Expert Insights

Best Private Schools in the UK: Top 100 for 2024

Published 27th September 2024 by Alastair

With so many private schools to choose from in the UK, finding the right one for your child can be overwhelming. Renowned for their academic excellence, world-class facilities, and holistic development programs, private schools offer a wide range of options. In this guide, we rank the top 100 private schools in England for 2024, offering insights into fees, admission processes, and helping you identify the best schools for your child's needs.

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What are Private Schools?

Private schools, often referred to as independent schools, are educational institutions that charge fees to attend rather than being funded by the government.

They offer a broad and rigorous curriculum, small class sizes, and enhanced extracurricular activities. These schools typically have the freedom to create their own teaching methods, ensuring a well-rounded education that may not always align with the national curriculum.

Private schools often have selective admissions, where students need to pass entrance exams or interviews. Many of these schools have a long-standing history of academic success, with alumni achieving places at top universities worldwide.

Read on our guide for the differences between Independent and Grammar Schools to learn more about Independent Schools.

Want to know the top Grammar Schools in the UK? Read our guide here.

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Why Are Private Schools in England Sometimes Called Public Schools?

For international readers, the terminology around British schools can be confusing.

In England, many prestigious private schools, such as Eton and Harrow, are historically referred to as “public schools.” This dates back to the 18th century when these schools opened their doors to students from across the country, not just those from the local area, making them “public” in that sense. Despite the term, these schools are privately funded and charge fees.

If you would like support with the independent school admissions process, we recommend speaking to our expert consultants. Our consultants have had years of experience working within the private school sector, and many are former or current heads of some of the best independent schools in the country.

If your child needs academic support to help them with their school admissions journey, our expert tutors are here to help.

School Admissions Advice

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How Much Do Private Schools Cost?

One of the primary considerations for parents considering private education is the cost.

Private school fees in the UK can vary significantly depending on the school’s reputation, location, and facilities. On average:

Day schools: £12,000 - £18,000 per year
Boarding schools: £30,000 - £40,000 per year

These costs often include tuition, extracurricular activities, and sometimes meals, but they may not cover uniforms, school trips, or additional tutoring. Some schools also offer scholarships or bursaries for talented students or those from lower-income families.

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What is the Average Class Size in UK Private Schools?

Class size is one of the key factors that draw parents to private schools.

The average class size in UK private schools is around 8 to 12 students per teacher. This low student-to-teacher ratio allows for personalized attention and tailored instruction, ensuring that each child receives the support they need to excel academically. In comparison, state schools often have class sizes of 25-30 students.

Small class sizes also create an intimate learning environment, where students feel comfortable engaging in discussions and asking questions, fostering a love of learning.

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Which Private Schools are Hardest to Get Into?

The most prestigious private schools in the UK are known for their competitive admissions processes.

Schools such as Eton College, Harrow School, and Westminster School are notoriously difficult to gain entry to. These schools often require students to pass rigorous entrance exams, attend interviews, and in some cases, provide portfolios or references. Many parents begin preparing their children years in advance for these exams.

At Ivy Education, we offer personalised tuition, tailored school advice, and expert guidance to help students excel in their applications. Our experienced tutors provide targeted support, ensuring your child is fully prepared for the challenges of private school admissions, giving them the best chance to secure a place at their dream school.

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Are Private Schools Good for Your Child?

Private schools offer many benefits, but whether they’re the right fit for your child depends on your family's goals and values. Here are some potential advantages of private schools:

Academic Excellence: Private schools tend to have higher academic standards and greater resources to support student learning.
Extracurricular Opportunities: From music and sports to drama and coding clubs, private schools often provide a wider range of activities outside the classroom.
Personalised Learning: With smaller class sizes, teachers can offer more individual attention and customized learning plans.
Global Networks: Many private schools have international programs, exchange opportunities, and connections with top universities.

That said, private schooling may not be necessary for every child. For some students, a well-regarded state school or a grammar school could offer equally impressive opportunities at a lower cost.

We've written some guides for you to help you make an informed decision:

Grammar or Independent: Which is Right for my Child?

