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Best colleges in London 2024
This content was developed and approved with active participation of Alison Peacock.
In the process of preparing the material, we referenced the following sources:
- https://www.scholars4dev.com/category/country/europe-scholarships/uk-scholarships/
- https://www.bbk.ac.uk/international/finance/scholarships.
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In 2023 100% of students achieved A*– B grades at A-level
United KingdomLondonCurrently watching: 8from 37600.00 £ / year -
In 2023, in University Foundation Programme 50% of students achieved an A*- A
United KingdomLondonCurrently watching: 6from 11450.00 £ / term -
All students holding Oxbridge places met their offers
United KingdomLondonCurrently watching: 9from 60995.00 £ / year -
In 2023 - 21% of A Level students achieved A* grade
United KingdomLondonCurrently watching: 7from 46800.00 £ / year -
In 2023 - near 38% of A Level students achieved A*-A grades
United KingdomLondonCurrently watching: 10from 35170.00 £ / year -
Ranked #1st Veterinary College in the UK
United KingdomLondonCurrently watching: 10from 13270.00 £ / year -
In 2021 - 79% of A Level students achieved A*-A
United KingdomLondonCurrently watching: 5from 11774.00 £ / term -
In 2023 - 66% of A Level students achieved A* - A
United KingdomLondonCurrently watching: 5from 15078.00 £ / term -
from 19292.00 £ / year -
#2 in the world for Art and Design
United KingdomLondonCurrently watching: 5from 15120.00 £ / year
There is a great deal of colleges in London, UK. Here you can find any direction for studying and follow in footsteps of outstanding graduates of London colleges.
You can enter prestigious British colleges from the age of 15-16. International colleges (Six-form Colleges, Tutorial Colleges) specialize in preparing local and international students for the GCSE and A-level / IB exams. Well-prepared students can complete the GSCE and A-level programs in one year.
The main task of the college is to prepare students for successful exams and admission to a British university. Therefore, teachers are aimed at the academic success of students. Lectures, seminars, laboratory work are held in small classes, often no more than 6 people. Some colleges have very good student admission statistics to Oxford, Cambridge and the London School of Economics.
Many international colleges also have one / two-year Foundation Courses for university applicants. Upon successful completion, graduates are admitted to universities. This is a very convenient opportunity for foreign students wishing to get higher education in the UK.
In London there are prestigious educational institutions, recognized worldwide. So each foreign student can choose an appropriate option for studying. This article will provide you with detailed information about four top London colleges respected for their excellent academic performance, stellar faculty, and successful graduates.
University College London (UCL)
UCL occupies a prestigious position among the top 10 educational institutions worldwide. This university is part of the "Golden Triangle" in British education, along with Oxford and Cambridge. It is the oldest university in London, as it was founded in 1826. UCL has a status of one of the best London colleges, attracting foreign students. Among graduates are Nobel laureates, esteemed writer Gilbert K. Chesterton, innovator Alexander Bell, business magnate Edwin Waterhouse, and numerous influential politicians.
Imperial College London
Imperial College London is considered as one of the UK's best business schools. Also in its work Imperial College London focuses on research work, making it one of the top London colleges for science enthusiasts. The college has been graduated such persons as musician Brian May, biologist Thomas Huxley, and writer H.G. Wells, and other professional journalists and businessmen.
King's College London
Founded in 1839 by royal decree from George IV, King's College London is another of the UK's leading colleges. High level of teaching has contributed to popularity among foreign students. Also this prestigious college offers diverse academic subjects for studying. The college has been graduated noble personalities, including actor Boris Karloff, poet John Keats, the pioneering nurse Florence Nightingale, and many other professional scientists, artists, and politicians.
London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
LSE doesn’t occupy leading positions in the overall global university rankings. It has gained respect in specific areas such as international relations, politics, and sociology. Annually, foreign students, who are representatives of more than 150 countries, decide on studying here. This educational institution is considered as one of the most diverse international colleges in London. Among its graduates are musician Mick Jagger, philosopher Karl Popper, Danish Queen Margrethe II, and American President John F. Kennedy.
Alternative destinations
Cost and Fees to Best Colleges in London
The tuition fees at top London colleges significantly vary. It is recommended to learn information provided on their websites. However, the high quality of education and modern infrastructure at these London colleges justify their high cost of studying.
In case of deciding on studying in one of the top colleges in London, this article provides you with detailed information concerning four top-notch institutions that have not only gained local prominence but also global recognition. No matter what you are interested in science, the arts, or social sciences, London colleges offer diverse educational programs, complying with your academic challenges and future goals.
