18 best girls only schools in England UK - 3 yo
This content was developed and approved with active participation of Lucy Heller.
In the process of preparing the material, we referenced the following sources:
- https://www.business-times.co.uk/articles/news/why-girls-only/
- https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/plan-studies/ways-learning/boarding-schools.
Separate education is one of the oldest and most respected educational traditions in the UK. For several centuries in England, both co-educational schools and individual institutions for boys and girls' schools have been working in England: the latter were created not only to strengthen order and discipline, but also to Maintaining the standards of etiquette and upbringing, which young gentlemen and ladies instilled from an early age. Elite schools for girls are not only intensive training and high standards, but also education in the spirit of classical British traditions, the formation of girls as independent, professional, caring, housewives and sports women (for example, netball, squash, swimming or horse riding for girls in England), in demand specialists and keeper of home comfort.
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Key Advantages of Top Girls Schools in the UK
The distinct benefits of single-gender education for young women are manifold:
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Girls are not distracted by male gender, allowing them to focus on academic, athletic, and creative development.
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According to psychological studies, girls mature more quickly than boys. As a result, schools for girls make an emphasis on developing such individual characteristics, such as responsibility, discipline, and perseverance. So graduates obtain all the necessary skills to effectively combat challenges.
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Despite stereotypical views, girls achieve high results in subjects, which are traditionally considered as "male-centric" like mathematics, physics, computer science, and chemistry. In addition, they actively engage in activities like football, carpentry, sailing, and woodworking.
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Leadership positions in schools for girls are mostly held by women. So, students are provided with real model examples of behavior, stimulating them to achieve excellence and ambition.
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When the educational programs are forming, such girl's qualities, as diligence, meticulousness, and perseverance are taken into account, making a special focus on their development.
Exploring the Top 30 Girls Schools in the UK
No matter what type of school you are interested in - day schools or boarding one, in the UK there are more than top 30 girls schools, occupying high positions in national rankings. These schools are distinguished by students' excellent academic performance and their active participation in social, sports, and artistic endeavors. International parents, particularly those eyeing private and elite boarding institutions, regard UK girls schools highly for the comprehensive education they offer.

UK boarding school rankings - what criteria are they based on? How accurate is it today?
Most of the rankings are compiled on the data of the GCSE and A-level exams: the results of the last year affect the rankings of the current one. Usually, the rankings include schools in which at least 20 people took exams, and the highest results and their percentage among the rest are taken into account (A *- A for A-level and 7-9 for GCSE).
It is believed that the rankings cannot accurately reflect the quality of the school. Many institutions do not publish their results at all and do not make the list of the best, despite the outstanding results. All types of schools are summarized in the tables - coeducational, segregated, day and boarding schools, it doesn't matter. In addition, it's not just academic performance that is an indicator of quality - sometimes your child needs more.
How to get into the best schools for girls in the UK. SMAPSE expert advice
SMAPSE showcases a diverse list of the 30 best girls schools in the UK. Each school profile is enriched with detailed insights into their programs, features, and visual glimpses through campus and residence photographs.
To simplify your decision-making, the SMAPSE team has incorporated the girls' schools in UK fees for each institution. While tuition for boarding schools, especially private ones, might seem steep initially, the returns on this investment are palpable. From top-tier living and recreational facilities to unmatched educational standards and prestigious diplomas, the value proposition is undeniable. Furthermore, the global recognition and high regard for graduates from these elite girls schools ensure a seamless transition to leading universities worldwide.
Costs and fees at girls' schools in the UK
If parents are interested in sending their daughter to girls' schools in the UK, it is necessary to consider costs concerning high quality education abroad. No matter if this is a boys' school or girls’ institution, the expenses can range significantly, which is stipulated by the school type, its location, ranking, and the educational program chosen. There are two main categories of girls' schools in the UK: private (independent) schools and state-funded (public) schools. Here's an overview of the costs and fees associated with each:
Private (Independent) Girls' Schools: Private girls' schools in the UK are considered the best option for pursuing exceptional education, comprehensive facilities, and a diverse range of extracurricular opportunities. However, such excellent conditions for studying and leisure often stipulate significant investments from parents. Tuition fees for private girls' schools can vary widely, ranging from several thousand to tens of thousands of pounds per term. The cost is influenced by factors such as the school's prestige, location, and available resources. These fees typically encompass tuition, access to facilities, and certain extracurricular activities.
