Manor House School, Leatherhead: A Nurturing Education in the Surrey Hills

Set within a 17th-century manor house surrounded by 17 acres of gardens, Manor House School offers a distinctive education for girls aged 4 to 16, with a co-educational nursery and Pre-Prep (up to Year 2). In 2023, the school joined the Effingham Schools Trust, a partnership that preserves its intimate, small-school identity while sharing resources with nearby St Teresa’s and Cranmore. The school's motto, To Love is to Live, captures an ethos that prioritises happiness as the foundation for achievement.

Arrival via the winding lane in Little Bookham reveals a setting that feels more like a country estate than a school. The Grade II listed main house, with its wood-panelled hall and historic features, provides a grounding sense of history, while modern additions like the Elizabeth Green Hall sit discreetly within the grounds.

Ms Tracey Fantham has led the school since 2016. Her leadership is characterised by a belief that confident, happy girls learn best. The atmosphere is notably gentle; this is not a hothouse but a supportive community where kindness is currency. Joining Effingham Schools Trust brought fresh investment and opportunities, yet the school retains the "family feel" that parents consistently cite as its primary draw. Boys attend the Nursery and Pre-Prep until the end of Year 2, after which they typically move to Cranmore (the Trust's boys' prep), while girls continue in the single-sex environment through to Year 11.

The house system—Discovery, Endeavour, and Victory—underpins daily life, fostering friendly competition in everything from debating to sports day. Girls describe the environment as safe and accepting, a place where individuality is celebrated rather than suppressed.

In 2024, the school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 53.2, exceeding the England average of 45.9. This performance reflects solid achievement across the curriculum.

Official data places the school in the 'national typical' band, meaning performance sits in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile). Ranked 1,869th in England and 6th in Leatherhead for GCSE outcomes, the school provides a balanced education where academic progress is steady.

It is worth noting that small cohort sizes in independent schools can create statistical volatility in league tables. The school focuses heavily on individual value-added, ensuring girls often exceed the grades predicted upon entry.

The curriculum is broad, moving from the Early Years Foundation Stage through to a wide range of GCSEs. Class sizes are small, often roughly 15-20, allowing teachers to identify and support specific needs quickly.

In the Prep School, specialist teaching is introduced early, particularly in languages, music, and sport. By the Senior School, girls navigate a full academic timetable. The approach is collaborative rather than didactic; girls are encouraged to question and discuss. The Learning Support department is well-regarded, offering tailored help for mild learning difficulties, ensuring the curriculum remains accessible.

Technology is integrated through the "Bring Your Own Device" policy in Senior years, but not at the expense of traditional skills. Handwriting and bookwork remain important.

As a school ending at Year 11, the post-16 transition is a key focus. However, the recent formation of Effingham Schools Trust has transformed this landscape. From September 2025, girls will have automatic places in the trust’s new co‑educational sixth form, based nearby at St Teresa’s School.

This "Diamond Model" approach allows girls to benefit from single-sex education during their formative years before moving to a co-educational environment for A-levels. For those choosing other paths, leavers also secure places at independent day schools such as Reed’s, St John’s Leatherhead, and Guildford High School, as well as competitive state sixth form colleges like Godalming and Esher.

Entry is selective but accessible. For the Senior School (Year 7), candidates sit entrance assessments in Mathematics, English, and Verbal Reasoning, usually in the November of Year 6. A reference from the current school and an interview with the Headteacher are equally weighted; the school looks for character and potential, not just raw data.

Prep School entry is more informal, typically involving a "taster day" where the child joins a class to ensure a good fit. Nursery entry is non-selective, though places fill quickly due to the setting's popularity.

Pastoral care is the school's defining strength. The size of the school means no girl is invisible. Form tutors are the first point of contact, supported by Heads of Key Stage who monitor both academic and emotional progress.

The "Girls on Board" approach is used to help pupils navigate friendship dynamics, empowering them to resolve conflict themselves rather than relying on constant adult intervention. A school counsellor is available, but much of the support is informal and proactive. The ISI inspection in June 2023 rated the school Good in all areas, highlighting the strong personal development of the pupils.

Despite its small size, the extracurricular offer is energetic. Sport is central, with netball, hockey, tennis, and athletics being major pillars. The floodlit courts and swimming pool are well-used. Teams compete locally, and while participation is key, there is support for elite athletes.

The Creative Arts are a major pillar. The Elizabeth Green Hall hosts regular productions, from Shakespeare to musicals, where girls handle lighting and sound as well as acting. Music is inclusive, with choirs, an orchestra, and various ensembles performing regularly.

Clubs change termly but might include Coding, Gardening, Debating, and LAMDA. The Duke of Edinburgh Award is popular in the older years, utilising the surrounding Surrey Hills for expeditions.

Fees & Financial Aid

For the 2025/2026 academic year, Senior School fees (Years 9-11) are £8,685 per term (£26,055 per year). Lower Senior fees (Years 7-8) are £8,595 per term. Prep School fees range from £4,620 (Reception) to £6,645 (Years 5-6) per term. Lunch is compulsory and charged separately at approximately £300 to £395 per term.

Means-tested bursaries are available for families who could not otherwise afford the fees, though these are limited and subject to annual review. Academic, Art, Drama, Music, and Sport scholarships are available for Year 7 entry, typically offering a fee remission of 5-20%.

The school day runs from 8:25am to 4:00pm. Wraparound care is extensive, with Breakfast Club available from 7:30am and "Tea Club" (after-school care) running until 6:00pm, providing a crucial service for working parents.

An extensive network of school minibuses covers routes across Surrey, including Leatherhead, Ashtead, Cobham, and Guildford.

• No On-Site Sixth Form: The school ends at age 16. While the new Trust Sixth Form at St Teresa's offers a seamless pathway, students still physically move campus after GCSEs.
• Small Cohort: With a small intake, the social circle is intimate. This suits many girls perfectly, offering security, but those seeking a bustling, large-scale environment might find it too quiet.
• Selective but Broad: While selective, the academic pressure is less intense than at some Guildford "hothouses". It suits girls who thrive on encouragement rather than relentless competition.

Manor House School offers a gentle, nurturing education in a stunning setting. It avoids the breathless pace of some competitors, focusing instead on building confidence and character. Best suited to girls who will flourish in a smaller, supportive environment where happiness is seen as the precursor to success. The main challenge is the transition at 16, though the Trust partnership mitigates this well.