Entrance process for Surrey/SW London independents for 2026

[Dittousername]

I’m looking at a short list of schools for my DD to apply for, in advance of Y7 2026 in Surrey, and have noticed that some of the well known schools in this corner have changed processes recently to the ISEB, including St John’s, Epsom, City Freemen’s etc.

Two years ago for my DS, the competition was extremely fierce and the entrance process seemed tougher and also more of a hassle with many separate exams for each school. I am wondering what to expect now with the new VAT / increased NI climate, since the fees on these schools have increased naturally, significantly. I wonder if the entrance ‘bar’ is likely to remain academically very high.

I’d be grateful for any intel/thoughts?

Just a few of observations,
Schools such as Hampton had more applications than expected last autumn because the central London families who use to send their dc to boarding schools are hesitating at the 60k pa cost and moving to day schools at 30k.

With ISEB being used for so many schools if you have a bad test the ramifications are large.

Atom will do well from this but not the tutors!

Thanks. That would make a lot of sense. I think Epsom is still a bit more expensive than most day schools esp Y9 upwards, though it is an amazing school. I think the security factor of a big named school will be appealing to parents too, with concerns over smaller schools being more likely impacted over the VAT etc.

However, I do also have to think there is increasing potential for prospective fee paying families leaving UK altogether, and certainly less international full boarders incoming?

Yes I think the schools outside of London are bring impacted more. London still has a concentration of people to pull from. Although we have had a number of friends leave the UK from London so it must be having an impact