Croydon offers a mix of grammar and private secondary schools, each with its own distinct ethos and approach to education.
In Croydon, there are a few grammar schools: Wallington County Grammar School for boys, and Wallington High School for Girls. These selective schools are known for their academic rigour, strong focus on traditional subjects, and high achievement rates.
Private schools in Croydon offer a range of options for both boys and girls. Whitgift School is a well-regarded independent day school for boys, known for its academic excellence, extensive facilities, and wide range of extracurricular activities. Trinity School is another independent day school for boys, offering a rigorous academic program within a supportive and nurturing environment.
Below, you can find an updated list of all the private and grammar schools in Croydon. Click the links below for individual school/admissions information, as well as some free 11 Plus exam papers in a similar style to those the school uses for its admissions test for year 7.
All Private and Grammar Schools in Croydon
Old Palace of John Whitgift School
Wallington County Grammar School
Croydon High School GDST
Address: Old Farleigh Road, Selsdon, South Croydon, CR2 8YB, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1874.
Type of School: Independent, all-girls day school (part of the Girls' Day School Trust).
Age Range: 3-18 years old (Nursery, Preparatory, and Senior School).
Entrance Exam Type: School's own online exam.
Notable Features: Croydon High School GDST is a leading independent girls' school known for its strong sense of community where achievement and aspiration are celebrated. The school's mantra is "every girl, every day," with a focus on providing personalised learning and creating a supportive environment where girls can thrive academically and personally. It offers a broad and balanced curriculum, a wide range of extracurricular activities, and a strong emphasis on pastoral care and well-being.
Resources:
Croydon High School GDST – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
Old Palace of John Whitgift School
Address: Old Palace Road, Croydon CR9 1AX, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1889.
Type of School: Independent, all-girls day school.
Age Range: 3-18 years old (Nursery, Preparatory, and Senior).
Entrance Exam Type: School's own exam testing English, maths and reasoning.
Notable Features: Old Palace of John Whitgift School is a historic independent school housed in a Grade I listed building with a rich heritage. The school is known for its nurturing environment, strong academic focus, and commitment to developing well-rounded individuals. It offers a broad and enriching curriculum, a wide range of co-curricular activities, and a supportive community that prepares girls for the challenges and opportunities of the modern world.
Resources:
Old Palace of John Whitgift School – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
Royal Russell School
Address: Coombe Lane, Croydon, Surrey CR9 5BX, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1853.
Type of School: Independent, co-educational day and boarding school.
Age Range: 3-18 years old (Nursery, Junior, and Senior School).
Entrance Exam Type: ISEB Common Pre-Test and school’s own exams.
Notable Features: Royal Russell School is a renowned independent school set in a 110-acre estate in Croydon, South London. It is known for its diverse and inclusive community, strong focus on pastoral care, and commitment to providing a well-rounded education that prepares students for life beyond school. The school offers a broad curriculum, a wide range of co-curricular activities, and extensive facilities for sports and the arts.
Resources:
Royal Russell School – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
The Cedars School
Address: 147 Central Hill, Upper Norwood, London SE19 1RS, United Kingdom.
Founded: 2013.
Type of School: Independent, Catholic, all-boys day school.
Age Range: 11-18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: School's own exam.
Notable Features: The Cedars School is a relatively new independent Catholic school known for its focus on classical education, character formation, and fostering a love of learning. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum, the unique Eudaimonia Programme that emphasizes interconnectedness of knowledge, and a supportive Catholic environment for boys to develop into well-rounded young men.
Resources:
The Cedars School – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
The Laurels School
Address: Upper Norwood, London SE19 3HL, United Kingdom.
Founded: 2013.
Type of School: Independent, Catholic, all-girls day school and sixth form.
Age Range: 11-18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: School's own exam testing English and maths.
Notable Features: The Laurels School is a relatively new independent Catholic school known for its "character first" approach to education, emphasizing the development of virtues and personal growth alongside academic excellence. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum, a comprehensive character education program, and a supportive Catholic environment for girls to flourish.
Resources:
The Laurels School – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
Trinity School
Address: Shirley Park, Croydon CR9 7AT, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1882.
Type of School: Independent, day school for boys (co-educational sixth form).
Age Range: 10-18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: School's own exam.
Notable Features: Trinity School is a leading independent school renowned for its academic excellence, strong pastoral care, and focus on developing well-rounded individuals. The school offers a broad and challenging curriculum, extensive extracurricular opportunities, and a supportive community that encourages intellectual curiosity, creativity, and social responsibility. It consistently ranks among the top schools in the UK and boasts a strong reputation for its music, drama, and sports programs.
Resources:
Trinity School – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
Wallington County Grammar School
Address: Croydon Road, Wallington, Surrey SM6 7PH, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1927.
Type of School: Selective grammar school for boys (co-educational sixth form).
Age Range: 11-18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: Selective Eligibility Test (SET) for the Sutton Schools.
Notable Features: Wallington County Grammar School is a high-performing selective grammar school with a strong academic tradition and a reputation for excellence in science and mathematics. The school fosters a supportive and aspirational environment where boys are encouraged to achieve their full potential. It offers a broad and balanced curriculum, a wide range of extracurricular activities, and a strong emphasis on personal development and leadership skills.
Resources:
Wallington County Grammar School – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
Wallington High School for Girls
Address: Woodcote Green, Wallington, Surrey, SM6 0PH, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1888.
Type of School: Selective grammar school, all-girls.
Age Range: 11-18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: Selective Eligibility Test (SET) for the Sutton Schools and the Nonsuch & Wallington Second Stage Entrance Examination.
Notable Features: Wallington High School for Girls is a high-performing selective grammar school with a rich history and a strong reputation for academic excellence. The school is known for its supportive and empowering learning environment, where girls are encouraged to develop their individual talents and interests. It offers a broad and challenging curriculum, extensive extracurricular opportunities, and a strong focus on character development and leadership skills.
Resources:
Wallington High School for Girls – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
Whitgift School
Address: Haling Park, South Croydon, London CR2 6YT, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1596.
Type of School: Independent, day and boarding school for boys (co-educational sixth form).
Age Range: 10-18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: School's own exam testing English and maths.
Notable Features: Whitgift School is a historic and prestigious independent school for boys, known for its academic excellence, sporting prowess, and outstanding facilities. The school offers a broad and balanced curriculum, with a strong emphasis on STEM subjects, as well as a wide range of extracurricular activities. Whitgift has a thriving boarding community and a strong focus on character development and leadership skills.
Resources:
Whitgift School – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information