Dunottar School Review 2026: Where Ambitious Learning Meets Warm Community

Founded in 1926 by Jessie Elliot-Pyle with just three pupils in a small house on Brownlow Road, Dunottar School carries its heritage lightly. Today, occupying a magnificent Palladian mansion set across 15 acres of woodland in Reigate, it has evolved into a thriving independent day school where academic ambition and pastoral care coexist in equal measure. The school motto, Do ut Des (I give that thou may'st give), captures something fundamental about the place: education here isn't transactional, but transformative. With 500 pupils aged 11-18 and a recent £4.5 million investment in performing arts facilities, Dunottar sits in the top 8% in England for GCSE results (FindMySchool ranking). It's the kind of school where results tell only part of the story; the real measure is whether every individual child feels genuinely known and valued.

Past the gates, you encounter spaces that reveal intention. The handsome red-brick Palladian mansion at the heart of the campus, originally built by Walter Blanford Waterlow in 1867, anchors the school's identity. Yet it doesn't overwhelm. Around it, purpose-built wings house bright art studios, five science laboratories, and the newly refurbished Food Technology suite. The effect is one of thoughtful growth rather than institutional sprawl.

The atmosphere is notably calm and purposeful. Students move between lessons with focus. In the dining hall, the service is orderly and friendly. What strikes visitors most is the genuineness of the welcome. Staff know pupils by name across year groups, not because of a small cohort, but because pastoral care has been deliberately built into structures. The school divides into house systems, and house tutors maintain groups of 6-8 pupils through their time here, creating continuity and genuine relationship.

Mark Tottman has been Headmaster since 2017, arriving from Dean Close School in Cheltenham where he spent years as a boarding housemaster. His background in modern history and business strategy is visible in the school's forward thinking. Under his leadership, Dunottar recovered from a moment of financial vulnerability in 2013 to become part of United Learning, a transformation that enabled extensive investment whilst preserving the school's distinctive character. Tottman speaks frequently about "Warrior Learning," a framework that underpins the school's pedagogical approach: pupils are encouraged to demonstrate aspiration, creativity, curiosity, tenacity, independence, inclusivity, and collaboration. It sounds like school speak, but watch lessons and observe students, and the frame is genuinely embedded.

The school's Christian ethos is present but not exclusionary. Collective worship happens regularly, but the school welcomes families from any faith tradition or none. The chapel is used, but so is the outdoor classroom nestled in the woodland. There's a sense of tradition without rigidity.

GCSE Performance

At GCSE, Dunottar achieved strong results in 2024. 53% of all grades fell in the 9-7 band (the top grades), with 32% achieving grades 9-8. This places the school above national comparisons and in the top tier of independent day schools in Surrey. The school ranks 376th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 8% and 2nd among independent schools in Reigate specifically.

For context, the national picture shows around 54% of pupils achieving grades 9-7, so Dunottar's 53% represents performance aligned with national expectations at the elite level. Where the school distinguishes itself is consistency across subjects rather than isolated peaks. English Language and Literature, Mathematics, the sciences, History, and Geography all show strength. The school offers a broad curriculum and resists early specialisation, so students take a wide spread of GCSEs including arts, humanities, sciences, and languages.

A-Level Performance

The sixth form has grown significantly since becoming co-educational in 2014. At A-level in 2024, 54% of grades were A*-B, with 10% at A* and 20% at A. The school ranks 798th in England for A-level results (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the middle 30% of schools. This is solid performance, though the school's real strength at sixth form lies in specialisation: students choosing to stay typically select subjects carefully and engage deeply.

Beyond grades, the sixth form offers genuine choice. Twenty-seven A-level subjects are available, including Philosophy, Politics, Psychology, Sociology, Media Studies, Economics, and Human Biology alongside traditional sciences and humanities. This breadth attracts students from outside the main school and creates a genuinely mixed sixth form cohort.

The school's pedagogical approach centres on "Warrior Learning," which sounds contemporary but rests on classical principles: deep engagement, intellectual risk-taking, and collaborative problem-solving. Teaching is structured and well-planned. Lessons follow a consistent format, with clear learning objectives, active pupil participation, and formative feedback. Staff across departments use iPads and learning applications, but technology supports rather than drives pedagogy.

