Top private schools in the UK in 2025
Find the best education for your child - and we'll help you plan for the costs
Thinking About Private School for Your Child?
With over 1,500 private senior schools in the UK, including 500+ boarding schools, choosing the right school can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re considering academic performance, facilities, or school culture, understanding your options is key.
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Here are some useful sections to help you understand private schools in the UK and plan for school fees:
Top Private Schools in the UK (2025 Rankings)
Private schools in the UK offer exceptional education, smaller class sizes, and world-class facilities, but how do you know which one is right for your child? Below is a list of the highest-ranked private schools in 2025 based on academic results, facilities, and reputation.
| Rank | School | Location | Gender | A Levels (% A*/B) | GCSEs (% A*/A/9/87) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | St Paul's Girls' School | London | Girls | 98.2% | 98.5% |
| 2 | St Paul's School | London | Boys | 98% | 97.5% |
| 3 | Brighton College | Brighton | Co-ed | 99.3% | 94.7% |
| 4 | King’s College School, Wimbledon | London | Boys | 97.4% | 98.6% |
| 5 | Westminster School | London | Boys | 96.8% | 98.7% |
| 6 | Godolphin and Latymer | London | Girls | 96.4% | 97.8% |
| 7 | North London Collegiate School | London | Girls | 96.9% | 96.3% |
| 8 | Guildford High School | Surrey | Girls | 98% | 97.2% |
| 9 | City of London School for Girls | London | Girls | 96.6% | 95.2% |
| 10 | King Edward VI High School for Girls | Birmingham | Girls | 95.7% | 95.4% |
| 11 | Lady Eleanor Holles | London | Girls | 94.9% | 96.8% |
| 12 | Wycombe Abbey | High Wycombe | Girls | 94.7% | 97% |
| 13 | Highgate School | London | Boys | 95.8% | 94.8% |
| 14 | Reigate Grammar School | Reigate | Boys | 96.8% | 90% |
| 15 | Hampton School | London | Boys | 93.8% | 95.8% |
| 16 | Latymer Upper School | London | Co-ed | 94.4% | 94.3% |
| 17 | South Hampstead High School GDST | London | Girls | 94.2% | 93.2% |
| 18 | Haberdashers’ Girls’ School | Elstree | Girls | 96% | 89.5% |
| 19 | Magdalen College School | Oxford | Co-ed | 94.9% | 91.5% |
| 20 | Putney High School GDST | London | Girls | 93.9% | 92.7% |
| 21 | City of London School | London | Boys | 94.6% | 91.2% |
| 22 | Queen Ethelburga’s College | York | Co-ed | 96.7% | 86.9% |
| 23 | Notting Hill and Ealing High School GDST | London | Girls | 94.7% | 90.7% |
| 24 | Eton College | Windsor | Boys | 93.6% | 92.7% |
| 25 | University College Senior School | London | Boys | 93.3% | 92.9% |
| 26 | Withington Girls’ School | Manchester | Girls | 92.9% | 93.6% |
| 27 | Alleyn's School | London | Co-ed | 95.5% | 88% |
| 28 | Wimbledon High School GDST | London | Girls | 92% | 94.6% |
| 29 | Sevenoaks School | Sevenoaks | Co-ed | 96.1% | 86.4% |
| 30 | The Haberdashers’ Boys’ School | Elstree | Boys | 93% | 92.3% |
| 31 | Tonbridge School | Tonbridge | Boys | 94.4% | 89.5% |
| 32 | St Mary’s School Ascot | Ascot | Girls | 93.3% | 91.4% |
| 33 | Concord College | Shrewsbury | Co-ed | 94.2% | 89.1% |
| 34 | The Perse School | Cambridge | Co-ed | 94.5% | 88.3% |
| 35 | James Allen’s Girls’ School | London | Girls | 91.9% | 93% |
| 36 | Francis Holland School, Sloane Square | London | Girls | 94% | 88% |
| 37 | Cardiff Sixth Form College | Cardiff | Co-ed | 96.9% | 81.8% |
| 38 | Bancroft’s | Woodford Green | Co-ed | 91.7% | 91.6% |
| 39 | Kingston Grammar School | Kingston upon Thames | Co-ed | 94.6% | 84.1% |
| 40 | Winchester College | Winchester | Boys | 90.4% | 92.1% |
| 41 | Whitgift School | South Croydon | Boys | 92.9% | 86.1% |
| 42 | Royal Grammar School, Guildford | Guildford | Boys | 93% | 85.5% |
