Summerhill School
Leiston, Suffolk, East of England · IP16 4HY
Founded in 1921 and led today by Principal Zoë Readhead, Summerhill is a small independent boarding and day school in Leiston, Suffolk, that follows a distinctive philosophy of self-direction. With around 49 pupils across the 5-18 age range, including a tiny sixth form of nine, it offers an unusually intimate setting where children are known as individuals. The Independent Schools Inspectorate rated the school good overall in its most recent inspection, with personal development judged excellent and all compliance standards met. Just over a fifth of pupils receive SEN support, reflecting a community used to accommodating a range of needs.
49
Pupils
good
ISI
£19,465
Day fees / yr
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Open in Google Maps ↗Overview & data
- Gender
- Mixed
- Type
- independent (fee-paying) school
- Age range
- 5-18
- Pupils
- 49
- Location
- Leiston, Suffolk, East of England
- Website
- www.summerhillschool.co.uk
- Telephone
- 01728 830540
Entrance & admissions
- Entry age
- 11
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Headteacher
Principal Zoë Readhead
Teaching & academics
Pupils work towards GCSEs, with provision continuing into a small sixth form. The ISI's good rating points to sound teaching, while the excellent grade for personal development signals real strength in how the school nurtures independence and character. The small roll means classes are tiny and attention is closely focused on each child.
Sixth form
- Sixth-form pupils
- 9
Qualifications offered
Learning support & SEN
- SEN support
- 20.75%
- EHC plans
- 7.55%
Ethos & heritage
- Founded
- 1921
- Boarding
- Yes
Money matters
- Day fees (per year)
- £9,950 - £19,465
- Boarding fees (per year)
- £21,585 - £32,677
The AS Neill Trust has limited funds to support families
Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- good
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 28 November 2023
The last word
A genuinely unconventional school for families drawn to a child-led, boarding-friendly education in rural Suffolk. With limited bursary support available through the AS Neill Trust, it is worth an early conversation for those whose children would thrive outside a conventional model.
The Passmate verdict
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Summerhill School 11+: frequently asked questions
Where is Summerhill School located?
Summerhill School is located at Westward Ho, LEISTON, SUFFOLK, Leiston, IP16 4HY.
What type of school is Summerhill School?
Summerhill School is an independent (fee-paying) school in East of England.
How many pupils attend Summerhill School?
Summerhill School has approximately 49 pupils on roll.
What is Summerhill School's inspection rating?
Summerhill School is inspected by the ISI and was judged "good" at its inspection on 28 November 2023.
Compiled from public data. Last checked June 2026.