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Primary classes in England UK for international students. List of 159 top institutions, 2024 fees, rankings

Schools
159institutions
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10 18 36 72
  • Queen Ethelburga's College Boarding school
    80.59% of A Level students achieved A*-A results among top UK schools in 2021
    Queen Ethelburga's College Boarding school
    United Kingdom
    York
    Currently watching: 9
    Outstanding
    20 reviews
    9.3
    from 13850.00 £ / term
    Apply with documents
    from 13850.00 £ / term
    Apply with documents
    Program name
    date
    Age
    Fees
    Primary school
    Last booking 3 weeks ago
    Dates
    02.09.2019 - 20.06.2020
    5-10
    from 13850.00 £ / term
    from 13850.00 £ / term
    There are either 2 semesters or 3 trimesters (terms) in one academic year
    Show all courses (6)
  • Bishop’s Stortford College
    Bishop’s Stortford College
    United Kingdom
    Chelmsford
    Currently watching: 7
    Outstanding
    4 reviews
    8.6
    from 8746.00 £ / term
    Apply with documents
    from 8746.00 £ / term
    Apply with documents
    Program name
    date
    Age
    Fees
    Primary school
    Last booking 3 weeks ago
    Dates
    All year round
    4-13
    from 8746.00 £ / term
    from 8746.00 £ / term
    There are either 2 semesters or 3 trimesters (terms) in one academic year
    Show all courses (3)
  • Private school Reddam House School Berkshire
    In 2019 - near 39% of A Level students achieved A*/A grades
    Private school Reddam House School Berkshire
    United Kingdom
    Reading
    Currently watching: 8
    Outstanding
    5 reviews
    8.6
    from 4342.00 £ / year
    Apply with documents
    from 4342.00 £ / year
    Apply with documents
    Program name
    date
    Age
    Fees
    Primary school
    Dates
    All year round
    5-10
    from 4342.00 £ / year
    from 4342.00 £ / year
    There are either 2 semesters or 3 trimesters (terms) in one academic year
    Show all courses (7)
  • Sherfield Private School
    Sherfield Private School
    United Kingdom
    Reading
    Currently watching: 10
    Outstanding
    4 reviews
    8.5
    from 22800.00 £ / year
    Apply with documents
    from 22800.00 £ / year
    Apply with documents
    Program name
    date
    Age
    Fees
    Primary school
    Last booking 3 weeks ago
    Dates
    All year round
    8-11
    from 22800.00 £ / year
    from 22800.00 £ / year
    There are either 2 semesters or 3 trimesters (terms) in one academic year
    Show all courses (5)
  • Taunton School International Boarding school
    In 2021 an average IB score made up 36.4
    Taunton School International Boarding school
    United Kingdom
    Taunton
    Currently watching: 6
    Amazing
    5 reviews
    8.4
    from 6920.00 £ / term
    Apply with documents
    from 6920.00 £ / term
    Apply with documents
    Program name
    date
    Age
    Fees
    Primary school
    Dates
    All year round
    7-13
    from 6920.00 £ / term
    from 6920.00 £ / term
    There are either 2 semesters or 3 trimesters (terms) in one academic year
    Show all courses (6)
  • Claremont Independent Boarding School with Football Academy
    In 2019 - 21% of GCSE students achieved A* - A scores
    Claremont Independent Boarding School with Football Academy
    United Kingdom
    Tonbridge
    Currently watching: 10
    Amazing
    6 reviews
    8.4
    from 9100.00 £ / term
    Apply with documents
    from 9100.00 £ / term
    Apply with documents
    Program name
    date
    Age
    Fees
    Primary school
    Last booking 6 weeks ago
    Dates
    All year round
    4-14
    from 9100.00 £ / term
    from 9100.00 £ / term
    There are either 2 semesters or 3 trimesters (terms) in one academic year
    Show all courses (4)
  • The Oratory Preparatory School
    The Oratory Preparatory School
    United Kingdom
    Reading
    Currently watching: 7
    Amazing
    8.4
    from 8690.00 £ / term
    Apply with documents
    from 8690.00 £ / term
    Apply with documents
    Program name
    date
    Age
    Fees
    Primary school
    Last booking 4 weeks ago
    Dates
    All year round
    6-13
    from 8690.00 £ / term
    from 8690.00 £ / term
    There are either 2 semesters or 3 trimesters (terms) in one academic year
    Show all courses (1)
  • Lancing College
    In 2021 - 85% of A Level students achieved A* - B
    Lancing College
    United Kingdom
    Brighton
    Currently watching: 6
    Amazing
    1 reviews
    8.4
    from 5030.00 £ / term
    Apply with documents
    from 5030.00 £ / term
    Apply with documents
    Program name
    date
    Age
    Fees
    Primary school
    Last booking 6 weeks ago
    Dates
    All year round
    3-13
    from 5030.00 £ / term
    from 5030.00 £ / term
    There are either 2 semesters or 3 trimesters (terms) in one academic year
    Show all courses (6)
  • The King's School Ely
    In 2021 - 90% of A Level students achieved A*-B
    The King's School Ely
    United Kingdom
    Ely, Cambridgeshire
    Currently watching: 6
    Amazing
    5 reviews
    8.4
    from 10658.00 £ / term
    Apply with documents
    from 10658.00 £ / term
    Apply with documents
    Program name
    date
    Age
    Fees
    Primary school
    Last booking 6 weeks ago
    Dates
    All year round
    7-13
    from 10658.00 £ / term
    from 10658.00 £ / term
    There are either 2 semesters or 3 trimesters (terms) in one academic year
    Show all courses (6)
  • Wycliffe College
    In 2021 - 75% of A Level students achieved A* - B
    Wycliffe College
    United Kingdom
    Stonehouse
    Currently watching: 8
    Very good
    4 reviews
    8.3
    from 7700.00 £ / term
    Apply with documents
    from 7700.00 £ / term
    Apply with documents
    Program name
    date
    Age
    Fees
    Primary school
    Dates
    All year round
    7-11
    from 7700.00 £ / term
    from 7700.00 £ / term
    There are either 2 semesters or 3 trimesters (terms) in one academic year
    Show all courses (7)
Show by:
10 18 36 72

