Caterham School Overview
Caterham School is a well-known independent boarding school situated in Surrey, in the southeast of England. It was originally established in 1811 as a boys’ school and became co-educational 35 years ago. It now serves over 800 pupils aged 3 to 18, including more than 150 boarders.
The school is conveniently located just 45 minutes from London Heathrow Airport by train. On arrival, you’ll be greeted by a beautiful 200-acre campus overlooking Harestone Valley.
Widely regarded as the most outstanding co-educational school in the district, Caterham fosters an international outlook among its students. While it enjoys a strong reputation as a leading educational institution, a wide range of scholarships is available—including Academic, Art and Design, Drama, Music, Performing Arts, and Sports—providing essential financial assistance to those in need.
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Academic Matters
Caterham’s excellent academic results have positioned it as one of the top independent co-educational schools in the country, with Science standing out as its strongest subject area. Students are highly competitive, with 85% progressing to top-tier UK universities. The school has a long-standing tradition of pupils gaining places at Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College, and UCL.
However, Caterham believes that a truly outstanding education goes beyond academics. As a forward-thinking institution, it focuses on developing the whole person—academically, socially, and emotionally.
Caterham School Courses And Programmes
Year 7 and 8
In Years 7 and 8, students follow a broad curriculum that builds strong foundations across core subjects such as Mathematics, English, Science, two Modern Languages, Latin, History, Geography, Philosophy, and Theology. Creative and technical subjects like Art, Music, 3D Design, and Computer Science are also included. These are complemented by lessons in PE, Games, PSHEE, Citizenship, study skills, and an introduction to iPad learning.
Year 9
By Year 9, the core curriculum continues with English, Maths, Science, History, Geography, Philosophy, and Theology, alongside at least one Modern Language and continued PE. Science splits into Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, and students choose three supplementary subjects, including Latin, Greek, additional languages, Art, 3D Design, Computer Science, Music, or Drama.
Year 10 and 11
In Years 10 and 11, pupils can opt for either the Dual Award or pursue all three sciences to GCSE level. The core includes English Language and Literature, Mathematics, Science, one Humanity (Geography, History, Philosophy, or Theology), and one Modern Language. PE, Games, and PSHEE continue, and students may also choose from subjects like Business Studies, Computer Science, Art, 3D Design, Music, Drama, and GCSE PE.
Sixth Form
The Sixth Form offers full A Level flexibility, with students typically taking four or five subjects from the full range of previous offerings. Additional options include Further Mathematics, Economics, Business, Psychology, and Politics. Enrichment programmes in Public Speaking, Leadership, Coaching, App Making, and community partnerships further enhance the Sixth Form experience.
EAL Support
For international students, EAL support is available across all year groups. Fourth Year students can follow the GCSE English route or prepare for the First Certificate in English (FCE). In the Sixth Form, IELTS preparation is provided weekly and continues until the required university entry score is reached.
Caterham School Fees
Academic year 2024/2025
Day pupils from Years 7 to 13 pay £8,450 per term, while those entering Sixth Form pay a slightly higher rate of £8,855.
Full boarding for Years 9 to 13 is £17,540 per term, increasing to £18,485 for new Sixth Form boarders.
Weekly boarding is available at £14,635 per term for Years 9 to 13, and £15,425 for Sixth Form entry.
For younger pupils in Years 7 to 9, Half Weekly Boarding is offered at £11,445 per term.
Caterham School Application Deadline
Caterham School Boarding And Pastoral Care
Life at Caterham School
There are three Boarding Houses at Caterham School—for girls, junior boys and senior boys. The recently refurbished school accommodates boys and girls from all over Britain and 25 international countries.
Aside from its modern, comfortable amenities, these Houses provide a framework for friendships across age groups and for internal competitions. These include a wide range of activities ranged from debating to music, drama and sport. All students also benefit from the onsite Health Centre which is staffed and run by friendly and qualified nurses.
Pastoral Care
Pastoral care at Caterham is built on a culture of care, optimism, and encouragement. Every pupil is recognised as an individual, supported in their personal growth, and empowered to thrive both academically and emotionally. With initiatives like the School Council, Digital Council, and pastoral discussion groups, students are given a voice, develop resilience, and build leadership skills—emerging as confident, thoughtful, and compassionate young adults.
Caterham School Extracurricular Activities
Caterham School encourages student to embrace individuality and diversity through its vast range of clubs, activities and trips on offer. Being close to nature has its perks— the school offers woodland, sports fields, high ropes course at its outdoor learning centre.
Caterham’s exceptional sporting facilities also stand out, which includes grass pitches, a 25-metre indoor swimming pool, five netball courts and fully equipped sports hall.
With plenty of social clubs and societies to join, children will have no shortage of outlets to foster their passion, interests, and creativity.
Caterham School Reviews
Caterham School Contact Information
- Official Website: https://www.caterhamschool.co.uk/
- Admissions enquiries email: admissions@caterhamschool.co.uk
- General enquiries email: enquiries@caterhamschool.co.uk
- Address: Harestone Valley Road, Caterham, Surrey CR3 6YA
- Telephone:+44 (0) 1883 343028
