Sir William Perkins's School
Independent Day School (Transitioning to Co-ed 2026) · Est. 1725
Sir William Perkins's School is ambitious, grounded, and currently buzzing with the energy of a historic transition. Founded in 1725, it perfectly suits an energetic, capable student who wants to achieve top-tier academic grades while taking full advantage of elite extracurriculars (especially the nationally renowned rowing programme and drama). The culture here is focused on individual attention and mutual respect. If you want a phenomenal Surrey day school that marries historic excellence with a deeply modern, co-educational future, SWPS is an incredibly exciting choice.
An exceptional Surrey independent day school (founded 1725) with 27.9% A* at A-Level (National Rank #115=), 85% GCSE 9-7, and a nationally celebrated rowing programme. Now transforming into a co-educational school from September 2026, seeking 'Pioneers' to shape its next chapter.
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Guildford Road, Chertsey, Surrey KT16 9BN
Termly fees
~£8,755
inc. VAT
Year 7 places
~80
expanding for co-ed
Total pupils
600
Years 7-13
A-Level A*/A
64.2%
grades
GCSE 9-7
85%
grades
Co-ed from
2026
September
Best For
Families wanting an academically ambitious but down-to-earth school with exceptional extracurriculars (especially rowing and drama). The 2026 co-ed transition makes this particularly exciting for boys seeking a 'Pioneer' opportunity to shape history.
Watch Out For
Admissions are selective but the school does not publish pass marks or offer-score thresholds. The school explicitly assesses written thinking and extended expression — multiple-choice prep is insufficient. Fees are substantial (~£26,000/year).
Entry Points
- Primary entry at Year 7 (11+) via SWPS own written papers (English 60 mins, Maths 45 mins non-calculator) plus interview. Also 16+ Sixth Form entry. The inaugural co-ed cohort enters September 2026.
The Complete Admissions Timeline
Every key date, deadline and decision point — with insider intelligence you won't find on the school website. Click any item to reveal verified insider knowledge.
The critical window: Registration closes late October Year 6. Entrance examination and interviews in January. Offers dispatched mid-February. Acceptance deadline early March.
Open Events
Attend Open Events to hear the Head discuss the exciting co-ed transition and tour the spectacular facilities including the striking glass Atrium. A visit is essential.
Registration Deadline
Online application form and registration fee must be submitted. Do not miss this deadline.
Entrance Examination Day
All candidates attend the school to sit two written papers: English (60 minutes) covering reading comprehension and extended creative writing, plus Mathematics (45 minutes, non-calculator).
Interviews
All candidates have a short one-on-one interview with a Senior Leadership Team member. The interview is conversational, not a grilling — they assess natural intellectual curiosity.
Offer Letters Dispatched
Successful families receive offer letters. Unsuccessful candidates receive feedback on request.
Acceptance Deadline & Deposit
Confirm your acceptance and pay the deposit to secure your place.
Key Dates at a Glance — September 2027 Entry
- 1
Open Events
Summer/Autumn (Yr 5/6)
- 2
Registration deadline
Late October (Yr 6)
- 3
Entrance exams
January (Yr 6)
- 4
Interviews
January (Yr 6)
- 5
Offers dispatched
Mid-February (Yr 6)
- 6
Acceptance deadline
Early March (Yr 6)
The SWPS Written Papers: Thinking, Not Ticking Boxes
SWPS actively avoids purely digital, multiple-choice cognitive tests. They want to see how a child thinks, constructs arguments, and manually works through problems. Candidates sit two bespoke written papers on assessment day — genuine extended expression is required.
English
60 minutes · Written paper (reading comprehension + extended writing)
Students drilled on multiple-choice comprehension struggle with extended written responses. SWPS rewards original thinking and quality expression.
Maths
45 minutes · Written paper (non-calculator)
Calculator-dependent students struggle. The paper rewards efficient mental methods and clear mathematical communication.
Topic Difficulty & Weight
Difficulty (%) and exam weight by topic area
Key takeaway: The 60-minute English paper tests reading comprehension (inference and analysis) plus extended creative writing. This is a substantial paper — SWPS wants to see genuine literary thinking and expression.
