Surrey Schools Shine Bright: A Celebration of Excellence in Education

Surrey Schools Shine Bright: A Celebration of Excellence in Education

In an inspiring showcase of educational achievement, three schools from Surrey have recently been awarded prestigious titles at the Independent Schools of the Year 2025 awards. These accolades reflect the unique approaches and impactful contributions of these institutions to student development and community engagement.

St Christopher’s School & Nursery: A Model for Early Education

Leading the way is St Christopher’s School & Nursery in Epsom, celebrated as the Independent Pre-Prep School of the Year. Catering to children as young as two years old, the school emphasizes a well-rounded education with specialist teaching in areas such as PE, Music, French, Art, and Forest School. The recent inspection praised the school's dedication to providing excellent learning experiences, noting that pupils acquire knowledge and skills with impressive speed due to the thoughtfully designed activities and outstanding support from teachers.

Headteacher Mrs. Bronia Grehan expressed her pride in this recognition, stating, “This recognition is a wonderful affirmation of what makes St Christopher’s such a special place. It is the children who bring our school to life each day, supported by staff who go above and beyond.” This commitment to creating a nurturing environment fosters not just academic achievements but also joy and ambition among pupils.

St James Senior Boys’ School: Embracing Holistic Education

Another noteworthy mention is St James Senior Boys’ School in Stanwell, which earned the award for School Trip of the Year. Renowned for its distinctive educational style, the school offers a blend of traditional subjects alongside creative and practical studies. St James sets itself apart with a remarkable array of school trips that include an adventure in the Alps and cultural explorations in Greece and Spain.

Rick Clarke, head of St James, highlighted the transformative power of these experiences: “For this reason, we are delighted to have won the Best School Trip of the Year award as it is recognition of our truly holistic approach to education.” This philosophy underscores the belief in educating the mind and heart, ensuring students not only learn academically but also grow personally through meaningful experiences.

The Royal Grammar School: A Legacy of Community Service

Lastly, The Royal Grammar School (RGS) in Guildford received the Development Award for Outstanding Fundraising Achievement. Celebrated for its historical significance, RGS places a strong emphasis on community collaboration and charitable efforts. Students actively engage in various initiatives, including tutoring primary school students and volunteering at local nursing homes.

Mrs. Rathmell, head of charity and volunteering at RGS, remarked on the importance of community involvement, stating, “We are delighted and honoured to have won this award, which is the result of collaboration from so many different people and in so many different ways.” This dedication to service reinforces the school's commitment to fostering a sense of responsibility and compassion among its students.

As these Surrey schools continue to set examples for excellence in education, they demonstrate that a holistic approach, community engagement, and innovative teaching methods can create truly uplifting experiences for students. The recognition received not only honors their achievements, but also inspires other institutions to follow suit in nurturing the minds and hearts of the next generation.