The question "Is Epsom College a good choice?" is one that many parents consider. As a prestigious British boarding school with a rich history and international reputation, the educational standards at Epsom College have always been a focal point for parents. Grove Education will provide a detailed introduction to Epsom College's background, course offerings, application points, and fee information, offering you a comprehensive assessment guide to determine if this school is suitable for your child's education.
Background of Epsom College
To evaluate whether Epsom College is a good choice, we can delve into the school's background. Epsom College is an independent boarding school located in Surrey, England. Founded in 1855 by Dr. John Propert, it was initially named The Royal Medical Benevolent College, with the aim of providing education for children from families of doctors in need, reflecting a strong humanitarian and charitable ethos. Since its inception, the school has received significant royal support, with Queen Victoria serving as a patron, a tradition continued by successive British monarchs, establishing a close connection between the school and the royal family. Today, Epsom College has developed into an independent school offering both boarding and day school options, with a curriculum that spans diverse academic fields and emphasises holistic development in sports, arts, and leadership skills [1].
Outstanding Public Examination Results
The past public examination results of students serve as one indicator of Epsom College's quality. The college is renowned for its exceptional teaching prowess, with students achieving excellent results in the 2025 A-level and GCSE examinations [2].
A-Level Results
In 2025, Epsom College students achieved the following distribution in A-Level examinations:
- A* or multiple A: 35%
- A to A*: 62%
- A* to B: 91%
Epsom College students excelled in various subjects, including BTEC Business, German, French, Computer Science, Art, and Further Mathematics, with nearly all students achieving grades A to A*. Additionally, over 90% of students obtained A to B in subjects such as Economics, Design & Technology, and the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), showcasing the comprehensive development of Epsom College students in theoretical, research, and practical skills, with over 90% securing places at their first-choice universities.
GCSE Results
In the 2025 GCSE examinations, Epsom College students also performed outstandingly, with results as follows:
- Grades 9 to 7: 87%
- Grades 9 to 8: 67%
Students demonstrated exceptional performance in core subjects such as Geography, History, Chemistry, and Biology, with over half achieving grades 9 to 7. Language subjects also showed remarkable results, with all students in Russian and Japanese achieving grade 9, reflecting the school's balanced development in cultivating multilingual abilities, cross-cultural communication, and holistic education.
Is Epsom College a good choice? The public examination results clearly indicate that this school is undoubtedly an ideal option among the prestigious boarding schools in the UK.
Source: Epsom College
Teaching and Curriculum Features at Epsom College
For parents and students considering applying to Epsom College, understanding the curriculum design and developmental focuses at various age stages is essential for evaluating the most suitable entry point. Epsom College primarily enrols students aged 11 to 18, with the educational system divided into three stages:
Lower School (Years 7 to 8)
- Curriculum Content: The curriculum is designed to be comprehensive, covering language learning (English and various foreign languages), mathematics, science (including biology, chemistry, and physics), and humanities (history, geography, etc.). This helps students aged 11 to 13 build a solid academic foundation, serving as a crucial transition from primary to secondary education.
- Teaching Features: The school places a strong emphasis on students' development outside the classroom, actively encouraging participation in extracurricular activities such as music, drama, and various sports. Additionally, it offers STEM courses and a Trivium curriculum that emphasises research, public speaking, and debate skills. This commitment to holistic development is a key factor that many parents consider when evaluating whether Epsom College is a good choice [3].
It is important to note that all students in the Lower School are day students and do not have boarding facilities. Parents wishing to apply for their children to board at Epsom College may do so from Year 9 onwards.
Year 9 ＆ GCSE Stage (Years 9 to 11)
Year 9 serves as a critical year bridging to the GCSE period. During this stage, Epsom College narrows the subject range and introduces PSHE (Personal, Social, Health, and Economic education) alongside more rigorous science and language courses [4]. For parents considering Epsom College, the following special arrangements are noteworthy:
- Curriculum Content: From Year 9 onwards, science subjects (biology, chemistry, physics) are taught separately. In language learning, students must choose one major language from French, German, or Spanish, while also being able to study a second language (such as Latin and Classical Literature).
- Teaching Features: Year 9 introduces Saturday classes, which include worship, formal subject classes, and sports competitions, allowing students to cultivate discipline and teamwork while fostering a sense of belonging. Additionally, Epsom College students are required to apply for participation in the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) to learn team cooperation and leadership skills. Upon progressing to the GCSE stage, students also have the opportunity to participate in the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh Award programme, broadening their life perspectives through community service and outdoor challenges.
