In the UK, there are about 2,600 independent schools that teach about 615,000 students, in other words 7% of all British school-age children and 18% of students over the age of sixteen are educated privately.
Giving their children the best education is every parent’s dream. If you are reading this article, you are most probably wondering: how can I find the best private schools near me?
Because London offers various private schooling and private tutoring options, most of which include tuition fees, we have put together a London independent schools list according to London regions and the 2021 league tables to further facilitate your search for only the best in town.
In the below list of top schools in London, you will find the best independent or private schools near you, the basic details and information regarding the school, and everything necessary to help narrow down the schools you’d like to contact or apply with to offer the best education to your little one.
Disclaimer: The information shared in this post was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change. The below list has been arranged according to the GCSE Results, 2023, from higher to lower.
West London:
1. St. Paul’s Girls School
Contact Information:
- Address: Brook Green, London W6 7BS
- Phone: 020 7603 2288
- Email: frontoffice@spgs.org
- Website: https://spgs.org/
This school is probably one of the best in all of London. However, only a girl’s school does not rate low in the overall development of its pupils. The school was founded in 1904 and has continued with its legacy since then. Rachel Weisz and Misha Barton are only a few of the famous alumni of this school. So, if you are worried about which school to choose, St. Paul’s Girls School is at the top of the list of private schools near me.
Performance Metrics:
- GCSE Results: In 2023, 99% of grades were A*/A.
- A-Level Results: In 2023, 88.10% of grades were A*/A.
Fees: For the academic year 2024-2025, the school fee per term is £10,531. For new entrants to the Senior School (Year 12), the fee per term is £11,322.
Rating & Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars with 29 reviews on Google.
Social Presence:
2. Godolphin and Latymer School
Contact Information:
Godolphin and Latymer School is another girls’ school located in the West of London. The staff of the school is praised for their warm hearts and kind ways of feeling with the children. According to the Good Schools Guide, the atmosphere of the school is friendly and provides a plethora of extracurricular activities. Godolphin and Latymer School is top on the list of best private primary schools near me for the most intelligent parents.
Performance Metrics:
- GCSE Results: In 2023, 96.90% of grades were A*/A.
- A-Level Results: The school consistently achieves high A-Level results, with many students progressing to top universities. In 2023, 78.50% of grades were A*/A.
Fees: The tuition fees are £9,218.00 for the Autumn Term 2023, and £9,762.00 for both the Spring Term 2025 and the Summer Term 2025.
Rating & Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars with 29 reviews on Google.
Social Presence:
3. St. Paul’s School
Contact Information:
- Address: Lonsdale Rd, London SW13 9JT
- Phone: 020 8748 3461 / 020 8748 9162
- Email: spjreceptionist@stpaulsschool.org.uk / reception@stpaulsschool.org.uk
- Website: https://www.stpaulsschool.org.uk/
Along with St. Paul’s Girls School, St Paul’s School is also at the top of the list of best schools in London. The school is a boy’s school for ages 13 to 28 and is located by the River Thames.
Performance Metrics:
- GCSE Results: In 2023, 96% of grades were A*/A.
- A-Level Results: In 2023, 85% of grades were A*/A.
Fees: For the 2024-2025 academic year, St. Paul’s School has set its fees as follows: £8,306 per term for St. Paul’s Juniors (Lower First to Upper Third Years), £10,390 per term for St. Paul’s School (Fourth to Upper Eighth Form), and £15,636 per term for boarding, which includes tuition fees.
Rating & Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars with 52 reviews on Google.
Social Presence:
4. Westminster School
Contact Information:
- Address: Little Dean’s Yard, Westminster, London SW1P 3PF
- Phone: 020 7963 1000
- Email: enquiries@westminster.org.uk
- Website: https://www.westminster.org.uk/
Easily one of the best schools in London, this prep or independent school located in the heart of the city is hands down the perfect school for your child. Although a bit hard to get into, the school with its outstanding curriculum holds the ability to make the future of your child. Westminster appears on top of the list of independent schools near me and should be the topmost choice if your child is not a girl.
Performance Metrics:
- GCSE Results: Westminster School consistently achieves excellent GCSE results, with a high percentage of students earning top grades (9-7, A*-A equivalent). In the 2023 GCSE exams, the school achieved grades 9-7 with 96%.
- A-Level Results: Many students attain A*-A grades, with a significant number progressing to top universities. In 2023, 84% of grades were A*/A.
