Ages 
Cranleigh Prep is a welcoming and expansive prep with both the physical and metaphorical space for boys and girls to fully embrace an idyllic childhood, try everything, build fantastic friendships and gain a future-ready education. With a new head here and across the road at the senior school, it’s one to watch.
Why read our school review?
Unlike other websites, schools can't pay to be included in The Good Schools Guide. This means our review of this school is independent, critical and fair, and written with parents' best interests at heart.
Unlock to access
Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 316 ·
- Offers boarding
- Yes ·
- Religion
- CofE/Christian
- Fees
- Day £16,500 - £34,875; Boarding: £32,220 - £34,875 pa
- Local authority
- Surrey County Council
- Linked schools
- School ownership
- Trustees of Cranleigh School
Headteacher
Head
Will Newman
Since January 2025, Will Newman, previously head of Sedbergh Prep for seven years and before that, deputy head of Taunton Prep. Started out as a PE and science teacher after securing his BEd at Exeter University and a master's in sports psychology in
Entrance
The big news is school now offers a pre-prep and a further 18 places in a reception class alongside a nursery open in September 2026. Registered applicants for the pre-prep are invited to a stay and play day in the Lent term. Around 20 join at 11+
- Open days
- contact the school
Exit
Very much an all-through ethos with around 90 per cent heading across the road to the senior school, which is ‘familiar, but not over familiar’. Even fewer leave at year 6, usually to day or state schools. Head admits he’s ‘a little green’ about the
Latest results
There are no results to show for this school. Find out more.
Teaching & learning
Boarders
An idyllic, gentle introduction to boarding, run by an old prep boy who has been back at the school for over 20 years and holds it dear to his heart. ‘If I can be 10 per cent as good as my house master was, these children will be happy,’ he tells us.
Mobile phone policy
A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.
Mobile phone policy
Provided by the school and not part of our review Strictly no phones in school.
Pupils
Money matters
New head committed to breathing fresh life into school’s academic scholarship programme which is set in place for the entirety of a pupil’s senior school journey. Awards for art, design, performing arts, sport, academic and music. Third sibling
- Fee information
- Day £16,500 - £34,875; Boarding: £32,220 - £34,875 pa
Our view
We tour the school as morning break is underway. There’s a queue for both the trim trail and the homemade sponge traybake and in the copse, holes are being dug. We dodge children darting around the playground and balls coming from all directions in
The last word
Cranleigh Prep is a welcoming and expansive prep with both the physical and metaphorical space for boys and girls to fully embrace an idyllic childhood, try everything, build fantastic friendships and gain a future-ready education. With a new head