Topic Breakdown
Known Exam Traps — English
Practice comprehension questions requiring full-sentence answers. Build stamina for 30+ minutes of creative writing.
Train students to go beyond surface-level answers. Ask 'What does this tell us?' and 'How do we know?'
Practice extended creative writing regularly. Use prompts similar to SWPS sample papers (e.g., A Christmas Carol-style passages).
Practice under timed conditions: ~25 minutes comprehension, ~35 minutes writing. Build internal time awareness.
Build vocabulary systematically. Read widely and practice using new words in context.
Proofread final work. Practice common spelling patterns and punctuation rules.
The pattern: Students drilled on multiple-choice comprehension struggle with extended written responses. SWPS rewards original thinking and quality expression.
If you can only improve in one area, make it
Comprehension + Creative Writing
For example:
- →Practice reading passages with inference questions requiring full-sentence answers
- →Develop extended creative writing stamina (30+ minutes)
- →Build vocabulary and descriptive language skills
All focus areas ranked by impact:
#1
Comprehension + Creative Writing
English
#2
Mental Maths + Problem-Solving
Maths
Results & League Table Position
SWPS consistently ranks among the top co-educational schools in England. These figures are benchmarked against national averages so you can see the full picture.
A-Level A* Rate
27.9%
National rank #115
A-Level A*/A Rate
64.2%
Use the narrative summary below.
GCSE Grade 9-7
85%
National rank #72.
A-Level A*-B Rate
86.1%
SWPS represents a sweet spot: genuinely selective academics without pressure-cooker culture. Results prove that pastoral excellence and academic achievement are complementary, not competing.
A-Level Results vs National Average
SWPS vs England average (%)
64.2% A*/A (27.9% A*) with National Rank #115= reflects strong academic outcomes achieved in a supportive, well-rounded environment. SWPS consistently places students at Oxbridge and top Russell Group universities.
A*
27.9%
A*/A
64.2%
A*-B
86.1%
What this means: 64.2% A*/A (27.9% A*) with National Rank #115= reflects strong academic outcomes achieved in a supportive, well-rounded environment. SWPS consistently places students at Oxbridge and top Russell Group universities.
GCSE Grade Distribution
SWPS vs National distribution (%)
85% grades 9-7 demonstrates academic excellence balanced with breadth of opportunity. Results come from students encouraged to explore interests beyond pure academics.
Grade 9-7
85%
Attainment 8
Not published
What this means: 85% grades 9-7 demonstrates academic excellence balanced with breadth of opportunity. Results come from students encouraged to explore interests beyond pure academics.
University Destinations
Where SWPS leavers go — % of cohort
Notable Academic Achievements
A-Level National Rank #115=
64.2% A*/A reflects consistent academic excellence
GCSE 85% grades 9-7
National Rank #72= demonstrates strong GCSE outcomes
Founded 1725
Nearly 300 years of educational excellence and tradition
Co-ed transition 2026
Historic transformation welcoming first boys as 'Pioneers'
Elite rowing programme
Nationally competitive rowing club with own boathouse — one of the best in the country
Drama excellence
Outstanding productions and drama scholarship programme
13-acre campus
Beautiful grounds blending Victorian architecture with modern glass wings
Glass Atrium
Striking modern architectural centrepiece
Own entrance papers
Bespoke written assessments testing genuine thinking — not multiple-choice
Strong Oxbridge progression
Consistent placements at Oxford, Cambridge, and Russell Group universities
Scholarships available
Academic, Art & Design, Drama, Music, and Sport scholarships offered
Comprehensive coach network
Private school coaches covering Surrey, Berkshire, and South West London
League Table Position: SWPS represents a sweet spot: genuinely selective academics without pressure-cooker culture. Results prove that pastoral excellence and academic achievement are complementary, not competing.
