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24 best boarding schools in London 2026
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://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_boarding_schools_in_the_United_Kingdom
- https://www.besa.org.uk/key-uk-education-statistics/.
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In 2023 100% of students achieved A*– B grades at A-level
United KingdomLondonCurrently watching: 7from 37600.00 £ / year -
In 2023 – 37.5% of A-level students achieved A* - A.
United KingdomLondonCurrently watching: 9from 12300.00 £ / term -
In 2021 - 66% of A Level students achieved A*-A
United KingdomLondonCurrently watching: 9from 19785.00 £ / term -
In 2023 - 84% of A Level students achieved A* - A
United KingdomLondonCurrently watching: 10from 13869.00 £ / term -
In 2023 - 21% of A Level students achieved A* grade
United KingdomLondonCurrently watching: 6from 46800.00 £ / year -
133 place in the best boarding schools in the UK
United KingdomLondonCurrently watching: 10from 5245.00 £ / term -
Ashbourne students consistently achieve excellent A level results, 53% A*A in 2023, far ex
United KingdomLondonCurrently watching: 8from 10250.00 £ / term -
In 2023 - near 38% of A Level students achieved A*-A grades
United KingdomLondonCurrently watching: 9from 10700.00 £ / term -
Marymount graduates achieved a 100% pass rate in the IB Diploma in 2023
United KingdomLondonCurrently watching: 9from 44000.00 £ / year -
In 2023 - 52.8% of A Level students achieved A*-A
United KingdomLondonCurrently watching: 4from 13925.00 £ / term
Studying at boarding schools in London is the cherished dream of any foreign student. Over the several hundred years that have passed since the creation of the first educational institution in foggy Albion, Great Britain has managed to establish itself as a country with one of the most powerful educational systems in the world.
Graduates of London boarding schools are welcome students at any university in the world. At the same time, for those of them who graduated from a boarding school, the doors to the best universities in the world are open.
Best boarding schools in London form a whole educational system that focuses on the all-round development of each child. In addition to numerous academic disciplines, boarding schools in London focus on sports and the arts.
Alternative destinations
Admission Process for Best Boarding Schools in London
Usually students aged from 11 to 13 years old begin to obtain secondary education in prestigious boarding schools in London. As for foreign students, they enter the best boarding schools in London at ages 11, 13-14, or 16. At the same time, top boarding schools in London have developed educational programs designed for children aged 7 years old. However, many parents are hesitant to send their children to live separately at such a young age.
Required Documents for Admission
For successful entering London boarding schools, applicants must confirm their academic and language knowledge by providing the following documents:
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Transcripts covering grades from recent years
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Letters of recommendation from teachers
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Certificates proving English language proficiency
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A motivational essay
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A copy of a valid passport
Additionally, applicants must fill in the school's registration forms and attend an interview, which can be in-person or via the Internet.
Top Boarding Schools in London for International Students
- Westminster School
Westminster School in London was founded in 1179. Now it is considered as one of the oldest and most prestigious boarding schools. According to data at the end of 2019, it occupied first position in A-level exam results and third in GCSE results.The school accommodates around 750 students in 11 residences and offers a classical liberal arts education. Children from over 30 different nationalities are enrolled here.
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Kensington Park School
Kensington Park School was founded in 2017, considered a newcomer on London's academic scene.Thanks to combining traditional values with innovative teaching approaches, the school has quickly gained recognition. Its main goal concerns developing the talents, ambitions, and leadership qualities of each student. Students aged from 14 to 18 years old study under British GCSE and A-Level programs, covering a wide range of compulsory and elective disciplines such as languages, business, drama, history, natural sciences, IT, mathematics, photography, politics, psychology, economics, etc.
In addition to academic success, what details do parents consider when choosing a school?
Location: Most often, parents consider schools in the city center, but in a calm and safe area. The infrastructure and equipment of the classrooms, the teaching staff and the atmosphere in general. In the end, parents must be sure that the child will be comfortable, they will always be supported and helped!
Cost and Fees at Best Boarding Schools in London
The school is located in Kensington Gardens, at the center of the British capital. Thanks to partnerships with nearby sports and cultural centers, London boarding school provides students with the opportunity to participate in diverse extracurricular activities. For instance, students have access to Ethos Sports Center at Imperial College London, which boasts a gym, a swimming pool, and a 9-meter climbing wall. Here, teenagers can learn skills like fencing and horse riding from expert coaches, including Olympic champions.
By understanding the admission requirements, fees, and unique offerings of these boarding schools, parents can make an informed decision for their children's education.
