About Cranleigh | Cranleigh School

About Cranleigh School

All year groups front steps Summer 2026 (2)

About Cranleigh School

Cranleigh School is a forward-looking independent school in Surrey with a strong sense of heritage. Founded in 1865, it offers a connected, continuous community where pupils grow in confidence, character and ambition. Its culture shapes daily school life, guiding academic progress and personal development from the moment pupils join.

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What is the Cranleigh ethos?

Cranleigh’s ethos centres on ambition, opportunity, belonging and a clear sense of the future. It encourages pupils to Aspire Boldly, Be Yourself and Look out for Others.

This ethos is lived across every stage of school. Pupils are known, supported and encouraged throughout their journey, with shared experiences and House identity helping them form strong, lasting connections.

How is Cranleigh School organised across two sites?

Cranleigh School operates as one school on two closely connected sites:

Pre-Prep and Prep sit together on one side of the campus
The Senior School is located just across the road

Each site is tailored to the age group it serves, but pupils move freely - and safely - between them to share sporting and performing arts facilities. Moving between the sites is straightforward and well-supported, ensuring pupils experience one continuous school journey rather than two separate transitions.

Explore our Senior School Explore our Prep School Explore our Pre-Prep School

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What is Cranleigh Enterprises?

Cranleigh Enterprises brings people together through activities and events beyond the school.

It connects pupils, families and former pupils through enrichment opportunities, community events and alumni engagement, helping everyone stay involved in the wider Cranleigh network.

Who are the Old Cranleighans?

Old Cranleighans are former pupils who remain part of Cranleigh independent school in Surrey. The Old Cranleighan Society connects the global community of Cranleigh alumni, providing opportunities for friendship, professional support and lifelong engagement with the School.

Through events, reunions, clubs, societies and regular communications, Old Cranleighans remain connected with each other and with life at Cranleigh. The Society supports members throughout their journeys, offering mentoring, networking and career guidance from university through to professional life and beyond.

From sporting teams and interest groups to social events and international gatherings, the Old Cranleighan community brings together generations of alumni with shared experiences and interests. Working closely with the School and the Cranleigh Foundation, the Society continues to strengthen the lifelong relationship between Cranleigh and its alumni.

Explore the Old Cranleighan Society

What is Cranleigh International?

Cranleigh International is a global family of schools, extending the Cranleigh ethos and values beyond the UK. Our portfolio includes Cranleigh Changsha and Cranleigh Wuhan in China, and Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, with Cranleigh Hanoi, Vietnam joining the family in 2027.

Each school delivers an outstanding education shaped by the Cranleigh motto Ex Cultu Robur - “From Culture Comes Strength” - combining academic excellence with opportunities for leadership, innovation, cultural understanding and personal growth.

Through trusted partnerships and a commitment to embedding each school within its local community, Cranleigh International creates schools that are both globally connected and locally rooted. The network enables students and staff across our schools to collaborate, share experiences and develop a truly global outlook.

Cranleigh International also supports Cranleigh’s wider mission, contributing to the Cranleigh Foundation and helping to ensure a sustainable future for the Cranleigh family.

Explore Cranleigh International

Frequently asked questions about Cranleigh

When was Cranleigh founded?

Cranleigh independent school in Surrey was founded in 1865 and has a proud heritage of educating young people in Surrey. Today, that tradition continues through a modern, forward-looking education that combines strong values with innovation and ambition.

Is Cranleigh a charitable school?

Yes. Cranleigh is a registered charity, with bursaries, partnerships and outreach programmes forming an important part of our commitment to widening access and making a positive contribution beyond the School.

Who governs Cranleigh School?

Cranleigh is governed by an experienced Board of Governors drawn from a wide range of professional and industry backgrounds. The Board is led by Adrian Lajtha, who has served as a governor since 2000 and is also Chair of the School's charitable trust. Holding an MA and a Fellowship of the Chartered Institute of Bankers (FCIB), Adrian brings extensive experience in banking, financial services and strategic governance.

Together, the Governors provide oversight of the School's long-term strategy, financial sustainability and educational standards, ensuring Cranleigh continues to deliver an outstanding education while remaining true to its values and charitable mission. For more information, see our Reports & Reviews page.

Reports & Reviews

Is Cranleigh inspected?

Yes. Cranleigh is inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), with inspection reports published openly.

See our published reports

What schools are part of the Cranleigh Schools Group?

The Cranleigh Schools Group is a connected family of schools comprising Cranleigh School UK and Cranleigh International Schools.

Cranleigh Pre-Prep, Prep and Senior share the same Surrey campus, creating a seamless educational journey from the earliest years through to Sixth Form. Cranleigh International schools extend the Cranleigh experience overseas, with all schools sharing the same educational philosophy, pastoral values and sense of community.

Explore our international schools