Haslemere’s only state secondary school is starting the new year on a high – as the top school in all of Surrey. Woolmer Hill School received a remarkable Progress 8 score of +0.88, making it officially ranked as the top 11-16 school in Surrey, while also outshining all schools in neighbouring Hampshire and West Sussex.

The Department for Education’s 2024 School Performance Data, released on December 5, highlighted Woolmer Hill’s exceptional GCSE results. The Progress 8 score measures the progress made by students from Year 7 to Year 11. Woolmer Hill’s score means its students made, on average, one full grade better progress on each GCSE than similar students nationally.

One Year 11 parent said: “Life at Woolmer Hill has made such a difference to our son, giving him the confidence to achieve excellent GCSE results and thrive at college. The incredible guidance and support from the staff are truly what makes the school special.”

The school celebrated these remarkable achievements at a ceremony for their Year 11 cohort of 2024, presenting GCSE certificates and recognising the students’ dedication.

Headteacher Miss Talbot said: “We are exceptionally proud of each and every one of our Year 11s. We look forward to hearing about their future successes, of which we are sure there will be many. We are fortunate to have an amazing staff body of specialist teachers and support staff who go the extra mile to ensure our students are supported to achieve their very best.”

As Haslemere’s only state secondary school, Woolmer Hill has recently undergone an expansion project funded by Surrey, due to being oversubscribed. The project included a new English block and library, a new drama studio, and a food pod.

Miss Talbot thanked Surrey for funding “world-class facilities,” adding that “the students in our local community deserve nothing less.”