Guildford High School
Guildford, Surrey · GU1 1SJ
Guildford High School is an award-winning independent all-girls day school founded in 1888, serving pupils aged 4–18 across Junior, Senior and Sixth Form. The school emphasises ambitious academic achievement alongside creative and sporting excellence, with a strong ethos of kindness, resilience and leadership development. Recent accolades include The Sunday Times Independent Secondary School of the Year and UK's Top Girls' School for Sports, reflecting its dual commitment to rigorous scholarship and broad co-curricular opportunity.
- →Exceptional academic outcomes (90% Grade 9/8 at GCSE, 85% Grade A*/A at A-level) with 97% of leavers entering Russell Group universities
- →Award-winning all-girls environment explicitly designed to nurture confidence, ambition and female leadership
- →Outstanding breadth of sport and co-curricular provision, recognised nationally, alongside strong music and drama programmes
- →Located in prosperous Surrey with convenient access; day-only model suits local families in Guildford and commutable area
Who thrives here
Ambitious girls from intellectually engaged families who value both academic rigour and well-rounded development; those who thrive in an all-female environment that encourages bold thinking, leadership and sporting or creative pursuits. The school suits resilient learners who respond well to high expectations and want to be part of a confident, supportive peer cohort.
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
London Road
Guildford, Surrey
GU1 1SJ
Nearest stations
Notable alumni
Stella McCartney
Fashion designer and sustainability advocate
Justine Henin
Former professional tennis player, Grand Slam champion
Recent investment
Frequently asked questions
What are the fees at Guildford High School?
Day fees at Guildford High School are approximately £26,769 per year (2025/26).
How do you get into Guildford High School?
Guildford High School admits pupils at 4+, 7+, 8+, 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by 11+ Selective Examination. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.
What are Guildford High School's exam results?
At Guildford High School, 78.9% of A-levels were graded A*–B and 91.4% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.
Is Guildford High School a boarding school?
Guildford High School is a day school in Guildford and does not offer boarding.
What is Guildford High School's latest inspection rating?
ISI rated Guildford High School “Excellent” (2021).
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓Exceptional academic outcomes with strong university destinations; girls feel well-prepared for higher education
✓All-girls environment creates confidence and female leadership culture; girls unselfconscious about ambition
✓World-class sport provision and coaching; girls inspired by competitive opportunities and facilities
✓Strong pastoral care and wellbeing focus; emphasis on resilience and kindness alongside achievement
✓Vibrant, engaged pupil body; excellent co-curricular breadth (music, drama, service, expeditions)
✓Experienced, stable teaching staff; good parent communication
Common concerns
!High-achievement culture and academic pace may create stress for sensitive or less confident pupils; not ideal for those seeking a gentler environment
!Day-only provision means no boarding for international families or those seeking residential experience
!Selective admissions process; not accessible to all; fees likely substantial (unreported but typical of comparable schools £10–20k per annum)
!Lack of recent formal inspection means governance and safeguarding assurance less transparent than Ofsted-inspected schools
!Strong sports focus may mean non-sporty girls feel less central to school culture in some year groups