For an expert’s view, we spoke with our wonderful schools consultant, Peter Clare Hunt – a headmaster for seventeen years with a wealth of knowledge on the London school circuit and beyond. Read this blog to learn the main differences between Grammar Schools and Independent schools.

The Benefits of Homeschooling

Homeschooling has seen a notable rise in popularity across the UK in recent years. We've asked our family education consultants to provide us with the top 13 benefits of homeschooling, providing insights into how this educational choice can positively impact children and families.

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Which UK City Has the Best Private Schools?

The UK is home to some of the best private schools in the world, with cities like London, Oxford, and Cambridge leading the charge.

London offers a wide range of prestigious schools, including Westminster School, St Paul’s School, and City of London School.

Oxford and Cambridge are not only known for their world-renowned universities but also boast exceptional private schools such as Magdalen College School, Oxford and The Perse School, Cambridge which provide excellent education from nursery through to secondary school.

Parents often choose to send their children to these cities not only for the schools but also for the academic culture, the rich history, and vibrant learning environments that surround them.

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How Are the Rankings Measured?

Unlike other guides, we've ranked our schools a bit differently.

To get our top 100 schools, we took the latest 2024 data from the Independent Schools Council, and extracted each school's A Level and GCSE results, and weighted them based on the frequency of achieved A*, A, B, C, D, E, and U grades. The schools were sorted by order that got the highest ratio of stronger grades over weaker grades.

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The top 100 private schools in England in 2024-2025

The list below ranks Independent Schools* based on their A Level and GCSE results

