Choosing a private school in London is no small feat.
There are around 100 private schools across the city, ranging from world-famous names like Westminster and St Paul’s Girls’ School to specialist day schools and community-focused prep schools.
With such variety, the landscape of London private schools can be overwhelming for parents.
Schools differ not just in size and reputation, but also in their academic priorities, social mix, and approach to supporting pupils outside the classroom.
Some London private schools offer the prestige of centuries-old traditions, while others pride themselves on innovative teaching and a more personalised environment.
What do parents value most when considering the best private schools in London?
- Consistently strong exam results and university placements
- A rich menu of extracurricular activities—from sports to the arts
- A vibrant, inclusive community and diverse student body
- Smaller class sizes and a personalised approach to learning
- A track record of expert teaching and pupil wellbeing
- Clarity around fees, bursaries, and scholarships
Given the sheer choice, it’s no wonder many families seek reliable, impartial guidance to shortlist the best options.
That’s where our UKEB Trust Score comes in.
We’ve carefully reviewed the most reputed London private schools using a transparent, five-factor scoring system.
About the UKEB Trust Score
To create the UKEB Trust Score, we rate each school on five key factors:
- Academic Results
- Reputation
- Admissions Process
- Financial Transparency
- Pastoral Care
Each of our top-rated private schools in London is scored out of 5 and weighted for importance, producing a final score out of 10.
Schools are ranked by region to make shortlisting easier for every family.
How to Read the Data
The figures in each school summary show the most recent exam results—usually from 2024 or 2025—reported by the school. For GCSEs, the percentages refer to students achieving top grades (9–7 or 9–8, equivalent to the old A*/A grades). For A Levels, the key statistics are the proportion of grades at A*-A and A*, which indicate the highest achievement bands. Where available, we also include average scores for the IB Diploma.
Fees are shown per London private school term (not per year), as is standard in the UK independent sector. Most schools have three terms per year, so you’ll need to multiply by three for the annual amount. Fee levels reflect the published rates for 2025–26 and now include VAT where required by law.
- Day fees mean the child attends daily but does not board.
- Boarding fees (where listed) include accommodation and meals.
- The range in fees usually reflects different year groups or the sixth form.
Top 3 West London Private Schools
1. St Paul’s Girls’ School — UKEB Trust Score: 9.7/10
St Paul’s Girls’ School is consistently at the top of UK league tables, offering an academically rigorous and holistic education for girls in West London. Known for exceptional exam results, its nurturing environment supports high achievement, strong mental health provision, and a track record of top university placements.
- Location: Brook Green, Hammersmith, London W6 7BS
- Phone: 020 7603 2288
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: spgs.org
- Type of School: Girls’ day school (ages 11–18)
- Academic Performance: A Level (2024): 88.6% A*-A, 60.9% A*
- Fees: £12,414 per term (Years 7–11), £13,409 per term (Year 12)
- Admissions Process: Transparent, published entry criteria and timelines
- Financial Transparency: Full fee breakdown and bursary info online
- Pastoral Care: Excellent wellbeing program, counsellors, and peer mentoring
2. Westminster School — UKEB Trust Score: 9.2/10
Westminster School is known for its high academic standards and strong track record of successful university placements. Its central London location and centuries-old reputation are matched by a broad co-curricular offering and a commitment to student welfare, producing confident and ambitious graduates.
- Location: Little Dean’s Yard, Westminster, London SW1P 3PF
- Phone: 020 7963 1000
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: westminster.org.uk
- Type of School: Co-ed, day & boarding (boys 13–18, girls in sixth form)
- Academic Performance: A Level (2025): 87% A*-A, 55% A*
- Fees: £15,451 per term (13+ Day), £16,650 per term (16+ Day), £21,992 per term (Boarding)
- Admissions Process: Clear admissions page, published entry tests and interview info
- Financial Transparency: Fees, scholarships, and bursary details are all available online
- Pastoral Care: Strong house/tutor system, dedicated wellbeing staff, and mentoring
3. Latymer Upper School — UKEB Trust Score: 8.8/10
Latymer Upper School combines academic excellence with a vibrant co-curricular scene and a strong emphasis on inclusivity. Its consistently high exam results, diverse university destinations, and generous bursary programme have cemented its reputation as one of the best private schools in London for ambitious, well-rounded pupils.
