, 77% of leavers progressed to university, with a further 15% entering employment and 2% beginning apprenticeships. This composition reflects the school's mix of academic ambition and pragmatism about diverse destinations. Of sixth form leavers, one student secured a place at Cambridge and none at Oxford in recent reporting (Oxbridge data reflects low single-digit entries most years). However, leavers regularly access Russell Group institutions and other higher-education providers of strong reputation, including Imperial College, UCL, Edinburgh, and Bristol. The school provides impartial careers advice through the PSHE curriculum and dedicated careers staff, ensuring students make informed choices about their next steps. Work experience placements and apprenticeship exploration are part of the sixth form experience, providing practical understanding of post-school pathways. For those not following university, the school has built effective partnerships with employers and training providers, ensuring no student leaves without clarity about their direction.

The breadth of extracurricular provision at Rosebery is striking and deliberately inclusive. Drama forms a significant pillar: students recently performed Sister Act: The Musical, a major production involving cast, orchestra, technical crew and support teams. The school runs multiple dramatic societies and workshop groups, giving varied access from Year 7 through to sixth form. Music is equally central. The sixth form curriculum includes music groups for bands, orchestras and choirs. Students can pursue music lessons through the school (often at subsidised rates), and the school fosters ensembles ranging from formal concert orchestras to smaller instrumental groups. Beyond formal ensembles, the school runs enrichment activities for all year groups with a carefully curated timetable updated termly.

Dance is offered as both a GCSE and A-level option, and Motion Dance's street dance club, led by professional instructors with West End experience, teaches a contemporary mix from commercial to hip-hop styles, with students performing at the Epsom and Ewell Dance Festival each year. The club is open to Years 7-9 and run on Wednesdays from 3:10pm, with the first session free for newcomers. Sport is compulsory until age 16 and offers traditional team games (netball, hockey, rounders) and individual activities. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is available at Bronze and Gold levels and represents a significant commitment to character development, resilience and outdoors skills. A recent cohort achieved Gold awards, demonstrating the school's success in preparing students for sustained challenge beyond the classroom.

STEM clubs include creative writing, coding clubs, and opportunities in Young Enterprise (sixth form). These activities sit alongside a robust academic enrichment offer: academic scholars meet weekly for extension seminars, essay competitions encourage depth of thinking, and subject-specific competitions position capable students for Olympiad challenges and specialist university preparation. All enrichment clubs are free of charge except for two specialised external providers (Star-Tastic Gymnastics and Trampoling, and Motion Dance beyond the first session), ensuring cost is not a barrier to participation.

The Learning Resource Hub provides a dedicated space for independent study and research, and the school offers a Stretch and Challenge programme for pupils requiring greater intellectual demand. Trips are integral to the curriculum: geography field work is embedded, theatre visits supplement English and drama curricula, and residential experiences (such as a recent school trip to Iceland) provide hands-on learning. All of this sits within a framework of personal development: well-being ambassadors are trained to support mental health, and The Hive is a dedicated facility offering emotional support for pupils managing anxiety or mental health concerns, with resources extending to parents seeking guidance. The school's celebration of achievement extends beyond exams; the Enrichment Award recognises students who demonstrate improvement, help others, or show commitment and determination, with winners entered into bi-weekly prize draws and celebrated in the Rosebery News. This creates a culture in which diverse forms of excellence are recognised and valued.

Rosebery is a non-selective comprehensive school serving the Epsom area. Entry at Year 7 is administered by Surrey County Council through the coordinated admissions system, not through individual school application. Prospective pupils are assessed on distance from home to school rather than entrance examination, making the school accessible to families across a wide catchment. The school was oversubscribed at primary entry (Year 7 reception of the merged academy), with 674 applications for 245 places in the most recent reported cycle, creating a subscription proportion of 2.75:1. This demand reflects the school's strong local reputation and outcomes. In-year transfers are considered by the school where places arise. Sixth form entry is subject to different criteria, requiring good GCSE grades and demonstrated suitability for post-16 study; external candidates can apply (cohorts typically include girls from other schools in the area), and entry is managed directly by the school rather than through coordinated admissions. The sixth form prospectus and admissions information are updated annually on the school website, and families considering sixth form entry are encouraged to contact the school directly for specific entry requirements and timelines.

