Epsom College

Since 2024, Mark Lascelles, previously head at Dauntsey’s for 12 years and before that lower master and acting head at The King’s School, Canterbury. Educated at the Dragon, Shrewsbury School and Durham University, where he read geography ‘and played

Epsom looks for well-rounded pupils who are academically able and have several strings to their bow. Increasingly sought-after in recent years, the school recruits from more than 40 preps and state primaries, including Danes Hill, Prospect House,

Very few leave after GCSEs – anything between none and 10, usually due to relocation or finances. The school feels it has a moral obligation to take pupils all the way through and works hard to find ‘a pathway that works for everyone’. At 18 the vast

In 2025, 86 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 62 per cent A*/A at A level (91 per cent A*-B).

Twenty-four subjects on offer at A level, as well as business and sport BTECs. Maths and economics are the most popular choices, with art, computer science, languages, maths, further maths and photography the star performers recently. More than a

Sixth formers study in their rooms, the library or The Mermaid, a striking new building with a 190-seater lecture theatre, seminar rooms, discussion pods, study area, café (sixth formers can eat lunch there) and gallery. Head boy and head girl chosen

Learning needs are at the milder end – mainly dyslexia and ADHD but also mild ASD, hearing impairment and visual impairment. At the time of our visit 23 per cent of pupils had identified learning needs. The head of academic support and three dyslexia

‘There’s an abundance of opportunities here,’ a sixth former told us. ‘There’s so much to do.’ Music, drama and art have a far stronger presence than in years gone by. Twenty-five per cent of pupils have instrumental lessons in school (up to 20 per

Huge focus on sport, but Epsom’s multiple successes are worn remarkably lightly. Lots of silverware on display and the school’s rugby, hockey, cricket and squash teams have all won national titles in recent years. Facilities are top notch, including

No boarding in years 7 and 8 but a quarter of pupils board in years 9 to 13. Of the 307 boarders at the time of our visit a third were full boarders, two-thirds weekly. A third of boarders are international pupils from countries like the US, Hong

Well-structured pastoral care so pupils know exactly who to turn to – housemasters and housemistresses, heads of year, heads of section (lower school, middle school and sixth form), matrons, tutors, the chaplain and the pastoral team. Form tutors see

A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.

Increasingly popular with south London families, with bus routes from as far afield as Barnes, Clapham Common, Putney and Richmond to the north plus Guildford, Horley and Oxted to the south. ‘We review the buses every year and where there is demand

Annual bursary spend of £2m, with around 76 families benefiting each year. More than half of these receive support of 75 per cent of fees (some up to 100 per cent). Scholarships for academic, sports, music and the performing arts available at 11+,

A high-achieving, big-hearted and increasingly sought-after school at the top of its game. Pupils are fun, thoughtful and very good company. ‘So many schools say they are all-rounders but this place really is, said a parent. ‘I wouldn’t send my child