General statistics on education in the UK-ratings, specializations, universities
Top 9 best colleges in London 2026 rankings
| 1 | Abbey DLD College London |
| 2 | MPW College London |
| 3 | Kensington Park School |
| 4 | CATS College London |
| 5 | Bellerbys College London |
| 6 | David Game College London |
| 7 | Cambridge Tutors College |
| 8 | Ealing Independent College |
| 9 | King’s College London |
Top 33 best schools and colleges in and near London 2026
| 1 | Abbey DLD College London |
| 2 | Sevenoaks School |
| 3 | Chelsea Independent College |
| 4 | ACS Cobham International School |
| 5 | MPW College London |
| 6 | Westminster School |
| 7 | Mill Hill School |
| 8 | St Pauls School London |
| 9 | Kensington Park School |
| 10 | Harrow School |
| 11 | CATS College London |
| 12 | David Game College London |
| 13 | Hurtwood House School |
| 14 | Brentwood Private School |
| 15 | Bellerbys College London |
| 16 | Caterham School |
| 17 | International Community School |
| 18 | TASIS the American International School in England |
| 19 | City of London Freemen’s School |
| 20 | Dulwich College |
| 21 | Ashbourne College |
| 22 | Epsom College |
| 23 | Royal Russell School |
| 24 | Rochester Independent College |
| 25 | Worth School |
| 26 | Felsted School |
| 27 | Queenswood private boarding school |
| 28 | LVS Ascot School |
| 29 | Eaton Square Private School London |
| 30 | Cambridge Tutors College |
| 31 | Marymount International School London |
| 32 | St Christopher School Letchworth |
| 33 | King Edward's Witley Private School |
24 best boarding schools in and near London 2026 rankings
| 1 | ACS Cobham International School |
| 2 | Sevenoaks School |
| 3 | Bishop's Strotford College |
| 4 | Hurtwood House School |
| 5 | Rochester Independent College |
| 6 | Wellington College |
| 7 | Queenswood School |
| 8 | Reddam House School |
| 9 | Tasis the American school England |
| 10 | Caterham School |
| 11 | St Christopher School Letchworth |
| 12 | Farringtons school |
| 13 | St Mary's School Ascot |
| 14 | LVS Ascot School |
| 15 | Royal Masonic School for Girls |
| 16 | Epsom College |
| 17 | Heathfield School |
| 18 | Cranleigh School |
| 19 | Whitgift School |
| 20 | Chigwell School |
| 21 | St Georges School Ascot |
| 22 | Berkhamsted School |
| 23 | ACS Hillingdon International School |
| 24 | Downsend Prep School |
Advantages and disadvantages of English schools
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| The opportunity to enter the best universities in England, USA, Canada, Switzerland, Europe, the world | Expensive |
| High quality of education and academic standards | Strong workload |
| Perfect English after graduation | The need to change the social environment; it takes time to adapt |
| Useful contacts | The difficulty of choosing the most suitable school for the child, requires a qualified specialist |
Top 35 best schools in the USA - 2026 Smapse rankings
| 1 | North Broward Preparatory School |
| 2 | Phillips Academy Andover |
| 3 | The Storm King School New York |
| 4 | Red Bank Catholic High School |
| 5 | Windermere Preparatory School |
| 6 | Shattuck St Mary's School |
| 7 | Cheshire Academy |
| 8 | Cate School |
| 9 | Ross School |
| 10 | Deerfield Academy |
| 11 | The Village School |
| 12 | Amerigo Los Angeles – Bishop Montgomery High School |
| 13 | Webb Schools |
| 14 | Kent School USA |
| 15 | The Winchendon School |
| 16 | Darlington School |
| 17 | Marian Catholic High School Amerigo Education |
| 18 | Grier School |
| 19 | The MacDuffie School |
| 20 | CATS Academy Boston |
| 21 | The Cambridge School of Weston |
| 22 | Milton Academy |
| 23 | Amerigo Education Napa Valley |
| 24 | American Hebrew Academy |
| 25 | Northfield Mount Hermon School |
| 26 | Mater Dei Catholic High School San Diego Amerigo Education |
| 27 | American University Preparatory School Los Angeles |
| 28 | Webb Schools |
| 29 | Kent School USA |
| 30 | Groton School |
| 31 | Maine Central Institute |
| 32 | The Lawrenceville School |
| 33 | Grand River Academy Ohio |
| 34 | Saint John Paul II Academy |
| 35 | Chicago North Shore |
Top 14 best schools in Switzerland 2026
| 1 | College Du Leman |
| 2 | St. Georges School Montreux |
| 3 | Institut Monte Rosa |
| 4 | Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz |
| 5 | Saint-Charles Collège et Lycée |
| 6 | Leysin American School |
| 7 | Hochalpines Institut Ftan AG High Alpine |
| 8 | Aiglon College Switzerland |
| 9 | Institut Le Rosey School |
| 10 | Institut Montana Zugerberg |
| 11 | Champittet College |
| 12 | Brillantmont International School |
| 13 | Surval Montreux |
| 14 | Ecole Pre Fleuri |
Literature and references
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Benefits and risks of sending international students to boarding schools in London
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The 8 London schools named among the best private schools in the world with ex-pupils including Royal Family members
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These are the UK’s most expensive private schools, if you’ve got a spare £30k
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Private School Statistics UK 2023 - Independent Schools
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List of boarding schools in the United Kingdom — Wiki
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Key UK education statistics