Age range. Boys and Girls 2–11.
Number of pupils. Up to 260 Day Pupils.
Fees per term (2026–2027). Reception: £4,935; Year 1: £5,345; Year 2: £6,365; Year 3: £7,100; Year 4: £7,815; Years 5 & 6: £7,980 (fees include VAT). Lunches are an additional cost at £585 per term. Kindergarten and Nursery £40–52 per am/pm session with lunch extra. Fees exclude VAT.
Part of the St. Edmund's Trust, St Hilary’s is an independent preparatory day school which provides a stimulating, safe environment in which boys and girls can develop, be happy and flourish.
Situated in the heart of Godalming, St Hilary’s prides itself in providing an outstanding all-round education, equipping pupils not only with strong academic standards but also the essential qualities and skills required beyond their time at our school. Ultimately, we strive to ensure that all our pupils develop a real thirst for learning.
In February 2024, the Independent Schools Inspectorate judged St Hilary's to meet all Standards under the new ISI Inspection F23. St Hilary's was also judged as ‘Independent Prep School of the Year 2020’ by the Independent School Parent magazine and was the only Prep School to be a finalist in the 2024 Awards in the Student Wellbeing category.
Every child enjoys the benefits of well-qualified, enthusiastic staff and a broad curriculum combined with splendid facilities. After considerable investment in 2026, amenities now include well-equipped classrooms, music wing, spacious hall for the performing arts, DT design studio, an engineering suite, newly equipped Science room, new Food Technology room, library, modern ICT suite, huge new Art studios, all-weather pitch and a wellbeing centre ‘The Nest’. Small class sizes allow children to achieve their best in a dynamic and vibrant environment.
Outside the classroom, pupils can enjoy woodland learning and play opportunities with the very popular Trim Trails and exciting adventure play areas. Pupils share a love of growing things in our gardens and appreciate the safe, beautiful surroundings.
Physical Education and sport feature highly at St Hilary’s. The Sports Department gives all pupils equality of opportunity to participate in a broad range of activities. All pupils experience a variety of competitive and challenging situations. Our House system encourages healthy competition with matches, a swimming gala and sports days.
Children are given the opportunity to participate in a wide, varied number of extracurricular activities, such as paddleboarding, golf, gardening, football skills, skateboarding, tennis, netball, horseriding, orienteering, young magicians, drama, LEGO, science, art, pottery, textiles, debating, First Aid, French, chess, gym, cross-country, judo, cricket, dance, tap, choirs, woodwind, string ensemble, street dance, percussion, orchestra, recorder groups and violin.
Speech & Drama is a highly popular option for many, with pupils preparing for LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) examinations. The school takes advantage of its ideal location and access to London for visits to galleries, museums and theatres.
Parents are expertly guided in next school options and have the opportunity to make informed choices at a time when a child’s true academic potential can be accurately predicted and talents in other areas identified. We have an excellent reputation in securing first-choice schools for our pupils when they leave. Our leavers successfully move on to prestigious schools; every year many obtain academic, art, music, sport and drama scholarships.
Please do come and visit us; we will be delighted to welcome you and discuss your child’s education. We hold two Open Days in April and in October, or we are happy to arrange 1:1 tours and taster days; please contact our Admissions Manager for more details.
Charitable status. St Hilary’s School is part of the St. Edmund's School Trust which is a Registered Charity, number 278301. It exists to provide education for children.