Top Independent Schools in the UK in 2026

The best independent schools in the UK in 2026 are led by St Paul's School, Brighton College and North London Collegiate School. There are more than 2,500 independent schools in the UK, including around 500 boarding schools. The most competitive schools are selective, requiring children to pass entrance exams, usually sat in November to January of Year 6. 

Thinking about an independent school for your child? With more than 2,500 independent schools across the UK, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. This guide covers everything you need: what an independent school is, how many there are in the UK, the top 100 independent schools ranked by results, fees and bursaries for the top 10 independent schools in the UK, and exactly how to prepare your child for the entry process. 

What is an independent school?

An independent school is a fee-paying school that operates independently of local authority and government control. Independent schools are also called private schools. Unlike state schools, which are free to attend, independent schools charge termly fees paid directly by parents; most families make three payments across the academic year.

Because independent schools receive private funding rather than government funding, they are generally able to offer a wider range of facilities and extracurricular activities than state schools. Many of the best independent schools in the UK have exceptional music, drama, sport and outdoor education programmes alongside their academic provision.

Independent schools are free to set their own curriculum, term dates, uniform rules and admissions policies. Some offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) as an alternative to A levels. Many are selective, meaning your child must pass an entrance exam before being considered for a place.

How many independent schools are in the UK?

There are more than 2,500 independent schools in the UK, educating approximately 6 to 7 percent of all school-age children. This includes over 1,500 private senior schools and around 500 boarding schools. The figure has remained relatively stable in recent years, though the number of pupils claiming bursaries has grown as schools have expanded their financial assistance programmes.

• 2,500+: Independent schools in the UK

• 500+: Boarding schools across the UK

• £547m: Offered annually in bursaries by ISC schools

The Independent Schools Council (ISC) represents over 1,300 of the highest-performing private schools in the UK and internationally. ISC membership is widely seen as a mark of quality; member schools are inspected and held to consistent standards. The rankings in this guide cover independent schools in England.

Independent schools vs grammar schools - What is the difference?

Both independent schools and grammar schools are selective. Both test children academically before offering places. But they are fundamentally different in one key way: grammar schools are free. Independent schools are fee-paying.

Grammar schools are state-funded and use the 11 plus entrance exam typically sat in September of Year 6 to select children working at the top end of the academic ability range. Entry is free, and the process is administered through the local authority. Our guide to the best grammar schools in the UK covers this in full.

Independent schools set their own entrance exams, usually sat in November to January of Year 6. Some use the ISEB Common Pre-Test or CAT4 test. Entry fees are charged termly. Many offer both day and boarding options. The most competitive independent schools in the UK accept a very small proportion of applicants.

Top 10 independent schools in the UK

The following schools are ranked the best independent schools in the UK in 2026. 

1. St Paul's School

A level results: 98.2% A*-B

GCSE results: 97.6% A*/A

St Paul's School is a boys' independent day and boarding school on a 43-acre site in Barnes, West London. Founded in 1509 by John Colet, Dean of St Paul's Cathedral, it is one of the oldest and most academically outstanding schools in England. Boys at St Paul's are known as Paulines. In 2025, 38 boys progressed to Oxford and Cambridge, and 33 were offered places at universities in North America.

2. Brighton College

A level results: 97.9% A*-B

GCSE results: 98% A*/A

Brighton College is a co-educational independent day and boarding school founded in 1845. It was awarded Independent Boarding School of the Year, Independent School of the Year for A Levels and Independent School of the Year for Academic Excellence in the South East in 2025. One of the most innovative schools in England, with a strong record of both academic achievement and creative education.

3. North London Collegiate School

A level results: 96.6% A*-B

GCSE results: 99.2% A*/A

North London Collegiate School is an independent day school for girls aged 4 to 18, founded in 1850 by Frances Buss, a pioneer in girls' education and the first school in the UK to offer girls the same educational opportunities as boys. The school occupies a Georgian mansion on a 30-acre site in Edgware and has one of the strongest academic records of any independent school in England. 

4. Godolphin and Latymer School

A level results: 97.5% A*-B

GCSE results: 96.9% A*/A

Godolphin and Latymer School is an independent day school for girls in Hammersmith, West London. Founded in 1905, it offers a broad curriculum including both A levels and the International Baccalaureate (IB) in the sixth form and has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence across the arts, sciences and humanities.

