Woldingham School Overview
Woldingham School, founded in 1842 as the Sacred Heart Convent, is a leading Roman Catholic boarding and day school for girls aged 11 to 18. Located in Surrey, the school sits within a spacious estate and benefits from its own train station, offering direct links to central London in just 45 minutes.
Around half of the students board, and approximately 30% come from overseas, including countries such as China, Spain, Russia, and the United States. The school has a strong reputation for academic and personal development, and its alumnae include renowned actresses Vivien Leigh, Maureen O’Sullivan, and Carey Mulligan.
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Woldingham School Courses And Programmes
Woldingham has a strong academic focus, with a teacher-to-student ratio of 1:7. This allows for more individual support and better access to resources. Science is a particular strength at the school.
Students can also take the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), which helps them build independent research and presentation skills in a subject of personal interest. Most leavers go on to top universities in the UK and worldwide, including Oxford, Cambridge, Durham, New York University, and the University of Toronto.
Years 7-9
All students study:
- English Language and Literature
- Mathematics
- Biology, Chemistry and Physics
- Theology
- At least one modern foreign language
GCSE (Years 10 and 11)
Core subjects continue, with students choosing up to three additional options from a wide selection, including:
- Art
- Computer Science
- Design & Technology
- Drama
- French
- Geography
- German
- History
- Latin
- Music
- Physical Education
- Spanish
Latin or Greek can also be taken off-timetable as an additional GCSE.
Sixth Form (Years 12 and 13)
Students select from 25 A Level subjects, including:
- Economics
- Psychology
- Media Studies
- Politics
- As well as traditional academic subjects
Sixth Formers also have the option to complete an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). This helps develop independent research, analysis and presentation skills in a topic of personal interest.
Beyond the Classroom
The THRIVE programme runs alongside academic studies to help students build resilience, confidence and a growth mindset.
Academic enrichment is also strong, with:
- Societies for debating, law, and philosophy
- Additional qualifications in subjects like further maths, financial studies, and sports leadership
Woldingham School Fees
Years 7–8
Full Boarding (7 nights/week): £14,150 per term (£16,980 incl. VAT)
Weekly Boarding (5 nights/week): £12,430 per term (£14,916 incl. VAT)
Day (Tuition only): £8,000 per term (£9,600 incl. VAT)
Years 9–Upper Sixth
Full Boarding (7 nights/week): £15,990 per term (£19,188 incl. VAT)
Weekly Boarding (5 nights/week): £14,085 per term (£16,092 incl. VAT)
Day (Tuition only): £9,450 per term (£11,340 incl. VAT)
Woldingham School Application Deadline
11+, 13+ and Sixth Form Entry
Application and Assessment
Registration Deadline (all entry points): 30 September 2025
11+ Assessment Day: 3 November 2025
13+ Assessment Day: 12 November 2025
Sixth Form Assessment Day: 13 October 2025
Decision Letters Emailed: By 8 December 2025
Acceptance Form and Deposit Due (11+ only): By midday 2 March 2026
Scholarships
Co-curricular Scholarship Form Deadline:
11+ and 13+: 15 October 2025
Sixth Form: 10 October 2025
Scholarship Auditions:
Sixth Form: Week commencing 10 November 2025
11+ and 13+: Week commencing 19 January 2026
Scholarship Decision Letters:
11+ and 13+: By 6 February 2026
Sixth Form: By 8 December 2025
Welcome Events
New Families Supper: Mid-June 2026
Welcome and Induction Days: Early September 2026
Bursaries (Sixth Form only)
Bursary Application Request Deadline: 30 September 2025
Bursary Application Submission Deadline: 24 October 2025
Bursary Award Letters: By end of January 2026
13+ Deferred Entry (2028)
Assessment: As per 11+ process
Conditional on continued good progress at current school
Further 13+ assessments required in Year 8 for academic setting and scholarships
Woldingham School Boarding And Pastoral Care
At Woldingham, boarders live with others in their year group, creating a strong sense of belonging. Each house is led by a Housemistress and supported by Residential Assistants who are present during the evenings to offer care and guidance.
Boarding starts in Marden and then moves into Main House. These first stages are designed to build community, develop independence, and establish routines that support academic and personal growth throughout a pupil’s time at the school.
Woldingham School Extracurricular Activities
To support a well-rounded education, Woldingham offers excellent facilities and opportunities beyond the classroom. The school has invested in a modern, multi-functional sports centre. It includes a gym, fitness studio, dance room, squash court, indoor swimming pool, and tennis courts.
Creative arts are also a strong focus. Students regularly take part in drama and music performances, with the Choir and Orchestra invited to perform both in the UK and across Europe. The school’s location gives easy access to London’s theatres and galleries, enriching pupils’ cultural experience.
Art holds a key place in school life. Almost every year, students receive offers from top art schools such as Central Saint Martins. Pupils frequently win national awards in drama, music, and art, some even receiving recognition from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA).
