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72 best private schools in London 2024

This content was developed with active participation of Lucy Heller.

 

In the process of preparing the material, we referenced the following sources:

  • https://www.theguardian.com/education/2023/aug/20/private-school-england-twice-as-likely-top-a-level-grades
  • https://www.businessinsider.com/the-hardest-private-schools-to-get-into-in-the-uk-2016-8.
Schools
72institutions
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10 18 36 72
  • Abbey DLD College London
    In 2023 100% of students achieved A*– B grades at A-level
    Abbey DLD College London
    United Kingdom
    London
    Currently watching: 8
    Outstanding
    15 reviews
    9.3
    from 48037.00 £ / year
    Apply with documents
    from 48037.00 £ / year
    Apply with documents
  • Mount Mill Hill International School
    In 2023 – 37.5% of A-level students achieved A* - A.
    Mount Mill Hill International School
    United Kingdom
    London
    Currently watching: 6
    Outstanding
    6 reviews
    8.9
    from 12300.00 £ / term
    Apply with documents
    from 12300.00 £ / term
    Apply with documents
  • Mill Hill School
    In 2021 - 66% of A Level students achieved A*-A
    Mill Hill School
    United Kingdom
    London
    Currently watching: 9
    Outstanding
    7 reviews
    8.8
    from 12300.00 £ / term
    Apply with documents
    from 12300.00 £ / term
    Apply with documents
  • Guildhouse School (ex CATS College London)
    In 2023, in University Foundation Programme 50% of students achieved an A*- A
    Guildhouse School (ex CATS College London)
    United Kingdom
    London
    Currently watching: 10
    Amazing
    1 reviews
    8.4
    from 11450.00 £ / term
    Apply with documents
    from 11450.00 £ / term
    Apply with documents
  • MPW College London (Mander Portman Woodward)
    All students holding Oxbridge places met their offers
    MPW College London (Mander Portman Woodward)
    United Kingdom
    London
    Currently watching: 9
    Amazing
    9 reviews
    8.4
    from 60995.00 £ / year
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    from 60995.00 £ / year
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  • Westminster School
    In 2023 - 84% of A Level students achieved A* - A
    Westminster School
    United Kingdom
    London
    Currently watching: 10
    Amazing
    1 reviews
    8.4
    from 13869.00 £ / term
    Apply with documents
    from 13869.00 £ / term
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  • Kensington Park School
    In 2023 - 21% of A Level students achieved A* grade
    Kensington Park School
    United Kingdom
    London
    Currently watching: 7
    Amazing
    7 reviews
    8.4
    from 46800.00 £ / year
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    from 46800.00 £ / year
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  • Brentwood Private School
    133 place in the best boarding schools in the UK
    Brentwood Private School
    United Kingdom
    London
    Currently watching: 7
    Very good
    6 reviews
    8.3
    from 5245.00 £ / term
    Apply with documents
    from 5245.00 £ / term
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  • Ashbourne College
    Ashbourne students consistently achieve excellent A level results, 53% A*A in 2023, far ex
    Ashbourne College
    United Kingdom
    London
    Currently watching: 10
    Very good
    6 reviews
    8.3
    from 10250.00 £ / term
    Apply with documents
    from 10250.00 £ / term
    Apply with documents
  • David Game College London
    In 2023 - near 38% of A Level students achieved A*-A grades
    David Game College London
    United Kingdom
    London
    Currently watching: 8
    Very good
    4 reviews
    8.3
    from 35170.00 £ / year
    Apply with documents
    from 35170.00 £ / year
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10 18 36 72

Education information

Nowadays, studying in best private schools in London is very popular among foreign students. Private schools are distinguished by high rankings, modern equipment, developed internal infrastructure, beautiful campuses, comfortable living conditions. It's worth noting that to study and live in the center is expensive, but in the suburbs of the capital there are a number of options with more economical prices. For example, Cambridge Tutors College in Croydon.

