Best 10 Private High Schools in London

Private high schools in London offer a unique educational experience that can be highly desirable for many families. These schools are known for their rigorous academic programs, personalized attention, and emphasis on extracurricular activities.

With a variety of options available, families have the opportunity to choose a school that best fits their child’s individual needs and interests.

London is home to some of the best private high schools in the world, offering a range of academic programs and extracurricular activities. These schools are known for their excellent facilities, experienced teachers, and strong academic results.

Whether a family is looking for a traditional academic program or a more specialized curriculum, there is a private high school in London that can meet their needs.

Many private high schools in London have a long and rich history, with some schools dating back to the 16th century.

These schools have a strong tradition of academic excellence, and their alumni include some of the most successful and influential people in the world. With such a rich history and tradition, it’s no wonder that private high schools in London are highly sought after by families from around the world.

Private High Schools in London Overview

London is home to some of the best private high schools in the world. These schools offer a high standard of education, excellent facilities, and a wide range of extracurricular activities.

Private high schools in London are known for their academic excellence, and many of them have a long history of producing successful graduates.

Private high schools in London are generally divided into two categories: day schools and boarding schools.

Day schools are schools where students attend classes during the day and return home in the evenings. Boarding schools, on the other hand, are schools where students live on campus and attend classes during the day.

Most private high schools in London are single-sex schools, although there are a few co-educational schools as well. Single-sex schools are believed to offer a better learning environment as they eliminate distractions and allow students to focus on their studies.

The fees for private high schools in London can vary widely, with some schools charging as much as £40,000 per year. However, many schools offer scholarships and bursaries to help students from low-income families.

Overall, private high schools in London offer an excellent education and a wide range of opportunities for students. Whether you are looking for a day school or a boarding school, a single-sex school or a co-educational school, there is sure to be a school in London that meets your needs.

1. St Paul’s School
2. St Paul’s Girls School
3. Westminster School
4. City of London School for Boys
5. King’s College School
6. Highgate School
7. North London Collegiate School
8. Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School
9. Dulwich College
10. Haberdashers’ Aske’s School for Girls

It’s worth noting that different schools excel in different areas, and there are many other prestigious private schools in London to choose from2345.

1. St Paul’s School

St Paul’s School is a private school for boys aged 7-18 located in Barnes, London. The school was founded in 1509 and has a long history of academic excellence. In 2022, St Paul’s School was ranked as the top private school in London based on the percentage of A or A* grades achieved at A-Level.

The school achieved an impressive 96.34% of A-Level grades at A or A* 5. The school is highly selective and requires applicants to sit an entrance exam and attend an interview. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including music, drama, and sports1.

2. St Paul’s Girls School

St Paul’s Girls School is a private school for girls aged 11-18 located in Hammersmith, London. The school was founded in 1904 and has a reputation for academic excellence. In 2022, St Paul’s Girls School was ranked as the second-best private school in London based on the percentage of A or A* grades achieved at A-Level.

The school achieved an impressive 95.02% of A or A* for GCSEs in 20225. The school is highly selective and requires applicants to sit an entrance exam and attend an interview. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including music, drama, and sports1.

3. Westminster School

Westminster School is a private school for boys and girls aged 7-18 located in Westminster, London. The school was founded in 1179 and has a long history of academic excellence. The school is highly selective and requires applicants to sit an entrance exam and attend an interview.

In 2022, Westminster School was ranked as the third-best private school in London based on the percentage of A or A* grades achieved at A-Level.

The school achieved an impressive 93.98% of A or A* for GCSEs in 20225. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including music, drama, and sports1.

4. City of London School for Boys

City of London School for Boys is a private school for boys aged 10-18 located in the City of London. The school was founded in 1442 and has a long history of academic excellence. The school is highly selective and requires applicants to sit an entrance exam and attend an interview.

In 2022, City of London School for Boys was ranked as the fourth-best private school in London based on the percentage of A or A* grades achieved at A-Level.

The school achieved an impressive 92.98% of A or A* for GCSEs in 20225. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including music, drama, and sports1.

5. King’s College School

King’s College School is a private school for boys aged 7-18 located in Wimbledon, London. The school was founded in 1829 and has a reputation for academic excellence. The school is highly selective and requires applicants to sit an entrance exam and attend an interview.

In 2022, King’s College School was ranked joint third-best private school in London based on the percentage of A or A* grades achieved at A-Level.

The school achieved an impressive 93.98% of A or A* for GCSEs in 20225. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including music, drama, and sports1.

6. Highgate School

Highgate School is a private school for boys and girls aged 3-18 located in Highgate, London. The school was founded in 1565 and has a long history of academic excellence. The school is highly selective and requires applicants to sit an entrance exam and attend an interview.

In 2022, Highgate School was ranked joint eighth-best private school in London based on the percentage of A or A* grades achieved at A-Level. The school achieved an impressive 85.04% of A or A* for GCSEs in 20225. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including music, drama, and sports1.

7. Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School

Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School is a private school for boys aged 5-18 located in Elstree, Hertfordshire, just outside London. The school was founded in 1690 and has a long history of academic excellence. The school is highly selective and requires applicants to sit an entrance exam and attend an interview.

