Independent Schools in Greater London

Brampton College is a co-educational independent sixth form college located in Hendon, North West London. Founded in 1989, the college is housed in attractive period buildings and caters for students aged 15 to 19. It provides a focused academic environment specialising in GCSE and A-level provision, with an emphasis on small class sizes and preparation for university entry. Facilities include four recently refurbished science laboratories and a purpose-built art studio. The college maintains an informal yet disciplined atmosphere, fostering a culture of individual responsibility and academic study within a supportive setting.

Tennis Avenue School, situated in New Malden, is a co-educational independent day school for pupils aged 4 to 18. The school specialises in integrating high-level tennis training with a full academic curriculum, designed for students pursuing professional sporting careers. Facilities include multiple tennis courts where pupils undergo intensive daily coaching alongside their classroom studies. The school maintains small class sizes to support academic development, providing a structured environment that balances athletic performance with educational achievement. It offers a specialised pathway for young athletes to excel in both fields simultaneously.

St James Preparatory School is a co-educational day school and nursery for pupils aged 2 to 11, situated in West Kensington. Established in 1975, the school is located within modern, courtyard-centred grounds near Kensington Olympia. It is defined by a unique philosophical ethos that integrates regular "Pauses" for mindfulness and reflection into the school day. The broad curriculum includes the study of Sanskrit and philosophy from an early age. Facilities include a state-of-the-art gym and a dedicated art room, while the school maintains a distinctive whole-school vegetarian diet.

Al-Sadiq School is an independent Shia Islamic day school located in Queen’s Park, London. Established in 1991 by the Al-Khoei Foundation, the school provides a co-educational setting for pupils aged three to seven, before transitioning to single-sex education for boys up to age 16. Named after Imam Ja’far Al-Sadiq, the school integrates the National Curriculum with Islamic studies, Arabic and Qur'anic tuition. Its ethos is built upon the pillars of knowledge, faith and action, aiming to foster moral character and spiritual development. Facilities include specialist science and ICT laboratories.

City of London School for Girls is an independent day school for pupils aged 11-18, located in the Barbican. Founded in 1894 following a bequest by William Ward, the school occupies a Grade II listed building set between ancient Roman walls and iconic brutalist architecture. Its ethos is intellectually rigorous yet "unstuffy", fostering a culture of curiosity and pioneering spirit. The school makes full use of its central London location for cultural partnerships, while facilities include an indoor swimming pool, a climbing wall, and a theatre. It remains part of the City of London Corporation.

Godolphin and Latymer School is an independent day school for girls aged 11 to 18, situated in Hammersmith, West London. Established in 1861 as a boys’ school, it was reconstituted in 1905 with support from the Latymer Foundation. The campus features Victorian architecture alongside contemporary facilities, notably the Bishop Centre for performing arts, housed in a converted church designed by William Butterfield. Students in the Sixth Form choose between A Levels and the International Baccalaureate Diploma. The school’s ethos encourages intellectual curiosity, independent thought, and a commitment to social responsibility.

Avenue Pre-Preparatory School & Nursery is an independent co-educational day school in Highgate, London, catering for children aged two to seven. Established in 1977, the school is set within a large Victorian house featuring a substantial garden for outdoor play and social development. The non-denominational ethos focuses on providing a nurturing and secure environment to support early years education. Alongside core subjects, pupils benefit from specialist instruction in music, French, and drama. The school also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including swimming and pottery, to encourage well-rounded personal development.

Blackheath High School GDST is an independent day school for girls aged 3 to 18, situated on the edge of the Heath in South East London. Founded in 1880 as the first purpose-built school of the Girls’ Day School Trust, it was officially opened by Princess Louise. The school operates across two sites: the Junior School in Blackheath Village and the Senior School at Vanbrugh Park. Facilities include an £18 million campus redevelopment with a state-of-the-art library, fitness suite, and an extensive sports campus at Kidbrooke Grove.

Eaton Square Prep School is a co-educational independent day school for pupils aged 2 to 11, located in Belgravia, London. Occupying three Grade II listed Georgian townhouses overlooking Eccleston Square, the school combines a traditional British ethos with a modern curriculum. Academic study is supported by specialist teaching in STEAM, music, and art, while character development is fostered through core values such as integrity and empathy. The school utilises nearby sporting facilities and private gardens, preparing pupils for transition to leading senior schools.

Westminster Under School is an independent preparatory school for boys aged 7 to 13, established in 1943. Situated in central London at 27 Vincent Square, it overlooks the Westminster School playing fields. The school claims to focus on a liberal education, fostering a love of knowledge, inquisitiveness, and a desire to serve others. It also aims to develop compassionate and intellectually enriched pupils. The school is known for its strengths in music, sports, drama, chess, and Latin, with choristers often serving St Margaret's Church in Westminster Abbey.

The King Alfred School is a co-educational independent day school in North London for pupils aged 4 to 18. Established in 1898, the school is situated on a wooded site adjacent to Hampstead Heath. It follows a progressive educational philosophy, characterised by an informal environment where students and staff are on first-name terms and there is no school uniform. The curriculum emphasises the development of the whole child through a child-centred approach, supported by facilities for outdoor learning and the creative arts. Its history is rooted in providing a non-denominational, secular education.

Pembridge Hall School is an independent preparatory day school for girls aged 4 to 11, situated in Notting Hill, London. Housed in two white Georgian buildings on Pembridge Square, the school offers a broad curriculum with a particular focus on the arts, music, and sport. Facilities include specialist art and drama studios, and pupils have access to extensive offsite sports grounds. Originally established in 1979, the school emphasises the development of well-rounded individuals and prepares pupils for entry into a variety of senior day and boarding schools.

DLD College London is a co-educational independent college situated on London’s South Bank, overlooking the River Thames and the Houses of Parliament. Founded in 1931 as Davies, Laing and Dick, the college caters for students aged 13 to 19, offering GCSEs, A Levels, BTECs, and International Foundation Programmes. Housed in a landmark purpose-built campus, it provides on-site urban boarding alongside specialised facilities for the creative arts, music technology, and sciences. The college maintains an ethos of independence and maturity, using its central London location to prepare students for university and professional life.

Wetherby Senior School is an independent day school for boys aged 11 to 18, situated in Marylebone, Central London. Established in 2015, the school operates across two sites and offers a curriculum leading to GCSE and A-Level examinations. The school provides tailored support for pupils applying to global universities, including institutions in North America and Europe. Facilities include specialist science laboratories, a drama studio, and music rooms, while sports make use of external grounds. Its ethos emphasises character development, academic curiosity, and preparation for success in an increasingly global society.

Broadhurst School is an independent co-educational nursery and pre-prep school situated in South Hampstead, London. Established in 1958 by Mary Berkery, the school is housed in a five-storey Victorian building on Greencroft Gardens. It provides early years education for children aged two to five, delivering an accelerated curriculum influenced by Montessori and Reggio Emilia philosophies. The school focuses on preparing pupils for the 4+ assessment process for entry into selective London preparatory schools. The curriculum includes daily phonics and mathematics lessons, complemented by activities such as music, drama, and French.