| 43 | Francis Holland, Regent’s Park | London | Girls | 92% | 87% |
| 44 | King Edward’s School, Birmingham | Birmingham | Boys | 92.2% | 86% |
| 45 | Eltham College | London | Boys | 91.2% | 87.9% |
| 46 | City of London Freemen’s School | Ashtead | Co-ed | 91.9% | 85.8% |
| 47 | Emanuel School | London | Co-ed | 90% | 89.7% |
| 48 | St Helen and St Katharine | Abingdon | Girls | 91.7% | 85.7% |
| 49 | Benenden School | Cranbrook | Girls | 92.7% | 83.3% |
| 50 | Trinity School, Croydon | Croydon | Boys | 91.3% | 85.9% |
| 51 | Radley College | Abingdon | Boys | 91.7% | 85.1% |
| 52 | St John’s College, Cardiff | Cardiff | Co-ed | 94.5% | 79.3% |
| 53 | Merchant Taylors’ School | London | Boys | 91.6% | 85% |
| 54 | Cheltenham Ladies’ College | Cheltenham | Girls | 91.1% | 85.8% |
| 55 | Caterham School | Caterham | Co-ed | 91.2% | 85.5% |
| 56 | Royal Grammar School, Newcastle | Newcastle upon Tyne | Co-ed | 90.9% | 85.6% |
| 57 | St Albans School | St Albans | Boys | 89.2% | 87.3% |
| 58 | Abingdon School | Abingdon | Boys | 89.6% | 86.4% |
| 59 | Dulwich College | London | Boys | 86.8% | 91.7% |
| 60 | St Swithun’s School | Winchester | Girls | 92.4% | 79.9% |
| 61 | The Abbey | Reading | Girls | 87.4% | 89.1% |
| 62 | St Michael’s School | Llanelli | Co-ed | 96.7% | 70.4% |
| 63 | The Cathedral School, Llandaff | Cardiff | Co-ed | 95.9% | 71.5% |
| 64 | Channing School | London | Girls | 88.8% | 85.3% |
| 65 | St Albans High School for Girls | St Albans | Girls | 87.8% | 86.3% |
| 66 | Surbiton High School | Kingston upon Thames | Girls | 85.1% | 91.3% |
| 67 | Oxford High School GDST | Oxford | Girls | 86.9% | 86.8% |
| 68 | Epsom College | Epsom | Co-ed | 88% | 82.8% |
| 69 | Nottingham High School | Nottingham | Co-ed | 85.7% | 86.8% |
| 70 | Wellington College | Crowthorne | Co-ed | 87.5% | 83.3% |
| 71 | Hurstpierpoint College | Burgess Hill | Co-ed | 89% | 79% |
| 72 | St John’s School, Leatherhead | Leatherhead | Co-ed | 88.6% | 79.8% |
| 73 | St Mary’s Calne | Calne | Girls | 87.6% | 81.8% |
| 74 | Queen’s College, London | London | Girls | 92.1% | 72.1% |
| 75 | St Catherine’s, Bramley | Guildford | Girls | 85.8% | 84.1% |
| 76 | The Manchester Grammar School | Manchester | Boys | 85.1% | 85.1% |
| 77 | Headington Rye, Oxford | Oxford | Girls | 87.2% | 79.8% |
| 78 | St Dunstan’s College | London | Co-ed | 88% | 77.7% |
| 79 | Colfe’s School | London | Co-ed | 86.8% | 79.2% |
| 80 | Burgess Hill Girls | Burgess Hill | Girls | 92.6% | 67.5% |
| 81 | Birkenhead School | Oxton | Co-ed | 84.2% | 84% |
| 82 | Churcher’s College | Petersfield | Co-ed | 88.3% | 74.4% |
| 83 | Manchester High School for Girls | Manchester | Girls | 85.8% | 78.8% |
| 84 | Westbourne School | Penarth | Co-ed | 89.5% | 71.1% |
| 85 | Oundle School | Peterborough | Co-ed | 87.6% | 74.2% |
| 86 | Ardingly College | Haywards Heath | Co-ed | 88.2% | 71.9% |
| 87 | King Edward’s School, Bath | Bath | Co-ed | 81.7% | 84.1% |
| 88 | St Helen’s School, Northwood | London | Girls | 82.8% | 81.5% |
| 89 | Walthamstow Hall Senior School | Sevenoaks | Girls | 86.4% | 74.4% |
| 90 | Reed’s School | Cobham | Boys | 86% | 75% |
| 91 | Leicester High School for Girls | Leicester | Girls | 83.2% | 80.6% |
| 92 | The Leys | Cambridge | Co-ed | 87.6% | 71.4% |
| 93 | Harrodian | London | Co-ed | 85.6% | 75.3% |
| 94 | Chigwell School | Chigwell | Co-ed | 84% | 77.8% |
| 95 | Rodean School | Brighton | Girls | 83.4% | 78.9% |
| 96 | Croydon High School GDST | South Croydon | Girls | 83.3% | 78.7% |
| 97 | The Yehudi Menuhin School | Cobham | Co-ed | 88.5% | 66.3% |
| 98 | Blackheath High School GDST | London | Girls | 83% | 77% |
| 99 | The Maynard School | Exeter | Girls | 86.3% | 70% |
| 100 | Forest School | London | Co-ed | 82.4% | 77.6% |
What Makes Private Schools Different?
