Best Private Schools In London – The Complete Guide For 2023
London, the cultural and educational hub of the United Kingdom, boasts a rich tapestry of prestigious private schools, each offering a unique blend of academic excellence, holistic development, and unrivaled opportunities. Within this article, we unveil the best private schools in London, highlighting their distinctive attributes, exceptional faculties, and the enriching experiences they offer to students. Whether you seek a nurturing environment, a rigorous academic curriculum, or specialised programmes to foster your child’s talents, our curated insights will guide you in making a well-informed decision regarding your child’s educational journey.
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What is a Private School?
Private schools, also known as independent schools, are educational institutions that are not funded or maintained by the government. Instead, they are privately funded and operated. Private schools in the UK often charge tuition fees for students to attend, and they have more autonomy over their curriculum, admissions policies, and overall management compared to state-funded schools.
Private schools in London are considered to offer high-quality education and often have a reputation for providing excellent facilities, resources, and dedicated teaching staff. They are typically seen as providing a more exclusive and tailored educational experience compared to state-funded schools, and they may have a specific educational philosophy or approach to teaching.
Parents who choose private schools for their children often do so based on factors such as academic reputation, individual attention, specialised programmes, and the belief that private education offers unique opportunities and advantages for their child’s development and future prospects.
London Private School Fees
Annual school fees for private schools in London tend to be higher than other cities. They typically range from £10,000 to £30,000 per year, with some elite schools charging even more. So in case you’re wondering, here’s what you’re paying for:
- Age: Private school fees typically increase as students get older.
- Academic success: Some private schools in London have a much higher demand due to their academic track record, and thus have the ability to increase their fees.
- Facilities: Private schools in London do pay attention to non-academic pursuits such as sports and other activities. These facilities require high capital investment and maintenance, leading to an increase in fees.
- Pastoral care: While expensive fees do not automatically translate to the best of pastoral care, this remains one of the top priorities for many parents.
- Geography: Living in London can be quite expensive. You need to consider the cost of accommodation, transportation, and other daily expenses. Depending on the exact area, rental prices can vary quite a bit. However, transportation networks do tend to be better in more central areas, which can impact transportation cost.
Best Private Schools in London
1. King's College School (KCS)
King’s College School offers both deep and broad curriculum that allows their students to grow in various directions. This has led to various awards and recognitions including The Sunday Times’ Top Boys or Co-ed School in London. This is a school with the highest levels of both ethical and academic principles, an environment most parents long for their children.
On top of the outstanding academic results, there is a great emphasis being placed on equality, diversity, and inclusivity. In addition, they are actively trying to minimise the ecological impact from school operations, educating staff and students to be as green as possible.
2. Westminster School
With 98% 9-7 at GCSE and 92% A*/A at A level, need I say more? Well, Westminster School is much more than their academic success. There is an overwhelming choice of extracurricular opportunities. Aside from sports, music and art, teachers and students are also active in voluntary work to impact the lives of the society. Check out these videos to get an inside scoop of Westminster School.
3. City of London School
London Independent Secondary School of the Year, City of London School is indeed one of the top academic achievers in the city. The school is located in a beautiful spot in London, in the shadow of the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral and across the river from the Tate Modern. Due to their excellence, many of the boys end up in their desired universities after leaving the school. More importantly, the school is actively developing the boys’ sense of aspiration, confidence, independent thinking, resilience, generosity and courtesy.
4. Hampton School
With hundreds of years in the books, Hampton School continues to send 90% of their school leavers to Russell Group Universities. Beyond its academic rigour, the school is proud to develop the boys’ sporting prowess and co-curricular achievements as well. With 30+ choirs and ensembles, 110+ clubs and societies, and more than 18 sports on offer, it’s no surprise to see the number of established Hamptonians making an impact around the world.
5. City of London School for Girls
City of London School for Girls is an independent day school for pupils aged 11-18 situated in the heart of the Barbican. This fine institution built its walls on 3 pillars: Respect, Responsibility, and Resourcefulness. With a strong culture of inspirational learning and self-reflection, CLSG has been developing generations of impactful women since 1894. Here’s to many more amazing years.