Education information

The English education system is considered one of the best in the world. It combines excellent academic preparation, the development of personal qualities and research skills. British schools and universities value traditions — but at the same time they quickly adapt to changes.

In the United Kingdom each child is compulsory to attend school from 5 years to 16 years old. This is controlled by special supervisory authorities. In practice, the British send their kids to school even earlier, many young Britons start their studies from the age of 4.

The school education for 4-year–olds is the choice of parents, at this age a child can stay at home or attend Primary Schools in UK. In modern realities, almost all children who turned 4 on September 1 go to school. This is due to the fact that most parents try to get to work full-time as early as possible, and the fact that it is difficult to get to a good school in the middle of the trimester, usually places are allocated before the start of the school year, and later you can only count on a waiting list.

The first year in a British primary school is called reception, in fact, it is a year of adaptation, preparation for further studies. The primary classes in UK resemble a classic kindergarten, during the day the children play, walk, draw and make various crafts. At the same time, integrating into the school-wide community, the children have the opportunity to observe older students, adopt their behavior model, socialize in the classroom and learn how to establish communication with teachers and classmates.

The list of subjects in the primary schools in UK is quite big – the pupils study mathematics, English, history, geography, are engaged in painting, music and sports. After 2 years, subjects such as information technology, art, design are added, and the range of natural sciences is expanding. In primary school in UK, the children study until the age of 10-11, after which they move to secondary school in UK.

Types of Private Primary Schools in the UK

The private schools in Britain are typically classified into two main categories:

  1. Preparatory Schools (Prep Schools): These schools are distinct from high schools and often exude a familial, warm environment. However, they typically cover smaller areas and might not have comprehensive sports facilities, making them reminiscent of traditional kindergartens.

  2. Junior Schools: Integrated within full-cycle secondary education institutions, these primary schools in the UK boast state-of-the-art equipment, expansive campuses, and endless extracurricular opportunities. Students usually progress to secondary education within the same institution. Nevertheless, such schools are less prevalent and might be located a significant distance from residential areas, sometimes even outside city boundaries.

Children aged 4-11 (occasionally up to 13) attend these private primary schools. Some of these schools have competitive entry from age 7, basing admission on exam scores. Both mixed-gender and single-gender (boys-only or girls-only) options are available in these institutions, similar to public schools.

Anna Chebotar
Anna Chebotar
Regional Manager CIS

Why do parents choose primary and secondary schools in Britain for their children?

I think parents understand that such schools will really help the child to open up, find himself and enter the best university.

 

What are the primary schools in England, UK

In essence, the UK's primary schools mirror the atmosphere of kindergartens: students are engaged in physical activities, creative play, singing, and more. The absence of regular homework and grading systems allows parents to gauge their child's progress through discussions with educators. These schools significantly bolster a child's social skills, teaching them to communicate, collaborate, and be accountable from a young age. For foreign students, immersion in primary schools UK can accelerate their English proficiency, enabling them to master the language almost like native speakers by the time they graduate.

