The impressive front of King Edward's School Witley

King Edward's School Witley

King Edward's School Witley

Witley, Godalming, England

King Edward’s School Witley is located about an hour southwest of London and impresses with a 100-hectare campus featuring a historic main building. This academically strong school is especially popular with international pupils – not least because of its proximity to the capital. Despite its spacious grounds, the school is manageable in size with around 480 pupils and a truly international community, representing over 40 nations. Alongside academic achievement, the school places great emphasis on holistic education, focusing on personal development. Football is one of the key sports offered.

We placed 2 pupils here in 2024
Number of students
400
Number of boarders
190
Percentage of international boarders
30%
Average class size
15
Diploma offered
A-Levels
Closest International Airport
40 Mins
London Heathrow - by car
Shelves full of art and craft utensils in the school's bright art departmentThe arts

The Details

The Academics

King Edward’s School Witley is not highly selective academically, but still achieves good results. In 2024, 37% of pupils achieved A\*-A grades at A-Level, and 69% were awarded A\*-B grades. At GCSE, 47% of grades were in the 9–7 (A\*-A) range. This is made possible by a dedicated teaching staff and an excellent teacher-pupil ratio of 1:10.

Alongside the traditional GCSEs and A-Levels, the school offers the Pre-Sixth Programme – a one-year GCSE course specifically designed for international pupils. It enables entry into the Sixth Form and includes exciting cultural trips to London, Oxford and Cambridge.

Languages Taught

German, English as a Foreign Language, French, Latin and Spanish.

The Boarding

Around half of all pupils board, including some flexi-boarders. Most share rooms with one or two others. A highlight for the oldest pupils is the Jubilee House, opened at the end of 2023. It offers Upper Sixth pupils a gentle transition to university life – with en-suite bathrooms, communal kitchens and laundry facilities for both boys and girls. Pupils are encouraged to cook independently and do their own laundry – an ideal preparation for independent life after school.

The school campus at King Edward’s School WitleyThe campus

Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths

King Edward’s School Witley is an excellent all-round boarding school with a strong academic offering, a wide range of sports and creative activities – all while maintaining a pleasantly down-to-earth atmosphere compared to many other schools in the London area.

The school boasts an impressive sports programme: alongside very good football, there are top-class opportunities for cross-country, athletics, basketball, tennis, volleyball, water polo, golf and rowing. The main sports include hockey, cricket, tennis, football, netball and rounders.

A particularly interesting aspect is the school’s PE approach, which focuses on broad sampling – pupils have the chance to try out a variety of sports, from athletics to judo. Essentially, if a pupil shows interest in a sport, King Edward’s School Witley will provide the opportunity to participate.

Weaknesses

Exeat weekends can be especially tricky for international families due to logistical challenges. We recommend finding a reliable guardian to help navigate these times smoothly!

Location

King Edward’s School Witley is located in the town of Godalming, just 40 minutes from London and the Gatwick and Heathrow airports. Highly recommended for London lovers!

Closest International Airport
London Heathrow - 40 mins by car
London Gatwick - 40 mins by car
Closest Train Station
Witley Station - 5 mins by car
Nearest Cities
Godalming - 20 mins by bus
London Waterloo Station - 1 hr 30 mins by train
Our Opinion

Families who are looking for a solid all-rounder offering in a beautiful setting where their children’s happiness is valued and they’ll have the opportunity to explore and try news things. 

Our Insider Tip

Joanna Wright, the school’s headmistress, is a wonderful and very approachable leader you should definitely meet during a visit.

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