Sixth Form / A-level Stage (Years 12 to 13)
The Sixth Form (A-Level stage) is a crucial period before university entry and is a focal point for parents assessing school quality. Epsom College not only concentrates on A-Level subject teaching during this stage but also integrates a core curriculum and a variety of extracurricular activities to promote holistic development [5].
- Curriculum Content: The school offers over 20 A-Level subject options across literature, sciences, business, and arts, with most students opting for three main subjects. Additionally, students must undertake one core extension course (such as Core Maths, English AP, Young Enterprise, etc.).
- Teaching Features: Each student is paired with an Academic Tutor for regular one-on-one guidance to assist in setting learning objectives and exam strategies. Epsom College also conducts mock university application interviews and provides professional higher education counselling. Furthermore, Sixth Form students have opportunities to take on leadership roles in student councils and clubs, allowing them to develop their leadership potential and engage in extracurricular cultural activities such as Cultural Hour, promoting diverse growth.
For international students whose first language is not English, Epsom College offers English as an Additional Language (EAL) support courses to help students adapt better to A-Level studies and university requirements.
Source: Epsom College
Application Key Points for Epsom College
Application Process for Local Students in the UK
Below is an overview of the application process for Epsom College, applicable to local students and those who have been studying in the UK for three years or more:
| Entry Year | Target Students | Academic Requirements | Application Materials |
| Year 7 & Year 9 | Students aged 11-13 | No specific academic requirements | A written summary outlining the student’s interests and achievements outside the classroom, helping the school gain a comprehensive understanding of the student's personal characteristics and potential. [6][7] |
| Sixth Form／A-level | Students aged 16 | At least 5 GCSE/IGCSE subjects at Grade 6.5 or above [8] | Submission: 10th-grade report and a 1000-word personal statement [8]. |
Additionally, regardless of the year group, a £300 registration fee is required upon application [9].
Important Information for International Students
Students currently residing overseas or studying in the UK for less than three years are classified as international students. When applying to Epsom College, please note the following [10] :
- UKiset Examination: Epsom College requires applicants to complete the UKiset online assessment (covering English, mathematics, and reasoning skills) as a standard for assessing academic and English capabilities. If applying for Year 7 or Year 9, the examination must be completed by October of the year prior to admission.
- Formal Application: After completing the UKiset examination, the school will evaluate the results and notify eligible applicants to proceed with the formal application process, submitting the necessary documentation as required.
- Late Applications: The school has limited places available; while late applications may be considered in some circumstances, it is strongly advised that applicants submit their applications as early as possible to avoid missing out.
- Guardian Requirements: If parents reside overseas, all boarding students must designate a guardian who is at least 25 years old, resides in the UK, and lives within a two-hour drive of the school.
Overview of Epsom College Fees and Boarding Costs
The tuition and boarding fees for Epsom College for the 2025 to 2026 academic year (including VAT) are as follows [9]:
| Year Group | School Type | Fees (per term) | Notes |
| Years 7 to 8 (Lower School) | Day Students | £9,727 | All Lower School students are day students, with no boarding provision. |
| Years 9 to 13 | Day Students | £12,472 | - |
| Weekly Boarding | £16,708 | Available for students boarding from Monday to Friday, suitable for those living nearby. | |
| Full Boarding | £18,864 | Includes weekend boarding, the preferred choice for most international students. |
Source: Epsom College
Consult Grove Education for Admission to Top UK Boarding Schools
For parents considering whether Epsom College is a good choice, understanding the course offerings and boarding environment, as well as the tuition structure and admission process, is crucial for evaluation. If you are planning to apply to Epsom College, it is advisable to prepare for examinations, interviews, and language requirements well in advance. Please feel free to contact Grove Education; our professional advisory team will tailor a bespoke educational plan to assist your child in embarking on a successful study journey in the UK.
References：
1. Epsom College - Our History
2. Epsom College - Exam Results & Destinations
3. Epsom College - Lower School
4. Epsom College - Year 9 and GCSE
5. Epsom College - Life as a Sixth Form Student
6. Epsom College - Joining Year 7 (11+)
7. Epsom College - Joining Year 9 (13+)
8. Epsom College - Joining Our Sixth Form (16+)
9. Epsom College - Fees
10. Epsom College - International Pupils