KNOWLEDGE BASE

Religious schools in London: a guide for relocating families

Moving to London presents many choices, and when it comes to schooling, one option that often arises is faith‑based or religious schools. Families seeking an education aligned with particular values, traditions or communities may ask: “What types of religious schools exist in London? How do I apply? And how do they compare with other schools?”

Religious schools in London: a guide for relocating families

This article provides a clear, professional overview of religious schools in London, helping your relocation decision be as smooth as your moving‑van arrival.

If your family is relocating to the UK from overseas, you might also want to explore this guide to family immigration on our sister site. It covers the essentials of bringing your family to the UK.

What we mean by “religious schools”

Religious schools (also called faith schools) are those which have a formal affiliation with a religion or a religious body, and whose ethos, governance or admissions may reflect that affiliation. In England, these schools come in both state‑funded and independent (fee‑paying) forms.

In London, you’ll encounter schools whose religious character is, for example, Christian (often Church of England or Catholic), Jewish, Muslim, Hindu or Sikh. Although the majority of religious state‑schools are Christian.
Additionally, independent faith schools operate outside the state funding system and may have greater freedom in curriculum or admissions.

Types of religious schools

When exploring options in London, it helps to know the main categories:

1. State‑funded religious schools
These are part of the state education system and receive public funding, but retain a religious character. Key sub‑types include:

Voluntary Aided (VA) schools: Traditionally faith schools, where the religious body may own the land/buildings and influence governance or admissions.
Voluntary Controlled (VC) schools: Also faith‑linked, but the local authority has greater control.
Faith Academies / Free Schools with religious designation: State‑funded but operate with greater autonomy (as academies) and often retain a religious ethos.
These schools follow the national curriculum, but may have religious education and collective worship more directed by their sponsoring faith.

2. Private / Independent faith schools
Fully independent of state funding (or partially so), these schools are fee‑paying and have greater flexibility in curriculum, admissions, and religious instruction. They may still be highly regulated in terms of safety & standards, but their ethos can be more intense. These often appeal to families seeking both a strong academic offering and a specific religious environment.

How frequent are religious state‑schools in England (and implications for London)

Understanding the scale helps set expectations.

There are around 6,806 state‑funded mainstream schools in England with a religious character, representing about 34% of all state‑funded mainstream schools.
However: the proportion is significantly higher at primary level than at secondary level. For example: 6,177 or around 37% of primaries had a religious designation, but only 629 (about 18%) of secondary schools did.
Regionally, London has one of the lowest proportions of faith state‑schools at primary level (21% in 2023) compared to other regions.

What this means for families relocating to London:

You’ll find many more religious state‑primary schools than you will religious state‑secondary schools.
If you’re looking at secondary level and want a faith‑school, be aware that competition may be stronger and availability more limited.
Given the lower regional proportion in London, it’s worth broadening your search (for both faith‑based and non‑faith options) early.

Examples of religious schools in London

To help make this real, here are some examples (both state and independent) of faith‑schools in London you might encounter:

State‑funded (secondary, faith):
- London Oratory School (Catholic boys’ school, Fulham): Well‑known and often oversubscribed, with a strong reputation. http://www.london‑oratory.org
- Grey Coat Hospital (Church of England girls’ school, Westminster): A CoE secondary with good academic results. https://www.gch.org.uk
- JFS (Jewish co‑educational, Brent): A major Jewish state‑school option. https://www.jfs.brent.sch.
Independent/Private faith schools:
- St Benedict’s School (Catholic, co‑ed): Independent, excellent academics and Benedictine tradition. https://www.stbenedicts.org.uk
- Immanuel College (Jewish, co‑ed): Modern Orthodox ethos with strong academic performance. https://www.immanuelcollege.co.uk
- Islamia School London (Muslim, co‑ed): Combines Islamic values with academic rigour. https://islamia.brent.sch.uk/

These examples help illustrate the range of faith‑based provision in London, from state schools to fees‑based independent options.

Strengths and things to watch

When evaluating religious schools in London, here are some pros/cons from a relocation perspective:

Strengths

They often combine a strong sense of community, shared values and identity. For families relocating internationally, this can offer a stable anchor for children in a new city.
Many faith schools have excellent academic reputations and are highly regarded by inspection bodies.
For families for whom religious tradition is important, faith‑schools provide continuity of belief, worship, and community ties.

Considerations

Oversubscription: particularly in London, popular faith secondaries fill quickly – acceptance isn’t automatic.
Admissions criteria: for some schools, proof of religious observance is required; relocating families may need to document this or get support from the religious community.
Diversity and inclusion: some families may prefer non‑faith or multi‑faith schools if they seek a broader social mix.
Geographic spread: even within London, catchment areas vary widely — commuting time matters.
Cost (independent): budget for fees and check what is included.
Adjusting to change: if your children have not attended faith‑based schools before, the ethos and expectations may feel different (e.g., more religious activities, worship, uniform codes). A clear conversation with the school ahead of relocation helps.

Final thoughts

For families relocating to London, faith schools represent a valuable and viable route, especially if you seek a values‑led education and community connection. While they are more numerous at primary level, there are still strong options at secondary level in London, but competition is real, so starting early is wise.

Religious schools blend academic expectation with character formation, community ethos and sometimes unique cultural traditions. As with any school decision, the best fit depends on your child’s needs, your family’s values, your location and your timeline.

In short: begin your search, ask the right questions, check logistics – and you’ll be better placed to find the school that helps your child thrive in the vibrant, diverse backdrop that is London.

Consult with Simply London

Ultimately, the benefits of religious schools compared to non-religiousschools depend on what you value most as a family. Whatever your preference, our Schools Experts can provide personalised guidance and support when choosing the right type of education and school for your child. Using their knowledge and experience, they can help you select and apply to schools that match your child’s educational needs so they can excel.

Contact us today, or schedule a free call with us here to discuss how we can help you secure places in the best possible schools in London.

Need help bringing your family to the UK? Our sister site Simply UK Visa offers expert guidance on family immigration. Because getting settled starts with getting here.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are religious schools in London?

Religious schools, also known as faith schools, are institutions affiliated with a specific religion. They may be state-funded or independent and often include religious education, values, and worship as part of the school day.

2. Are religious schools in London free?

State-funded religious schools in London are free to attend. However, independent (private) religious schools charge tuition fees, which vary depending on the school and year group.

3. Do you have to follow a religion to attend a faith school?

Not always. Some faith schools accept children from all backgrounds, while others prioritise applicants who actively practise the faith. Admissions policies vary: always check with the individual school.

4. Are religious state schools better than non-faith state schools?

Both religious and non-faith state schools follow the national curriculum and are inspected by Ofsted. Quality varies by school, not by religious designation alone.

5. How do I apply to a religious school in London?

For state faith schools, apply through your local council, and be prepared to provide evidence of religious practice if required. For private faith schools, apply directly to the school, often from abroad.

6. Are there more primary or secondary religious schools in London?

There are significantly more state religious primary schools than secondary schools in London, particularly among Church of England and Catholic institutions.

7. Can international families apply to religious schools in London?

Yes, international families can apply, though documentation of religious practice (e.g. church or mosque attendance) may still be required. Private schools often accept overseas applicants.

Back to knowledge base