5. Guildford High School

A level results: 97.3% A*-B

GCSE results: 96.7% A*/A

Guildford High School is an independent day school for girls aged 4 to 18. It runs an extensive co-curricular programme with more than 70 clubs per week and has placed a strong emphasis on sustainability in recent years, earning the Eco-Schools Green Flag with Distinction in 2023 for its environmental initiatives. 

6. St Paul's Girls' School

A level results: 95.6% A*-B

GCSE results: 99.5% A*/A

St Paul's Girls' School in Hammersmith, West London, is consistently among the top 10 independent schools in the UK. Founded in 1904 as a complement to St Paul's School (boys), students are known as Paulinas. There are approximately 20 students per class in the Lower School. The school has exceptional music, drama and sporting programmes alongside its outstanding academic results. 

7. King's College School, Wimbledon

A level results: 96.2% A*-B

GCSE results: 98.2% A*/A

King's College School, Wimbledon is a prestigious boys' day school on the edge of Wimbledon Common. Founded by royal charter in 1829 as the junior department of King's College London, it moved to Wimbledon in 1897. Girls are accepted into the sixth form. The school combines outstanding academic results with a broad co-curricular programme and strong Oxbridge placement rates. 

8. Westminster School

A level results: 96.3% A*-B

GCSE results: 97.6% A*/A

Westminster School is one of the most historic and academically prestigious independent schools in the UK. Located in the precincts of Westminster Abbey in Central London, it is one of the original public schools. Girls are admitted to the sixth form. Many sixth-form leavers progress to Oxford, Cambridge and highly selective universities in the US. The school has a long tradition of academic excellence in classics, sciences and the arts. 

9. City of London School for Girls

A level results: 95.7% A*-B

GCSE results: 95.4% A*/A

City of London School for Girls is an independent day school for girls aged 7 to 18 in the heart of Central London. The school describes itself as "intellectually edgy, unassuming and unpretentious." A unique coaching programme supports girls to develop inner strength, social and emotional intelligence and integrity alongside their academic excellence. The school consistently ranks among the top 10 best independent schools in the UK. 

10. Latymer Upper School

A level results: 95.1% A*-B

GCSE results: 96.5% A*/A

Latymer Upper School is one of London's leading co-educational independent day schools for boys and girls aged 7 to 18. In 2025, a record 95% of A-level results were A*-B and 84% of sixth-formers who applied were accepted onto their first-choice university course. The school combines strong academics with a broad co-curricular programme covering music, drama, sport and the arts. 