Rank	School	% of 'A*'s Achieved	% of 'A's Achieved	% of 'B's Achieved	% of 'C's Achieved	% of 'D's Achieved	% of 'E's Achieved	% of 'U's Achieved
1	Westminster School	57.7	29.3	9.7	2.3	0.9	0.1	0.0
2	Brighton College	46.0	40.4	12.9	0.7	0.0	0.0	0.0
3	Dulwich College	31.0	32.2	23.4	8.8	3.2	1.0	0.5
4	The Perse School	44.9	36.4	13.2	4.5	0.8	0.2	0.0
5	King's College School, Wimbledon	49.2	36.9	10.7	2.0	0.5	0.2	0.5
6	Magdalen College School	41.7	38.8	14.4	3.9	0.9	0.3	0.0
7	Concord College	38.4	34.8	21.1	4.6	1.0	0.2	0.0
8	Alleyn's School	29.7	37.3	20.3	9.1	2.6	1.0	0.0
9	City of London School	35.5	34.9	17.5	8.4	2.1	1.1	0.5
10	Manchester Grammar School	26.5	34.4	21.7	10.3	5.1	1.3	0.7
11	University College School	28.8	34.4	19.3	12.2	4.0	0.8	0.5
12	Royal School, Worcester	25.5	35.7	23.8	9.2	3.8	1.9	0.2
13	Reigate Grammar School	28.5	33.2	23.1	10.4	3.4	1.2	0.2
14	Royal Grammar School	31.0	34.5	21.3	9.4	2.8	0.6	0.4
15	Trinity School	28.0	32.1	25.0	10.5	2.7	1.5	0.2
16	Oundle School	28.1	38.3	21.1	9.4	2.4	0.6	0.0
17	St Albans School	29.1	36.9	21.7	9.3	2.5	0.5	0.0
18	Merchant Taylors' School	25.7	37.9	24.6	8.8	2.1	0.9	0.0
19	Caterham School	26.1	38.5	23.2	9.8	1.8	0.5	0.0
20	Guildford High School	41.0	35.5	16.1	5.4	1.4	0.3	0.3
21	d'Overbroeck's College	22.2	28.1	32.0	12.4	4.2	0.9	0.3
22	City of London School for Girls	40.3	34.2	16.4	6.4	2.2	0.4	0.0
23	Wimbledon High School	49.5	30.5	12.2	6.1	1.4	0.0	0.4
24	King Edward VI High School for Girls	45.3	37.7	10.6	5.5	0.5	0.3	0.0
25	Nottingham High School	36.6	31.3	18.6	9.1	3.2	1.1	0.0
26	Wycombe Abbey School	56.7	31.7	8.3	2.6	0.7	0.0	0.0
27	Bancroft's School	27.4	41.0	20.5	7.7	2.8	0.7	0.0
28	Whitgift School	29.8	38.9	19.7	8.1	2.5	0.7	0.3
29	Cheltenham Ladies' College	47.5	35.3	11.4	3.6	1.5	0.4	0.2
30	Wellington College	32.4	35.6	20.8	8.0	2.4	0.7	0.0
31	Leeds School	26.7	33.5	21.6	12.4	4.0	1.2	0.7
32	Surbiton High School	32.3	33.8	18.9	9.1	4.2	1.2	0.6
33	Emanuel School	22.1	36.4	26.2	11.1	3.2	1.0	0.0
34	The King's School, Canterbury	30.2	35.2	20.1	10.2	2.4	1.1	0.9
35	King Edward's School, Birmingham	38.5	38.9	15.6	4.4	1.8	0.8	0.0
36	The National Mathematics and Science College	54.9	27.2	9.9	2.8	4.2	0.9	0.0
37	Epsom College	28.6	37.6	20.2	8.5	3.4	1.2	0.4
38	Radley College	25.0	38.2	22.7	9.7	3.2	1.1	0.0
39	Putney High School	37.6	35.9	20.0	4.7	1.7	0.0	0.0
40	Norwich School	24.3	32.9	24.8	12.7	4.5	0.8	0.0
41	Bristol School	24.1	33.6	23.1	13.7	4.3	1.0	0.2
42	Hurtwood House	30.1	40.2	22.1	5.6	1.2	0.5	0.3
43	South Hampstead High School	47.4	34.4	13.4	4.1	0.7	0.0	0.0
44	Eltham College	27.4	35.7	21.4	10.1	3.2	1.7	0.5
45	MPW College	13.2	21.4	27.1	22.3	10.1	4.6	1.3
46	Solihull School	25.3	36.8	23.2	10.8	2.9	0.6	0.3
47	City of London Freemen's School	30.5	40.2	21.2	5.9	1.6	0.3	0.3
48	Canford School	23.0	33.7	25.0	12.6	4.5	0.8	0.4
49	Bedford Modern School	17.1	32.6	26.5	15.1	6.1	2.0	0.7