Educational system of Great Britain is a real example of classical European education, which is considered high quality and prestigious in the world. Due to these facts many parents decide on studying of their child in private schools in London. Studying in schools in London is a sure step on the way to university admission in Great Britain and prestigious educational institutions of Europe and other countries. Choice of secondary schools in England is great.

Key Features at Top Private Schools in London, UK

The SMAPSE website categorizes 30 of the best private schools and colleges in London into several types:

  • Pre-schools for students aged 4 to 7

  • Preparatory schools for students aged 7 to 11

  • Specialized institutions for either boys or girls

Private schools in London generally admit students from the ages of 11 or 13 through 18. The final two years of schooling focus on preparing students for university entrance. International colleges start accepting foreign students from the 10th grade of the British program, also known as GCSE.

Unique Features of Elite and International Private Schools in London

  • Enhanced English language training at all educational levels

  • A broad range of subjects and opportunities for personal development

Moreover, private schools in London are divided into day schools and boarding schools. Both types cater to international students, each with its own set of characteristics. Day schools are often better suited for older international students, who spend only part of their day on campus and live with British host families. Typically, these families reside 30-50 minutes away from the school, and students are responsible for commuting on their own.

London's best schools

Anna Chebotar
Regional Manager CIS

In addition to academic success, what details do parents consider when choosing a school?

Location: Most often, parents consider schools in the city center, but in a calm and safe area. The infrastructure and equipment of the classrooms, the teaching staff and the atmosphere in general. In the end, parents must be sure that the child will be comfortable, they will always be supported and helped!

Cost and Fees to Private Schools in London

When it comes to boarding at private schools in London, international students study, reside, and dine on campus. They are generally under staff supervision around the clock, providing peace of mind to parents who are concerned about their child being in a foreign country without them. As a result, many parents prefer London's boarding schools for their children's secondary education.

Popularity of Colleges Among Foreign Students

Colleges in England, specifically those that are part of the British educational system, are also popular among international students. These educational institutions occupy a middle stage in the British educational trajectory. Foreign students, usually around 14-15 years old, can enroll in these colleges as a stepping stone to gaining admission into top-ranking universities in Great Britain.

Document Requirements for Admission to Top Private Schools in London

To gain admission to one of the top 30 private schools in London, applicants must first complete a special form available on the school's website. The next step involves sending the following document package to the school's admissions committee:

  • Report cards from the last 2-3 years

  • Teacher evaluations, usually from Math and English teachers

  • Language test results, ideally scoring at least 4.5 on the IELTS

  • A motivational essay outlining the reasons for wanting to attend the school

It's advisable to send these documents at least 8-9 months—or even better, a year—before the intended start date. Many applicants also choose to apply to multiple schools simultaneously to increase their chances of admission.

Private Schools in London Fees: An Overview

Studying in England is often considered costly, but guidance from experts like those at SMAPSE can help you find the most suitable school within your budget. Annual tuition fees for private schools in London typically range from £15,000 to £40,000, inclusive of living expenses. Additional costs to consider include medical insurance, school registration fees, visa fees, and pocket expenses for the student.

How to Choose the Best Private Schools in London

London boasts a wide array of prestigious educational institutions catering to various academic levels. Each institution has unique features tailored to different student needs. In the best private schools in London, international students can achieve native-level English proficiency. A diverse array of subjects is offered, focusing on holistic self-development.

Educational Approach of London's Private Schools

The primary objective of private schools in London is to create an environment that fosters both academic and personal growth. A typical day for students is carefully structured: academic classes occupy the morning, followed by physical activities and arts lessons in the afternoon. Evenings are generally reserved for homework and optional participation in extracurricular activities organized by the school.

International students also have a wealth of options for sports and creative activities, such as swimming, football, volleyball, tennis, rugby, golf, horse riding, theater, music, art, and dance.

Teaching Standards in International Private Schools in London

Classes are usually small and led by qualified, native English-speaking teachers. Teachers regularly upgrade their skills through various professional development courses. The best private schools in London maintain an ideal student-to-teacher ratio, usually capping academic groups at around 15 students. This size is considered optimal for preparing students for successful final exams.