In the sciences, separate teaching of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics begins in Year 7, which is less common in independent schools and signals academic ambition. Practical work is prioritised. The five science laboratories are well-equipped, and teachers emphasise observation and experimentation over passive learning. Mathematics includes separate sets from Year 7 onwards, with extension material for those working at higher levels and targeted support for those developing conceptual understanding.

The English department balances contemporary literature with canonical texts. Close reading and essay writing are core skills. Drama is taught as a distinct subject from Year 7, with students having access to the Castle Performing Arts Centre's professional-standard facilities. History receives particular institutional support, and the school holds the Quality Mark from The Historical Association, recognising excellence in history provision.

Languages (French and Spanish) are mandatory to GCSE, with strong emphasis on oral communication. Many pupils progress to A-level and some continue to university. The creativity subjects, Art, Drama, and Music, are treated with genuine parity, not as add-ons. The school recognises that some pupils' strengths lie in creative expression, and structures curriculum accordingly.

In 2024, 84% of sixth form leavers progressed to university, 13% entered employment, and 3% entered further education. This is a high progression rate and reflects the school's positioning as an academically ambitious institution. One student secured an Oxbridge place in that cohort (to Cambridge). The school typically sees 1-2 Oxbridge acceptances annually, which is notable for a non-selective independent school of this size.

Beyond Oxbridge, pupils regularly secure places at strong universities. The school maintains a formal careers programme with guest speakers from diverse fields, careers networking events, and university liaison. Sixth form students undertake Extended Project Qualifications (EPQs) and many complete Duke of Edinburgh Awards at Gold level.

This is where Dunottar excels and where the 15 acres of grounds truly matter. The co-curricular programme is extensive without being overwhelming, and critically, it's genuinely inclusive rather than elite-focused.

Music: A Defining Strength

The Castle Performing Arts Centre, opened in January 2021, represents a £4.5 million investment and transformed the school's music culture. The 500-seat theatre is equipped with professional lighting and acoustic systems. Five new practice rooms and dedicated music classrooms support a thriving music programme.

Weekly music lessons run for all pupils in Years 7-9, taught by specialist staff. Beyond the classroom, ensembles abound. The school supports Chamber Ensemble, Orchestra, Musical Theatre Singers, and Ukulele Club. Solo performances are celebrated in termly concerts held in the mansion's Ballroom (which features a grand piano). Students regularly perform at high-profile venues including the Royal Albert Hall. The House Music festival, held annually, sees every pupil compete within their house group, creating breadth of participation.

Individual music tuition is available across a wide range of instruments. A dedicated team of peripatetic teachers work with students ranging from beginners to grade 8. Those studying GCSE, A-level, and music scholars lead co-curricular ensembles, creating peer mentorship. Visiting musicians run masterclasses, and the school maintains particularly strong links with Royal Academy of Music, Royal College of Music, London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, and Imperial School of Dancing.

Drama: Highly Professional and Accessible

The new theatre venue has elevated drama's profile. School productions are ambitious. Recent whole-school shows have included major musical and dramatic works. The drama studio provides additional rehearsal and performance space. GCSE and A-level drama students mount their own productions, often co-directing and designing alongside performing.

Drama scholars perform annually in dedicated scholars' concerts. Recent examples include adaptations by students themselves, demonstrating genuine creative agency. The school takes part in the National Shakespeare Schools Festival and in local professional theatre productions, broadening pupils’ exposure beyond school. Years 7-9 have taster drama experiences, ensuring breadth before GCSE option choices.

STEM and Innovation

Science receives particular emphasis. Beyond core teaching, the Dissection Club attracts pupils interested in deeper biological exploration. The Lego Robotics Club engages younger pupils in problem-solving and engineering. A Drone Club operates for those curious about aerial technology. Science Crest Award provides structured enrichment for committed scientists. The Café Scientifique brings guest speakers to discuss contemporary scientific challenges.

Computing is a growing area. The eGames Design Club and Coding Club develop digital literacy beyond the curriculum. In recent years, a student robotics team achieved recognition for tenacious project development. Mathematics students access a Further Maths Club, and the Investors Club explores business mathematics and financial literacy.

Sports: Participation and Excellence

The school's sporting philosophy emphasises inclusion: "Sport for all" is stated principle, and over 95% of pupils are involved in competitive school sport. Facilities support this ambition. The 25-metre heated indoor swimming pool operates daily during dedicated swim sessions. The multi-purpose sports hall, equipped with a 4-lane professional cricket net system (installed through partnership with Surrey Cricket Foundation in 2018), accommodates netball courts, tennis courts, and badminton alongside cricket. Three floodlit outdoor courts support netball and tennis year-round.

