Private schools in London

Private schools in London typically offer a high quality of education and often have perks that public schools don't have, such as more modern facilities, smaller classes, and more extracurricular options. You'll need to pay fees to send your children to private schools, but tuition is generally lower than that of the city's international schools.

Most of these schools follow the national curriculum of the UK, although more and more are offering students the opportunity to study for the International Baccalaureate (IB).

The majority of private schools are selective, especially at the senior school level. Places at the best schools are highly sought after, and students are expected to sit an interview and pass an exam to get a place. 

Expat children are welcomed at private schools in London, and many private schools in London have students from dozens of different nationalities.

Private schools in London

Southbank International School

Popular among expats, Southbank International School has a number of campuses in Hampstead, Kensington, and Westminster. Southbank follows the IB curriculum with a learning style based on group work, communication and independent field research. As an Apple Distinguished School, Southbank remains committed to ensuring its students are technologically capable and are equipped to be innovators. Read more

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate 
Ages: 2 to 18

City of London School, Central London

City of London School is a prestigious independent day school for boys aged 10 to 18, situated in the heart of London near St Paul's Cathedral. Renowned for its academic excellence and innovative educational approach since the fifteenth century, the school fosters individuality, diversity, and a forward-thinking mindset, preparing pupils to be respectful, inquisitive leaders of the future.

Gender: Boys only
Curriculum: British (English National Curriculum, GCSE and A-Levels)
Ages: 10 to 18
Website: www.cityoflondonschool.org.uk

City of London School for Girls, Barbican

City of London School for Girls is a distinguished independent day school for students aged 11 to 18, located in the vibrant Barbican area. Established in 1894, the school offers an exceptional education to a diverse student body, leveraging its prime location to provide unparalleled learning opportunities throughout London.

Gender: Girls only
Curriculum: British (English National Curriculum, GCSE and A-Levels)
Ages: 11 to 18
Website: www.clsg.org.uk

Dulwich School, South London

Dulwich College is a dynamic educational community comprising DUCKS (Kindergarten and Infants’ School), a Junior School, and a Senior School for boys up to Year 13. The college offers a broad and balanced curriculum, emphasising independent and creative thinking, while fostering a nurturing environment that encourages intellectual curiosity and personal growth through its innovative Free Learning philosophy.

Gender: Co-educational Kindergarten (6 months to 7 years) and boys-only Junior and Senior School (7 to 18)
Curriculum: British (English National Curriculum, GCSE and A-Levels)
Ages: 6 months to 18 years
Website: www.dulwich.org.uk

Emanuel School, Battersea

Emanuel is a thriving co-educational day school known for its academic excellence and vibrant co-curricular programmes in sports, music, and drama. With a strong emphasis on pastoral care rooted in kindness and mutual respect, Emanuel fosters a happy, confident, and ambitious community where pupils are motivated by dedicated teachers to achieve their full potential.

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: British (English National Curriculum, GCSE and A-Levels)
Ages: 10 to 18
Website: www.emanuel.org.uk

Durston House School, Ealing

Durston House is a vibrant and innovative school with a distinguished heritage of outstanding education since 1886. Known for its academic excellence and exceptional pastoral care, Durston House fosters a happy and stimulating environment where small class sizes ensure personalised attention, preparing pupils for prestigious senior schools.

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: British (English National Curriculum)
Ages: 3 to 13
Website: www.durstonhouse.org

Godolphin and Latymer School, Hammersmith

Godolphin and Latymer is an academically selective day school for girls aged 11 to 18, renowned for excellent GCSE, A-Level and IB results. With a rich curricular and extracurricular programme, the school fosters a supportive and inclusive environment where girls are encouraged to pursue their passions, take on leadership roles, and engage in community service, all underpinned by strong pastoral care and a commitment to diversity.

Gender: Girls only
Curriculum: British (English National Curriculum, GCSE and A-Levels) and International Baccalaureate
Ages: 11 to 18
Website: www.godolphinandlatymer.com

Harrow School

Harrow School, a prestigious full-boarding institution for boys aged 13 to 18, was founded in 1572 under a Royal Charter from Elizabeth I. Known for its rich traditions and diverse student body, Harrow offers a unique environment where boys can thrive academically, emotionally, and creatively, within its expansive 324-acre estate just 30 minutes from central London.

