St George’s is a thriving independent boarding and day school for girls aged 11–18 offering an ambitious, connected and future-facing education tailored for girls to realise their potential both at school and in fulfilling adult lives ahead. Awarded ‘excellent’ in its November 2022 ISI inspection, the report speaks of pupils demonstrating ‘healthy self-knowledge, well-developed study skills, first-class social skills and an awareness of the world around them’.
The St George’s ethos, and education, focuses on developing Confident, Capable and Connected young women who are thoroughly prepared for the world beyond school. Learning in an all-girls environment fosters confidence as girls are emboldened to innovate, lead and express informed views free from gender stereotypes. They are, as a recent Head Girl explained, at ‘the centre of their own story’ throughout their time at the school. They are exposed to a wide range of opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom, developing excellence in academic, sporting, musical, dramatic and creative pursuits. Throughout their time at St George’s, pupils are encouraged to connect across the diverse school community but also with the world around them and so they develop a strong sense of what they want to bring to and how they will challenge the society they will ultimately join.
Pupils enjoy facilities that ‘might easily belong to a school three times the size’ (2023 Good Schools Guide review), with four art studios, a state of the art 6-lane swimming pool, a 300-seat theatre, a Cookery & Food Technology room, and new music recording studio. Yet the school is small enough to develop markedly strong relationships across the community. Each pupil is known and supported by a close network of boarding, teaching and pastoral staff who help shape and develop each individual. Examination results are excellent with regular Oxbridge success, a high percentage attending Russell Group universities in both the sciences and humanities and a strong number of girls choosing post-18 options in the Arts in courses ranging from visual effects, fine art, textiles and fashion to photography. A recent value-added figure for the school at GCSE placed St George’s 7th out of 344 schools.
In 2024, the school maintained the excellent A level standards achieved in 2023: a third of all A level grades awarded were at A* or A grade, with double the number of A* grades compared to 2023. Of particular note were the outstanding results in the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) with 47% at A* and 71% at A*/A.
St George’s has received multiple accolades recently. It was a finalist in the Independent Girls School of the Year category at the Independent Schools of the Year 2024 Awards. The school won the Innovation in Nutrition or Food award at the 2024 Talk Education Awards for Innovation in Education, in recognition of its food waste reduction initiatives, use of local suppliers and seasonal ingredients. Additionally, it was Finalist in the Best Eco Warrior Category of Tatler’s Schools Awards, Highly Commended in the Muddy Stilettos Best Schools Awards 2024 for the Most Inclusive School and shortlisted for the Google Reference School & Colleges Impact Project Awards 2023–24.
Pupils benefit from a diverse co-curricular programme with over 70 clubs on offer through the ‘working week’ for the girls to enjoy. With sports clubs in abundance, Gardening Club, Cultural Diversity Club and Model United Nations on offer, there is plenty to spark the girls’ interest.
Entrance. Entry at 11+ is by the School’s own assessment. A reference from the current school, combined English and Mathematics examination and an online CEM (Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring) test, together with a short presentation and interview with a senior member of staff, take place in the November of Year 6. For entry at 12+/13+, testing also takes place in the November preceding entry and applicants will sit papers in English, Mathematics, Science and an online CEM test. Girls will also make a short presentation and have an interview with a senior member of staff.
Girls considering an application to the Sixth Form will be invited for an interview with the Head of Sixth Form or another senior member of staff. Any offer of a place made will be contingent on meeting a minimum admissions criteria of achieving at least six, 9 to 4 grades at GCSE, with at least a 6 in any subject to be taken at A level. A wide range of scholarships are available at 11+, 13+ and 16+.
Fees per term (2024–2025). £15,145 Boarding, £9,520 Day. Tailored flexi boarding is available.
Scholarships. Scholarships are available at 11+, 13+ and 16+ for outstanding potential, as evidenced by examination results. Academic, Art, Performing Arts, Sport, Swimming, Music and All Round scholarships and instrumental awards are available at 11+, and Academic Art, Music, Drama, Performing Arts, Swimming, All Round and Sport scholarships at 13+ and 16+. In September 2025, a Performance Swimming Scholarship was introduced, for athletes at County Level and above.
Governors & Staff:
Chair of Governors: Mr A Mackintosh, BSc Aberdeen, MBA City
Head: Mrs E M Hewer, MA Cantab, PGCE
Bursar and Clerk to the Governors: Mr J F Anderson
Deputy Head Academic: Mr J V Hoar, BA Hull, PGCE
Deputy Head Pastoral/Designated Safeguarding Lead: Mrs H L Simpson, BA Ed Exeter
Deputy Head Co-Curricular and Connections/Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead: Mr A J Wright, MA Oxon, MA London, PGCE
Director of Admissions: Mrs Karen Semple