The UK boasts a rich history of some of the most prestigious and remarkable educational establishments worldwide. Within this assemblage of UK independent senior schools, located in the London area, a select few shine with their academic excellence, diverse extracurriculars, and personal attention to each student. Below are Think Tutors’ current top five, considering the school’s academic results, extracurriculars, and unique programmes, as well as our own insights.
1. St. Paul’s Girls’ School
St. Paul’s Girls’ School (SPGS) is an outstanding independent day school for girls aged 11-18, located in Hammersmith, London. Established in 1904 to complement St. Paul’s School, SPGS is now considered one of the best independent schools in the UK.
SPGS student’s accomplishments are impressive. In 2022, 97.9% of their students earned grades 9-7 at GCSE, and 99.5% achieved A-Level results A*-B, with 37 of their students progressing to Oxford or Cambridge.
There are two available entry points at SPGS: 11+ and 16+. Students are expected to live within a 50-minute commute to the school, or a reasonable distance at 16+. As an academically selective school, St. Paul’s admission process determines whether the student will thrive by identifying natural talent and potential.
SPGS has a house system where students are divided into six houses named after influential women in history, including Austen, Curie, Franklin, Nightingale, Pankhurst, and Seacole. Emphasising character development, SPGS has a range of notable alumnae, including Barbara Moore, Naiza Khan, and Rachel Weisz.
2. St. Paul’s School
St. Paul’s is a highly regarded school for boys aged 7-18, located in Barnes, London. Founded in 1509 by John Colet, a Dean of St. Paul’s Cathedral, St. Paul’s has a long history of academic excellence.
In 2022, at A Level and Pre-U, 70% of grades awarded were A* (or equivalent), and 96% were A* or A (or equivalent). Furthermore, 76% of GCSE grades were at grade 9, and 94% were at grade 8 or 9.
With just 36 places available at 11+, and 13+ entry closed until 2026, entrance to St. Paul’s is highly sought after. Only 20 candidates join St. Paul’s in Year 12, therefore it is advisable to seek entry at 13+, in which around 136 students are admitted to the school.
Aided by a 100-minute-long lunch ‘break’, students are encouraged to learn and develop outside of the classroom on a daily basis. The school has a strong tradition of rowing, and its boat club is one of the most successful in the UK, producing Olympian rowers Tom Charlton and Simon Dennis.
3. King’s College School
King’s College School (KCS) was founded in 1829 and is located in Wimbledon, London. Renowned for its academic excellence, the school is a consistent top performer among British schools, excelling particularly in mathematics and the sciences.
The school has an impressive track record of progressing students to top-tier universities, a testament to its dedication to educational excellence. 68% of A-Level results were A*, and 94% were A* or A in 2022. In GCSEs, 73% were awarded a grade 9, and 90% were grades 8 or 9.
Entrance into the school can be at 11+, 13+ or 16+. The school does not allow a student to apply for both 11+ and 13+, as all boys are assessed in Year 6. For 16+, boys and girls are assessed via tests and interviews, which take place in Year 11, but the student should be registered by the end of Year 10.
4. Westminster School
Westminster, with its rich history and proximity to the pillars of British politics and religion, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey, combines tradition with a progressive mindset.
98% of students achieved grades 7-9 at GCSE, with 25 students achieving straight 9s. Outstanding grades continue at A-Level, with 70% of students achieving straight A*s.
Each year, Westminster School offers places to boys at 13+ entry and to boys and girls at 16+, receiving around 1,100 admissions but admitting only 325. As such, competition for places is high, so thorough preparation should be considered for a successful entry.
With a unique connection to the British monarchy, their internationally renowned choir performs at many state occasions, including royal weddings and funerals. Equally noteworthy is its esteemed ‘election’ system. A tradition that dates back to the 14th century, each year a group of students become Queen’s Scholars based on their academic prowess and potential, enabling them to enjoy a range of exclusive privileges.
5. City of London School
Founded in 1834, the City of London School (CLS) is an independent day school for boys. It has acquired a reputation as one of the most acclaimed schools in the UK, attracting discerning students from across the globe.
In 2022, 86% of students achieved grades 8 or 9 at GCSE. Furthermore, 91% achieved A* or A at A-Level, with many of their students progressing to the universities of Oxford or Cambridge.
CSL seeks students who are able to contribute to the school community through their interests, skills, and personalities. The main points of admission are Years 6, 7, 9, and 12, with the largest intake in Year 7. Year 9 entry is highly competitive, and places have already been filled until 2026.
Many students have pursued successful careers in the performing arts after benefiting from CLS’ distinguished programmes, such as Daniel Radcliffe and Joe Strummer.
James Mitchell, Co-Founder at Think Tutors
“Organising tuition with Think Tutors’ is the most effective way to gain an advantage in the admissions process for all UK independent senior schools. We help with admission at 7/8+, 11+, 13+, and 16+, as well as any other entry point, utilising tutors who are specialists in independent school admissions. With expert guidance and exclusive insights on schools, private tuition with us leaves no stone unturned. We would be delighted to hear from you if you are interested in finding an elite tutor to help your child gain a place at the school of their choice.”
To contact Think Tutors or to find more information, please visit their website at www.thinktutors.com
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