Woldingham School
Caterham, Surrey · CR3 7YA
Woldingham is a leading independent day and boarding school for girls aged 11–18 in suburban Surrey, founded with a Catholic heritage but now inclusive in character. The school emphasises an 'empowered learning approach' centred on developing courage, confidence and compassion, with particular strength in STEM and strong academic outcomes. Recent investment in a new Sixth Form Centre (2024) and wellbeing hub ('The Hub', 2025) reflects strategic modernisation while maintaining a traditional pastoral emphasis on boarding and community.
- →Strong academic results: 50% of A-levels graded A*/A and 50% of GCSEs at grades 9–8 (2025)
- →Flexible boarding options including full, weekly and flexi-boarding, appealing to commuters and international families
- →Outstanding STEM teaching (per Tatler Schools Guide) in an era of STEM-focused university entry
- →Well-established pastoral infrastructure and house system with values-driven ethos
- →Surrey location with accessible commute to London and wider South East
Who thrives here
Woldingham suits academically ambitious girls who value a supportive, structured environment and benefit from boarding flexibility or day options. The school particularly appeals to families seeking strong STEM provision, a close-knit community, and a school that combines rigorous academics with pastoral care and extracurricular breadth.
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
Marden Park, Woldingham
Caterham, Surrey
CR3 7YA
Nearest stations
Notable alumni
Fiona Bruce
BBC television presenter and journalist (Crimewatch, Sunday Politics)
Clare Balding
Olympic equestrian, broadcaster and presenter
Recent investment
Frequently asked questions
What are the fees at Woldingham School?
Day fees at Woldingham School are approximately £28,500 per year (2025/26). Boarding fees are higher.
How do you get into Woldingham School?
Woldingham School admits pupils at 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by Interview, Assessment. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.
What are Woldingham School's exam results?
At Woldingham School, 24.3% of A-levels were graded A*–B and 67.7% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.
Is Woldingham School a boarding school?
Woldingham School offers boarding as well as day places.
What is Woldingham School's latest inspection rating?
ISI rated Woldingham School “Excellent” (2018).
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓Exceptional academic progress and rigorous teaching, especially in STEM
✓Supportive pastoral care and strong sense of community; girls form lifelong friendships
✓Flexible boarding options and quality of boarding facilities and pastoral staff
✓Inclusive values-driven ethos balancing high academic expectations with emotional wellbeing
✓Co-curricular breadth and celebration of individual achievement beyond academics
Common concerns
!Limited transparency on recent inspection status (not yet Ofsted inspected as at publication; ISI inspection history unclear from excerpt)
!Fees not disclosed in public materials; uncertainty around bursary availability and transparency
!Geographic accessibility: while suburban, may be less convenient for some London families; boarding expectations may pressure day pupils
!Possible perception as traditional/conservative in ethos, which may not suit all prospective families