Gender: Boys only
Curriculum: British (English National Curriculum, GCSE and A-Levels)
Ages: 13 to 18
Website: www.harrowschool.org.uk

James Allen’s Girls’ School, Dulwich

James Allen's Girls' School, the oldest independent girls' school in London, provides a forward-thinking and contemporary education for over 1,100 students aged 4 to 18. Renowned for its academic excellence, JAGS fosters a happy, diverse, and dynamic community where girls can thrive and pursue their ambitions in a compassionate and inclusive environment.

Gender: Girls only
Curriculum: British (English National Curriculum, GCSE and A-Levels)
Ages: 4 to 18
Website: www.jags.org.uk

Keble Prep, North London

Keble Prep is an independent school for children aged 3 to 13, offering an excellent all-round education with high academic standards and numerous opportunities for personal growth. With a strong focus on the core values of purity, truth and honesty, Keble Prep fosters a nurturing and inclusive environment where pupils are encouraged to discover their strengths, take risks in learning, and thrive both academically and personally.

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: English National Curriculum
Ages: 3 to 13
Website: www.kebleprep.co.uk

King’s College School, Wimbledon

King's College School in Wimbledon offers a tranquil yet accessible environment facing the Common, fostering a strong sense of community. With around 1,200 pupils aged 11 to 18 in the senior school and nearly 300 pupils aged 7 to 11 in the junior school, King's provides an enriching curriculum, exceptional pastoral care and a robust co-curricular programme, all guided by the mission to educate in mind, spirit, and heart.

Gender: Boys only up to Year 11 (7 to 16) and co-educational Sixth Form (16 to 18)
Curriculum: British (English National Curriculum, GCSE and A-Levels) and International Baccalaureate
Ages: 7 to 18
Website: www.kcs.org.uk

Notting Hill and Ealing High School, Ealing

Notting Hill & Ealing High School (NHEHS) provides exceptional educational opportunities for girls from Reception through to Sixth Form, fostering academic ambition alongside a supportive and empowering atmosphere. With a broad curriculum enriched by specialist teaching and a strong emphasis on personal development, NHEHS ensures students thrive both in and out of the classroom, preparing them for success in all areas of life.

Gender: Girls only
Curriculum: British (English National Curriculum, GCSE and A-Levels)
Ages: 4 to 18
Website: www.nhehs.gdst.net

Orchard House School, Chiswick

Orchard House School in Chiswick offers a well-rounded and individually tailored education for children aged 3 to 11, fostering creativity and independent thinking. Renowned for its supportive and inspiring environment, the school prepares students for successful senior school transitions, with accolades including the 2021 TES Independent School Award for Sport.

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: English National Curriculum
Ages: 3 to 11
Website: www.orchardhs.org.uk

Queen's Gate School, South Kensington

Queen’s Gate is an independent school for girls aged 4 to 18, located in South Kensington, London, and renowned for its academic excellence and supportive community. Housed in iconic Victorian terrace mansions, the school offers a broad curriculum and an array of co-curricular activities, with a strong focus on individual potential, pastoral care and pupil voice.

Gender: Girls only
Curriculum: British (English National Curriculum, GCSE and A-Levels)
Ages: 4 to 18
Website: www.queensgate.org.uk

South Hampstead High School, Hampstead

South Hampstead is a leading independent school for girls aged 4 to 18, known for its outstanding academic results and holistic approach to education. With a strong emphasis on intellectual and personal growth, the school offers a wide range of enrichment opportunities, co-curricular activities, and a nurturing environment to prepare students for a rapidly changing world.

Gender: Girls only
Curriculum: British (English National Curriculum, GCSE and A-Levels)
Ages: 4 to 18
Website: www.shhs.gdst.net

St Paul’s School, Hammersmith

St Paul’s School, an independent institution with a rich history dating back to 1509, provides an outstanding education for gifted boys aged 7 to 18. Located on a 45-acre campus along the River Thames in Barnes, London, St Paul’s offers exceptional facilities and a comprehensive academic environment, with various entry points and means-tested bursaries available for talented students.

Gender: Boys only
Curriculum: British (English National Curriculum, GCSE and A-Levels)
Ages: 7 to 18
Website: www.stpaulsschool.org.uk

Westminster School, Central London

Westminster School is a leading academic institution in central London, offering an exceptional education for boys aged 7 to 18 and girls aged 16 to 18. Known for its rich history and commitment to intellectual curiosity, Westminster provides a diverse and inclusive environment, with extensive co-curricular activities and a strong emphasis on pastoral care.

Gender: Boys only up to Year 11 (7 to 16) and co-educational Sixth Form (16 to 18)
Curriculum: British (English National Curriculum, GCSE and A-Levels)
Ages: 7 to 18
Website: www.westminster.org.uk