London Private Schools Ranking - League Table
| Rank | School Name | A*/A | Candidates | Fees (£) | Boarding Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Highgate School | 86.1 | 191 | £25,515 | Day |
| 7 | City of London School For Girls | 83.1 | 100 | £23,778 | Day |
| 8 | James Allen's Girls' School | 82.5 | 95 | £22,725 | Day |
| 9 | Westminster School | 82.3 | 199 | £34,389 | Boarding |
| 10 | King's College School (KCS) | 82.3 | 159 | £25,890 | Boarding |
| 16 | Alleyn's School | 77.4 | 156 | £25,020 | Day |
| 19 | Eltham College | 73.9 | 113 | £22,230 | Day |
| 23 | Wimbledon High School GDST | 71.2 | 96 | £23,154 | Day |
| 25 | South Hampstead High School GDST | 70.4 | 63 | £22,764 | Day |
| 33 | Notting Hill and Ealing High School GDST | 66.5 | 69 | £20,868 | Day |
| 34 | University College School, Hampstead | 66.2 | 167 | £25,413 | Day |
| 39 | Dulwich College | 64.8 | 227 | £24,693 | Boarding |
| 56 | Whitgift School | 56.9 | 140 | £24,462 | Boarding |
| 58 | Colfe's School | 56.5 | 126 | £20,460 | Day |
| 59 | St Dunstan's College | 56.3 | 68 | £21,321 | Day |
| 75 | Ibstock Place School | 51.8 | 65 | £25,785 | Day |
| 79 | Forest School | 50.4 | 136 | £24,555 | Day |
| 80 | Queen's College London | 50.3 | 52 | £23,985 | Day |
| 103 | Bromley High School GDST | 44.9 | 68 | £20,562 | Day |
| 111 | Queen's Gate School | 42.9 | 39 | £25,326 | Day |
| 122 | St Benedict's School | 39.8 | 92 | £20,907 | Day |
| 123 | Wetherby Senior School | 39.2 | 42 | £29,085 | Day |
| 135 | The John Lyon School | 36.1 | 56 | £21,300 | Day |
| 136 | Streatham and Clapham High School GDST | 35.8 | 58 | £21,003 | Day |
| 138 | Old Palace of John Whitgift School | 35.7 | 45 | £19,350 | Day |
| 139 | Mander Portman Woodward (MPW) | 35.6 | 231 | £34,233 | Day |
| 169 | Hampstead Fine Arts College | 27.9 | 94 | £26,160 | Day |
| 179 | Ealing Independent College | 22.2 | 26 | £18,495 | Day |
| 185 | Kensington Park School | 20.5 | 37 | £27,350 | Boarding |
| 186 | More House School | 19.6 | 18 | £24,825 | Day |
How are the Rankings Measured?
This ranking is based on the percentage of GCSE/IGCSE entries awarded 9-7 or A* and A grades. However, it is important to note that these information are not freely available, and some schools may decide not to publish their results.
Frequently Asked Questions about Private Schools in London
Private schools in London are independent educational institutions that are funded by tuition fees and donations, whereas state schools are funded by the government and offer free education. Private schools often have smaller class sizes, more extensive facilities, and a wider range of extracurricular activities.
The application process for private schools in London typically involves completing an application form, attending an interview, and possibly taking an entrance exam. Some schools may also require references or a personal statement. Deadlines for applications can vary, so it is important to check with each school for their specific requirements and timelines.
Private schools in London offer a range of curricula, including the British National Curriculum, International Baccalaureate (IB), and various international curricula. Many private schools place a strong emphasis on academic rigor, while also providing a well-rounded education with a focus on extracurricular activities, character development, and critical thinking skills.
To assess the quality of a private school in London, consider factors such as academic results and university placement records, inspection reports from independent regulatory bodies like Ofsted, the reputation and qualifications of the teaching staff, the range of extracurricular activities offered, and the overall ethos and values of the school.
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