Fees: The school has different fees for 13+ and 16+ pupils for the 2024-2025 academic year. For 13+ pupils, the fees per term are £12,291 for day pupils, £17,496 for boarding pupils, and £12,291 for King’s Scholars. Annually, these fees amount to £36,873 for day pupils, £52,488 for boarding pupils, and £36,873 for King’s Scholars.
For 16+ pupils, the fees per term are £13,245 for day pupils, £17,496 for boarding pupils, and £13,245 for King’s Scholars. Annually, these fees are £39,735 for day pupils, £52,488 for boarding pupils, and £39,735 for King’s Scholars.
Rating & Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars with 52 reviews on Google.
Social Presence:
5. Latymer Upper School
Contact Information:
Latymer Upper School is a prestigious co-educational independent school located in Hammersmith, London. Established in 1624, it has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and a selective admissions process, making it one of the top schools in London. The school offers a balanced education with a strong emphasis on both academics and extracurricular activities.
Performance Metrics:
- GCSE Results: Latymer Upper School consistently achieves strong GCSE results, with the majority of students earning top grades (9-7, A*-A equivalent). In the 2023 GCSE exams, the school achieved 94%.
- A-Level Results: Many students attain A*-A grades, with a significant number securing places at top universities, including Oxbridge and other Russell Group institutions. In 2023, 77% of grades were A*/A.
Fees: The tuition fees for Latymer Upper School in 2024 are £8,633 per term.
Rating & Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars with 47 reviews on Google.
Social Presence:
6. Notting Hill and Ealing High School
Contact Information:
- Address: 2 Cleveland Rd, London W13 8AX
- Phone: 020 8799 8400
- Email: enquiries@nhehs.gdst.net
- Website: https://nhehs.gdst.net/
This is one of the most successful schools in the UK with more than enough girls who strive for excellence. The school admits girls from age 4 to 18 and is known for its focus on academic as well as creative excellence. Even with a smaller number of students, the school is still growing as the staff focuses more on quality than quantity.
Performance Metrics:
- GCSE Results: Its rank was 18th in the 2109 GCSEs and In 2023, 88% of grades were A*/A.
- A-Level Results: In 2023, 68% of grades were A*/A.
Fees: Starting 1 September 2024, Notting Hill and Ealing High School will set its fees at £6,142 per term for Junior School and £7,965 per term for Senior School.
Rating & Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars with 24 reviews on Google.
Social Presence:
East London
1. Eltham College
Contact Information:
Eltham College is a prominent co-educational independent school located in southeast London. Known for its strong academic performance and commitment to personal development, Eltham College offers a well-rounded education with a focus on both intellectual and personal growth. The school is also recognised for its art gallery, which adds to its rich cultural environment.
Performance Metrics:
- GCSE Results: In 2023, 81% of grades were A*/A.
- A-Level Results: In 2023, 74% of grades were A*/A.
Fees: For the 2023/24 academic year, Eltham College has set its school fees as follows: £6,518 per term for Junior School, and £7,929 per term for both Senior School and Sixth Form.
Rating & Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars with 32 reviews on Google.
Social Presence:
2. Bancrofts School
Contact Information:
- Address: Woodford Green, London IG8 0RF
- Phone: 020 8505 4821 / 020 8506 6751
- Email: office@bancrofts.org / prepoffice@bancrofts.org
- Website: https://www.bancrofts.org/
Bancroft’s School is a co-educational school with students from age 7 to age 18. The children are taught the value of culture as well as how to excel in academics along with several clubs that students can participate in for their overall growth.
Performance Metrics:
- GCSE Results: In 2023, 74% of grades were A*/A.
- A-Level Results: In 2023, 74% of grades were A*/A.
Fees: For the 2024-2025 academic year, Bancrofts School has set the fees as £6,986 per term for Prep School and £8,330 per term for Senior School. These fees cover school lunches, all curriculum-related books and materials, as well as some external trips related to the curriculum. Additionally, personal accident insurance is included.
Rating & Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars with 45 reviews on Google.
Social Presence:
3. Brampton Manor Academy
Contact Information:
A school for innovation and free thinkers, Brampton Manor Academy places much importance on academic excellence. With a high college acceptance rate, this school is the second largest in the London Borough of Newham. Last year, a total of 55 students of this academy were offered places in Oxbridge.
Performance Metrics:
- GCSE Results: In 2023, 61.40% of grades were A*/A.
- A-Level Results: In 2023,48.98% of grades were A*/A.
Fees: The fees for the 2024 session have not been declared yet.
Rating & Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars with 138 reviews on Google.