- Location: King Street, Hammersmith, London W6 9LR
- Phone: 020 8629 2024
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: latymer-upper.org
- Type of School: Co-educational day school (ages 11–18)
- Academic Performance: A Level (2025): 81% A*/A, 95% A*-B, GCSE (2025): 96% 7–9 (A*/A equivalent), 62% grade 9
- Fees: Senior: £8,637.50 plus VAT (£10,365 inc VAT) per term / Prep: £7,866.67 plus VAT (£9,440 inc VAT) per term
- Admissions Process: Clear entry points at 11+ and 16+; published criteria, registration and deposit details online
- Financial Transparency: Full breakdown of fees, bursaries, exams, and optional charges available
- Pastoral Care: House/tutor system, counselling, wellbeing programme, and dedicated staff for personal development
Top 3 East London Private Schools
4. Forest School, Snaresbrook — UKEB Trust Score: 8.0/10
Forest School, set in Epping Forest, provides a well-rounded, co-educational experience known for its academic standards and breadth of opportunity in both sports and the arts. The school is recognised for effective pastoral support and a thriving house system.
- Location: College Place, London E17 3PY
- Phone: 020 8520 1744
- Email:
- Website: forest.org.uk
- Type of School: Co-ed day & boarding (ages 4–18)
- Academic Performance: GCSE (2024): 77.6% 9–7, A Level (2024): 82% A*-B, 57% A*-A
- Fees: £10,690 per term (Years 7–13, Day)
- Admissions Process: Clear 11+, 16+, and entry at other points
- Financial Transparency: Fee schedules and bursaries published
- Pastoral Care: House/tutor system, school counsellors, focus on wellbeing
5. Blackheath High School (GDST) — UKEB Trust Score: 8.0/10
A top GDST girls’ school, Blackheath High, excels in academic outcomes and creative fields. It offers a supportive, inclusive community and regularly achieves record GCSE and A-Level results, with an emphasis on mental health and pastoral support.
- Location: 26 Wemyss Road, Blackheath, London SE3 0TF
- Phone: 020 8852 1537
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: blackheathhighschool.gdst.net
- Type of School: Girls’ day school (ages 3–18)
- Academic Performance: GCSE (2024): 77% 9–7, 55% 9–8, A Level (2024): 83% A*-B, 53% A*-A
- Fees: £7,922 per term (Years 7–13, Day)
- Admissions Process: GDST standard; info and deadlines clearly set out
- Financial Transparency: Fees and bursary info are accessible
- Pastoral Care: Strong mental health and wellbeing focus, including onsite support
6. Bancroft’s School — UKEB Trust Score: 7.8/10
Bancroft’s is a well‑established co‑educational private day school in Woodford Green (Redbridge). Known for consistently strong exam results, a broad co‑curricular offer, and a pastoral system that emphasises wellbeing, it’s among the best private schools in London for families wanting academic excellence without boarding.
- Location: Woodford Green, London IG8 0RF
- Phone: 020 8505 4821
- Email: [email protected] / [email protected]
- Website: org
- Type of School: Co‑educational day school, ages 7‑18 (Prep + Senior)
- Academic Performance: GCSE 2025: ~88% of grades at 9‑7; ~70% at 9‑8; ~43% at Grade 9, A‑Level 2025: 40% A*; 74% A*‑A; 93% A*‑B.
- Fees: Prep School: ~£7,022.50 per term net; ~£8,427.00 including VAT, Senior School: ~£8,373.33 per term net; ~£10,048.00 including VAT
- Admissions Process: Entry points clearly published (7+, 11+, 16+), Open events and guided tours part of the process
- Financial Transparency: Fees available online, including VAT and net fees. Information on bursaries/scholarships is also present in the admissions materials and the Good Schools Guide review
- Pastoral Care: Strong house/tutor system; daily tutor check‑ins and wellbeing programmes, three counsellors available, parental involvement through termly pastoral evenings, anti‑bullying programme, PSHE etc.
Top 3 South London Private Schools
7. Dulwich College — UKEB Trust Score: 9.4/10
A South London icon, Dulwich College boasts a storied history, state-of-the-art facilities, and consistently excellent academic results. Its blend of traditional values, modern teaching, and a strong pastoral system makes it a top choice for parents seeking both academic and personal development.
- Location: Dulwich Common, London SE21 7LD
- Phone: 020 8693 3601
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: dulwich.org.uk
- Type of School: Boys’ day & boarding school (girls join in Sixth Form)
- Academic Performance: GCSE (2024): 91% 9–7, 44% 9, A Level (2024): 63% A*-A, 31% A*
- Fees: £10,206 per term (Senior, Day), £21,422 per term (Full boarding)
- Admissions Process: Clear, with open events and entry stages published
- Financial Transparency: Fees, bursaries, and scholarships are detailed online
- Pastoral Care: Renowned for strong house/tutor system, wellbeing centre, and counselling
8. Alleyn’s School — UKEB Trust Score: 8.8/10
A top co-ed independent in Dulwich, Alleyn’s blends academic rigour, creativity, and inclusivity. Students flourish within a nurturing community, supported by excellent teaching and an extensive enrichment programme.