Top 100 independent schools in the UK 

1. St Paul's School - London: A level A*-B: 98.2% | GCSE A*/A: 97.6% (Boys)

2. Brighton College - Brighton: A level A*-B: 97.9% | GCSE A*/A: 98% (Mixed)

3. North London Collegiate School - London: A level A*-B: 96.6% | GCSE A*/A: 99.2% (Girls)

4. Godolphin and Latymer School - London: A level A*-B: 97.5% | GCSE A*/A: 96.9% (Girls)

5. Guildford High School - Guildford: A level A*-B: 97.3% | GCSE A*/A: 96.7% (Girls)

6. St Paul's Girls' School - London: A level A*-B: 95.6% | GCSE A*/A: 99.5% (Girls)

7. King's College School, Wimbledon - London: A level A*-B: 96.2% | GCSE A*/A: 98.2% (Boys/Mixed 6th)

8. Westminster School - London: A level A*-B: 96.3% | GCSE A*/A: 97.6% (Boys/Mixed 6th)

9. City of London School for Girls - London: A level A*-B: 95.7% | GCSE A*/A: 95.4% (Girls)

10. Latymer Upper School - London: A level A*-B: 95.1% | GCSE A*/A: 96.5% (Mixed)

11. King Edward VI High School for Girls - Birmingham: A level A*-B: 94.9% | GCSE A*/A: 96.6% (Girls)

12. Lady Eleanor Holles - London: A level A*-B: 95.9% | GCSE A*/A: 93.6% (Girls)

13. Alleyn's School - London: A level A*-B: 94.7% | GCSE A*/A: 94.8% (Mixed)

14. Eton College - Windsor: A level A*-B: 95% | GCSE A*/A: 94% (Boys)

15. Sevenoaks School - Sevenoaks: A level A*-B: 97.4% | GCSE A*/A: 88.7% (Mixed)

16. South Hampstead High School GDST - London: A level A*-B: 95.2% | GCSE A*/A: 92.2% (Girls)

17. City of London School - London: A level A*-B: 93.2% | GCSE A*/A: 95.5% (Boys)

18. Wycombe Abbey - High Wycombe: A level A*-B: 92.4% | GCSE A*/A: 96.7% (Girls)

19. Highgate School - London: A level A*-B: 92.7% | GCSE A*/A: 95.7% (Mixed)

20. Magdalen College School - Oxford: A level A*-B: 93.2% | GCSE A*/A: 94.1% (Boys/Mixed 6th)

21. Queen Ethelburga's College - York: A level A*-B: 94.5% | GCSE A*/A: 90.3% (Mixed)

22. Royal Grammar School, Guildford - Guildford: A level A*-B: 95.2% | GCSE A*/A: 88.6% (Boys)

23. Putney High School GDST - London: A level A*-B: 93.4% | GCSE A*/A: 91.8% (Girls)

24. Hampton School - London: A level A*-B: 91.5% | GCSE A*/A: 95.8% (Boys)

25. University College School - London: A level A*-B: 93.6% | GCSE A*/A: 91.3% (Boys/Mixed 6th)

26. Winchester College - Winchester: A level A*-B: 92.4% | GCSE A*/A: 93.5% (Boys/Mixed 6th)

27. The Perse School - Cambridge: A level A*-B: 93.9% | GCSE A*/A: 90.4% (Mixed)

28. Tonbridge School - Tonbridge: A level A*-B: 92.5% | GCSE A*/A: 92.6% (Boys)

29. Reigate Grammar School - Reigate: A level A*-B: 93.9% | GCSE A*/A: 89.7% (Mixed)

30. Kingston Grammar School - Kingston upon Thames: A level A*-B: 92.7% | GCSE A*/A: 91.6% (Mixed)

31. Concord College - Shrewsbury: A level A*-B: 95.3% | GCSE A*/A: 86.2% (Mixed)

32. Trinity School, Croydon - Croydon: A level A*-B: 95% | GCSE A*/A: 86.1% (Boys/Mixed 6th)

33. James Allen's Girls' School - London: A level A*-B: 92.7% | GCSE A*/A: 90.7% (Girls)

34. Notting Hill and Ealing High School GDST - London: A level A*-B: 91.4% | GCSE A*/A: 93.1% (Girls)

35. Withington Girls' School - Manchester: A level A*-B: 91.3% | GCSE A*/A: 92.9% (Girls)

36. Wimbledon High School GDST - London: A level A*-B: 94.6% | GCSE A*/A: 85.9% (Girls)

37. Bancroft's - Woodford Green: A level A*-B: 93.2% | GCSE A*/A: 88.3% (Mixed)

38. Caterham School - Caterham: A level A*-B: 91.4% | GCSE A*/A: 91.5% (Mixed)

39. The Manchester Grammar School - Manchester: A level A*-B: 93% | GCSE A*/A: 88.2% (Boys)

40. Cardiff Sixth Form College - Cardiff: A level A*-B: 99.6% | GCSE A*/A: 74.8% (Mixed)

41. King Edward's School, Birmingham - Birmingham: A level A*-B: 94.8% | GCSE A*/A: 83.8% (Boys)

42. Emanuel School - London: A level A*-B: 91.3% | GCSE A*/A: 90.9% (Mixed)

43. Oxford High School GDST - Oxford: A level A*-B: 89.3% | GCSE A*/A: 93.6% (Girls)

44. Eltham College - London: A level A*-B: 91.9% | GCSE A*/A: 88.5% (Mixed)

45. Channing School - London: A level A*-B: 95.1% | GCSE A*/A: 81.7% (Girls)

46. Dulwich College - London: A level A*-B: 89.1% | GCSE A*/A: 93.5% (Boys)

47. Colfe's School - London: A level A*-B: 95.3% | GCSE A*/A: 80.1% (Mixed)