Private education in the UK is marked by its relatively high fees and intense competition. Top primary schools in the UK might require applications from a very young age, prompting parents to commit to the enrollment process for several years. Yet, public schools shouldn't be overlooked; many uphold impeccable standards with commendable infrastructure.

Religious schools, especially Catholic ones, also have a significant presence in the UK. Predominantly funded by community donations, admissions to these schools often prioritize regular church attendees and those with verifiable religious affiliations. Recognizing the merits of these institutions, some parents proactively engage with the associated churches to affirm their commitment.

Choosing the Right Primary Schools in UK for International Students

Selecting the ideal primary school in the UK is influenced by various factors:

  • School's location

  • Range of subjects and electives offered

  • Extracurricular activities available

  • University preparation and career guidance.

The best fit for a child hinges on their personal interests, temperament, hobbies, and preferred subjects. While the UK boasts a myriad of esteemed educational establishments, the decision should center around the child's needs and the family's logistical and financial capacities. Elite schools come with matching fees, but there are options available to cater to diverse needs.

Primary schools UK fees range from £5,000 annually outside London to £15-20,000 in central London. Generally, the older the student, the higher the tuition.

How to apply to Primary Schools in the UK

During the primary education phase in England, admission to schools typically requires an English language assessment, which could be an interview or a written test. While some schools insist on in-person interviews, others may be content with a Skype conversation. Certain primary schools UK for foreign students might also mandate a math test, with its complexity contingent on the year of entry. For advanced grades, comprehensive exams covering basics of subjects like chemistry, physics, and biology could also be necessary.

What is primary education in the UK?

For which age groups is primary education provided?

What is Reception Class and how is it different from the rest of the elementary school years?

What subjects are studied in elementary school?

What kind of teachers work in the elementary school?

Can children move from one elementary school to another?

What exams do children take in elementary school?

Can foreign children attend elementary school in the UK?

What happens after elementary school ends?

How do schools cope with inclusive learning?

Secondary education in the UK

World Ranking 1
Foreign students 20%
Minimum age 4 years+ (age 11-14)
Tuition language English
Minimum English level beginner&higher (depends on the school)
Tuition cost £17,000-50,000
Cost of living (year) £10,000-25,000
Mandatory subjects English, Mathematics, Science

Learning programs-summary information

Name Meaning Equivalent Min. age Duration,
years
Next stage Cost
GCSE General certificate of secondary education secondary education (non-accomplished) 14 1–2 A-Levels 15,000 USD+
A-Levels Advanced level secondary education (accomplished) 16 2 University 15,000 USD+
BTEC Business and Technology Education Board secondary special education 14 2–3 University/ work 15,000 USD+
Oxbridge Preparation Preparing for Oxford and Cambridge secondary education (accomplished) 17 1 University 15,000 USD+
International Baccalaureate International baccalaureate secondary education (accomplished) 16 2 University 18,000 USD+
Foundation/ Pathway Year Preparatory year admission to the 1st year of university 17 1 University 14,000 USD+
NCUK The Northern consortium 2 year university 17,5 1 2 year University of NCUK 13,000 USD+
Special Preparation (Medics/Math/Business) Specialized training - 14 optional optional 4,000 USD+
Academic English Academic English Language school 8 + 6–12 months School or University 8,000 USD+

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 21 boarding colleges in England 2024

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 schools in the USA - 2024 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 Оhio
34 Saint John Paul II Academy
35 Chicago North Shore

Top 14 best schools in Switzerland 2024

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

Top 12 best schools in Canada 2024

1 Brookes Shawnigan Lake
2 Rosseau Lake College
3 Albert College
4 Columbia International College
5 Ridley College
6 St Andrew's College
7 Brentwood College School
8 Pickering College
9 Bodwell High School
10 Trafalgar Castle School
11 Fulford Academy
12 Shawnigan Lake School