50	Forest School	19.5	36.3	26.0	12.8	3.9	1.0	0.4
51	Churcher's College	31.0	35.2	19.7	10.4	2.7	0.7	0.3
52	St Michael's School	22.8	35.1	25.6	12.1	2.9	1.5	0.0
53	Withington Girls' School	36.1	39.4	16.2	7.1	1.2	0.0	0.0
54	Leicester Grammar School	24.5	30.7	27.7	11.5	4.4	1.2	0.0
55	Oxford High School	30.0	32.6	24.3	7.1	4.1	1.5	0.4
56	Reading Blue Coat School	26.0	35.0	23.8	9.8	4.0	1.4	0.0
57	St Mary's School Ascot	42.3	34.6	13.2	6.9	1.7	0.9	0.4
58	The Leys School	23.4	30.8	25.8	12.7	4.9	1.4	1.0
59	Ipswich School	23.9	30.6	26.3	13.5	4.4	1.1	0.3
60	Colfe's School	19.8	31.6	24.1	17.8	4.8	1.9	0.0
61	Roedean School	27.1	32.1	23.1	11.8	4.2	1.4	0.3
62	Abbey College Cambridge	57.7	29.3	9.7	2.3	0.9	0.1	0.0
63	Exeter School	23.0	34.7	28.5	10.7	2.5	0.6	0.0
64	Queen Ethelburga's College	35.5	48.8	11.8	2.4	0.9	0.5	0.0
65	Bradford Grammar School	25.8	31.3	25.2	12.4	3.6	1.1	0.7
66	Oakham School	25.4	32.3	23.1	13.2	4.2	1.4	0.4
67	St Helen's School	22.7	29.1	30.1	12.6	4.0	1.5	0.0
68	Millfield School	8.9	21.8	29.9	23.3	12.6	3.5	0.0
69	Howell's School Llandaff	25.1	28.3	24.4	15.7	4.6	1.7	0.2
70	Brampton College	23.5	35.1	24.8	11.4	4.0	1.0	0.2
71	Ardingly College	22.9	37.1	26.5	9.9	3.0	0.6	0.0
72	Bedford School	17.5	30.2	26.9	14.2	6.3	2.9	1.9
73	Dame Allan's School	24.1	32.3	24.2	13.9	4.1	1.4	0.0
74	St John's School, Leatherhead	22.1	30.5	26.2	12.2	5.7	2.7	0.6
75	St Dunstan's College	27.9	31.8	29.2	7.7	2.6	0.9	0.0
76	St Catherine's School	25.2	35.0	25.6	11.0	3.1	0.0	0.0
77	The Cathedral School Llandaff	17.1	28.6	28.9	14.9	7.4	3.0	0.0
78	Chigwell School	24.1	30.9	27.4	11.8	4.1	1.1	0.6
79	Haileybury School	18.3	34.2	30.1	12.2	4.1	0.9	0.3
80	Queen Elizabeth's Hospital, Bristol	15.9	31.0	29.5	15.2	6.0	2.5	0.0
81	Sheffield High School	25.4	32.8	24.4	12.8	3.7	0.7	0.2
82	Ruthin School	18.3	31.1	30.7	12.5	5.7	1.2	0.5
83	St John's College, Cardiff	20.2	35.3	26.4	12.4	4.4	1.3	0.0
84	Notting Hill and Ealing High School	41.0	38.0	13.7	6.1	1.2	0.0	0.0
85	Cheadle Hulme School	20.1	29.5	27.3	14.5	6.0	2.3	0.3
86	The King's School, Macclesfield	21.1	32.7	19.9	9.0	4.1	1.9	0.4
87	Bablake School	19.5	31.3	26.6	15.6	5.0	2.0	0.0
88	Kimbolton School	14.6	33.7	28.7	15.0	5.5	2.5	0.0
89	Yarm School	16.9	31.7	25.5	17.0	6.1	2.7	0.0
90	Fettes College	17.4	24.8	27.5	17.1	9.4	3.0	0.7
91	Ibstock Place School	15.4	41.0	26.0	12.8	4.0	0.7	0.0
92	Withington Girls' School	36.1	39.4	16.2	7.1	1.2	0.0	0.0
93	St Catherine's, Bramley	25.2	35.0	25.6	11.0	3.1	0.0	0.0
94	Denstone College	8.9	22.2	27.8	20.2	14.9	4.3	1.7
95	The National Mathematics and Science College	54.9	27.2	9.9	2.8	4.2	0.9	0.0
96	St Dunstan's College	27.9	31.8	29.2	7.7	2.6	0.9	0.0
97	Queen Ethelburga's College	35.5	48.8	11.8	2.4	0.9	0.5	0.0
98	Loughborough High School	19.8	30.6	30.2	13.2	4.5	1.7	0.0
99	The Abbey School	22.3	36.1	25.3	12.0	3.0	1.3	0.0
100	Rochester Independent College	7.3	15.2	32.0	23.1	12.2	7.9	2.3