Private (or independent) schools are fee-paying institutions that operate outside of government funding. They offer:
✅ Smaller class sizes for more individual attention
✅ Specialist teaching in key subjects
✅ Outstanding extracurricular activities including music, sports, and the arts
✅ Higher university acceptance rates
However, tuition fees can be a significant factor. That’s where School Fees Planning can help.
Find out how to plan for Private School Fees → Speak to a Specialist
How Much Do Private Schools Cost in 2025?
The cost of private schooling varies, but on average:
ℹ️ £4,000 – £8,000 per term for day pupils
ℹ️ Up to £15,000 per term for boarding students
With fees rising annually, having a financial plan in place ensures you can provide the best education for your child without financial strain.
Explore Your Funding Options → Get School Fees Advice
Can I Get Financial Assistance?
Many of the top private schools offer bursaries and scholarships, helping to reduce tuition costs for eligible families.
✔️ Bursaries – Means-tested financial support based on household income
✔️ Scholarships – Awarded for academic, musical, or sporting excellence
Another way to manage private school fees is through strategic financial planning. Amber River SFIA’s bespoke financial planning methods are specifically designed to help families prepare for and manage the cost of private education.
If you’re unsure whether you qualify for financial assistance or need expert guidance on planning for school fees, our specialists are here to help.
Plan for Private School Fees with Confidence
Specialist School Fees Planning – Our expert team uses tailored financial tools to help you plan and save on school fees.
✅ Trusted Since 1952 – With over 70 years of experience, we’ve helped thousands of families secure the education their children deserve.
✅ Personalised Advice – Every family’s situation is unique. Let us guide you with a plan that works for you.
📞 Talk to an expert today – Call: 01628 952 900
📩 Fill in the enquiry form, and a member of our team will call you back to arrange a meeting.
Take the Next Step
Choosing the right private school is just the beginning—ensuring you can confidently cover tuition costs is just as important. With fees rising each year, having a clear financial plan in place means you can focus on your child’s future without unexpected financial stress.
Whether you’re exploring top private schools for 2025, looking into bursaries and scholarships, or planning how to budget for school fees, we’re here to help.
Take control of your child’s education and start planning with confidence.
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Get Expert School Fees Advice Today
We’ve helped hundreds of families manage the cost of private education.
Speak to an expert today to discuss planning for school fees.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Ask us if you have any questions relating to school fees planning and we’ll do our best to help. Here are a few of our most frequently asked questions:
The cost of private education is likely to be one of the largest financial commitments your family undertakes. Without proper planning, the expense can place undue strain on your finances and potentially jeopardise your child’s education.
By spreading the cost over time and incorporating effective tax planning, school fees planning not only makes private education more affordable but can also help protect and even grow your long-term wealth.
Seeking specialist advice ensures you can create a tailored plan to safeguard the continuity of your child’s education, even if unexpected changes, like illness or job loss, occur. With the right strategy, you could significantly reduce the cost of education – sometimes by 50% or more – while maintaining financial stability for your family.
Specialist school fees planning requires expertise beyond general financial advice. Amber River SFIA advisers are fully qualified and receive advanced training specifically in school fees planning. Unlike non-specialists, they have the knowledge and tools to forecast costs, identify savings opportunities, and develop strategies to minimise the financial impact of school fees. With their support, you’ll benefit from advice tailored to your family’s unique circumstances.