48. Wellington College - Crowthorne: A level A*-B: 91.6% | GCSE A*/A: 86.7% (Mixed)

49. Nottingham High School - Nottingham: A level A*-B: 92.4% | GCSE A*/A: 84.9% (Mixed)

50. Surbiton High School - Kingston upon Thames: A level A*-B: 91.8% | GCSE A*/A: 85.5% (Girls)

51. St Albans High School for Girls - St Albans: A level A*-B: 92% | GCSE A*/A: 85% (Girls)

52. Epsom College - Epsom: A level A*-B: 90.6% | GCSE A*/A: 87.1% (Mixed)

53. Whitgift School - South Croydon: A level A*-B: 90.1% | GCSE A*/A: 87.2% (Boys)

54. St Helen and St Katharine - Abingdon: A level A*-B: 87.5% | GCSE A*/A: 92.1% (Girls)

55. Merchant Taylors' School, Northwood - London: A level A*-B: 89.3% | GCSE A*/A: 88.3% (Boys)

56. Westbourne School - Penarth: A level A*-B: 96.5% | GCSE A*/A: 73.1% (Mixed)

57. City of London Freemen's School - Ashtead: A level A*-B: 92.2% | GCSE A*/A: 81.5% (Mixed)

58. St Michael's School - Llanelli: A level A*-B: 93.5% | GCSE A*/A: 78.7% (Mixed)

59. Francis Holland School, Sloane Square - London: A level A*-B: 89% | GCSE A*/A: 87% (Girls)

60. Abingdon School - Abingdon: A level A*-B: 88.9% | GCSE A*/A: 87.1% (Mixed)

61. St Mary's School Ascot - Ascot: A level A*-B: 84.7% | GCSE A*/A: 94.1% (Girls)

62. Cheltenham Ladies' College - Cheltenham: A level A*-B: 87.3% | GCSE A*/A: 87.6% (Girls)

63. Harrow School - Harrow on the Hill: A level A*-B: 88.6% | GCSE A*/A: 84.3% (Boys)

64. St Catherine's, Bramley - Guildford: A level A*-B: 90.8% | GCSE A*/A: 79.6% (Girls)

65. St Swithun's School - Winchester: A level A*-B: 91.8% | GCSE A*/A: 77.4% (Girls)

66. Radley College - Abingdon: A level A*-B: 86.6% | GCSE A*/A: 86.5% (Boys)

67. The Leys - Cambridge: A level A*-B: 85.7% | GCSE A*/A: 86.1% (Mixed)

68. Sir William Perkins's School - Chertsey: A level A*-B: 86.1% | GCSE A*/A: 85% (Girls)

69. Sheffield Girls' GDST - Sheffield: A level A*-B: 87.9% | GCSE A*/A: 80.2% (Girls)

70. King Edward's School, Bath - Bath: A level A*-B: 89.7% | GCSE A*/A: 76.6% (Mixed)

71. St Dunstan's College - London: A level A*-B: 89.5% | GCSE A*/A: 76.7% (Mixed)

72. Ibstock Place School - London: A level A*-B: 86% | GCSE A*/A: 83.4% (Mixed)

73. Churcher's College - Petersfield: A level A*-B: 90.7% | GCSE A*/A: 73.6% (Mixed)

74. Hurstpierpoint College - Hassocks: A level A*-B: 88% | GCSE A*/A: 79% (Mixed)

75. St John's College, Cardiff - Cardiff: A level A*-B: 87.3% | GCSE A*/A: 80.2% (Mixed)

76. Benenden School - Cranbrook: A level A*-B: 87.9% | GCSE A*/A: 78.2% (Girls)

77. Haileybury - Hertford: A level A*-B: 85.8% | GCSE A*/A: 82.4% (Mixed)

78. Harrodian - London: A level A*-B: 88.4% | GCSE A*/A: 77.1% (Mixed)

79. The King's School, Chester - Chester: A level A*-B: 84.8% | GCSE A*/A: 83.6% (Mixed)

80. Queen's College, London - London: A level A*-B: 86.2% | GCSE A*/A: 80.8% (Girls)

81. Francis Holland School, Regent's Park - London: A level A*-B: 87% | GCSE A*/A: 79% (Girls)

82. Royal Grammar School, Newcastle - Newcastle upon Tyne: A level A*-B: 86.3% | GCSE A*/A: 80.3% (Mixed)

83. Oundle School - Peterborough: A level A*-B: 87.5% | GCSE A*/A: 77.6% (Mixed)

84. St Helen's School, Northwood - London: A level A*-B: 85.9% | GCSE A*/A: 80.4% (Girls)

85. St Augustine's Priory - London: A level A*-B: 93.5% | GCSE A*/A: 64.2% (Girls)

86. Redmaids' High School - Bristol: A level A*-B: 88.6% | GCSE A*/A: 73.1% (Girls)

87. St Albans School - St Albans: A level A*-B: 84.6% | GCSE A*/A: 80.4% (Boys/Mixed 6th)

88. The Cathedral School, Llandaff - Cardiff: A level A*-B: 89.8% | GCSE A*/A: 69.9% (Mixed)

89. Reading Blue Coat - Sonning-on-Thames: A level A*-B: 83.4% | GCSE A*/A: 81.9% (Boys/Mixed 6th)

90. Immanuel College - Bushey: A level A*-B: 88.4% | GCSE A*/A: 71.9% (Mixed)

91. Manchester High School for Girls - Manchester: A level A*-B: 85.9% | GCSE A*/A: 76.9% (Girls)

92. The Abbey - Reading: A level A*-B: 83.9% | GCSE A*/A: 80.8% (Girls)

93. Solihull School - Solihull: A level A*-B: 84.4% | GCSE A*/A: 78.8% (Mixed)

94. The Maynard School - Exeter: A level A*-B: 86.1% | GCSE A*/A: 75.4% (Girls)

95. Downe House - Thatcham: A level A*-B: 83% | GCSE A*/A: 81% (Girls)