*Why are there some "grammar schools" on your list?

Some schools on this list were once grammar schools and have kept their name, but have since become privatised. We have sourced our list from the Independent Schools Council.

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The Top 10 Private Schools in Detail

Here’s a closer look at some of the top-performing private schools in the UK for 2024:

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Westminster School

Located in the heart of London, Westminster School is consistently ranked among the top schools in the UK due to its academic excellence and historic significance. Known for its rigorous entrance exams and demanding curriculum, Westminster produces some of the country’s highest GCSE and A-Level results. The school also offers a unique urban experience, with its close proximity to Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament, enriching students with cultural and political exposure.

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Brighton College

Brighton College is celebrated for its modern approach to education, combining academic rigour with an emphasis on creativity and individuality. It offers a broad and dynamic curriculum that nurtures both intellectual and personal growth. Regularly achieving outstanding exam results, Brighton College excels in fostering a supportive community where students are encouraged to pursue excellence in the arts, sports, and academics. Its forward-thinking ethos and state-of-the-art facilities make it one of the UK’s most innovative schools.

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Cardiff Sixth Form College

Cardiff Sixth Form College is renowned for its unparalleled A-Level results, consistently ranking at the top of UK league tables. Specialising in preparing students for admission to leading universities, particularly Oxbridge and medical schools, the college offers a focused academic environment. Its emphasis on small class sizes and personalised teaching ensures that each student receives the individual attention needed to succeed in their chosen fields. The school’s results-driven approach has made it one of the most competitive sixth form colleges in the UK.

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King's College School, Wimbledon

King’s College School in Wimbledon (KCS Wimbledon) is known for its balanced combination of academic strength and well-rounded education. The school consistently produces high-achieving students, with a significant number progressing to top universities worldwide. What sets King’s apart is its emphasis on a holistic approach to education—fostering intellectual curiosity while encouraging involvement in extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and drama. The school’s nurturing environment and close-knit community contribute to its excellent reputation.

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The Perse School

The Perse School in Cambridge is synonymous with academic excellence, consistently placing high in national rankings for GCSE and A-Level results. With a strong emphasis on traditional values combined with modern educational practices, The Perse encourages independent thinking and resilience among its students. The school’s culture promotes a love of learning, not just for exams but for life, making it one of the UK’s most respected institutions. Its proximity to the University of Cambridge also provides unique enrichment opportunities.

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Dulwich College

Dulwich College, with its stunning campus and long-standing reputation, is a leader in academic and co-curricular excellence. The school is known for its impressive balance between scholarly achievements and a strong commitment to the arts, sports, and personal development. Dulwich’s diverse and vibrant community, coupled with its broad curriculum, ensures students receive a comprehensive education that prepares them for university and beyond. The college’s global connections through its international schools add a unique dimension to its offering.

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Magdalen College School

Located in Oxford, Magdalen College School is one of the country’s top-performing day schools. Known for its academic strength, particularly in STEM and humanities subjects, the school has a reputation for fostering intellectual and creative excellence. Magdalen students consistently achieve high results at GCSE and A-Level, with many continuing on to Oxbridge and other prestigious universities. Its location, adjacent to the University of Oxford, provides unique academic and cultural opportunities for its students.

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Concord College

Concord College, set in the Shropshire countryside, is famed for its academic rigour and outstanding international reputation. The school has a diverse student body, with pupils from over 40 countries, and is known for its welcoming, inclusive environment. Concord consistently achieves exceptional A-Level results, with a strong focus on preparing students for global universities. The school’s emphasis on pastoral care, along with its academic achievements, makes it a top choice for both UK and international families.

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Alleyn's School

Alleyn’s School in South London is celebrated for its academic success and its vibrant arts and sports programmes. Known for its nurturing environment, Alleyn’s balances a strong academic focus with an equally important commitment to personal development. The school’s inclusive ethos ensures that all students are encouraged to explore their passions, whether that be in the classroom, on the sports field, or in the theatre. Its strong sense of community and pastoral care are key factors that contribute to its high standing.

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City of London School

City of London School, located along the Thames, is one of the UK’s premier independent day schools for boys. The school is known for its academic excellence, with a particular strength in STEM subjects. What makes City of London School stand out is its focus on producing well-rounded individuals, encouraging participation in a wide range of extracurricular activities, from debating to sports. Its prime location offers students access to the cultural and professional opportunities of central London, making it a dynamic place to learn and grow.

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Conclusion

Choosing the right private school for your child can be a complex and daunting process, especially when considering the many factors involved—academic reputation, entry requirements, and the overall fit for your child’s unique needs.

At Ivy Education, we offer tailored School Consultancy and Private Tuition services to guide families through every step of this important decision. Whether you're seeking advice on school applications, entrance exam preparation, or bespoke tutoring to ensure your child’s academic success, our expert team is here to help.

Contact Ivy Education today to find out how we can support your child in securing a place at one of the UK’s top private schools and set them on the path to success.

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FAQs

Most private schools require students to take entrance exams such as the 11+ or 13+, and some also conduct interviews or require personal statements.

Applications typically involve submitting forms, taking entrance exams, attending interviews, and paying application fees. Some schools also require references.

If you need support with this, Ivy Education can help with all of your pastoral needs.

Preparation often starts 1-2 years in advance, especially for highly competitive schools. Tailored tuition and guidance can help your child succeed.

Yes, many private schools offer scholarships and bursaries based on merit or financial need. It’s worth researching each school’s specific programs.