Independent Senior Schools in Greater London

Streatham & Clapham High School GDST is an independent day school for girls aged 3 to 18, situated across two sites in South London. Founded in 1887 and a member of the Girls’ Day School Trust, the school features a Prep School in a Victorian building and a Senior School bordering Tooting Common. Notable architecture includes 1930s modernist structures and a contemporary Sixth Form wing. Specialist facilities include a recital hall, art suites, and a floodlit all-weather pitch. Guided by the motto "Towards wisdom unafraid," the school balances academic breadth with a wide-ranging co-curricular programme.

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.

Putney High School GDST is an independent day school for girls aged 4 to 18, situated on a leafy campus in southwest London. Founded in 1893, the school is a prominent member of the Girls' Day School Trust and emphasises an ethos of 'modern scholarship'. The site on Putney Hill combines original Victorian architecture with contemporary sustainable developments, such as the Athena Centre for science and drama and pioneering biophilic classrooms. The school fosters intellectual curiosity and real-world agility, offering a broad curriculum and extensive extracurricular opportunities within reach of the River Thames.

Mill Hill School is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 13 to 18, set within 120 acres of parkland in North London. Established in 1807 by Nonconformist ministers and merchants, the school occupies grounds that formerly belonged to the botanist Peter Collinson. The campus features notable architecture, including the Greco-Roman School House by Sir William Tite and a chapel designed by Basil Champneys. The school provides a broad education that balances academic study with a diverse co-curricular programme, supported by facilities such as an indoor swimming pool and a dedicated theatre.

Mill Hill International is a co-educational day and boarding school in North London for international pupils aged 13 to 18. Situated on the 120-acre site of the Mill Hill School Foundation, it occupies its own refurbished campus at The Mount. The school provides a transition into the British education system, offering GCSE and A Level programmes with dedicated English language support. Students benefit from small class sizes while accessing the Foundation's extensive facilities, which include an indoor swimming pool, a professional-standard theatre, and vast sports fields set within traditional parkland.

Northwood College for Girls GDST is an independent day school for pupils aged 3 to 18, located in Northwood, Greater London. Founded in 1878 and a member of the Girls’ Day School Trust since 2014, the school moved to its current site in 1892. Facilities include a performing arts centre with a recital hall, a sports hall with an indoor swimming pool, and specialist studios for dance and art. The school’s ethos focuses on character development and intellectual curiosity, aiming to nurture confident individuals within a supportive community.

Croydon High School GDST is an independent day school for girls aged 3 to 18, situated on a 20-acre site in Selsdon, South Croydon. Established in 1874, it was one of the earliest schools founded by the Girls’ Day School Trust. The campus features extensive green space and facilities such as a 25-metre swimming pool, a sports hall, and a dedicated sixth form centre. The school provides a broad curriculum designed to encourage independence and leadership, supported by a wide range of extracurricular clubs and activities.

Wimbledon High School GDST is an independent day school for girls aged 4 to 18, situated in the heart of Wimbledon, London. Founded in 1880 by the Girls’ Day School Trust, the school occupies a town-centre site featuring Victorian buildings and modern additions, including a dedicated STEAM tower. Its playing fields at Nursery Road possess significant sporting heritage as the original home of the All England Lawn Tennis Club. The school focuses on fostering intellectual curiosity and resilience, encouraging pupils to explore a broad range of academic and co-curricular opportunities.

Notting Hill and Ealing High School GDST is an independent day school for girls aged 4 to 18, situated in Ealing. Established in 1873 as a founding member of the Girls' Day School Trust, the school relocated to its current premises in 1931. The curriculum combines academic study with a strong emphasis on creativity and physical activity. Notable facilities include a 25-metre indoor swimming pool, a four-court sports hall, and a rooftop dance and fitness studio. Its ethos focuses on nurturing independent, confident individuals within a supportive and inclusive learning environment.

Bromley High School GDST is an independent day school for girls aged 4 to 18, situated on a 25-acre campus in Bickley, Greater London. Established in 1883 and a member of the Girls’ Day School Trust, the school moved to its current site in 1981. It holds the distinction of being the world's first all-girls All-Steinway School, housing a specialist music wing. Facilities include a 25-metre indoor swimming pool and floodlit sports pitches. The school provides a rigorous academic environment alongside a diverse range of extracurricular opportunities in music, sport, and the arts.

Francis Holland School (Sloane Square) is an independent day school for girls aged 11 to 18, situated in the heart of Belgravia, London. Founded in 1881 by Reverend Canon Francis Holland, the school moved to its current Graham Terrace site in 1884. It maintains a Church of England ethos, focusing on the development of leadership, creativity, and enterprise. Facilities include the RIBA award-winning Centre for Creative Learning and the Old School House, a dedicated Sixth Form centre. The school is well-regarded for its specialisms in the creative arts, including drama, music, and ballet.

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.

Southbank International School (Westminster) is a co-educational day school for pupils aged 11-18, spread across three central London sites. Established in 1979, it was the first school in the United Kingdom authorised to deliver all three International Baccalaureate programmes. The Westminster campus, which includes a Grade II listed building on Portland Place, focuses on the Middle Years and Diploma Programmes. Embodying a "school without walls" ethos, it utilises London's cultural landmarks as extended classrooms. Facilities include specialised science labs, a digital design lab, and a dedicated sports centre in Kilburn.

Sydenham High School GDST is an independent day school for girls aged 4 to 18, situated in South London near Crystal Palace. Established in 1887, the school is a member of the Girls' Day School Trust and operates across two sites within walking distance of each other. The curriculum focuses on academic breadth alongside strengths in the creative arts, music, and sport. Facilities include a dedicated performing arts centre and a long-standing sports pavilion. The school's ethos encourages independence and self-belief within a supportive community setting.

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.