96. Bedford School - Bedford: A level A*-B: 86.3% | GCSE A*/A: 74.1% (Boys)

97. The Grammar School at Leeds - Leeds: A level A*-B: 87.4% | GCSE A*/A: 71.1% (Mixed)

98. Leicester Grammar School - Leicester: A level A*-B: 85.8% | GCSE A*/A: 74.2% (Mixed)

99. Croydon High School GDST - South Croydon: A level A*-B: 84% | GCSE A*/A: 77.5% (Girls)

100. Reed's School - Surrey: A level A*-B: 85% | GCSE A*/A: 75% (Boys/Mixed 6th)

How to prepare your child for independent school entry

The most competitive independent schools in the UK are genuinely demanding to get into. Entry at 11 plus (Year 7) typically requires your child to sit an entrance exam in November, December or January of Year 6. Many schools use the ISEB Common Pre-Test or CAT4. Some set their own papers. Most test English, maths and some form of reasoning.

Here is how to approach it.

Start in Year 4 or Year 5

The best independent schools are highly competitive, and your child will be competing against well-prepared applicants. Starting preparation early, ideally in Year 4, gives your child the time to build genuine skills in all tested subjects rather than cramming in the months before the exam. Our 11 plus tuition programme is designed around this gradual, confidence-building approach from the very start.

Build strong foundations in English and maths first

Whatever entrance exam format your target school uses, English and maths are always central. Strong reading habits, wide vocabulary, grammar accuracy and flexible maths knowledge are the foundations everything else builds on. Our 11 plus tutors start with a full diagnostic assessment to identify exactly which foundations need strengthening for your child's specific target schools.

Introduce verbal and non-verbal reasoning early

Many independent schools test verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. These are not taught in school, which means most children encounter them for the first time in preparation. Introducing them gently in Year 4, with no time pressure, builds the familiarity that makes a real difference by Year 6. Our free 11 plus practice papers include verbal and non-verbal reasoning sections across all GL Assessment formats.

Practise under timed conditions well before the exam

Independent school entrance exams are sat in November to January of Year 6, under exam conditions. Children who have never worked under time pressure find it significantly harder on the day than those who have sat dozens of timed practice papers. At Pass 11 Plus Grammar, our 11 plus mock exams replicate real exam conditions with detailed section-by-section performance feedback.

Use the summer before Year 6 wisely

The summer between Year 5 and Year 6 is the most important preparation window. Our 11 plus intensive summer course gives your child focused, expert-led preparation across all subjects tested in both independent school and grammar school entry exams, with daily timed practice and individual feedback built in throughout.

Also considering grammar schools? Our guide to the best grammar schools in the UK covers the top selective state schools, all of which are free to attend. Many families apply to both independent schools and grammar schools simultaneously, and the preparation overlaps significantly. Talk to our team about building a preparation plan that covers both routes efficiently. 

Final thoughts

The top independent schools in the UK represent some of the finest academic institutions in the world. With over 2,500 independent schools to choose from, the decision about which schools to target and how to prepare your child for entry can feel complicated. But the core preparation is the same wherever you aim: strong English, confident maths, familiarity with verbal and non-verbal reasoning, and regular timed practice under real exam conditions.

Whether your child is targeting one of the best independent schools in the UK or considering a grammar school alongside, starting early, building genuine understanding and practising consistently over time is what makes the real difference.