Independent Schools in Greater London

Bute House Preparatory School for Girls is an independent day school for pupils aged 4 to 11, located near Brook Green in Hammersmith. Established in 1958 on land leased from the Mercers’ Company, the school maintains a distinctive non-competitive ethos that avoids academic streaming. The broad curriculum emphasises a well-rounded education, supported by modern facilities including a science laboratory, art studio, and a signature pirate ship playground. While Bute House shares some sporting facilities with St Paul’s Girls’ School, it operates as an independent, mixed-ability environment focused on developing inquisitive and confident learners.

Darul Hadis Latifiah is an independent Islamic secondary school and sixth form for boys aged 11 to 20, situated in Bethnal Green, London. Founded in 1978 by Sheikh Allamah Muhammad Abdul Latif Chowdhury Fultali, the institution originally served as a madrasa before achieving secondary school status in 1999. The curriculum provides a blend of the UK National Curriculum and Islamic studies, including tuition in Bengali and Urdu. Operating from its Cornwall Avenue site since 2005, the school's ethos is built upon the core values of faith, aspiration, inspiration, and respect.

Latymer Upper School is a co-educational independent day school for pupils aged 11 to 18, situated in Hammersmith on the banks of the River Thames. Founded in 1624 by Edward Latymer, the school features a mix of Victorian heritage buildings and modern facilities, including a performing arts centre and a riverside boathouse. The school is noted for its commitment to social diversity through a significant bursary programme. The curriculum emphasises academic breadth alongside a broad extracurricular offering, while its location supports a long-standing rowing tradition and access to London’s wide-ranging cultural resources.

Collingham Independent College is a co-educational day school in Kensington, London, catering for students aged 13 to 19. Established in 1975, the college operates across two historic locations. The Sixth Form is housed in a significant Arts and Crafts townhouse, formerly Gibbs’ Preparatory School, while the GCSE department occupies the former home of novelist William Makepeace Thackeray. The college maintains an ethos of academic rigour within a supportive, individualised environment, featuring small class sizes. Its central setting offers students close proximity to world-renowned institutions, such as the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Colfe's School is a co-educational independent day school, situated in Horn Park within the Royal Borough of Greenwich, southeast London. Established in 1568 and re-founded in 1652, the school is governed by the Leathersellers' Company. Co-educational since 1999, it caters to pupils aged 3 to 18. The school claims to focus on values such as effort, happiness, and a love of learning, fostering a purposeful and respectful atmosphere. Its grounds feature over 30 acres of playing fields, a sports complex with a 25m swimming pool, and a performing arts centre. Colfe's School was awarded Microsoft Showcase School status in 2024.

Charterhouse Square School is a co-educational day school and nursery for pupils aged 3 to 11, located in the City of London. Housed in seven interconnected Victorian buildings overlooking the historic Charterhouse Square Gardens, the school operates a progressive ethos where pupils and staff are on a first-name basis and no uniform is worn. Facilities include a rooftop learning deck with views across the City, while the curriculum balances academic rigour with a focus on kindness and individuality. The school prepares pupils for transition to competitive senior schools at age 11.

Maple Walk School is a co-educational day prep school for pupils aged 4 to 11, located in Harlesden, North West London. Founded in 2004 by the New Model School Company, it delivers a knowledge-rich curriculum based on the Core Knowledge approach. The school is housed in purpose-built, eco-friendly premises featuring a sedum roof and solar panels. Alongside traditional academic subjects, there is a strong emphasis on music, art, and drama. Pupils benefit from the proximity of Roundwood Park, which is used extensively for sports and physical education.

Chepstow House School is a co-educational independent day school in Notting Hill, London, for pupils aged 2 to 11. Established in 2010, the school is housed in a building combining 1906 architecture with modern extensions. Its curriculum is structured around three pillars: academics, sport, and the performing and creative arts. Specialist facilities include a science laboratory, music and art studios, and a gym. Pupils benefit from onsite playgrounds and a 'Wild Area' for sensory learning, alongside access to nearby sports grounds. The school emphasises a community-based ethos, aiming to develop well-rounded, resilient individuals.

Whitgift School is an independent day and boarding school for boys aged 10-18, situated on a 45-acre parkland site in South Croydon, Greater London. Founded in 1596 by Archbishop John Whitgift, its motto is "Vincit qui patitur" (He who perseveres, conquers). The school claims to focus on academic achievement, personal development, and co-curricular involvement, aiming to foster mutual respect and self-esteem. The extensive grounds feature landscaped gardens, ponds, and an aviary. Full, weekly, and flexi-boarding options are available.

Gatehouse School is a co-educational independent day school for pupils aged 3 to 11, situated in Bethnal Green opposite Victoria Park. Founded in 1948 by Phyllis Wallbank in the gatehouse of St Bartholomew-the-Great, the school moved to its current site in the 1970s. Its educational philosophy is rooted in Montessori principles, fostering an inclusive, non-selective environment. The school prioritises the arts and physical education, utilising its own playgrounds and the adjacent parkland for sports. Recent renovations have added modern facilities, including a new assembly hall and specialised spaces for music and drama.

Maida Vale School is a co-educational independent day school for pupils aged 11 to 18, situated in West London. Established in 2020 as part of the Gardener Schools Group, it is housed in a substantial, restored Victorian building. The school promotes a holistic approach to education with a particular emphasis on the creative and performing arts. Facilities include a double-height theatre, specialist art and design studios, and high-specification science laboratories. Pupils also benefit from an extended school day and access to nearby sporting venues, including Paddington Recreation Ground.

Kensington Wade is a co-educational day school in West London for pupils aged 3 to 11. Established in 2017, it is the first prep school in the United Kingdom to provide a fully immersive English-Chinese bilingual education. The curriculum combines a traditional British framework with Mandarin immersion, utilising the Shanghai Approach for mathematics. Facilities on Fulham Palace Road include a dedicated nursery building, two playgrounds, and a specialist STEAM room. Pupils also benefit from nearby swimming and sports facilities, while the younger children participate in weekly Forest School sessions.

Halcyon London International School is a co-educational, not-for-profit day school for pupils aged 11 to 18, situated in Marylebone. Founded in 2013, it is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School offering the Middle Years and Diploma Programmes. The school’s ethos focuses on innovation, student agency, and a research-led approach to wellbeing and restorative practice. Recognised as a Google Reference School and Apple Regional Training Centre, it integrates advanced technology into its teaching. The school occupies a central site near Marble Arch, utilising local facilities including the Seymour Leisure Centre and Hyde Park for sport and recreation.

Bickley Park School is an independent co-educational day school in Bromley for pupils aged 2 to 13. Founded in 1918, the school has historical connections to author Enid Blyton, who was one of its first teachers. The curriculum is structured around "Four Quadrants of Learning"—Academic, Arts, Community, and Sport—to provide a balanced education. Facilities across its two sites include a theatre, a covered swimming pool, a climbing wall, and a six-acre sports ground. The school, which became fully co-educational in 2024, occupies a blend of original buildings and modern purpose-built spaces.

Islamic Shakhsiyah Foundation (London) is a co-educational day school for pupils aged 3 to 16, located in Tottenham. The school is housed within a historic building, formerly St Mary’s Priory, which forms part of a local mosque complex. Established in 2002 from a network of home-schooling groups, the school follows the Shakhsiyah Education model, rooted in classical Islamic pedagogy and the Quran. Its curriculum is holistic and thematic, featuring the 'Halaqah' system to develop personal character. Extracurricular highlights include an annual inventions fair and student presentations focusing on public speaking and creativity.