Surrey is one of the most sought-after counties in England for independent education, and it is not difficult to understand why. With outstanding prep schools set within beautiful surroundings, excellent transport links to London and beyond, and a community of families who value education highly, Surrey offers an exceptional environment in which to grow up and learn. At Manor House School in Bookham, we are proud to be part of that landscape, and we hear many of the same reasons from families who choose to join us.
A smaller, more personal environment
One of the most consistent things parents tell us is that they wanted something more personal for their child than a large primary school could offer. In a private prep school in Surrey, class sizes are smaller and staff genuinely know each child, their strengths, their challenges, their sense of humour, what makes them tick. That personal knowledge transforms the teaching and learning relationship, and it transforms the pastoral care too.
At Manor House, this ethos runs through everything we do. Our pastoral care and wellbeing approach is built on genuine relationships, and our pupils consistently tell us they feel known and valued here.
The breadth of opportunity
Parents who choose independent prep schools in Surrey are often looking for more than strong academic results, they want their children to discover passions, develop talents and build confidence across a wide range of activities. At Manor House, our extra and co-curricular programme gives pupils the chance to explore sport, music, drama, art, languages and more, all within the normal school week, not just as after-school additions.
Our Forest School is a particular favourite, giving pupils the chance to learn outdoors, take managed risks and develop a love of the natural world. In a county as beautiful as Surrey, it feels like exactly the right thing to be doing.
Continuity from nursery to senior school
Many families appreciate the continuity that schools within the Effingham Schools Trust offer. At Manor House, starting in the Nursery and Kindergarten, pupils can move through Lower Prep (co-educational) and Upper Prep (for girls), then into the Senior Schools at either Cranmore for boys or St Teresa’s for girls. This journey allows pupils to build friendships, confidence and a strong sense of belonging at every stage, with collaboration across the Trust ensuring a smooth transition to senior school.
A girls’ school environment
For many families in Surrey, the decision to choose a girls’ prep school from Year 3 is a deliberate one. A single-sex environment allows girls to thrive without the social pressures that can sometimes hold them back in mixed settings. In the Upper Prep School, Manor House, girls lead everything, every production, every sports team, every science project, and they grow into young women who are confident, curious and unafraid to put their hand up. Find out more about why we believe in girls-only education from Year 3.
We would love to meet you
If you are considering a prep school in Surrey for your child, we would warmly encourage you to come and see Manor House for yourself. Book a visit or explore our admissions pages to find out more about joining our community.