- Location: Townley Road, Dulwich, London SE22 8SU
- Phone: 020 8557 1500
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: alleyns.org.uk
- Type of School: Co-educational day school (ages 4–18)
- Academic Performance: GCSE (2024): 95% 9–7, 58% 9, A Level (2024): 76% A*-A, 39% A*
- Fees: £10,338 per term (Senior, Day)
- Admissions Process: Published entry requirements and clear deadlines
- Financial Transparency: Full fee, bursary, and scholarship information online
- Pastoral Care: House/tutor system, wellbeing support, PSHE programme
9. King’s College School, Wimbledon — UKEB Trust Score: 8.5/10
King’s College School, Wimbledon, blends tradition and innovation with a strong house system, excellent exam outcomes, and a broad co-curricular program. The school is particularly strong in science, maths, and music, and is known for high rates of Russell Group and Oxbridge progression.
- Location: Southside, Wimbledon Common, London SW19 4TT
- Phone: 020 8255 5300
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: kcs.org.uk
- Type of School: Boys’ day school (11–18); girls accepted in Sixth Form
- Academic Performance:1% A*-A, IB (2025): Avg 42.2/45
- Fees: £7,975–£8,736 per term (Years 7–13, Day)
- Admissions Process: Transparent, with a clear application process and open days
- Financial Transparency: Detailed fees, scholarships, and bursary info online
- Pastoral Care: House/tutor system, PSHE, chaplaincy, and support structures
Top 3 North London Private Schools
10. North London Collegiate School — UKEB Trust Score: 9.7/10
NLCS stands out for its academically ambitious environment, vibrant co-curricular programme, and trailblazing history of educating girls to the very highest levels. Its nurturing, international community and clear pastoral focus help pupils thrive in and out of the classroom.
- Location: Canons Drive, Edgware, Middlesex HA8 7RJ
- Phone: 020 8952 0912
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: nlcs.org.uk
- Type of School: Girls’ day school (ages 4–18)
- Academic Performance: A Level (2024): 85% A*-A, 47.2% A*, IB (2025): Avg 42.7/45
- Fees: £9,917 per term (Senior, Day)
- Admissions Process: Transparent entry info; 4+, 7+, 11+, and 16+ routes with online guidance
- Financial Transparency: Fees, bursary, and scholarship details all clear and updated
- Pastoral Care: Daily tutor groups, school counsellor, wellbeing centre, and anti-bullying programs
11. City of London School for Girls — UKEB Trust Score: 9.5/10
An elite girls’ private school in London, CLSG is renowned for top exam performance, musical and STEM strengths, and strong community spirit. Admissions and strong parent communication add to its reputation for all-round excellence.
- Location: St Giles’ Terrace, Barbican, London EC2Y 8BB
- Phone: 020 7847 5500
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: clsg.org.uk
- Type of School: Girls’ day school (ages 11–18)
- Academic Performance: GCSE (2024): 83% 8/9 (A*), 12.6% 7 (A), 3% 6 (B), 1.2% 5/4 (C), 0.1% 3 (D), A Level (2025): 41.1% A*, 40.2% A, 14.8% B, 3.6% C, 0.3% D
- Fees: £10,082 per term (all years, Day)
- Admissions Process: Step-by-step guides, entrance exams, and scholarships
- Financial Transparency: Detailed online fee and bursary info
- Pastoral Care: Strong tutor and counselling provision
12. Highgate School — UKEB Trust Score: 9.2/10
A leading co-educational private school in London, Highgate combines a centuries-old tradition with innovative teaching and a supportive culture. Its academic reputation is matched by exceptional arts, sport, and pastoral provision, fostering confident, well-rounded pupils.
- Location: North Road, London N6 4AY
- Phone: 020 8340 1524
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: highgateschool.org.uk
- Type of School: Co-ed day school (ages 4–18)
- Academic Performance: GCSE (2024): 94% 9–7, 55% 9, A Level (2025): 80% A*-A, 43.5% A*
- Fees: £10,525 per term (Senior, Day)
- Admissions Process: Structured, transparent entry routes at all levels
- Financial Transparency: All fee and bursary info online
- Pastoral Care: Daily tutor time, strong safeguarding, and a dedicated wellbeing team
We hope this list gives you a great starting point for finding the right private school in London. Our goal is to empower your choice with data, helping you find a school that not only excels academically but also earns your full trust. Explore our full list and find your perfect fit today.
If you have a recommendation to be added to our list, please get in touch!