The school day runs from 8:50am to 3:20pm. The school operates a standard calendar aligned with Surrey's term dates. Uniform is compulsory for pupils in Years 7-11, comprising a navy blue jumper bearing the red primrose emblem (honouring Lord Rosebery's family), a kilt, and standard school uniform items. Sixth form students are not required to wear uniform but must dress appropriately with no extremes of fashion permitted. Students wear house badges reflecting their assigned house (Malala, Elizabeth, Pankhurst or Curie). The uniform retains historical significance; Lord Rosebery's family tartan colours originally featured brown and pink, though the current smart, streamlined design reflects modern expectation. Transport links are strong: Epsom railway station is a 10-20 minute walk away, and the school is close to the A24 for car access and parking. The school itself occupies spacious grounds on land gifted by Lord Rosebery, including proximity to Rosebery Park. Facilities include a main sports hall with a dedicated dance studio, multiple teaching blocks, dining facilities, and dedicated pastoral spaces (including The Hive for wellbeing support). The Learning Resource Hub provides a broad collection of books, digital resources and independent study space.

Pastoral care is a clear strength. Every pupil is assigned to a form group with a dedicated form tutor, who provides daily contact and oversight of academic progress and wellbeing. Sixth form students have their own pastoral structure with form periods and weekly assembly, plus the aforementioned PDE programme. The school operates a safeguarding culture that prioritises child protection; Designated Safeguarding Leads are in place, and staff are trained in recognising and responding to disclosures and concerns. The school teaches important aspects of healthy relationships as part of the Personal Development and Citizenship (PDC) curriculum, with explicit coverage of online safety. Mental health support is deliberately embedded: the wellbeing ambassador scheme trains students as peer supporters, and The Hive offers specialist emotional support with resources for parents facing related concerns. Low-level behaviour issues are rare and addressed promptly, and the school maintains clear standards of conduct underpinned by the Rosebery Way — a set of shared values and expectations. Bullying and discrimination are taken seriously; when incidents occur, they are addressed swiftly and effectively. Attendance is strong school-wide, reflecting positive engagement and a culture in which missing school is treated as a matter of concern. The school actively promotes attendance and works with families to address barriers.

Demand and distance: Rosebery is significantly oversubscribed at Year 7 entry, with nearly 2.75 applications per place. Families living outside the immediate Epsom catchment should verify their precise distance from school and check recent admission distances on the school website or contact the admissions team, as places are allocated by proximity. There is no formal published catchment map; proximity priority means residents closer to Whitehorse Drive gain advantage, but admission is not guaranteed by proximity alone.

Specialist status in maths and ICT: Whilst the school's specialist status in mathematics and ICT (awarded in 2006) has enhanced provision in these areas, it does not mean the school is selective on mathematical ability or that other subjects are sidelined. The curriculum remains broad and balanced, but families wishing to prioritise other subjects (creative arts, humanities, languages) should be aware that the school's investment has historically emphasised numeracy and technology. This is a strength for pupils drawn to STEM but may not influence subject weighting if the school were to change strategic priorities in future.

Sixth form entry competition: Sixth form places are limited and entry is selective based on GCSE grades and suitability for advanced study. Pupils from other schools seeking entry compete directly with internal Rosebery candidates, and entry is not automatic for Year 11 leavers with lower GCSE grades. Students and families should confirm specific grade thresholds and subject requirements with the school well in advance of Year 11.

Catchment changes: As a popular school, Rosebery's admission distance varies annually depending on the number of applicants and their proximity to school. Families should not assume past admission distances guarantee future entry; they should check the school's current admissions information and contact the school for up-to-date guidance.

Rosebery School is a high-performing, inclusive girls' comprehensive serving Epsom and surrounding areas with genuine distinction. The January 2023 Ofsted judgment of Outstanding remains current, affirmed by strong GCSE and A-level outcomes that place the school in the top tier nationally. The school combines academic ambition with attention to whole-child development, fostering not just examination success but active citizenship, resilience, and diverse talents. Leadership is stable and visionary; teaching is strong; behaviour is exemplary; and pastoral support is genuinely embedded. The extracurricular offer is both broad (covering drama, music, sport, coding, creative writing, and more) and genuinely inclusive, with free access for most pupils. For girls living in or near Epsom who can access the school, it represents excellent value and a place in which girls feel safe, challenged and valued. The main limiting factor is oversubscription and distance criteria, meaning entry depends on proximity rather than entrance examination. For those who gain places, Rosebery delivers a rigorously academic, culturally enriching, and emotionally supportive education that opens doors to leading universities and diverse post-school pathways. Best suited to families in the Epsom area seeking a high-achieving all-girls environment with strong pastoral structures and broad opportunity beyond the classroom.