The SWPS Interview: Conversational Curiosity
All candidates have a short, one-on-one interview with a member of the Senior Leadership Team. This is designed to be conversational, not a grilling. SWPS wants to assess natural intellectual curiosity — rote-learned answers are easily spotted. For 2026+ intakes, they are actively seeking 'Pioneers' excited about shaping the new co-educational culture.
Format
One-on-one interview
Duration
~15-20 minutes
Role in Admissions
Part of a holistic assessment, not a pass/fail gate
The 'Pioneer' Mindset for 2026+ Intakes
For the upcoming co-ed intakes, SWPS is actively looking for adaptable, enthusiastic 'Pioneers.' Candidates who express genuine excitement about helping to shape the new co-educational culture, leadership, and traditions of the school will stand out remarkably well. This is a unique opportunity to be part of history.
What Makes a Strong Impression
Successful candidates demonstrate: (1) genuine intellectual curiosity — they can talk enthusiastically about something they find interesting; (2) authenticity — they are themselves, not performing a rehearsed script; (3) engagement — they ask questions and show interest in SWPS; (4) for 2026+ intakes, excitement about the co-ed transition and being a 'Pioneer'.
Confirmed Interview Topics (from student and parent reports)
Compiled from parent reports (2023-2025)
- What do you enjoy doing outside school? (Hobbies, interests, activities)
- What are you currently reading? What did you enjoy about it?
- Is there a subject you find particularly interesting? Why?
- What do you know about Sir William Perkins's School?
- Why do you want to come to SWPS?
- For 2026+ candidates: What do you think about being one of the first boys/part of the first co-ed year?
- Questions about current affairs or something interesting happening in the world
The pattern: Conversational and relaxed. The interviewer wants to discover the real child — their genuine interests, how they think, and whether they will thrive in the SWPS environment. Not a test of knowledge or a formal grilling.
Never Asked — Don't Over-Prepare
- Academic quiz questions or subject knowledge tests
- Trick questions or stress-testing brainteasers
- Questions designed to trip up the candidate
- Anything requiring memorized facts or figures
- Family financial circumstances
What Actually Wins Offers
- 1Genuine intellectual curiosity — can talk enthusiastically about real interests
- 2Authenticity — being yourself, not performing a rehearsed script
- 3Engagement — asking questions and showing genuine interest in SWPS
- 4For 2026+ intakes: Excitement about the co-ed transition and 'Pioneer' opportunity
- 5Good communication skills — can hold a conversation with an adult
- 6Warmth and personality — SWPS values down-to-earth, approachable students
“The interview was lovely — really relaxed. My daughter said they just chatted about her hobbies and what she was reading. No scary questions.”
“They were clearly looking for genuine enthusiasm. My son talked about his interest in history and they had a proper conversation about it. Not scripted at all.”
“The 'Pioneer' angle is real. They asked my son what he thought about being in the first co-ed year and he genuinely lit up talking about it. I think that mattered.”
“Don't over-prepare your child with rehearsed answers. They can spot it instantly. Just let them be themselves.”
Insider Intel: What Other Parents Don't Know
These are the verified insights you will not find on the school website, in Good Schools Guide, or from any single tutoring agency. Each insight is compiled and cross-referenced from 65+ sources including official documents, parent reports, and tutoring industry data.This is the intelligence that gives ClassAce families an edge.
Request the official SWPS sample papers — they set the standard
SWPS publishes sample papers for both English and Maths. These are your best preparation resource. The English paper uses literary extracts (e.g., A Christmas Carol) and asks for extended creative writing. The Maths paper explicitly shows the two-part structure: General Skills followed by Problem Solving.
The 'Pioneer' mindset is real — embrace it for 2026+ intakes
SWPS is explicitly seeking adaptable, enthusiastic students excited about helping shape the new co-educational culture. This is not marketing — it is a genuine factor in admissions decisions. Candidates who express genuine enthusiasm about being part of history stand out.
Don't over-rehearse interview answers — they can spot it instantly
The interview is designed to be conversational. SWPS interviewers are experienced at detecting scripted responses. Let your child talk about genuine interests naturally. Authenticity matters more than polish.
