Woldingham School
Catholic, Founded 1842
Updated July 2026
Languages
EnglishWoldingham is a leading independent day and boarding school for girls aged 11-18, located in Surrey. It provides a supportive, values-driven environment that empowers students to become courageous, confident, and compassionate young women.
Curriculum
Term structure
Teaching approach
Founded in 1842 by the Society of the Sacred Heart, the school maintains a Catholic foundation while welcoming students of all faiths. Its educational approach is guided by the Sacred Heart goals of faith, community, intellect, social awareness, and personal growth. The school employs an 'empowered learning' philosophy, which is student-focused and teacher-led, designed to nurture independent thinking and individual development.
Programmes
The academic curriculum is designed to foster independent learning and academic excellence. Year 7 and 8 students follow the Marden Diploma, a bespoke two-year programme that provides a holistic foundation for GCSE studies. In the Sixth Form, students choose from a selection of 25 A Level subjects, supported by dedicated careers and higher education guidance.
Outcomes
Students consistently achieve high academic results, with 2025 data showing half of all A Level grades at A*/A and half of all GCSE results at grades 9-8. Graduates secure places at leading UK and international universities, supported by a comprehensive careers and higher education programme.
Student support
Learning support
Pastoral and learning support are centralized within The Hub, a dedicated wellbeing centre that provides guidance, care, and quiet study spaces. Staff are available throughout the school day to assist students with their academic and personal needs.
Frequently asked questions(5)
- How much is tuition at Woldingham School?
- Annual tuition at Woldingham School is £31K–£63.8K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- What ages does Woldingham School teach?
- Woldingham School enrolls students aged 11 to 18.
- Is Woldingham School a day or boarding school?
- Woldingham School is a day and boarding school.
- Is Woldingham School co-educational?
- Woldingham School is a girls school.
- Where is Woldingham School located?
- Woldingham School is an international school in Sutton, United Kingdom.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026-2027| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Years 7 and 8 (Day) | 11–13 | £31K |
| Years 7 and 8 (Weekly Boarding) | 11–13 | £48.1K |
| Years 7 and 8 (Full Boarding) | 11–13 | £54.8K |
| Years 9 to Upper Sixth (Day) | 13–18 | £36.6K |
| Years 9 to Upper Sixth (Weekly Boarding) | 13–18 | £54.5K |
| Years 9 to Upper Sixth (Full Boarding) | 13–18 | £61.9K |
| Sixth Form Direct Entry (Day) | 16–18 | £38.4K |
| Sixth Form Direct Entry (Weekly Boarding) | 16–18 | £56.4K |
| Sixth Form Direct Entry (Full Boarding) | 16–18 | £63.8K |
Other fees(12)
| Deposit· Acceptance deposit for Boarders (full and weekly) | £2.4K |
|---|---|
| Deposit· Acceptance deposit for Day students | £1.2K |
| Deposit· Overseas acceptance deposit | £19.8K |
| Deposit· Acceptance deposit for siblings | £600 |
| Deposit· Acceptance deposit for HM Armed Forces families | £1.2K |
| Registration fee· Visa compliance management fee | £605 |
| Enrolment feeterm· Mandatory termly charge in support of Woldingham Parents and Staff Association (WPSA) | £5 |
| Enrolment feeterm· Old Girls' Association Membership Fee (added to termly bills during the first year, total £450) | £150 |
| Uniform· School uniform (extra charge) | — |
| Bus / transport· Day student transport (extra charge) | — |
| Boarding· Flexi-boarding (1-3 nights per week) or ad hoc boarding available | — |
| Materials· Examination fees, equipment supplied, and certain course materials (extra charges) | — |
Discounts
- Sibling discount: 5%
Admissions
Woldingham welcomes applications for entry primarily at Year 7, Year 9, and the Sixth Form, with occasional places available in Years 8 and 10. The admissions process includes assessment days held during the autumn term, with final decisions communicated in December. Prospective families are encouraged to attend Saturday or weekday open mornings, or arrange a personal visit to the campus.
Calendar
The academic year is divided into three terms: Autumn, Spring, and Summer. Each term includes scheduled long weekends and half-term breaks, with boarders returning on specific dates prior to the commencement of lessons. The school year concludes in early July with Speech Day.
Facilities
About the campus
Set in hundreds of acres of Surrey countryside, the campus features a 19th-century main building alongside modern facilities, including the 630-seat Dineen Auditorium, a dedicated science block with nine laboratories, and light-filled art studios. Recent additions include the 2024 Sixth Form Centre and Library, and The Hub, a wellbeing centre opened in 2025. Sports facilities comprise an indoor swimming pool, tennis dome, all-weather pitch, sports hall, squash courts, and a fitness studio.
Co-curriculars
The school offers an extensive programme of co-curricular activities, including performing arts, sports, and community outreach. Students participate in clubs, careers workshops, and leadership training, such as the Level 3 Certificate in Higher Sports Leadership. Notable events include the annual Wold Fringe Festival and various inter-house sporting competitions.
- Mrs Sue BaillieHead
Sue Baillie joined Woldingham from Queen Margaret’s School for Girls, which won Small Independent School of the Year in 2023 under her leadership. Previously, she was Pastoral Director at the Royal Grammar School, Newcastle. She studied history at the University of Leicester and completed teacher training at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge.
- Ms Nicole WeatherstonDeputy Head Academic
Nicole studied physiological sciences at the University of Newcastle and obtained her PGCE at Durham University. She spent ten years teaching in the state sector and served as Head of Sixth Form at The Royal Masonic School for Girls before joining Woldingham in September 2016.
- Mrs Suzy WoolawayDeputy Head Operations & Co-curricular
Suzy joined Woldingham in May 2021 from Bishop Challoner School, where she was Deputy Head (Academic and Pastoral) and previously Head of Mathematics. She studied mathematics and economics at university and worked in the banking industry as a financial futures broker before obtaining her PGCE at the Open University.
- Ms Kate RenshawDeputy Head Pastoral
Kate joined Woldingham in September 2023 from Streatham and Clapham High School, where she was Assistant Head (Pastoral & Student Wellbeing) and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead. She holds a BSc in Psychology from the University of Leeds and a PGCE from Warwick University.
- Mrs Taryn LloydDeputy Head Safeguarding
Taryn studied Geography at Durham and holds a Masters in Learning and Teaching from Oxford. She joined Woldingham in 2010, serving as Housemistress and Head of Boarding before becoming Director of Safeguarding in January 2023.
- Mrs Pippa WhitbyDirector of Boarding
Pippa joined Woldingham in April 2025 after more than 15 years at Mayfield School, most recently as Director of Boarding. She holds a degree in Leadership in Sport from the University of Reading and gained qualified teaching status at Canterbury Christ Church University.
- Ms Elizabeth RocheDirector of Finance and Operations
Liz trained as a chartered accountant at EY and previously served as UK Finance Director for Liberty Property Trust and Development Director at Marshall of Cambridge. She joined Woldingham in July 2024.
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