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Cranleigh School: Elite Boarding School in England

written by
Natasha Machado
25/11/2025
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5 min
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British education has always had a special fascination among Brazilian families seeking academic excellence for their children. Among the most respected institutions in the United Kingdom, Cranleigh School stands out as one of the most prestigious boarding schools in the country, offering a complete education that goes far beyond textbooks.

Located in Surrey County, just 10 minutes from Guildford and an hour from London, this century-old institution covers over 240 acres in a region officially recognized as an Area of Extraordinary Natural Beauty. The campus hosts 695 students, 515 of whom live on a boarding basis, creating a vibrant and international academic community.

Why choose a British boarding school

The British education system has developed over the centuries a unique methodology that balances academic rigor with personal development. Different from traditional high school programs, British boarding schools offer complete immersion in the educational environment.

Students live, study, and mingle on campus throughout the academic year. This experience develops independence, maturity, and social skills that shape global leaders. The controlled and structured environment guarantees total focus on studies, while extracurricular activities stimulate individual talents.

British education is also characterized by individualized attention. With smaller class sizes and highly qualified teachers, each student receives personalized guidance to maximize their academic and personal potential.

Proven academic excellence

The Cranleigh School results impress even the most demanding British standards. Half of the students achieve 8 or more scores between 9 and 7 in the GCSE exams, while almost 25% obtain 8 or more grades between 9 and 8. Some students achieve the maximum result: 9 grades in all subjects.

In the Sixth Form, equivalent to the last year of Brazilian high school, 99% of graduates enter universities. The school maintains a strong tradition of approvals at Oxford and Cambridge, two of the most popular universities in the world.

The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) deserves special mention. More than 200 students participate in this independent research project, in addition to the three mandatory A-levels. A whopping 32% achieve the highest score A*, while 83% get grades between A* and B.

This exceptional academic performance reflects the quality of the teaching staff and the pedagogical methodology refined over decades. Teachers not only teach content, but they guide each student to develop critical thinking and independent research skills.

Infrastructure that inspires

The Cranleigh School campus impresses with its combination of architectural tradition and technological modernity. The sports facilities rival Olympic training centers, including complexes for hockey, cricket, rugby, and track and field.

The school has:

  • Scientific laboratories equipped with cutting-edge technology
  • Library with a collection of more than 30,000 volumes
  • Arts center with studios for different artistic modalities
  • Professional theater with capacity for large productions
  • Musical installations with individual and collective rehearsal rooms

Student accommodation follows the traditional British house model. Each house houses approximately 60 students of different ages, creating a school family where the elders guide the younger ones. This system develops natural leadership and a sense of community.

Development through sport

The Cranleigh School's sporting tradition is recognized worldwide. The technical team includes former Olympic athletes and national coaches, ensuring top-level training in all the sports offered.

Recently, the men's and women's hockey teams won national titles, while the equestrian team was also crowned national champion. Students regularly represent their countries in international rugby, cricket, netball and other sports.

The sports program goes beyond the competition. It develops discipline, teamwork, and resilience. Many alumni attribute their professional success to the lessons learned on the school's sports fields.

For Brazilian students interested in combine sport with international education, Cranleigh offers unique opportunities for athletic development worldwide.

Art, music and theater

Education at Cranleigh transcends the academic and sporting environment. The music department maintains two full orchestras, a symphony band, a big band and a choir with 80 members. Students have access to individual lessons on any instrument and participate in national music festivals.

Theatrical productions reach professional standards, with sets and costumes designed by the students themselves. The school theater hosts plays that would be applauded at any London concert hall.

The arts department offers disciplines ranging from traditional painting to digital design. Many alumni pursue creative careers in architecture, graphic design, and fine art, prepared by the solid artistic training received at the school.

Student life and traditions

The British boarding school experience includes centuries-old traditions that connect current students with generations of alumni. The system of prefects (student monitors) teaches leadership and social responsibility from an early age.

House competitions create healthy rivalry between different student houses, encompassing academic, sporting, and cultural activities. These events strengthen bonds of friendship that last a lifetime.

The program of extracurricular activities is striking in its diversity:

  • Combined Cadet Force for military leadership development
  • Duke of Edinburgh Award, internationally recognized personal development program
  • Debate, Robotics, Photography, and Entrepreneurship Clubs
  • Adventure expeditions, including the famous Devizes-Westminster canoe race

Weekends on campus are filled with cultural, sporting, and social activities. Regular trips to London allow access to museums, theaters, and concerts, enriching students' cultural education.

Preparing for the future

The Cranleigh School not only prepares students for approval at elite universities, but it develops fundamental skills for leadership in the 21st century. The academic program emphasizes critical thinking, effective communication, and creative problem solving.

The career guidance department offers personalized advice from the start of high school. Expert advisors assist in choosing disciplines, universities, and future careers.

Cranleigh's alumni network is one of the most influential in the UK, encompassing business leaders, politicians, artists and scientists. This network provides mentoring and networking opportunities that benefit students throughout their careers.

Admission and requirements

The Cranleigh School selection process is rigorous and competitive. International candidates undergo academic assessment, interviews, and English proficiency tests. The school seeks students who demonstrate not only academic excellence but also personal maturity and potential to contribute to the school community.

For Brazilian students, it is essential to start the process at least two years in advance. This allows adequate time for academic English development and preparation for entrance exams.

The costs are significant, but many families consider the investment justified by the exceptional quality of the education offered. The school offers some scholarships based on academic merit or special talent in areas such as music or sports.

Be Easy

The journey to an elite British boarding school like Cranleigh School requires careful planning and expert guidance. At Be Easy, our experienced team guides Brazilian families through every step of the process, from selecting the ideal school to adjusting to the UK. Our expertise in international education ensures that you make informed decisions for your child's future. Contact us and discover how we can make the dream of studying at Cranleigh School a reality.

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Natasha Machado
Founder e CEO, Be Easy