Social Presence:
4. Ilford County High School
Contact Information:
- Address: Fremantle Road, Barkingside, Ilford, Essex, IG6 2JB
- Phone: 020 8551 6496
- Email: enquiries@ichs.org.uk
- Website: https://www.ichs.org.uk/
Formerly known as Park High Grade School, this selective secondary grammar school is a unisex school for boys. Owing to its old name, the students at this school are commonly known in the region as Old Parkonians. This is a public school that is known for its discipline, prestige, and authentic teaching of the English Language and therefore in high demand.
Performance Metrics:
- GCSE Results: The average grade of this school is B. In 2022, 24% of grades were A*/A.
- A-Level Results: In 2023, 26% of grades were A*/A.
Fees: The fees for the 2024 session have not been declared yet.
Rating & Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars with 18 reviews on Google.
Social Presence:
South London
1. The Tiffin Girls’ School
Contact Information:
- Address: Richmond Road, Kingston upon Thames, London KT2 5PL
- Phone: 020 8546 0773
- Email: contact@tiffingirls.org
- Website: https://www.tiffingirls.org/
The Tiffin Girls’ School is a prestigious grammar school located in Kingston upon Thames, London. Known for its rigorous academic standards and comprehensive extracurricular programs, the school has built a strong reputation for nurturing high-achieving students. As a state-funded institution, it provides exceptional education without the high fees associated with independent schools.
Performance Metrics:
- GCSE Results: In 2023, 94.60% of grades were A*/A.
- A-Level Results: The school also performs exceptionally well at A-Level, in 2023 they achieved 71.70% A*/A grades.
Fees: As a state grammar school, The Tiffin Girls’ School does not charge tuition fees. However, there may be costs associated with certain extracurricular activities and school trips.
Rating & Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars with 18 reviews on Google.
Social Presence:
2. Dulwich College
Contact Information:
- Address: Dulwich Common, London SE21 7LD
- Phone: +44 (0)20 8693 3601
- Email: enquiries@dulwich.org.uk
- Website: https://www.dulwich.org.uk/
Located in Southeast London, Dulwich College is another republic school that was founded in 1619 by Edward Alleyn, the famous actor. It was originally founded with the goal of educating 12 poor scholars but has now grown into an example of discipline, academic greatness, and a creative hub.
Performance Metrics:
- GCSE Results: Its rank in 2019 GCSEs was 24th in the whole of the UK and In 2023, 92.30% of grades were A*/A.
- A-Level Results: In 2023, 66% of grades were A*/A.
Fees: For the 2024-2025 academic year at Dulwich College, the termly fees for Years 3-13 are £8,807 for day students, £17,236 for weekly boarders, and £18,385 for full boarders, with corresponding annual fees of £26,421, £51,708, and £55,155 respectively.
Rating & Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars with 94 reviews on Google.
Social Presence:
3. Alleyn’s School
Contact Information:
- Address: Townley Road, Dulwich, London SE22 8SU
- Phone: 020 8557 1500
- Email: reception@alleyns.org.uk
- Website: https://www.alleyns.org.uk/
Alleyn’s School is a prominent co-educational independent school located in Dulwich, London. Known for its balanced approach to education, the school emphasises both academic excellence and holistic student development. It provides a supportive environment where students can thrive academically while also exploring a wide range of extracurricular activities.
Performance Metrics:
- GCSE Results: In 2023, 91% of grades were A*/A.
- A-Level Results: In 2023, 77% of grades were A*/A.
Fees: For the academic year 2024-25, the fees are as follows: £8,665 per term or £25,995 annually for Senior School and £7,950 per term or £23,850 annually for Junior School.
Rating & Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars with 18 reviews on Google.
Social Presence:
4. Hampton School
Contact Information:
Hampton School is a unisex school admitting boys only. It is a day school in Greater London. The school was established in 1557 and was founded by Robert Hammond. Its colours are black and yellow, and the albums are known as Old Hamptoninas.
Performance Metrics:
- GCSE Results: Hampton School consistently achieves top GCSE results, with a significant percentage of students earning grades 9-7 (A*-A equivalent). In the 2023 GCSE exams, the school achieved 91%.
- A-Level Results: The school maintains excellent A-Level performance, with many students attaining A*-A grades and securing places at prestigious universities. In 2023, 70% of grades were A*/A.
Fees: The tuition fees for the 2024-25 academic year are £8,680.00 per term.
Rating & Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars with 39 reviews on Google.
