Independent Sixth Form Schools

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.

Queenswood is an independent boarding and day school for girls aged 11 to 18, set within 120 acres of Hertfordshire countryside near Hatfield. Founded in 1894 with a Methodist affiliation, the school focuses on developing well-rounded, independent individuals through a progressive curriculum. The campus features notable facilities, including a 280-seat theatre and 27 tennis courts, supporting a strong reputation for sport and the performing arts. The main building, Sheepwell House, was rebuilt in its original style after a fire in 1936, maintaining the school's distinctive architectural character.

Bethany School is a co-educational independent day and boarding school for pupils aged 11 to 18, set within 60 acres of the Weald of Kent near Goudhurst. Founded in 1866 by Reverend Joseph James Kendon, the school maintains a Christian ethos and focuses on the development of individual character. Facilities include a 25-metre indoor swimming pool, a climbing wall, and a high ropes course. The school provides a broad curriculum of GCSEs, A-levels, and BTECs, supported by a specialist learning support department and a programme of over 50 extracurricular activities.

Charterhouse is a co-educational independent boarding and day school for pupils aged 13 to 18, situated on a 250-acre campus in Godalming, Surrey. Founded in London in 1611 by Thomas Sutton, the school relocated to its present site in 1872, where it is housed in distinctive Gothic Revival buildings. The curriculum balances academic rigour with music, the arts, and sport. Notable facilities include the Queen’s Sports Centre and an art studio. Historically, Charterhouse is recognised for its significant role in the early development and codification of association football rules.

Westminster School is a historic boarding and day school for pupils aged 13 to 18, located within the Precincts of Westminster Abbey. Refounded by Elizabeth I in 1560, it is the only ancient school to remain on its original site in central London. The school is centred around Little Dean’s Yard and includes notable architecture such as the 14th-century College Hall. It provides a liberal education that encourages independent thought and academic rigour. Facilities include the 13-acre Vincent Square playing fields and a modern sports centre. Girls are currently admitted to the Sixth Form.

Situated in the village of Mayfield, East Sussex, Mayfield School is an independent Catholic boarding and day school for girls aged 11 to 18. Occupying the historic Old Palace of the Archbishops of Canterbury, the school features 14th-century buildings and a medieval chapel. It claims to follow a "Cornelian" ethos, focusing on intellectual curiosity, integrity, and compassion. Set within rural grounds, the school offers over 80 co-curricular activities and supports a diverse community of more than 20 nationalities. The school aims to nurture the whole person, balancing academic standards with spiritual and emotional resilience.

Francis Holland Regent's Park is an independent day school for girls aged 11 to 18, situated in Marylebone near the gates of Regent's Park. Founded in 1878 by Canon Francis Holland, the school maintains a "schooling for life" ethos rooted in its Church of England heritage. On-site facilities include a swimming pool, while the nearby park and Paddington Recreation Ground are used for outdoor sports. In 2022, the school opened Linhope House, a purpose-built Sixth Form centre. The curriculum balances academic ambition with a strong commitment to the creative arts and pastoral support.

Frensham Heights is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 3 to 18, situated on a 120-acre estate near Farnham, Surrey. Founded in 1925, the school maintains a progressive ethos where students do not wear a uniform and staff are addressed by their first names. The campus is centred around a Grade II listed Edwardian mansion and features a dedicated performing arts centre. The school emphasises individual development and creative expression, offering a broad curriculum that includes a strong focus on outdoor education and the arts.

Woldingham School is a Catholic independent day and boarding school for girls aged 11 to 18, situated in a 700-acre estate within the Surrey Hills. Founded in 1842 by the Society of the Sacred Heart, it is one of the oldest girls' schools in the UK. The school is housed in Marden Park, a former country estate near Caterham. Its facilities include a 600-seat professional theatre and a modern sports centre. The curriculum focuses on academic breadth alongside a commitment to the Sacred Heart values of personal growth and social awareness.

Benenden School is an independent boarding school for girls aged 11 to 18, situated within the 250-acre Hemsted Park estate near Cranbrook, Kent. Founded in 1923, the school is centred on Hemsted House, a Victorian mansion built in the 1860s. Its educational approach follows a 'Complete Education' model, which integrates academic study with professional skills and personal development. Facilities include a dedicated science centre, a professional-standard theatre, and a music school with a concert hall. The expansive grounds accommodate a variety of activities, including lacrosse, hockey, and equestrian sports.

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.

Sir William Perkins's School is an independent day school for pupils aged 11 to 18, located on a 13-acre greenbelt site in Chertsey, Surrey. Founded in 1725 by a local merchant, the school moved to its current premises in 1819. Historically a girls' school, it begins a phased transition to co-education in September 2026. Facilities include a purpose-built Sixth Form centre, drama and music studios, and a private boat house on the River Thames at Laleham Reach. The ethos focuses on fostering confidence and integrity through a broad academic and co-curricular programme.

Claremont School is an independent, co-educational day and boarding school situated across two campuses in East Sussex. The Nursery and Prep School are located in St Leonards-on-Sea, while the Senior School and Sixth Form occupy a rural site in Bodiam. Catering for pupils aged one to 18, the school claims to focus on personalised learning and global opportunities as a member of the International Schools Partnership. Facilities include a football academy, forest school, and an award-winning performing arts department. The school provides both full and weekly boarding options.

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.

Hampton Court House is a co-educational day school for pupils aged 2 to 18, situated in a Grade II listed 18th-century building in East Molesey, Surrey. Overlooking Bushy Park, the school is set within eight acres of private parkland. It maintains a distinctive ethos where pupils and staff are on a first-name basis and there is no formal uniform. The school provides a bilingual immersion programme in French and English for younger years. The curriculum balances academic study with a focus on individuality and creative development.