The UK private school rankings offer one of the most convenient and intuitive ways to understand the country's secondary education landscape. Among the various rankings, some of the most influential are:
The Daily Telegraph: UK Independent School Rankings
The Sunday Times: Parent Power Rankings
Independent School Parent: Best Schools Award
Tatler: Tatler Schools Awards
This year’s release of The Sunday Times Parent Power Secondary School of the Year 2025 ranking is considered the most authoritative and trusted. It is highly regarded by local schools as it provides parents with an objective, accurate, and authoritative reference.
The ranking methodology of The Sunday Times is based on a combination of GCSE and A-Level results, with the A-Level performance given slightly more weight and the GCSE performance a bit less. All the private schools on the list are noted for their outstanding academic achievements and exam results.
Let’s take a look at the profiles of the Top 10 UK private schools for this year.
TOP 1
St Paul’s Girls’ School
Type: Independent day school for girls
A-Level (A/A) Ratio:* 88.9%
GCSE (A/A/9/8/7) Ratio:* 98.5%
Founded in 1904 in West London, St Paul’s Girls’ School (SPGS) is renowned for its strong academic staff and leadership team, many of whom are alumni of Oxford, Cambridge, and University College London. Notably, the distinguished musician Gustav Holst once taught at the school, during which he composed his famous work, The Planets.
With a consistent Oxbridge acceptance rate of around 40%, SPGS is undoubtedly one of the top academic institutions, always ranking among the top three in A-Level and GCSE performance across private school listings.
TOP 2
St Paul’s School
Type: Independent day school for boys
A-Level (A/A) Ratio:* 89.3%
GCSE (A/A/9/8/7) Ratio:* 97.5%
One of Britain’s prestigious public schools, St Paul’s School was established in 1509 and is known for its rigorous academic environment. Located along the scenic banks of the Thames in London, the school offers students the unique opportunity to experience not only a world-class education but also the international cultural richness of London.
Although primarily a day school, it also offers a small number of boarding places. With alumni including the son of former Prime Minister David Cameron, St Paul’s provides a comprehensive education that balances academics, sports, creativity, and personal development.
TOP 3
King’s College School, Wimbledon
Type: Independent day school (co-educational, primarily for boys aged 7–18; girls admitted at Sixth Form)
A-Level (A/A) Ratio:* 87.3%
GCSE (A/A/9/8/7) Ratio:* 98.6%
Founded in 1829 by King George IV, King’s College School in Wimbledon is a member of the prestigious Eton Group.
The school offers GCSE, A-Level, and IB courses, making it a forward-thinking and innovative learning environment. Recognized by The Schools Index as one of the world’s top 150 independent schools, it also ranks among the top 30 secondary schools in the UK.
TOP 4
Brighton College
Type: Independent boarding and day school (co-educational)
A-Level (A/A) Ratio:* 86.8%
GCSE (A/A/9/8/7) Ratio:* 94.7%
Established in 1845 in the vibrant seaside town of Brighton, Brighton College originally began as an all-boys school before transitioning to a co-educational model in 1973. In this year’s ranking, it shares the third spot with King’s College School.
The school has been a pioneer in educational reform since the 19th century, introducing specialized courses for select students and modern language and science curricula.
Brighton College consistently ranks among the top ten co-educational schools in the UK, with roughly one-third of its applicants receiving offers from Oxford or Cambridge, and many also securing places at Russell Group universities and other top institutions worldwide.
TOP 5
Westminster School
Type: Independent school offering both day and boarding options (primarily for boys, with A-Level girls admitted)
A-Level (A/A) Ratio:* 88.5%
GCSE (A/A/9/8/7) Ratio:* 98.7%
Situated in the central of London, Westminster School is one of Britain’s historic public schools and the only one still located on its original site.
While it places a high premium on academic and cultural excellence, the school is equally committed to nurturing the moral, emotional, and physical well-being of its students. Westminster is well known for its vibrant music and drama culture, offering over 25 sports and more than 40 clubs.