Priority sports receive structured fixture lists. Rugby is the main boys' sport in autumn, with competitive Saturday fixtures for U12ABC, U13ABC, U14AB, U15A, and U16/1st XV. Opponents include St Johns Leatherhead, Epsom College, Ashford School, Royal Alexandra & Albert School, and Caterham. In recent years, several pupils have represented Surrey County age groups and participated in the Harlequins Player Development Programme. Rugby Sevens operates as a co-curricular club, and Dunottar hosts the annual Surrey Schools' U18 and U16 7s Tournaments.

Netball and football (for girls and boys) are spring and summer priorities. Girls' football has grown significantly; pupils represent Crystal Palace, Chelsea, and Millwall academies, as well as Surrey Schools and ISFA district teams. District Lions squads have taken pupils to international tournaments including the Gothia Cup in Sweden. In 2020, the school formed a partnership with Dorking Wanderers Football Club, formalising development pathways.

Cricket, athletics, lacrosse, badminton, and swimming round out the core programme. The Cricketer magazine places the school in its UK top‑100 list of senior cricket schools, citing its facilities and coaching.

A broader co-curricular menu includes Boxing, Fencing, Rifle Shooting, Tennis, Quidditch, and Swimming Improvers. For younger pupils, Rock Climbing uses the school's high-ropes course and outdoor adventure equipment.

Creative and Academic Societies

The school runs approximately 40-50 named clubs and societies. The Amnesty International Club engages pupils in social justice. The Art Club and Photography Club support visual practitioners. Book Club, further Mathematics Club, History Club, Language Leaders, and MFL Film Club provide academic enrichment. Café Scientifique, Coding Club, Drone Club, Eco Club, and Science Crest Award span STEM. The Investors Club, Business Enterprise Club, and Mock Bar Trials build professional literacy.

For younger pupils, Chess Club, Croquet, Dungeons & Dragons Club, Minecraft & VR Club, and eGames Design Club provide varied interests. The Beekeeping Club has become emblematic of the school's environmental ethos; pupil beekeepers tend hives that produce Dunottar honey annually, and the apiary education extends to over 40,000 bees and lessons in ecology and food production.

Music and Performing Arts clubs include Musical Improvisation, Scholars Show, Drama, and Orchestra. The Pelican e-Magazine gives pupils voice in school communications. The Podcast Production Club reflects contemporary interests. Sewing Club and Textiles Club support maker-based learning. Wellbeing Walks and Choc & Chat create informal pastoral space.

Duke of Edinburgh's Award operates at Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels. Year 9 pupils undertake their Bronze practice expedition annually (typically over two days in May). Completion rates are strong, reflecting structured support and genuine pupil engagement.

For the academic year 2025-26, fees are £8,575 per term (£25,725 annually for all years, Grades 7-13). Lunch is included. Additional costs include music tuition (fees charged directly to individual peripatetic teachers), examination entries, and optional trips and expeditions.

Sibling discounts apply: 5% for the second child and 10% for the third and subsequent sibling. The school offers a limited number of means-tested bursaries, awarded at Year 7 entry and reviewed annually. Bursary applications require completion of a financial form and home assessment by United Learning's Bursary Administration Ltd. Applications with household incomes exceeding £70,000 may not be considered. The school does not offer full bursaries; parents are expected to make a contribution.

Scholarships are available for academic, music, art, performing arts, and sports achievement at Year 7 and Year 12. Academic Scholarships go to those ranking highest in entrance tests with greatest potential for growth. Music, Art, Performing Arts, and Sports Scholarships recognise exceptional promise in those domains.

The main entry points are Year 7 and Year 12 (sixth form). The school is non-selective in formal terms, but assessments are rigorous. For Year 7, prospective pupils participate in "Warrior Learner" assessments (group activities and informal interviews) before sitting formal entrance exams (English, Mathematics, reasoning) in November. An interview with a member of staff follows. The school emphasises identification of potential rather than prior achievement, and the assessments are designed to assess creativity and collaborative working alongside academic capability.

For Year 12, offers are made following interview with the Headmaster and Deputy Head (Academic), conditional on GCSE results. Entry requirements vary by subject but typically require Grade 5-6 at GCSE or equivalent in the subject to be studied at A-level.