In 2022, Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School was ranked joint eighth-best private school in London based on the percentage of A or A* grades achieved at A-Level.

The school achieved an impressive 85.04% of A or A* for GCSEs in 20225. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including music, drama, and sports1.

8. Dulwich College

Dulwich College is a private school for boys aged 7-18 located in Dulwich, London. The school was founded in 1619 and has a long history of academic excellence. The school is highly selective and requires applicants to sit an entrance exam and attend an interview.

In 2022, Dulwich College was ranked joint eighth-best private school in London based on the percentage of A or A* grades achieved at A-Level. The school achieved an impressive 85.04% of A or A* for GCSEs in 20225. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including music, drama, and sports1.

9. North London Collegiate School

North London Collegiate School is a private school for girls aged 4-18 located in Edgware, London. The school was founded in 1850 and has a reputation for academic excellence. The school is highly selective and requires applicants to sit an entrance exam and attend an interview.

In 2022, North London Collegiate School was ranked joint 14th-best private school in London based on the percentage of A or A* grades achieved at A-Level.

The school achieved an impressive 82.98% of A or A* for GCSEs in 20225. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including music, drama, and sports1.

10. Haberdashers’ Aske’s School for Girls

Haberdashers’ Aske’s School for Girls is a private school for girls aged 4-18 located in Elstree, Hertfordshire, just outside London. The school was founded in 1875 and has a reputation for academic excellence.

The school is highly selective and requires applicants to sit an entrance exam and attend an interview. In 2022, Haberdashers’ Aske’s School for Girls was ranked joint 14th-best private school in London based on the percentage of A or A* grades achieved at A-Level.

The school achieved an impressive 82.98% of A or A* for GCSEs in 20225. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including music

What is the admission process for private high schools in London?

The admission process for private high schools in London varies from school to school, as each school sets its own admission criteria

1. However, there are some common steps that parents can expect to take when applying to private schools in London:

1. Registration: Parents will need to complete a registration form and pay a non-refundable fee, generally in the range of £100 to £300, to register their child for consideration25. It is important to register your child as early as possible for your prospective schools before their list of applicants becomes full.
2. Entrance exams: The vast majority of private schools require applicants to sit an entrance exam, which will usually consist of Maths, English and Verbal/Non-Verbal reasoning5. Some schools might invite the family for an interview1. For senior school entry at age 11 or 13, the tests get progressively tougher and also cover a wider range of subjects such as Science and Languages2.
3. Reports and references: All schools require reports and a reference from the previous school, and a few of the wider ability schools may give more weight to recent school reports than test results2.
4. Acceptance: Assuming your child is accepted by a school, you will receive a written offer and be given a fixed period (eg 2 or 3 weeks) in which you have to accept that offer2.

It’s worth noting that the application deadline for secondary schools is the end of October of the year before entry

3. Some schools operate a first-come, first-served system and may have a long waiting list1. Additionally, some schools require parents to register their child before an application is made – this doesn’t guarantee a place1.

What are the common admission criteria for private high schools in London?

As each private high school in London is independent, they set their own admission criteria. However, there are some common steps that parents can expect to take when applying to private schools in London12456:

1. Registration: Parents will need to complete a registration form and pay a non-refundable fee, generally in the range of £100 to £300, to register their child for consideration.
2. Entrance exams: The vast majority of private schools require applicants to sit an entrance exam, which will usually consist of Maths, English and Verbal/Non-Verbal reasoning. Some schools might invite the family for an interview.
3. Reports and references: All schools require reports and a reference from the previous school, and a few of the wider ability schools may give more weight to recent school reports than test results. SEN schools will require a recent educational psychologist’s report.
4. Acceptance: Assuming your child is accepted by a school, you will receive a written offer and be given a fixed period (eg 2 or 3 weeks) in which you have to accept that offer.

It is common to apply to 3 or 4 schools simultaneously, but bear in mind you will inevitably forfeit several of those registration fees. Additionally, some schools require parents to register their child before an application is made – this doesn’t guarantee a place. The application deadline for secondary schools is the end of October of the year before entry. Some schools operate a first-come, first-served system and may have a long waiting list12456.

What documents are required for the admission process in private high schools in London?

The documents required for the admission process in private high schools in London may vary depending on the school. However, here are some common documents that may be required1356:

1. Completed application form: Each school has its own application form, and separate forms will need to be filled in for each school you apply to.
2. Registration fee: All schools require you to complete a registration form (if you wish your child to be considered for entry) and pay a non-refundable fee, generally in the range of £100 to £300.
3. Passport size photographs: Some schools may require passport size photographs of your child.
4. Reports and references: All schools require reports and a reference from the previous school, and a few of the wider ability schools may give more weight to recent school reports than test results. SEN schools will require a recent educational psychologist’s report.
5. Entrance exam results: The vast majority of private schools require applicants to sit an entrance exam, which will usually consist of Maths, English and Verbal/Non-Verbal reasoning.
6. Other supporting documents: Some schools may require additional documents such as a personal statement, a portfolio of work, or evidence of extracurricular activities.

It is important to check the specific entry requirements directly with the school as they may vary.