King Edward’s is a boarding school that is quintessentially British, academically strong, and polished. Yet, it remains refreshingly unpretentious. In our view, it’s one of the great all-rounders among UK boarding schools.
The school boasts a rich and influential history. Founded 500 years ago to provide education and care for the poor, its enduring tradition of generosity and inclusivity is still palpable today, forming the foundation of its values-driven, forward-looking education.
Just an hour’s drive from London, the school sits in the county of Surrey on a 100-hectare campus surrounded by woodland, offering a beautiful and safe environment. On this spacious site, there is room for as much sport, creativity, and exploration as any young person could dream of.
With its strong historical ties and modern Christian ethos, King Edward’s exudes a unique charm, further enhanced by its international mix of students and the evident affection that pupils and parents have for the school. Here, every student’s academic, sporting, artistic, and personal interests are nurtured equally.
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2025 & 2024: Winners of the StudyTravel Secondary School Award (Best Western European Agency)
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(Best Western European Agency)
The StudyTravel Awards are among the most prestigious honours in international education, recognising outstanding quality, client focus and trusted partnerships. Being the first consultancy ever to win for three consecutive years is something we are deeply proud of. For us, these awards highlight our commitment to offering the very best guidance, personal service and long-term support for families embarking on this exciting journey.
Quick Overview
Age of Students: 11–18
Number of Students: 420
Boarding Students: 45%
International Students: 30%
Senior School Boarding Fees per Term: £15,552 (GCSE), £16,320 (Sixth Form)
Main Sports Offered (besides traditional team sports): football, water polo, golf, rowing, dance, climbing, fencing, yoga
Nearest Airports: London Gatwick and Heathrow, approx. 40 min
Key Strengths at a Glance
Close to London
All-round boarding school in every respect
International environment
Outstanding arts department
King Edward’s School Witley – Photo Highlights
King Edward’s School Witley in Detail
Values
During our visit, we were struck by how deeply the school’s vision and values permeate daily life — something Headmistress Mrs Joanna Wright also impressed upon us during our interview. She explained: “It’s about paving a path for pupils to grow up in a healthy, secure environment. Teachers care for the students in a holistic way, enabling them to explore and flourish. Every child here should thrive, feel happy, and experience a true sense of belonging.” On site, we witnessed first-hand how the secure atmosphere and the cheerful, confident students bring Mrs Wright’s words to life.
Art
The art department at King Edward’s Witley is wonderfully vibrant: whether pursued as an academic subject or through the Art Club, pupils can immerse themselves in drawing, painting, photography, and digital editing. Throughout the year, the department takes inspiration from the school’s own stunning outdoor landscapes and woods. Students enjoy bright, airy studios, a ceramics room, a print workshop, a photography darkroom, and an art library — a haven for creative souls.
Academic
King Edward’s offers short stay experiences and longer stays to complete the GCSEs and A-Levels. The curriculum is enriched by visiting specialists who deliver inspiring talks, and the forward-thinking facilities even include a state-of-the-art Finance & Business Centre. At every level, the school invests in its pupils’ future.
Sport & Co-Curricular
At this all-rounder school, everyone finds something to ignite their passion. Sports enthusiasts can choose from football, where the school is very strong, and also cross-country, basketball, water polo, and rowing, while a host of creative and adventurous activities fill the students’ free time — from theatre productions, beekeeping, and fencing, to climbing, yoga, and table tennis. With more than 50 co-curricular clubs, new horizons open up for every child. Particularly impressive are the opportunities for students to discover the world — from European language trips to city visits like New York, and more adventurous expeditions to Russia, Iceland, and India.
Our Visit
First, a heartfelt thank you to Justin for the excellent tour and to Headmistress Joanna Wright for the engaging conversation. We felt warmly welcomed — and it was clear that we weren’t the only ones. Every student we encountered seemed genuinely happy and at home. You can feel the school’s caring ethos in every step you take across the campus. Even though King Edward’s Witley could afford to be much more showy — sitting in one of the UK’s most affluent areas, boasting superb results and modern facilities — it remains remarkably down-to-earth. We attribute this to its heritage: the gentle spirit of the former alms-house still lingers today.
Photos From Our Visit
What our clients say about us
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Conclusion: King Edward’s Witley
King Edward’s School Witley is a forward-thinking independent school with strong values and a broad programme of art, drama, and sport. It especially thrives in music also.
However, it may not be the only boarding school in Britain that suits your child perfectly. We recommend that you seek personalised advice to find the right match for your family’s specific wishes and expectations.
Please feel free to get in touch. Thanks to our years of contact with UK schools, we understand their unique qualities and can give you honest, first-hand insights. You can find an overview of schools on our “Boarding Schools in England” page.
We’re confident we can help you find the right school for your child.
Benefit from:
- authentic, first-hand insights
- our strong relationships with admissions offices
- years of placement experience
- support with visa questions
What Makes Akademis Stand Out?
- We remain your trusted contact throughout your child’s stay, well beyond the placement process.
- We provide support with guardianship, visa applications and recognition of qualifications within the German school system.
- We offer fully tailored advice. Our school recommendations are unique to each child and can run to 40 pages in length.
- Families receive our 30+ page boarding school guide, packed with practical tips and insights.
- We prepare your child thoroughly for entrance exams and interviews to maximise their chances of success.
- We arrange school visits, ensuring you have the opportunity to experience each school first-hand.
Every boarding school has its own character and ethos. Having personally visited more than 100 schools, we understand these nuances. We also work with schools that do not pay commission, ensuring that our advice remains independent and always in the best interest of your child.
Our roots lie in the UK. For years, we have placed 200–300 families annually into British boarding schools. While our portfolio now includes schools beyond Britain, the UK remains at the heart of what we do.
Our tailored approach results in exceptional acceptance rates. For example, in 2022/23, all seven students we placed at the highly selective Malvern College received offers – a 100% success rate.
We arrange for prospective families to speak with our current students to hear first-hand accounts of life at a UK boarding school.