The school welcomes pupils from diverse feeder backgrounds. There is no single feeder school; pupils arrive from 45+ different schools, both independent preps and state primaries. The school emphasises excellent links with local schools and actively recruits across a wide catchment.

School hours

Registration starts at 8:30am followed by assembly. Six lessons of 55 minutes each run throughout the day, with lessons ending at 4:00pm. Lunch is served in the dining hall with home-cooked hot options and vegetarian choices. Clubs and activities run at lunchtimes and after school. A coach service operates across the surrounding area, with a late bus available on certain days for pupils staying for activities.

Pastoral care sits at the heart of Dunottar's identity. The school explicitly positions itself as a place where every pupil is known as an individual. House systems support this: year group pupils are divided into four houses, and house tutors maintain groups of 6-8 students throughout their time at school. Tutors oversee academic progress, wellbeing, and pastoral development.

The Deputy Head (Pastoral) leads a dedicated pastoral team. The school employs a trained counsellor who visits weekly and is available to pupils requiring additional emotional support. For pupils with specific learning needs, a small department focuses on training teachers so support can be delivered in everyday lessons, with specialist one‑to‑one or small‑group work where needed. Roughly 12% of each year group receive some form of learning support.

Mobile phone policy is clear and consistently applied. In Years 7-10, phones are collected at registration and returned during afternoon registration, encouraging face-to-face interaction during breaks and lunch. Behaviour is managed through a restorative approach, with an emphasis on understanding impact and rebuilding relationships rather than purely punitive sanctions.

Mental health and wellbeing are treated as whole-school responsibilities. Staff receive training in recognising anxiety and supporting resilience. The school links families with external services where needed. Outdoor spaces, including the outdoor classroom in the woods, the zip wire, climbing frames, and giant chess tables, are consciously designed to support wellbeing.

Location and transport

Dunottar occupies 15 acres of grounds at High Trees Road, Reigate, Surrey RH2 7EL. The nearest railway station is Earlswood (approximately 2 miles away, with regular services to London and beyond). The school is accessible by car from the M25 and A23. Parking is available on site. A coach service operated by the school serves the surrounding area; local families typically walk or cycle.

Facilities

The main building is the Palladian mansion. Purpose-built wings include the Sixth Form Centre (2019, £2.2 million) with modern classrooms, individual study areas, and a café. The Castle Performing Arts Centre (2021, £4.5 million) includes the 500-seat theatre, drama studio, and music classrooms. Sporting facilities include a 25m heated swimming pool, multi-purpose sports hall with cricket nets, three floodlit outdoor courts, a fully equipped gym, and a large training pitch for athletics, football, cricket, and lacrosse. Art and design suites, five science laboratories, food technology suite, and an outdoor classroom in the woodland complete the estate.

Academic selectivity differs by stage: While Year 7 entry is non-selective, the entrance assessments are rigorous and do identify pupils likely to thrive in the school's ambitious academic environment. Pupils arriving with lower levels of literacy or numeracy will need to be comfortable with a structured academic approach and willing to engage with challenge.

Pastoral size is not tiny but not massive: With approximately 500 pupils, Dunottar is smaller than many independent schools but larger than some. This creates genuine community whilst allowing some anonymity for those who prefer it. It's neither a tight-knit family of 200 nor an institution of 1,200. Families should visit and judge whether the scale feels right.

Co-educational integration post-2014 is complete: The school became mixed from sixth form only in 2014, opening full co-education in September 2014. Some families join because they value this later co-education start; others choose it specifically for that reason. Most pupils who arrive in Year 7 will transition to sixth form where gender ratios shift. This is now fully embedded and uncontroversial within the school.

Admissions are competitive: Three applications per Year 7 place represents genuine demand. Securing entry is not guaranteed even with strong assessments. Families should have realistic conversations about likelihood before investment in entrance preparation.

Dunottar School delivers genuine academic education within a community that knows and values each individual. Results are strong and consistent. Facilities are excellent. The pastoral commitment is sincere, not rhetorical. It's the kind of school that works well for all-rounders and for those with specific talents (music, sport, art) who want serious education alongside their specialism. The Warrior Learning framework, whilst a conscious branding exercise, does shape practice in genuinely constructive ways. For families within reach of Reigate seeking independent education that combines ambition with warmth, Dunottar merits serious consideration.