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Independent Day-Only Schools

Explore our curated directory of independent schools in the UK operating on a day-only basis. Focusing purely on daytime education allows these institutions to offer specialised, intense academic and extra-curricular programmes without the pastoral demands of a boarding community. Families choosing this route often find a day school provides an excellent balance for pupils to benefit from prestigious private education while maintaining a strong home and family life. From large, ancient city foundations to smaller, pioneering modern schools, this varied sector offers a superb choice for those seeking independent schooling minus the residential element. Discover more and share your valuable experiences to help other parents in their search.
Independent Day-Only Schools

Showing 15 of 272 schools

Highgate School independent school in Greater London logo
Highgate School
Co-ed
Greater London
Reception - Year 13 (Upper Sixth) (Ages 4-18)

Highgate School is a co-educational day school for pupils aged 4 to 18, situated in Highgate Village, North London. Founded in 1565 by Sir Roger Cholmeley, the school features a campus of historic Victorian architecture alongside modern facilities such as the Mills Centre for Art and Design. Its ethos focuses on academic curiosity and intellectual rigour, alongside a commitment to community engagement. Pupils follow a broad curriculum and participate in varied extracurricular activities in sport, music, and the arts, supported by facilities including the Mallinson Sports Centre.

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St James Senior Girls' School independent school in Greater London logo
St James Senior Girls' School
Girls
Greater London
Year 7 - Year 13 (Upper Sixth) (Ages 11-18)

St James Senior Girls' School is an independent day school for girls aged 11 to 18, situated in West Kensington, London. Founded in 1975, the school follows a holistic ethos that integrates mindfulness and periods of stillness, known as 'The Pause', into the daily routine. The curriculum balances academic rigour with philosophy, the creative arts, and the study of Sanskrit. Facilities include specialised science laboratories, an on-site gymnasium, and a dedicated Sixth Form centre nearby. Set within a gated garden courtyard, the school offers a broad extracurricular programme including lacrosse, netball, and yoga.

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Great Ballard independent school in West Sussex logo
Great Ballard
Co-ed
West Sussex
Pre-Nursery - Year 11 (Ages 2-16)

Great Ballard is a co-educational day and boarding school for children aged 2 to 16, situated near Chichester in West Sussex. Set within 30 acres of the South Downs National Park, the school is based in Eartham House, a Grade II listed building redesigned by Edwin Lutyens in 1905. Founded in 1924, the school prioritises a "Four H" philosophy focusing on the Head, Hand, Heart, and Health. Its curriculum integrates traditional academics with outdoor learning, technology, and the performing arts, taking advantage of its rural grounds and surrounding woodland.

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St Martin's School Mill Hill independent school in Greater London logo
St Martin's School Mill Hill
Co-ed
Greater London
Nursery - Year 6 (Ages 3-11)

St Martin’s School, Mill Hill, is an independent co-educational day school for pupils aged 3 to 11. Founded in 1920 and situated in a quiet residential area, the school fosters a nurturing community atmosphere guided by its motto, "From small things, great things grow." Its bespoke curriculum emphasises individual development and academic progress, with a dedicated focus on 11+ preparation. On-site facilities include a specialist music room and a refurbished playground, while local partnerships provide access to swimming and gymnasium facilities. This ensures a broad sporting programme alongside strong foundations in literacy, numeracy, and the arts.

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Cameron Vale School independent school in Greater London logo
Cameron Vale School
Co-ed
Greater London
Pre-Nursery - Year 6 (Ages 2-11)

Cameron Vale School is a co-educational preparatory day school and nursery located in Chelsea. Serving pupils aged six months to 11 years, the school is housed in a Victorian building and emphasises an individualised approach to education. The curriculum features a Forest School programme and structured support for 11-plus transitions to senior schools. While based on a residential street with its own small garden, the school utilises the sports facilities at nearby Battersea Park. Founded in 1985, the school provides over 40 extracurricular clubs and maintains a small-scale, family-oriented environment.

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Sussex House independent school in Greater London logo
Sussex House
Boys
Greater London
Year 4 - Year 8 (Ages 8-13)

Sussex House is an independent day preparatory school for boys aged 8 to 13, located in the heart of Chelsea, London. Founded in 1952, the school is housed in a finely restored Norman Shaw building in Cadogan Square, which retains much of its 19th-century architectural character. The school emphasises a traditional yet imaginative ethos, balancing academic rigour with a focus on creativity and sport. It is well-regarded for its music and drama provision, and maintains an exceptional national reputation for success in fencing.

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St Christopher's School independent school in Greater London logo
St Christopher's School
Girls
Greater London
Reception - Year 6 (Ages 4-11)

St Christopher's School is an independent preparatory day school for girls aged 4 to 11, situated in Hampstead, North London. Established in 1883, the school is housed within Victorian villas on Belsize Lane. Its ethos balances academic rigour with creative imagination, encouraging pupils to be curious and analytical thinkers. Facilities include a dedicated music department and modern outdoor learning spaces. The school provides a nurturing environment where girls are encouraged to develop their own opinions and confidence, preparing them for a wide range of leading senior schools.

