City of London School – A Comprehensive Review
City of London School holds a distinctive position within the UK’s independent school landscape, known for its strong academic performance and central London location. With a strong track record of progression to leading universities, it attracts academically ambitious pupils. In this review, we explore its academic approach, student experience, and overall environment to help you determine if it is the right fit for your child.
Table of Contents
Key Features of City of London School
- Boarding: Not offered (Day School)
- Local authority: City of London
- Established: 1442
- Pupils: 1,041, sixth formers: 318
- Co-ed: No (Boys School)
- Fees: £9,462 per year (2025-2026)
- Results: 96% 9-7 at GCSE, 75% A*/A at A level
City of London School Results
2025: 96% 9-7 at GCSE, 75% A*/A at A level
University Destinations (2023-2025)
- 94% Russell Group Universities or UK Top 10 Universities
- 80 Oxford and Cambrigde offers
- 37% Global Top 10 Universities
City of London School consistently secures outstanding university outcomes across the UK and internationally. Between 2023 and 2025, 94% of students progressed to Russell Group or UK Top 10 universities, with a strong proportion also achieving global placements. The school recorded 80 Oxford and Cambridge offers over this period, alongside 37% of students progressing to Global Top 10 universities, reflecting its strong academic positioning and international reach.
Students go on to leading institutions including the University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, Imperial College London, University College London (UCL), and the London School of Economics (LSE). There is particularly strong representation in STEM disciplines such as Engineering, Mathematics, Medicine, and Computer Science, alongside continued success in Economics, Law, and the Humanities. In addition, students have secured places at global universities such as Cornell University and Northwestern University, demonstrating the breadth of opportunities available.
This combination of strong academic outcomes and diverse destinations highlights the school’s ability to support students across a wide range of pathways, while maintaining consistent success at the most competitive universities.
Teaching and Learning in City of London School
City of London School fosters a strong academic ethos, built on high achievement without unnecessary pressure. The school consistently delivers excellent examination results and progression to leading universities. At the same time, it supports students through a well-developed pastoral system that encourages resilience, independence, and confidence. As a result, students are prepared not only for academic success but also for the demands of a changing world.
Learning at the school is guided by values centred on being Kind, Aware, and Ready. Teachers support individual learning needs while encouraging students to engage deeply with their subjects. In addition to academic performance, the school promotes learning for its own sake. This approach helps students develop critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and problem-solving skills, alongside strong research and independent learning abilities.
The curriculum combines a strong foundation in traditional subjects with a forward-looking approach. It evolves to reflect new developments and ensure relevance in a changing world. For example, students have access to subjects such as Design, Computing, and Robotics, including topics related to emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. This balance allows students to build depth while staying engaged with modern developments.
Academic Enrichment Opportunities
Beyond the classroom, students can take part in a wide range of academic opportunities, including:
- Essay and academic competitions
- Olympiad and subject-specific challenges
- Inter-house competitions
- LAMDA qualifications
- Extended Projects
- Scientific initiatives such as the iGEM Competition
Extracurricular Activities in City of London School
City of London School offers a broad and dynamic co-curricular programme that complements its academic focus. Students can explore a wide range of interests while building confidence, teamwork, and independence. In addition, the school’s central London location provides access to leading cultural and professional opportunities.
Key Areas of Strength
Drama and Performance
Students take part in pupil-led productions, House competitions, and LAMDA activities. The school’s location also provides access to Shakespeare’s Globe and the West End, enriching the drama experience.
Sport and Physical Development
Sport encourages both participation and performance. Each year, over 60 teams compete in 500+ fixtures, with sports including football, basketball, water polo, and cricket.
Music and Ensembles
Students can learn instruments and perform in orchestras, choirs, and ensembles. Regular concerts take place both in school and at external venues.
Additional Opportunities
- Clubs and Societies: Wide range including debating, coding, filmmaking, chess, and philosophy
- Student Leadership: Many societies are student-led, with opportunities to start new clubs
- Guest Speakers: Frequent talks from professionals and experts
- Educational Visits: Over 200 trips annually, including residential and overseas programmes
- Duke of Edinburgh’s Award: Strong participation from Year 9 onwards
- Elite Sport Support: Personalised training and specialist coaching for high-level athletes
Admissions Process: Entering City of London School
City of London School operates a highly competitive admissions process, designed to identify students with strong academic potential and enthusiasm for learning. Entry involves a combination of assessments, interviews, and school reports. As a result, applicants are evaluated both academically and personally.
The admissions process follows a clear sequence:
- Visit the School – Attend an open day to meet staff and students and understand the school environment.
- Registration – Submit an application to register for the relevant entry point.
- Assessment –All applicants complete:
- An online assessment (105 minutes)
- A creative writing task (30 minutes)
- Interview – Shortlisted candidates return for:
- A 20-minute interview
- A group activity
This stage allows the school to assess communication, thinking, and overall suitability.
- Offer – Offers are made based on assessment results, interview performance, and a reference from the applicant’s current school.
The main entry points are:
- 10+ (Year 6 – Old Grammar)
- 11+ (Year 7 – First Form) (largest intake)
- 16+ (Sixth Form)
In addition, the school may offer occasional places at Year 9 and Year 10, subject to availability.
Sixth Form Entry (16+)
Sixth Form entry is competitive and based on strong GCSE performance. Students typically study:
- Three A-Level subjects + EPQ, or
- Four A-Level subjects
Subjects span a wide range, including STEM, humanities, languages, and the arts. In addition, students take part in co-curricular programmes such as Games and CityPlus sessions.
Bursaries and Access
The school offers transformational bursaries of up to 100% of fees, making education accessible to talented students from a wide range of backgrounds. In some cases, families applying for bursaries may receive additional assessment or home visits.
City of London School SEN Support
City of London School provides support for pupils with additional learning needs through a dedicated Learning Support department. A multidisciplinary team of specialist teachers and assessors works closely with pupils throughout their time at the school. As a result, students receive consistent support in a structured and inclusive environment.
The school recognises and values neurodiversity, supporting pupils with a range of needs, including specific learning difficulties, social communication differences, and behavioural challenges. Support is tailored to each individual, helping pupils build confidence, independence, and the skills needed to access the curriculum effectively.
In addition, pupils with a professionally diagnosed need have regular access to a Learning Support teacher. This ensures ongoing guidance from the point of application through to progression into further education, helping each student reach their full potential.
City of London School Testimonials and Reviews
Very happy with the school. Lovely, welcoming, and down to earth boys, excellent teaching. It is very academic though and quite demanding.
Our experiences are very positive. Excellent academic and pastoral care, teachers are enthusiastic about their subject, there is just right amount of academic pressure. Boys are friendly and welcoming. I strongly recommend.
My son started Y7 (first form) CLSB this school year and the school is amazing! He is very sporty – plays football since he was 18 months old, also swims and plays tennis since he was 5. Our main concern was that the school doesn’t have the field near the school and he wouldn’t be doing that much sport. We were so wrong! They have lots of sport! PE, swimming separately, waterpolo club after school, basketball club before school in the morning and Fridays they get on coaches and go to Grove Park for games afternoon, where they play lots of football (and in summer term it will be cricket and tennis I’m told).
Frequently Asked Questions about City of London School
Students who are academically motivated, curious, and willing to engage in both academic and co-curricular activities tend to do well.
Preparation should ideally begin at least one to two years before the intended entry point due to the competitive process.
Yes, the school runs an extensive programme of trips and visits, including local, national, and international opportunities.
Students benefit from the school’s central London location, with access to museums, theatres, universities, and guest speakers. This enhances learning beyond the classroom through regular educational visits and real-world exposure.
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