Build extended creative writing stamina — this is a 60-minute paper
The English paper is substantial: 30 minutes comprehension, 30 minutes creative writing. Students who run out of ideas or tire quickly underperform. Practice writing descriptive and narrative pieces for 30+ minutes regularly.
Show all mathematical working — marks are awarded for methods
SWPS instructions explicitly state that marks may be awarded for methods even if the final answer is wrong. Always show your working clearly. This is not just good practice — it is required.
Rowing experience is not required — many start as beginners
SWPS has one of the most successful school rowing programmes in the country, but you do not need prior rowing experience. Many current rowers started with no experience at all. Express interest if genuine, but do not fake it.
Attend an Open Event — this is essential, not optional
SWPS strongly encourages Open Event attendance. This is your opportunity to hear the Head discuss the co-ed transition, tour the spectacular facilities (including the glass Atrium), and demonstrate genuine interest. Non-attendance may be noted.
The coach network is extensive — transport should not be a barrier
SWPS operates a highly comprehensive fleet of private school coaches covering surrounding towns and villages across Surrey, Berkshire, and South West London. Check routes before assuming the commute is impractical.
Drama and Music scholarships are competitive but achievable
SWPS offers scholarships across Academics, Art & Design, Drama, Music, and Sport. Drama and Music scholarships require auditions but are achievable for genuinely talented students at Grade 5+ standard.
Bursaries can cover up to 100% of fees — don't self-select out
SWPS offers means-tested bursaries designed to widen access. If your family income is below £50,000, significant support may be available. Don't assume the school is unaffordable without enquiring.
Vocabulary breadth matters for English — build systematically
The English paper rewards rich vocabulary and descriptive language. Students with limited vocabulary struggle to express themselves effectively in creative writing. Read widely and learn new words systematically.
Mental arithmetic fluency is non-negotiable for the Maths paper
The Maths paper is non-calculator. Part 1 tests rapid KS2 arithmetic. Students who hesitate on multiplication tables or division lose critical time. Build automaticity through daily practice.
The interview asks about current reading — have a genuine answer
A common interview question is 'What are you currently reading?' Have a genuine answer ready. Don't claim to be reading something you haven't actually read — follow-up questions will expose this.
Common Mistakes Parents Make
The errors we see most often from families preparing for Sir William Perkins's School. Avoid these and you're already ahead of the majority of applicants.
Preparing only for multiple-choice cognitive tests
SWPS explicitly avoids multiple-choice. They set bespoke written papers testing genuine thinking and expression. GL/CEM-style prep is insufficient.
Fix: Focus on extended writing, reading comprehension with full-sentence answers, and showing mathematical working. Request SWPS sample papers.
Underestimating the importance of the interview
The interview assesses fit and intellectual curiosity. Candidates who seem rehearsed or disengaged are noticed.
Fix: Encourage natural conversation about genuine interests. Don't over-script. Let your child be themselves.
Not emphasising the 'Pioneer' opportunity (for 2026+ intakes)
SWPS is actively seeking students excited about helping shape the new co-ed culture. This is a genuine factor in admissions decisions.
Fix: Discuss the co-ed transition positively with your child. Genuine enthusiasm about being a 'Pioneer' can differentiate candidates.
Weak creative writing stamina
The English paper includes 30+ minutes of extended creative writing. Students who run out of ideas or tire quickly will underperform.
Fix: Build creative writing stamina with regular practice. Use SWPS-style prompts (descriptive writing, story writing).
Calculator dependency in mathematics
The Maths paper is non-calculator. Students who hesitate on mental arithmetic lose critical time.
Fix: Build mental arithmetic fluency. Practice all operations without calculator support.
Not showing working in mathematics
SWPS explicitly states marks may be awarded for methods. Students who write only final answers lose these marks.
Fix: Always show working clearly. Write steps so the marker can follow your thinking.
Missing the registration deadline
Registration closes late October. Unlike some schools, SWPS does not accept late applications for main intake.
Fix: Set a calendar reminder. Register as early as possible within the window.
