Private schools in London enjoy a formidable reputation worldwide. To help you learn which of London’s private schools are the best, we’ve delved into the 2019 UK independent schools’ league table – compiled according to GCSE results. And we don’t have to look far to create our own list, with 7 of the UK’s top 10 located in London.
The best secondary private schools in London
1. City of London School for Boys – Central London
If there was a league table for private London schools with the most iconic location, this would be near the top of the list. Nestled on the banks of the Thames, opposite the Tate Modern, the top London private school sits proudly sits in the shadow of St Paul’s Cathedral.
Over 900 boys aged between 10-18 are accommodated in this modern, forward-looking institution, with its proud tradition of academic excellence and educational innovation that dates to the fifteenth century.
2. King’s College School – Wimbledon
This independent day school for boys aged 7-18 and girls aged 16-18, is tucked away in a leafy corner of southwest London – made famous by its iconic tennis tournament.
Founded in 1829 by royal charter, it accommodates over 1400 pupils who benefit from a combination of academic excellence and dedicated pastoral care.
In 2019, 42 students from the school achieved places at the Oxbridge (Oxford and Cambridge) universities. That definitely deserves the second place in the best private schools in London.
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3. Godolphin and Latymer School – Hammersmith
This West London private school for girls aged 11-18 provides access to quality teaching and learning, alongside a real emphasis on the personal development of every pupil.
Ambitious and innovative in its approach to education, the school is well-equipped to inspire its students to flourish in the outside world.
4. North London Collegiate School – Edgware
This northwest private London girls school takes great pride in producing scholars and critical thinkers; a spirit that’s nurtured through exposing students to opportunities which push them intellectually, physically and emotionally.
By delivering an education that is tailored to the individual, the school strikes the perfect balance between challenging each student and ensuring they find their subjects stimulating and fun.
5. St Paul’s School – Barnes
This independent school for boys aged 13-18 is located on a 43-acre site by the River Thames, in Barnes, west London.
For over 500 years it has been providing an outstanding intellectual, spiritual and physical education.
Today it prepares its student for their future by combining a rich tradition with the best of the present.
6. Westminster School – Central London
This is an independent school of high repute, for both day and boarding pupils.
Placed at number two in the league table, it’s academic standards are driven by an ethos that embraces learning, encourages deep thinking and takes pleasure in the pursuit of knowledge and understanding.
Westminster is the only ancient London school to occupy its original site – and it’s not any old site: standing immediately next to Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament.
7. St Paul’s Girls’ School – Hammersmith
Our table-topper has been blazing a trail in the education of young women since it was founded in 1904.
The school’s academic excellence is complemented by the warm relationships fostered between the staff and the girls and the encouragement everyone is given to explore ideas, challenge preconceptions and develop their own ideas.
Definitely one of our favourites in girls’ private schools in London.
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