There are a variety of reasons why so many people choose Amber River SFIA, but in summary:
- We specialise in school fees planning and have a network of experts throughout the UK
- As independent financial advisers we offer unbiased advice and select products from the entire marketplace
- We are a well-established organisation able to gain preferential rates for our clients
While exact savings will depend on your unique circumstances, it’s possible to significantly reduce the financial burden of school fees with careful long-term planning. Savings can be achieved by selecting the most effective investments, accessing equity in a tax-efficient way when needed, and implementing thoughtful tax planning strategies. With expert advice, you can make private education more affordable without compromising your family’s financial stability.
Yes, most independent schools offer scholarships and bursaries. Scholarships are often based on academic, music, art, or sporting excellence, while bursaries are means-tested and can cover part or all of the fees for eligible families.
Some schools offer discounts for paying fees in advance, often called “fee prepayment schemes.” These schemes allow you to lock in a fixed fee rate, which can provide savings, especially in a rising-cost environment. However, this should be considered carefully, as it requires a substantial upfront payment.
The removal of the VAT exemption from 1st January 2025 has increased fees by 20%. This change means families must account for a significant rise in costs, making financial planning more important than ever.
Yes, there are several tax-efficient strategies that can help reduce the cost of private education. While older covenant schemes have been abolished, there are still many opportunities to explore, such as:
- Children’s annual income and capital gains tax allowances
- Annual tax-free investment allowances, such as ISAs (up to £20,000 per year per parent)
- Pensions, which can release funds tax-efficiently if you’re over the minimum pension age
- Trust planning, including bare trusts to help grandparents or other family members contribute
- HMRC-approved investment schemes
- Re-assigning life policies or investment bonds to take advantage of different tax rules
- Offsetting school fees against a personal mortgage for potential tax-free returns
- Opportunities available through offshore investments
Each family’s circumstances are unique, so working with a financial advisor can help you identify the most effective tax-efficient strategies for your situation. With expert advice, you can reduce the financial impact of school fees while protecting your family’s long-term wealth.
If you haven’t built up enough funds in advance, the alternatives are to pay-as-you-go out of income or borrowings. A common solution is to release equity from your property to make school payments and plan to pay back the borrowing over a longer period. A School Fees Pension Plan will allow you to pay the borrowings out of you tax free lump sum and realise an increased income from your pension.
Grandparents can gift money towards school fees without triggering inheritance tax, using their annual gift allowance of £3,000 per person. Alternatively, they can set up a bare trust or other tax-efficient structures to contribute to school fees.
Planning for multiple children requires a long-term strategy that takes into account overlapping years of education. A financial planner can help create a cashflow model, identify savings opportunities, and ensure your plan is sustainable across multiple children’s school years.
It may be possible to set up an efficient draw down of capital secured against your property to spread the cost of school fees over a longer time period. You only pay interest on the money that is gradually withdrawn.
It is possible to apply for an insurance plan which will pay a monthly tax-free benefit in the event of death or diagnosis of a critical illness. The cost of this cover will depend on the level of the benefit, your age and state of health.
In addition to tuition fees, families should budget for extras such as uniforms, school trips, exam fees, extracurricular activities, sports equipment, and technology like laptops. These can add up to an additional 10–15% of the annual fee.
Unexpected events like job loss, illness, or divorce can affect your ability to pay school fees. Having a financial plan in place, along with appropriate protection like life insurance or income protection, can help safeguard your children’s education during challenging times.
Some schools offer occasional or ad-hoc boarding which means children stay the occasional night (or nights) on a one-off basis; this could help parents who may be considering a move to boarding for their children or who are going to be away for a short time and would find it advantageous to know their son or daughter can be well cared for on the school site.
For more information on boarding you might also find the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA) website useful.
This depends on your family’s priorities and goals for your child. Many parents value smaller class sizes, better facilities, and broader extracurricular options. It’s a personal decision that should align with your financial ability and aspirations for your child’s future.
How does a financial planner help with school fees planning?
Choosing a private education for your child is about more than money – it’s an emotional investment in their future. For many parents, it’s about creating opportunities for their child to thrive academically and personally. However, rising school fees make this a significant financial commitment that requires expert planning.
Find out more in the full article: How a Financial Planner Can Help with School Fees Planning
Talking to a financial planner will help you better understand:
- How to make private education both achievable and sustainable.
- The extent to which you can benefit from school fees planning - whether you're new parents or already feeling financial strain of private schooling.
- Practical tips for managing fees without compromising your family’s lifestyle.
- Why school fees planning is different from general financial planning.
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