Top Private Schools in London: Fees, Entry & Admissions

London's Independent School Landscape

London is home to some of the most prestigious fee-paying schools in the world. From Westminster and St Paul's to City of London School and Dulwich College, the capital's independent sector offers exceptional academic provision, outstanding facilities, and unparalleled networks. It is also, by almost any measure, the most competitive and expensive school market in the country.

This guide covers the key entry points, what fees look like in 2026, how scholarship and bursary schemes work, and how to navigate the admissions process.

Key London Independent Schools

The London independent sector spans schools for every age from nursery through to sixth form. The most prominent day schools for secondary-age pupils include:

• Westminster School: One of England's oldest schools, with exceptional Oxbridge entry rates. Co-educational sixth form. Day fees are published on the school's website; boarding available.
• St Paul's School (Boys) and St Paul's Girls' School: Among the country's most academically selective schools. Located in west London (Barnes and Hammersmith respectively). Fees circa £28,000–£30,000 per year.
• City of London School / City of London School for Girls: Strong academic schools in the City (the girls' school is at the Barbican). Slightly lower fees than the top-tier schools (circa £20,000–£22,000) with a strong scholarship programme.
• Dulwich College: Located in south-east London. Large school with excellent sport, arts, and academic results. Boarding options available.
• Alleyn's School: Co-educational, Dulwich. Well-regarded for its liberal ethos and balance of academic and creative provision.
• King's College School, Wimbledon (KCS): Leading boys' school (co-ed sixth form). Strong Oxbridge entry, particularly for STEM subjects.
• Latymer Upper School: Co-educational school in Hammersmith. Strong arts, drama, and academic provision.

Fees in 2026: What to Budget

London independent school fees have risen significantly over the past decade, and the introduction of VAT on independent school fees from January 2025 has added a further 20% to published prices. Current annual day school fees in London range approximately as follows:

• Top-tier schools (Westminster, St Paul's, KCS): fees are published on each school's website; VAT applies to independent school fees
• Established second-tier schools (Dulwich, Alleyn's, Latymer): £24,000–£30,000 per year
• Strong but less-famous independent schools: £18,000–£24,000 per year

Boarding fees add £15,000–£20,000 on top of day fees at schools that offer residential places.

Entry Points and Entrance Examinations

Most London independent schools have three main entry points:

• 11+ (Year 7): Common at boys' schools and some co-educational schools. Entrance examinations are typically held in January for September entry, preceded by an open day and often an interview. Papers test English, Mathematics, and sometimes VR.
• 13+ (Year 9): The traditional entry point for many boys' schools that have their own prep school feeder. The Common Entrance examination (CE) is used by many schools, though most top London schools also set their own scholarship papers.
• 16+ (Sixth Form): Most co-educational schools admit significant numbers at sixth form. Entry is typically based on GCSE results (usually A*/A in the subjects to be studied at A-level), interviews, and aptitude tests. This can be a route into prestigious schools that were full at 11+ or 13+.

Scholarships and Bursaries

Independent schools offer two types of financial support that are often confused:

• Scholarships are awarded on academic, artistic, musical, or sporting merit. They typically reduce fees by 5–15% and carry prestige rather than transformative financial relief. A scholarship does not change the financial reality for most families significantly.
• Bursaries are means-tested awards that can cover up to 100% of fees for families who cannot afford them. The most generous bursary programmes — at schools like Westminster, St Paul's, and City of London — genuinely allow talented children from lower-income families to attend. Bursaries require full financial disclosure and are reviewed annually.

If fees are a barrier, apply specifically for bursaries and ask each school for their bursary policy upfront. Rejecting an independent school application on cost grounds without exploring bursaries is a common and avoidable mistake.

The Role of Prep Schools and Tutoring

For 11+ and 13+ entry, the most competitive independent schools expect candidates from strong academic prep schools or with equivalent preparation. Children from state primaries are absolutely admitted, but they typically require structured tutoring to be competitive with prep school-educated peers who have been preparing since Year 4 or 5.

For 11+ entrance exams to top London independents, preparation typically involves English comprehension and writing, Mathematics (often beyond the state primary curriculum), and interview skills coaching. The interview at schools like Westminster and St Paul's is genuinely stretching — it is designed to assess intellectual curiosity, not just subject knowledge.