Social Presence:
5. King’s College Wimbledon
Contact Information:
- Address: Southside, Wimbledon Common, London SW19 4TT
- Phone: 02082555300 / 02082555335
- Email: reception@kcs.org.uk / hmjssec@kcs.org.uk
- Website: https://www.kcs.org.uk/
Founded by George the IV and a public school, Kings College is a member of the Eton Group of schools. This makes it one of the most exclusive schools in Wimbledon. The school is not easy to get into and has a curriculum that is absolutely unique. The school, although a boy’s school, accepts girls in the sixth form.
Performance Metrics:
- GCSE Results: In 2023, 89% of grades were A*/A.
- A-Level Results: In 2023, 84% of grades were A*/A.
Fees: The termly fees for King’s College Wimbledon in the 2024/25 academic year are £9,360 for Senior School (Year 9 and above), £8,545 for Senior School (Lower School – Years 7-8), £8,470 for Junior School (Second and Third Forms), and £7,940 for Junior School (Transitions and First Forms).
Rating & Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars with 46 reviews on Google.
Social Presence:
6. Whitgift School
Contact Information:
- Address: Whitgift School, Haling Park, South Croydon, CR2 6YT
- Phone: +44 (0)20 8688 9222
- Email: office@whitgift.co.uk
- Website: https://www.whitgift.co.uk/
Owned by the charitable trust of the same name, Whitgift is a day school that provides limited boarding. It was founded in 1596 and had previously established its reputation as a coveted Grammar School. Whitgift is a boy’s school for years 10 to 18.
Performance Metrics:
- GCSE Results: Its rank was 27th in the 2109 GCSEs and In 2023, 88.10% of grades were A*/A.
- A-Level Results: In 2023, 58.8% of grades were A*/A.
Fees: The Whitgift School fees for the 2024-25 academic year are £26,055 annually (£8,685 termly) for day students, £43,110 annually (£14,370 termly) for weekly boarding, and £51,120 annually (£17,040 termly) for full boarding.
Rating & Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars with 127 reviews on Google.
Social Presence:
7. Putney High School
Contact Information:
Putney High School is a distinguished all-girls independent school located in Putney, London. Known for its strong academic record and supportive environment, the school offers a well-rounded education that emphasises both academic excellence and personal development. The school provides a range of extracurricular activities that complement its rigorous academic curriculum.
Performance Metrics:
- GCSE Results: In 2024, 75% of grades were A*/A.
- A-Level Results: In 2024, almost two thirds of grades were A*/A.
Fees: For the 2024/25 academic year, the fees are as follows: £6,865 per term for Junior School (Reception to Year 6), and £8,297 per term for both Senior School (Year 7 to Year 11) and Sixth Form (Year 12 and Year 13).
Rating & Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars with 28 reviews on Google.
Social Presence:
8. Hampton Court House School
Contact Information:
Hampton Court House School is a co-ed school. It is situated in Hampton Court with beautiful scenery and a great strive to excel. The staff is as nice as the grounds and your child will find the much-needed separation from the overpopulated streets. The school admits children from ages 3 to 13.
Performance Metrics:
- GCSE Results: Its rank in 2019 GCSEs was 14th in the whole of the UK and In 2023, 70% of grades were A*/A.
- A-Level Results: In 2023, 40% of grades were A*/A.
Fees: The termly fees at Hampton Court House School for the 2024-2025 academic year are £5,713 for Nursery and Pre-nursery, £5,903 for Reception, £6,283 for Year 1, £6,689 for Years 2-4, £7,239 for Years 5-6, £7,719 for Years 7-8, £8,272 for Years 9-11, and £8,354 for Years 12-13.
Rating & Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars with 24 reviews on Google.
Social Presence:
North London
1. North London Collegiate School
Contact Information:
- Address: Canons Drive, Edgware, London HA8 7RJ
- Phone: 020 8952 0912
- Email: office@nlcs.org.uk
- Website: https://www.nlcs.org.uk/
North London Collegiate School (NLCS) is a prestigious independent day school for girls located in Edgware, London. Established in 1850 by Frances Mary Buss, the school is renowned for its strong academic record and commitment to providing a well-rounded education. NLCS offers a supportive environment where girls can thrive both academically and personally
Performance Metrics:
- GCSE Results: In 2023, 99% of grades were A*/A.
- A-Level Results: In 2019, 94% of grades were A*/A.
Fees: The tuition fees are £7,465 per term for Junior School and £8,514 per term for Senior School.
Rating & Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars with 26 reviews on Google.
Social Presence:
2. South Hampstead High School
Contact Information:
- Address: 3 Maresfield Gardens, London NW3 5SS
- Phone: 020 7435 2899
- Email: senior@shhs.gdst.net
- Website: https://shhs.gdst.net/
South Hampstead High School is a prestigious all-girls independent school located in the heart of London. Known for its academic excellence and supportive environment, the school offers a comprehensive curriculum and a wide range of extracurricular activities. It focuses on providing a well-rounded education that fosters both intellectual and personal development.