Not visiting the school
SWPS strongly encourages Open Event attendance. Non-visitors may be perceived as less committed.
Fix: Attend an Open Event. This is essential to understand the school and demonstrate genuine interest.
Assuming rowing experience is required
While SWPS rowing is elite, beginners are welcome and many current rowers started with no experience.
Fix: Rowing interest is a plus, but not a requirement. Many students join rowing clubs after starting at SWPS.
Ignoring the co-ed transition realities
The 2026 cohort will be genuinely pioneering. Some uncertainty exists about how culture will evolve.
Fix: Discuss this openly with your child. Are they comfortable being part of a transformational moment?
SWPS vs Competitor Schools
How does Sir William Perkins's School compare to the schools your child is most likely also applying to? This analysis covers the key factors that actually matter to families.
| Factor | Guildford High School | St George's Weybridge | Surbiton High School | Tiffin Girls' School | FeaturedSir William Perkins's School |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| School Type | Independent | Independent | Independent | State Grammar | Independent |
| Co-educational | Girls | Co-ed | Girls (Co-ed Sixth) | Girls | Co-ed (2026) |
| VR in Exam | |||||
| Annual Fee | ~£21,000 | ~£20,000 | ~£21,000 | £0 | ~£26,000 |
| 11+ Difficulty | Very Hard | Hard | Hard | Very Hard | Hard |
| Interview Style | 1-on-1 | 1-on-1 | 1-on-1 | None | 1-on-1 |
Why Parents Choose SWPS
- Historic 'Pioneer' opportunityThe 2026 co-ed transition offers a unique chance to help shape the school's future
- Nationally elite rowing programmeOwn boathouse and one of the most successful school rowing clubs in the country
- Outstanding drama programmeExcellent productions with scholarship pathway for talented performers
- Down-to-earth cultureAmbitious academically but avoiding brittleness or pressure-cooker intensity
- Bespoke entrance papersTesting genuine thinking and expression — not multiple-choice box-ticking
- Beautiful 13-acre campusVictorian heritage blended with modern glass architecture including striking Atrium
- Strong pastoral systemHouse continuity ensuring every child feels individually mentored
- Comprehensive coach networkPrivate school coaches covering Surrey, Berkshire, and South West London
Points to Consider
- No published pass marksOffer-score thresholds not published — harder to benchmark preparation
- Extended written papers requiredGenuine expression needed — multiple-choice prep alone is insufficient
- Co-ed transition uncertaintyFirst cohorts will be shaping new culture — some unknowns remain
- Substantial fees (~£26,000/year)Bursaries available but competitive — not a budget option
- Not very top tier academicallyRank #115= — other Surrey schools rank higher on league tables
- Legacy single-sex cultureFull co-ed from 2026 — cultural adaptation will take time
Scholarships & Financial Support
SWPS offers scholarships across multiple disciplines to recognise exceptional talent. Means-tested bursaries are also available to widen access.
| Scholarship Type | Value | Available Places | Selection Method | Stackable? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Scholarship | Fee reduction (typically 5-10%) | Limited — awarded to exceptional performers | No | |
| Music Scholarship | Fee reduction plus free instrumental lessons | Limited | No | |
| Drama Scholarship | Fee reduction plus enhanced drama opportunities | Limited | No | |
| Art & Design Scholarship | Fee reduction plus portfolio development support | Limited | No | |
| Sport Scholarship | Fee reduction plus enhanced sports programme | Limited | No | |
| Means-Tested Bursary | Up to 100% fee support | Based on available funding | No |
* Scholarships offer fee reductions and access to enhanced programmes. Bursaries are means-tested and can cover up to 100% of fees in exceptional circumstances.
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Intelligence Score
Updated May 2026 · 65 sources
Coverage
Measures how much of the admissions picture is directly evidenced rather than inferred from comparable schools or legacy material.
Freshness
This edition was last checked May 2026. Recency scores fall when public evidence ages or current-cycle detail is sparse.
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Treat lower-scoring areas as prompts to verify with admissions, not as automatic red flags. The score is about evidence quality, not school quality.
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