Barrow Hills School
School summary
A small Roman Catholic prep school in Godalming, Barrow Hills educates a mixed intake from the early years right through to age 13. With around 225 pupils on roll, it offers an intimate setting where children are likely to be well known to staff. The Independent Schools Inspectorate awarded its highest grade of "excellent" for both education quality and pupils' personal development, with compliance requirements fully met. Notably, roughly a third of pupils receive some form of SEN support, suggesting a school accustomed to meeting a range of learning needs.
Where every mark matters.
Places are limited and demand is high, so exam performance is what sets candidates apart. Passmate turns the months ahead into ten focused minutes a day on the exact topics this school tests.
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Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- excellent
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 3 June 2025
Teaching & academics
The ISI judged the quality of pupils' achievement "excellent", the inspectorate's top rating. The unusually high proportion of pupils on SEN support, just under 33 per cent, indicates a culture geared towards individual attention rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. As a prep school ending at 13, its focus is on preparing children for the next stage of their education.
Head · Mr John Towers
Beyond the classroom
Scholarships are offered across a broad spread of disciplines, including academics, sport, drama, music and the arts, which points to genuine breadth beyond the classroom. This range gives talented children in several areas a route to recognition.
School life & ethos
- Religious character
- RC
- Boarding
- No
- SEN support
- 32.64%
- EHC plans
- 0%
Fees & bursaries
- Day fees (per year)
- £11,985 - £19,500
Schools nearby
King Edward's School Witley
Godalming, South East
St Hilary's School
Godalming, South East
Aldro
Godalming, South East
Prior's Field School
Godalming, South East
Elysian, Shamley Green
Surrey, South East
Frensham Heights School
Farnham, South East
Watch Passmate decide how to teach.
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A small, Catholic prep school where personal development and individual support are clear strengths. Best suited to families wanting a close-knit environment for the early and middle years.
That’s where Passmate comes in. Tutoring is the most effective thing in a child’s preparation - a well-tutored child can outperform the vast majority of their peers. Passmate works alongside your tutor, not instead of them: it learns how your child thinks, finds the gaps, and shows the tutor exactly where to spend each session - so the limited time you have lands on what actually decides a place.
Works alongside your child’s tutor - not instead of them.
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Barrow Hills School 11+: frequently asked questions
Compiled from public data. Last checked 5 June 2026.