Independent Schools in Greater London

City of London School is an independent day school for boys aged 10 to 18, located on a riverside site in the City of London. Tracing its origins to a 1442 bequest from John Carpenter, the school was formally established by an Act of Parliament in 1834. The current purpose-built campus, opened in 1986, is situated beneath St Paul’s Cathedral and features a sports centre, swimming pool, and professional theatre. The school emphasises academic breadth and social diversity, maintaining close historical ties with the City of London Corporation.

Mill Hill Pre-Prep Grimsdell is a co-educational day school in North West London for pupils aged 3 to 7. As part of the Mill Hill Education Group, the school is set within 120 acres of parkland, facilitating a curriculum with a strong emphasis on outdoor learning and Forest School. The school was established in 1995 within the renovated Winterstoke House and operates with a nurturing ethos centred on kindness. Pupils benefit from an Early Years Village and shared access to the wider foundation’s swimming pool and theatre.

The Children's House School is an independent co-educational day school in Islington, North London, for pupils aged two to 11. Founded in 1973 by a group of local parents, the school operates across two sites: an early years centre in Elmore Street and a prep school housed in a Victorian building on King Henry’s Walk. The school follows a thematic curriculum designed to develop creative and independent thinkers. Facilities include light-filled classrooms and an astro-turf playground, with students also benefiting from regular outdoor learning in nearby community gardens.

Knightsbridge School is a co-educational day school for pupils aged 3 to 16, situated in the heart of London. Founded in 2006, the school occupies two grand redbrick townhouses in Lennox Gardens, formerly the Danish Embassy. Its ethos is centred on an "ecosystem of happiness" and the "KS Code," promoting a balanced approach to academic and personal development. The school offers a broad curriculum alongside a diverse extracurricular programme, utilising local facilities such as Battersea Park and Imperial College to support its sporting and creative activities.

Norfolk House School is a co-educational independent day school for pupils aged 2 to 11, located in Muswell Hill, North London. Founded in 1897, the school operates across two sites housed in Victorian buildings. The curriculum balances academic study with character development, including a structured 11+ preparation programme. Pupils participate in various extracurricular activities, such as Forest School sessions in Highgate Woods. The school maintains a maritime heritage, with house names—Victory, Warrior, and Challenger—honouring historic naval vessels, and a weekly newsletter known as The Anchor.

St Anthony's School For Boys is an independent Catholic preparatory day school in Hampstead, London, for boys aged 4 to 13, with a co-educational nursery. Founded in the late 19th century, the school occupies two historic properties: a Victorian villa, previously an ambassador's residence, and a former nursing home. Its ethos balances academic development with spiritual awareness and creativity, welcoming pupils of all faiths. Onsite facilities include an indoor swimming pool, a science laboratory, and specialised art and music rooms. The school provides a broad education within a traditional and supportive setting.

The Cavendish School is an independent day school for girls aged 3 to 11, situated in Camden Town, London. Established in 1875 by Cornelia Connelly, the school moved from Cavendish Square to its current site in 1970 and operates as a charitable trust. Occupying a blend of Victorian and modern buildings near Regent’s Park, the school provides an inclusive environment for pupils of all faiths. Facilities include a 200-seater auditorium, a science laboratory, and a dedicated art studio. The broad curriculum emphasises individual development, incorporating languages such as French, Mandarin, and Latin.

Goodwyn School is a co-educational independent day school for pupils aged 3 to 11, located in Mill Hill, North West London. Established in 1938 and situated in its current Hammers Lane building since the mid-20th century, the school provides a nurturing environment with a focus on individual development and academic progress. The broad curriculum is supported by small class sizes and a dedicated PSHE programme designed to build resilience and confidence. Originally founded on Goodwyn Avenue, the school maintains a community-focused ethos, preparing pupils for the transition to senior education.

Kingston Grammar School is a co-educational independent day school for pupils aged 11 to 18, situated in Kingston upon Thames. Founded in 1561 by Royal Charter from Queen Elizabeth I, the school's historic site features the 14th-century Lovekyn Chapel, the only remaining free-standing chantry chapel in England. The school provides a broad academic curriculum alongside a diverse co-curricular programme. Extensive sporting facilities are located nearby at Ditton Field, covering 22 acres. The school's ethos encourages pupils to be intellectually curious and socially responsible within a supportive community.

Canbury School is a co-educational independent day school for pupils aged 11 to 18, located in Kingston upon Thames. Established in 1982, the school is characterised by its small class sizes, which are typically limited to fifteen students to facilitate individualised learning. The curriculum covers a broad range of academic subjects alongside extracurricular opportunities in art, music, and sport. Situated near Richmond Park, the school provides a supportive environment designed to foster student confidence and independence within a small, community-focused setting.

Parsons Green Prep is an independent co-educational day school for pupils aged 4 to 11, situated in Fulham, London. Established in 2001, the school occupies a site that blends Victorian and modern architecture. Its curriculum places a strong emphasis on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), supported by specialist facilities including a dedicated STEAM room and a double-height hall. Outdoor spaces feature an AstroTurf pitch and an adventure trail. The school aims to balance academic ambition with a focus on pastoral care and individual pupil wellbeing.

Fairley House School is a co-educational independent day school in Central London, specialising in the education of children with specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia and dyspraxia. Established in 1982, the school occupies two sites: a junior department in Lambeth and a senior department in Westminster. It provides support for pupils aged 5 to 16, offering a transdisciplinary curriculum that integrates speech and language therapy and occupational therapy into the daily timetable. The school's primary objective is to equip students with the necessary skills to return to mainstream education.

St Christopher's The Hall School is a co-educational independent preparatory day school in Beckenham for pupils aged 3 to 11. Formed in 1926 via a merger, the school is housed in a handsome Georgian building once belonging to the Cator family. It counts author Enid Blyton among its notable former pupils. Facilities include specialist rooms for music, drama, and art, alongside all-weather sports courts and an expansive playing field. The school provides a balanced curriculum in a supportive environment, encouraging children to develop their individual talents across academic and creative disciplines.

The Hall School is an independent preparatory day school for boys aged 4 to 13, located in the Belsize Park area of Hampstead, London. Established in 1889, the school is set within Victorian red-brick buildings and aims to provide a broad, high-calibre education that nurtures curiosity and academic excellence. The Hall School prepares pupils for entry into leading senior schools through a balance of academic rigour, music, and sport. The school is organised across three distinct sites—Junior, Middle, and Senior—and maintains a traditional house system alongside its Church of England foundation.

Royal Russell School is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 3 to 18, situated on a 110-acre parkland estate in Croydon. Founded in 1853, the school maintains a long-standing royal patronage. The campus features notable architecture, including a chapel and Great Hall designed by Sir Aston Webb. The school provides a broad curriculum with a focus on developing well-rounded individuals through extensive extracurricular programmes in sport, music, and drama. Facilities include a performing arts centre, modern science laboratories, and comprehensive sports pitches.