Recommendations for Choosing a Secondary School

When selecting a secondary school in London, parents should consider both the comfort level of their child and the family's financial capabilities. For a more informed decision, it's useful to consult rankings of the best private schools in London, which are compiled annually by various news agencies.

General statistics on education in the UK-ratings, specializations, universities

Top 9 best colleges in London 2024 rankings

1 Abbey DLD College London
2 MPW College London
3 Kensington Park School
4 CATS College London
5 Bellerbys College London
6 David Game College London
7 Cambridge Tutors College
8 Ealing Independent College
9 King’s College London

Top 33 best schools and colleges in and near London 2024

1 Abbey DLD College London
2 Sevenoaks School
3 Chelsea Independent College
4 ACS Cobham International School
5 MPW College London
6 Westminster School
7 Mill Hill School
8 St Pauls School London
9 Kensington Park School
10 Harrow School
11 CATS College London
12 David Game College London
13 Hurtwood House School
14 Brentwood Private School
15 Bellerbys College London
16 Caterham School
17 International Community School
18 TASIS the American International School in England
19 City of London Freemen’s School
20 Dulwich College
21 Ashbourne College
22 Epsom College
23 Royal Russell School
24 Rochester Independent College
25 Worth School
26 Felsted School
27 Queenswood private boarding school
28 LVS Ascot School
29 Eaton Square Private School London
30 Cambridge Tutors College
31 Marymount International School London
32 St Christopher School Letchworth
33 King Edward's Witley Private School

Advantages and disadvantages of English schools

Advantages Disadvantages
The opportunity to enter the best universities in England, USA, Canada, Switzerland, Europe, the world Expensive
High quality of education and academic standards Strong workload
Perfect English after graduation The need to change the social environment; it takes time to adapt
Useful contacts The difficulty of choosing the most suitable school for the child, requires a qualified specialist

Top 35 best schools in the USA - 2024 Smapse rankings

1 North Broward Preparatory School
2 Phillips Academy Andover
3 The Storm King School New York
4 Red Bank Catholic High School
5 Windermere Preparatory School
6 Shattuck St Mary's School
7 Cheshire Academy
8 Cate School
9 Ross School
10 Deerfield Academy
11 The Village School
12 Amerigo Los Angeles – Bishop Montgomery High School
13 Webb Schools
14 Kent School USA
15 The Winchendon School
16 Darlington School
17 Marian Catholic High School Amerigo Education
18 Grier School
19 The MacDuffie School
20 CATS Academy Boston
21 The Cambridge School of Weston
22 Milton Academy
23 Amerigo Education Napa Valley
24 American Hebrew Academy
25 Northfield Mount Hermon School
26 Mater Dei Catholic High School San Diego Amerigo Education
27 American University Preparatory School Los Angeles
28 Webb Schools
29 Kent School USA
30 Groton School
31 Maine Central Institute
32 The Lawrenceville School
33 Grand River Academy Ohio
34 Saint John Paul II Academy
35 Chicago North Shore

Top 14 best schools in Switzerland 2024

1 College Du Leman
2 St. Georges School Montreux
3 Institut Monte Rosa
4 Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz
5 Saint-Charles Collège et Lycée
6 Leysin American School
7 Hochalpines Institut Ftan AG High Alpine
8 Aiglon College Switzerland
9 Institut Le Rosey School
10 Institut Montana Zugerberg
11 Champittet College
12 Brillantmont International School
13 Surval Montreux
14 Ecole Pre Fleuri
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Sarah Hicklin
Director of International Admissions at Oswestry School

Sarah is the Director of Admissions at Oswestry School. She has been working in secondary education and Admissions and Marketing for more than 14 years. She recommends deciding what is the highest priority for you when choosing a school: a happy child, active communication and friendship with peers, the realization of creative or academic potential. She would recommend a school away from big cities so that children are less distracted.

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