Manor House School

Manor House School. An independent day and boarding school for girls, situated in the village of Little Bookham, Surrey. Founded in the late Victorian era, it has operated for over a century, providing education within a rural setting. The school is known for its focus on holistic development and has educated a number of notable figures in various professional fields.

History

The institution was founded in 1899 by Miss Louisa Walker. Initially established in the nearby town of Leatherhead, it relocated to its present site in Little Bookham several years later, taking over a historic manor house that gives the school its name. Throughout the early 20th century, it expanded its premises and student body, navigating the challenges of both World War I and World War II. The post-war period saw further development, including the admittance of day pupils alongside boarders and the continual modernization of its educational approach. The school remains on its original Surrey campus, maintaining many of its historical traditions while adapting to contemporary educational standards.

Campus and facilities

The core of the campus is the original Edwardian manor house, which contains administrative offices, historic common rooms, and boarding accommodations. The grounds extend over 30 acres within the Surrey Hills, featuring playing fields, tennis courts, and woodland. Purpose-built academic additions include a modern science laboratory, a performing arts centre with a theatre, and a dedicated art and design technology studio. Sports facilities are comprehensive, with a heated indoor swimming pool, a sports hall, and extensive netball and hockey pitches. The library is housed in a converted building and maintains a specialist collection.

Academic profile

The school follows the National Curriculum for England, preparing pupils for GCSE and A-Level examinations. A broad curriculum is offered, with strong emphasis placed on the STEM subjects, modern languages including French and Spanish, and the creative arts. Small class sizes are a feature, allowing for tailored support. The Sixth Form programme includes preparation for university entrance, with students regularly gaining places at Russell Group institutions and colleges of the University of the Arts London. Beyond academics, the school runs the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme and has a noted partnership with the National Theatre.

Notable alumni

Alumnae, known as Old Manoreans, have achieved distinction in diverse areas. In the arts, they include actress Harriet Walter, theatre director Thea Sharrock, and ceramicist Emma Bridgewater. In literature and media, alumni encompass novelist Libby Purves and BBC journalist Rebecca Jones. Sporting achievements are represented by figures such as England women's cricketer Claire Taylor. Other prominent graduates operate in fields like law, with Court of Appeal judge Lady Justice Asplin, and business, including former Harrods director Marigold McKee.

In popular culture

The school's distinctive setting and architecture have made it a filming location for various television and cinematic productions. It notably featured as the primary setting for the BBC television series *Malory Towers*, based on the novels by Enid Blyton. Its grounds and buildings have also appeared in episodes of the detective drama *Midsomer Murders* and the historical series *The Crown*. The institution itself was the subject of a documentary series in the early 2000s, which aired on Channel 4.

Category:Girls' schools in Surrey Category:Boarding schools in Surrey Category:Educational institutions established in 1899