What are the expenses for parents during the year, in addition to paying for living and studying?
In addition to studying and accommodation, additional expenses are possible: preparation for IELTS, payment for exams, additional classes, guardian services. Add in personal expenses, and on average, in addition to studies and living, about 10 thousand pounds per year are added in additional costs.
How to apply to Colleges in London?
Entering international colleges in London is quite a complicated process, as foreign students are provided with the opportunity to obtain education in one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities. The application process ranges, which is stipulated by the specific international college and the chosen educational program. The first stage stipulates selection of colleges and their educational programs, which comply with your future goals and interests. Each London college has its own admission requirements, offered programs, and campus environment. Websites, virtual tours, and information sessions are excellent ways to gather this information.
When a shortlist of preferred colleges is formed, the next stage concerns learning of the specific application requirements for each educational institution. Unlike UK-based colleges that often use UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) for applications, international colleges may have their own independent application portals. Requirements may include educational transcripts, standardized test scores, language proficiency tests such as TOEFL or IELTS, a resume or CV, and sometimes even a portfolio, depending on the course you're applying for. Always consult the college’s admissions page for the most accurate and updated information.
When the package of necessary documents is prepared, you can proceed to the application form, which is usually available on the college's website. Some colleges require you to submit additional documents which may include a statement of purpose, essays on specific topics, or letters of recommendation. It is recommended to check documents, as the quality of your application materials will play a crucial role in your admission. Make sure to follow application deadlines; missing them can result in your application not being considered.
Financial considerations are also important when entering international colleges in London. London is an expensive city, both in terms of tuition and living expenses. However, many international colleges offer scholarships, work-study programs, or financial aid options for international students. Make sure to explore these opportunities well in advance of application deadlines, as you may need to submit additional documentation to be considered for financial aid.
Lastly, once you receive an admission offer, you'll need to obtain a student visa if you’re not a resident of Great Britain. For most international students, this will be the Tier 4 (General) student visa. The application for this visa usually involves submitting confirmation of sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses, a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from the college, and possibly a health check. Visa applications processing may last for several weeks to process. As a result, it is recommended to apply in advance when the admission confirmation is obtained. With a successful visa application, you'll be all set to commence your studies at an international college in London.
General statistics on education in the UK - ratings, specialties, universities
Top 9 best colleges in London 2025 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 2025
| 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 |
Top 21 boarding colleges in England 2025
| 1 | Cardiff Sixth Form College |
| 2 | National Mathematics and Science College |
| 3 | Abbey College Cambridge |
| 4 | d'Overbroeck's College |
| 5 | MPW London |
| 6 | CATS Cambridge |
| 7 | Kensington Park |
| 8 | DLD London |
| 9 | King's College St Michael’s |
| 10 | Bellerbys Cambridge |
| 11 | Chelsea Independent College |
| 12 | MPW Cambridge |
| 13 | Bellerbys Brighton |
| 14 | CATS London |
| 15 | St Clare's Oxford |
| 16 | Bishopstrow College |
| 17 | CATS Canterbury |
| 18 | Bellerbys London |
| 19 | Ealing Independent College |
| 20 | Cambridge Tutors College |
| 21 | Abbey Manchester |
Top 35 best universities and colleges in Canada 2025
| 1 | University of Toronto |
| 2 | McGill University |
| 3 | University of British Columbia |
| 4 | University of Alberta |
| 5 | Simon Fraser University |
| 6 | Montreal University |
| 7 | University of Windsor |
| 8 | York University |
| 9 | University of Guelph |
| 10 | McMaster University |
| 11 | University of Manitoba |
| 12 | University of Waterloo |
| 13 | Royal Roads University |
| 14 | Vancouver Film School |
| 15 | Kwantlen Polytechnic University |
| 16 | University of Calgary |
| 17 | Dalhousie University |
| 18 | Fanshawe College |
| 19 | University of Ottawa |
| 20 | Laval University |
| 21 | Sheridan College |
| 22 | University of Regina |
| 23 | Brock University |
| 24 | Thompson Rivers University |
| 25 | Humber College |
| 26 | Vancouver Island University |
| 27 | Mohawk College |
| 28 | Centennial College Toronto |
| 29 | Niagara College |
| 30 | Capilano University |
| 31 | Seneca College |
| 32 | Algoma University |
| 33 | Saint Clair College |
| 34 | Douglas College |
| 35 | LaSalle College |