In 2024, statistics showed that 69 of its graduates were accepted at Oxford and Cambridge, with comprehensive support provided through tailored tutoring, UCAS guidance, and specialist Oxbridge preparation.
TOP 6
Godolphin and Latymer School
Type: Independent day school for girls
A-Level (A/A) Ratio:* 82.2%
GCSE (A/A/9/8/7) Ratio:* 97.8%
Catering to girls aged 11 to 18, Godolphin and Latymer School is located in Hammersmith.
Since its establishment, the school has been supported by significant investment from the government and local education authorities, resulting in expanded facilities and a rich library collection. With a legacy spanning over a century, the school has become a beacon of academic excellence in London. Its motto, “The Art of Freedom and Loyalty,” reflects its commitment to developing independent, thoughtful, and dedicated individuals.
In addition to A-Level courses, the school offers the IB curriculum, allowing students the choice to tailor their educational journey. The Good School Guide praises the school for its academic rigor, excellent leadership, and diverse extracurricular offerings.
TOP 7
North London Collegiate School
Type: Independent day school for girls
A-Level (A/A) Ratio:* 86.5%
GCSE (A/A/9/8/7) Ratio:* 96.3%
Founded in 1850 by educational pioneer Frances Mary Buss, North London Collegiate School is widely recognized as the first school to provide girls with the same educational opportunities as boys. Ms. Buss is even credited with coining the term “Headmistress.”
Consistently ranked among the top five private schools by The Sunday Times over the past decade, the school boasts a record where all graduates move on to prestigious universities. With over 40% of its alumni gaining entry to Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, Stanford, and other top institutions, it serves as a global exemplar of educational excellence.
TOP 8
Guildford High School
Type: Independent full-day school for girls
A-Level (A/A) Ratio:* 83.6%
GCSE (A/A/9/8/7) Ratio:* 98.2%
Established in 1888, Guildford High School is a leading independent school for girls, educating approximately 1,000 students aged 4 to 18.
Divided into junior and senior sections – while also offering primary and pre-school education – the school emphasizes practical learning and problem-solving. It encourages students to be curious and independent in their thinking, instilling a lifelong passion for knowledge that supports their academic journey.
TOP 9
City of London School for Girls
Type: Independent day school for girls
A-Level (A/A) Ratio:* 79.4%
GCSE (A/A/9/8/7) Ratio:* 95.2%
Founded in 1894 and situated in the financial area of London near the Barbican Centre, City of London School for Girls caters to students aged 11 to 18 from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs.
As a pioneer in female education in the UK, the school is celebrated not only for its excellent exam results but also for its focus on developing well-rounded capabilities, particularly in female leadership. While its Oxbridge acceptance rate hovers around 20%, its graduates consistently secure places at world-leading universities including Imperial College, LSE, UCL, Stanford, Brown, and Columbia, among others.
TOP 10
King Edward VI High School for Girls
Type: Independent day school for girls
A-Level (A/A) Ratio:* 80.6%
GCSE (A/A/9/8/7) Ratio:* 95.4%
Established in 1883 and relocated to its current Edgbaston campus in 1940, King Edward VI High School for Girls stands out as an excellent institution that has secured a spot in the top ten amidst many prestigious competitors.
The school offers a curriculum that covers cultural studies, creativity, and the development of independent thought and learning. Small class sizes ensure that each student receives individual attention, and the school also engages in academic exchanges with boys’ schools, promoting resource sharing and inspiring new ideas among its students.
Conclusion
In total, 140 private schools have been shortlisted in this year’s complete ranking. It is important to note that not every elite school participates in these rankings. For instance, two of the traditional public schools – Harrow School and Rugby School – did not take part in this year’s The Sunday Times ranking. Likewise, some elite schools that appear in rankings like The Telegraph’s A-Level list choose to opt out because they believe that a holistic approach to developing students is more important than merely focusing on exam results.
As we have always emphasized, every family has different needs, and every child has a unique personality and set of interests. The best school is the one that best fits your child.
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