In addition to tuition, families should be prepared for additional expenses, including uniform costs, textbooks, transportation, examination fees, and optional extracurricular activities. Some private girls' schools offer scholarships and bursaries to students who excel academically or exhibit outstanding talents in various fields, providing financial assistance to deserving students.
State-Funded (Public) Girls' Schools: State-funded girls' schools, often referred to as public schools, provide education under government funding and tend to be more budget-friendly than private institutions. While tuition fees are not typical in public schools, families might still need to cover costs related to uniforms, textbooks, materials, and extracurricular activities. Some schools may ask for voluntary contributions to support specific projects or initiatives, fostering a sense of community involvement.
Certain state-funded girls' schools with specialized focuses, such as arts, sciences, or languages, might entail additional costs related to specialized equipment or resources. These institutions aim to provide a solid educational foundation without the substantial financial commitment associated with private schools.
Financial Support and Scholarships: Both private and state-funded girls' schools usually provide financial programs, aimed at helping to compensate for the costs of education. Awarding of scholarships is based on merits, recognizing academic achievement, sports prowess, artistic talents, or other exceptional attributes. Bursaries are typically means-tested and are designed to assist students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, making quality education accessible to a wider range of students.
In addition to tuition fees, the cost of studying at a girls' school in the UK also includes uniforms, educational materials, and participation in extracurricular activities. Families should carefully plan the budget of studying abroad. So, it is necessary to select schools according to their daughter's interests, future goals and budget limits. Exploring available scholarships and bursaries can contribute to making these schools a viable option for academically motivated and talented girls, ensuring they have access to the enriching educational experiences these institutions offer.
Best UK girls private school rankings 2025
β | A/A* % | Name | Day/Board | Boy/Girl | Day GBP | Board GBP |
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1 | 93.90 | Wycombe Abbey School | Boarding | Girls | 30,945 | 41,25 |
2 | 90.30 | Woldingham School | Both | Girls | 25,5 | 42,21 |
3 | 88.60 | St Swithun's School | Both | Girls | 21,918 | 36,339 |
4 | 85.00 | St Catherine's School, Bramley | Both | Girls | 19,775 | 32,865 |
5 | 85.00 | Downe House School | Both | Girls | 31,305 | 42,09 |
6 | 84.30 | Cheltenham Ladies' College | Both | Girls | 30,39 | 44,79 |
7 | 83.00 | Benenden School | Boarding | Girls | 40,848 | |
8 | 81.00 | St Mary's School - Cambridge | Both | Girls | 17,373 | 36,007 |
9 | 79.00 | Bruton School For Girls | Both | Girls (Co-ed 3 - 7) | 18,696 | 34,524 |
10 | 79.00 | Badminton School | Both | Girls | 17,43 | 40,5 |
11 | 79.00 | Mayfield School | Both | Girls | 23,25 | 36,75 |
12 | 78.00 | St Francis' College | Both | Girls | 18,45 | 34,77 |
13 | 78.00 | Queen Margaret's School - York | Both | Girls | 19,5 | 33,69 |
14 | 77.50 | St George's School - Ascot | Both | Girls | 24,195 | 37,98 |
15 | 77.20 | Rye St Antony School | Both | Girls (Co-ed 3 - 11) | 17,055 | 29,415 |
16 | 76.00 | Headington School | Both | Girls | 20,28 | 40,965 |
17 | 75.00 | Malvern St James Girls' School | Both | Girls | 19,74 | 42,81 |
18 | 74.80 | Sherborne Girls | Both | Girls | 23,76 | 39,51 |
19 | 73.30 | Tudor Hall School | Both | Girls | ||
20 | 72.50 | Royal High School | Both | Girls | 14,595 | 32,286 |
21 | 72.00 | Queen Anne's School | Both | Girls | 25,11 | 41,775 |
22 | 71.00 | Farlington School | Both | Girls | 18,3 | 30,75 |
23 | 70.00 | Moreton Hall School | Both | Girls (Co-ed 3 - 13) | 31,08 | 37,77 |
24 | 69.00 | Harrogate Ladies' College | Both | Girls | 17,52 | 41,355 |
25 | 67.80 | Queenswood School | Both | Girls | 27,12 | 37,65 |
26 | 65.80 | Haberdashers' Monmouth School for Girls | Both | Girls (Co-ed 6th form) | 16,599 | 34,167 |
27 | 65.00 | Heathfield School - Ascot | Both | Girls | 24 | 38,85 |
28 | 64.00 | Royal Masonic School for Girls | Both | Girls | 19,278 | 33,198 |
29 | 60.00 | The Godolphin School | Both | Girls | 22,335 | 39,165 |