The Yehudi Menuhin School
Cobham, Surrey · KT11 3QQ
The Yehudi Menuhin School is a highly selective specialist music boarding school founded in 1963 by the legendary violinist Yehudi Menuhin. Located in Cobham, Surrey, it educates approximately 87 musically gifted students from diverse socio-economic and national backgrounds, combining elite music training with a rigorous academic curriculum. The school's charitable status and philanthropic support enable it to admit talented musicians regardless of financial background, embodying Menuhin's vision of nurturing 'well-rounded, resilient and happy individuals' prepared to inspire 21st-century audiences.
- →World-class specialist music tuition in a boarding environment with unparalleled access to accomplished musicians and composers
- →Rare commitment to admitting gifted young musicians regardless of parental wealth through charitable funding and bursaries
- →Integrated academic curriculum centred on music, designed for musically ambitious children who need institutional flexibility around practice and performance schedules
Who thrives here
This school suits exceptionally talented young musicians (typically grade 7+ standard or equivalent) with genuine ambition for a professional music career or advanced amateur musicianship, who thrive in a specialist boarding environment where music is the intellectual and social centre of school life. It is ideal for families seeking an alternative to traditional independent schools and for international students.
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
Stoke D'Abernon, Cobham, Surrey
Cobham, Surrey
KT11 3QQ
Nearest stations
Notable alumni
Nigel Kennedy
Renowned violinist and conductor, classical and crossover performer
Tasmin Little
Celebrated British violinist and music educator
Frequently asked questions
What are the fees at The Yehudi Menuhin School?
Day fees at The Yehudi Menuhin School are approximately £42,000 per year (2024/25). Boarding fees are higher.
How do you get into The Yehudi Menuhin School?
The Yehudi Menuhin School admits pupils at 8+, 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by Interview, Assessment. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.
What are The Yehudi Menuhin School's exam results?
At The Yehudi Menuhin School, 54.5% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.
Is The Yehudi Menuhin School a boarding school?
The Yehudi Menuhin School offers boarding as well as day places.
What is The Yehudi Menuhin School's latest inspection rating?
ISI rated The Yehudi Menuhin School “Excellent” (2019).
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓Exceptional quality of musical instruction and access to renowned musicians
✓Supportive, intimate community where music is genuinely central to all pupils' identity and development
✓Genuine commitment to diversity and accessibility regardless of family wealth; transparent bursary policy
✓Holistic approach to musician development balancing technique, musicianship, intellectual curiosity and wellbeing
Common concerns
!Very small pupil body (87) means limited peer choice and social diversity compared to larger schools
!Narrow specialism may feel limiting to pupils whose musical interests later diverge or who develop stronger academic ambitions
!Not yet inspected by Ofsted; limited external accountability data and feedback from recent leavers
!Intensity of music focus requires sustained commitment and may be pressurising for some young musicians