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Belmont Mill Hill Preparatory School independent school in Greater London logo
Belmont Mill Hill Preparatory School
Co-ed
Greater London
Year 3 - Year 8 (Ages 7-13)

Belmont Mill Hill Preparatory School is a co-educational day school in North London for pupils aged 7 to 13. Part of the Mill Hill Education Group, the school is set within 35 acres of green space, including woodland and a cross-country course, ten miles from central London. Established in 1912 as a boys' boarding school, it became fully co-educational in 1995. The curriculum integrates a "Future Skills" programme alongside traditional academics, supported by facilities including a swimming pool, modern science laboratories, and specialist studios for art, music technology, and design.

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St Albans High School for Girls independent school in Hertfordshire logo
St Albans High School for Girls
Girls
Hertfordshire
Reception - Year 13 (Upper Sixth) (Ages 4-18)

St Albans High School for Girls (STAHS) is an independent day school for pupils aged 4 to 18. Established in 1889, the school operates across two Hertfordshire sites: the Senior School in central St Albans and the Preparatory School set within 18 acres of parkland in Wheathampstead. Rooted in the Church of England tradition, the school follows a "Teach to 25" philosophy. Facilities include a performing arts centre, an indoor swimming pool, and extensive sports grounds for lacrosse and tennis, alongside a modern Sixth Form centre.

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Sherrardswood School independent school in Hertfordshire logo
Sherrardswood School
Co-ed
Hertfordshire
Pre-Nursery - Year 13 (Upper Sixth) (Ages 2-18)

Sherrardswood School is a co-educational day school for pupils aged 2 to 18, located in Welwyn, Hertfordshire. The school is housed in Lockleys, a Grade II listed Georgian mansion, and set within 25 acres of parkland and woodland. Founded in 1928, the school maintains small class sizes across its prep, senior, and sixth form departments. The curriculum aims to provide a broad education, supported by facilities including dedicated art studios, science laboratories, and extensive outdoor sports grounds, fostering individual development in a rural setting.

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Longacre School independent school in Surrey logo
Longacre School
Co-ed
Surrey
Pre-Nursery - Year 6 (Ages 2-11)

Longacre School is a co-educational independent day school and nursery for children aged 2 to 11, situated in the village of Shamley Green near Guildford. Set within over nine acres of grounds in the Surrey Hills, the school is housed in an original 1902 building supplemented by modern classrooms, a sports hall, and Astroturf. Founded in 1946 by Ursula Fairfax-Cholmeley, the school follows the motto “A happy heart goes all the way”. Its ethos emphasises a nurturing environment where pupils are encouraged to explore the outdoors through woodland areas and an onsite forest school.

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Rydes Hill Preparatory School & Nursery independent school in Surrey logo
Rydes Hill Preparatory School & Nursery
Co-ed
Surrey
Pre-Nursery - Year 2 (Ages 2-7)

Rydes Hill Preparatory School & Nursery is a co-educational independent school for children aged 2 to 7, located in a leafy suburb of Guildford. Founded in 1945 by the Daughters of Mary and Joseph, the school is based in Rydes Hill House, a striking 18th-century Georgian building featuring a Victorian clocktower. Now part of the Tormead family, the school follows a nurturing ethos where "happy children learn". Specialist facilities include a dedicated STEAM suite, a performing arts centre, and Forest School areas, supporting a broad curriculum delivered through small, individualised classes.

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Aberdour School independent school in Surrey logo
Aberdour School
Co-ed
Surrey
Pre-Nursery - Year 6 (Ages 2-11)

Aberdour School is a co-educational preparatory day school for children aged 2 to 11, situated in 12 acres of grounds in Tadworth, Surrey. Founded in 1928, the school emphasises a personalised approach to learning through its bespoke "Personalised Achievement Leaders" system. Facilities include a purpose-built nursery, modern science laboratories, and extensive outdoor space for sport and play. The curriculum is designed to identify and nurture individual talents, preparing pupils for transition to a wide range of senior schools while fostering a supportive and inclusive community environment.

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St Christopher's School Epsom independent school in Surrey logo
St Christopher's School Epsom
Co-ed
Surrey
Pre-Nursery - Year 2 (Ages 2-7)

St Christopher's School is a co-educational independent pre-prep and nursery in Epsom, Surrey, catering for pupils aged 2 to 7. Founded in 1938 and situated in an Edwardian house near Epsom Downs, the school focuses on creativity and independence within a nurturing atmosphere. Facilities include a dedicated Forest School, a sports field, and a multi-purpose hall for assemblies and sport. Now part of the Reigate Grammar School Group, the school provides specialist teaching in subjects such as French, Music, and Art, aiming to prepare children for their transition to junior schools after Year 2.

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Queen's College London independent school in Greater London logo
Queen's College London
Girls
Greater London
Reception - Year 13 (Upper Sixth) (Ages 4-18)

Queen’s College London is an independent day school for girls aged 11 to 18, occupying four Grade II listed townhouses on Harley Street in Marylebone. Established in 1848 by Frederick Denison Maurice, it was the first institution in Great Britain to grant academic qualifications to women. The college maintains a liberal ethos, focusing on developing intellectual curiosity and independence. Its central London location facilitates use of the capital’s cultural resources, while a broad curriculum emphasises the creative arts, music, and humanities. Facilities include modern science laboratories and art studios.

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