London has over 400 independent schools — from small local prep schools to some of the most academically prestigious schools in the world. This guide covers fees, admissions timelines, bursaries and how to navigate the process.
State school vs private school — the honest comparison
State school
✓ Free to attend
✓ Ofsted inspected
✓ National curriculum
✓ Diverse intake
✓ No entrance assessments (usually)
✓ Strong Outstanding schools rival many private schools on results
Independent school
• £15,000–£45,000+ per year
• ISI or Ofsted inspected
• More curriculum flexibility
• Smaller class sizes typical
• Selective entrance assessments
• Extensive extracurricular offering
• Bursaries available (means-tested)
An Outstanding state school in a good location will often deliver outcomes comparable to a mid-range private school. The strongest argument for private school is class size, pastoral care, and extracurricular breadth — not necessarily academic results alone.
What Do Private Schools Cost?
£10,000–£18,000/yr
Smaller independent day schools, some faith independents
Prep schools, specialist arts schools
£18,000–£25,000/yr
Mid-range independent day schools
Most London day prep schools
£25,000–£35,000/yr
Senior independent day schools
City of London School, St Dunstan's
£35,000–£45,000/yr
Top-tier London day schools
Westminster, St Paul's Girls, Godolphin & Latymer
£45,000–£60,000/yr
Elite boarding schools
Eton, Harrow, Wycombe Abbey (boarding element)
All fees are approximate annual day-school fees as at 2025. Boarding adds significantly to costs. Fees increase annually, typically by 3-6%.
Bursaries — don't assume private school is out of reach
Many of London's most prestigious independent schools have substantial bursary funds. At schools like Eton, Westminster and St Paul's Girls, bursaries can cover 100% of fees for families with household income below £30,000–40,000. The government's 2025 VAT change on private school fees has also prompted many schools to expand bursary programmes.
Always apply for a bursary alongside the academic application — don't assume you don't qualify. The assessment is based on household income and assets, and schools are typically discreet about recipients.
Senior School Admissions Timeline (Year 7 Entry)
Sept Year 5
Start researching
Visit school open days (usually October–November). Most Year 7 assessment schools hold open mornings in Year 5.
Oct Year 5
Open days
Attend school open days. These are critical — let your child tell you how they felt in the environment.
Sept–Oct Year 6
Register
Registration deadlines for Year 7 entry are typically in September or October of Year 6. Pay registration fee (usually £100–£250).
Nov Year 6
Pre-tests (some schools)
Some schools run online pre-tests (ISEB Common Pre-Test) in November to shortlist candidates before January assessments.
Jan Year 6
Main assessments
The "London Week" — most top London independents hold their entrance assessments in the second week of January. Expect English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning papers plus an interview.
Feb Year 6
Scholarship assessments
Scholarship candidates are typically called back in February for additional assessments.
Late Feb Year 6
Offers received
Most schools make offers by late February. You'll need to accept and pay a deposit (usually £1,000–£2,000) by a deadline.
Mar Year 6
Accept/decline
Accept your preferred offer. Withdraw from other schools promptly as a courtesy.
Prep School Entry — Ages & Timeline
0–3 years
Nursery waitlists
The most competitive London prep nurseries and pre-preps have waitlists from birth. If you have a specific school in mind, register at birth or as soon as possible.
2.5–3 years
Nursery assessments
Pre-prep nursery assessments typically involve informal play sessions. Schools are assessing readiness, not academic ability.
Age 4 (Sept)
Reception entry
Many prep schools take children at Reception (4+). Assessments are very informal — mostly observational play and interaction.
Age 7–8
7+ or 8+ entry
Some schools have formal 7+ or 8+ entry points with English and Maths papers.
Age 10–11
11+ entry
Transfer to senior school — either within the same school if it has a senior section, or to a separate senior independent school.
Map of Independent Schools in London
Independent Schools in London — Ofsted Inspected
3 schools · Inspected by Ofsted or ISI · Source: DfE GIAS register