Performance Metrics:
- GCSE Results: In 2023, 94% of grades were A*/A.
- A-Level Results: In 2023, 75% of grades were A*/A.
Fees: The fees for the Junior School will be £6,665 per term starting from September 2024. For the Senior School, the fees will be £8,158 per term.
Rating & Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars with 12 reviews on Google.
Social Presence:
3. Highgate School
Contact Information:
Highgate, formerly known as Sir Roger Cholmeley’s School is a co-ed school that provides education to nearly 1500 students. It was founded in 1565 by Sir Roger Cholmeley as a grammar school. The school has a challenging curriculum and focuses on rigorous academic practices.
Performance Metrics:
- GCSE Results: In 2023, 93% of grades were A*/A.
- A-Level Results: In 2023, 84% of grades were A*/A.
Fees: For the 2024-25 academic year at Highgate School, the tuition fees are as follows: £8,830 per term for Senior School (Years 7-13), £8,095 per term for Junior School (Years 3-6), and £7,645 per term for Pre-Preparatory School (Reception to Year 2).
Rating & Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars with 14 reviews on Google.
Social Presence:
4. Channing School
Contact Information:
Although a school for girls of young age, Channing Girls School is not behind in any of the categories the other schools in this list excel at. A member of the Girls Schools Association, this school puts a well-rounded education over anything else. Surrounded by the lush greenery of Highgate and the overall environment of the school which propels personal growth.
Performance Metrics:
- GCSE Results: In 2019, the school was ranked 23rd for GCSE results. And in 2023, 86.70% of grades were A*/A.
- A-Level Results: The school has an average of 67.8% of students achieving A*-A grades in A-Level subjects.
Fees: Starting from September 1, 2024, the tuition fees for the Junior School will be £7,990 per term, totalling £23,970 per annum. For the Senior School, the fees will be £8,830 per term, amounting to £26,490 per annum.
Rating & Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars with 5 reviews on Google.
Social Presence:
5. St. Helens School Northwood
Contact Information:
This girl’s school is known for valuing its students and making them feel special. The private day school focuses on personality development as well as academic versatility. This could be the reason why the students of this school are polite and overachievers. The warm atmosphere of the school makes the girls feel safe and rarely do the students want to skip school.
Performance Metrics:
- GCSE Results: St Helen’s School stands at number 22 in the 2019 GCSEs and In 2023, 84% of grades were A*/A.
- A-Level Results: In 2024, 52% of grades were A*/A.
Fees: The tuition fees for St. Helen’s School Northwood in 2024-2025 are £7,406 per term for the Senior School, £6,241 per term for the Prep School (Years 3-6, including lunch), and £5,930 per term for the Prep School (Nursery to Year 2, including lunch).
Rating & Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars with 31 reviews on Google.
Social Presence:
6. Palmers Green High School
Contact Information:
- Address: 104 Hoppers Rd, London N21 3LJ
- Phone: +44(0) 20 8886 1135
- Email: office@pghs.co.uk
- Website: https://www.pghs.co.uk/
Palmers Green High School is a unisex school divided into four categories: Senior school, junior school, preparatory, and Nursery. The school educates girls of all ages up to 18 years and has a high rank in GCSEs every year.
Performance Metrics:
- GCSE Results: Palmers Green High School stands at number 228 in the 2019 GCSEs and In 2023, 69% of grades were A*/A.
- A-Level Results: The average percentage of students achieving A* or A grades in A-level subjects is 81.0.
Fees: The tuition fees per term at Palmers Green High School for the 2024-2025 academic year are £4,775 for Reception to Year 2, £5,120 for Year 3 to Year 6, and £6,790 for Year 7 to Year 11, with three terms per year.
Rating & Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars with 1 review on Google.
Social Presence:
Get to know the School before Making a Choice
If you are new to your neighbourhood and do not want to compromise on the quality of education of your children, the above list will help you find the best independent school near you in London. However, it is vital to understand what the school is about, how the curriculum and extracurricular activities are conceptualised, and whether it is suitable for your child and for the future career you all are looking for. Eton College has produced many influential and famous personalities.
Get in contact with the schools you favour, arrange a viewing and a meeting with the headmaster and ask all the questions you have before you register your child. Every family and child are different and finding the best match is key. Editorial note: all information presented has been retrieved online on the date of this publication.
If you want us to add a suggestion here based on your experience, please get in touch with us!