A-level rankings 2024

# A + A* % Name Day/Board Boy/Girl Day £ Board £
1 92.11 Oxford International College Both Co-ed 23,375 44,750
2 90.28 Cardiff Sixth Form College Both Co-ed 17,700 46,450
3 85.35 St Paul's Girls' School Day Girls 27,831  
4 83.54 Westminster School Both Co-ed (Boys Only 13 - 16) 31,491 41,607
5 83.52 Concord College Both Co-ed 14,709 41,900
6 82.40 Magdalen College School Day Boys (Co-ed 6th form) 18,939  
7 82.14 St Paul's School Both Boys 25,908 38,991
8 82.00 Ruthin School Both Co-ed 14,500 40,500
9 81.51 Winchester College Boarding Boys   41,709
10 81.20 City of London School for Boys Day Boys 18,939  
11 80.93 Brighton College Both Co-ed 25,410 50,040
12 80.60 Wycombe Abbey School Boarding Girls 30,270 40,350
13 80.30 Eton College Boarding Boys   42,501
14 79.37 King's College School - Wimbledon Day Boys (Co-ed 6th form) 22,335  
15 79.15 Perse Upper School Day Co-ed 17,994  
16 78.41 Hampton School Day Boys 20,745  
17 77.82 Godolphin & Latymer School Day Girls 22,595  
18 77.67 Guildford High School for Girls Day Girls 17,733  
19 77.65 Oxford High School GDST Day Girls 16,089  
20 77.49 St Mary's School - Ascot Both Girls 28,590 40,140
21 77.14 City of London School for Girls Day Girls 19,212  
22 76.53 Lady Eleanor Holles School Day Girls 20,802  
23 76.15 South Hampstead High School Day Girls 19,494  
24 75.84 Haberdashers' Aske's Boys' School, Elstree Day Boys 21,159  
25 75.82 Highgate School Day Co-ed 21,600  
26 75.28 Merchant Taylors' School Day Boys 21,526  
27 75.21 King Edward VI High School for Girls Day Girls 13,338  
28 74.89 University College School Day Boys (Co-ed 6th form) 21,090  
29 74.61 Manchester Grammar School Day Boys 12,930  
30 74.18 Haberdashers' Aske's School for Girls Day Girls 19,311  

Best boarding schools in England - 2024 Smapse rankings

1 Cardiff Sixth Form College
2 Sevenoaks School
3 Queen Ethelburga's College
4 Brighton College
5 The National Mathematics and Science College NMSC
6 Concord College
7 Westbourne School
8 Wellington College
9 Rossall School
10 d'Overbroeck's College
11 Dulwich College
12 Fettes College
13 Stonar School
14 Wycliffe College
15 Lucton School
16 King's School Canterbury
17 ACS School Cobham
18 Hurtwood House
19 Uppingham School
20 Scarborough College
21 King's College St Michael’s
22 Mill Hill School
23 Windermere School
24 Clifton College
25 Badminton School
26 Oakham School
27 Oundle School
28 Stowe School
29 Cheltenham College
30 Bromsgrove School
31 Sidcot School
32 Prior Park College
33 Millfield School
34 Oswestry School
35 Caterham School
36 City of London Freemen’s School
37 Buckswood School
38 Brooke House College
39 Taunton School
40 St Clare's Oxford
41 Repton School
42 Royal Russell School
43 King's Ely
44 Leys Cambridge
45 Leighton Park
46 Bedford School
47 Fyling Hall
48 Royal Hospital School

Rankings of 22 best British colleges 2024

A/A* % Name Day/Board Boy/Girl Day GBP Board GBP
1 88.68 Cardiff Sixth Form College Both Co-ed 16,600 42,750
2 83.54 Oxford International College Both Co-ed 21,000 42,000
3 81.43 Concord College Both Co-ed 14,280 39,900
4 64% National Mathematics and Science College Both Co-ed 29,000 45,000
4 58.33 Hurtwood House Both Co-ed 28,950 43,428
5 54.17 Bellerbys College Cambridge Both Co-ed 27,060 38,940
6 53.71 Abbey College Cambridge Both Co-ed 29,000  
7 53.37 d'Overbroeck's Oxford Both Co-ed 23,850 38,700
8 47.21 Cambridge Tutors College Both Co-ed 15,900 39,990
9 44.09 CATS College Canterbury Both Co-ed 26,490 41,775
10 42.55 Bosworth Independent College Both Co-ed 12,600 30,300
11 39.29 CATS College Cambridge Both Co-ed 24,990 44,775
12 32.94 Mander Portman Woodward - Cambridge Day Co-ed 28,305  
13 31.01 Bellerbys College Brighton Both Co-ed 27,060 43,704
14 30.53 Abbey College Manchester Both Co-ed 12,750  
15 30.50 Chelsea Independent College Both Co-ed 24,000 48,000
16 29.75 Cambridge Centre For Sixth Form Studies Both Co-ed 21,000 48,000
17 28.65 Rochester Independent College Both Co-ed 18,000 36,900
18 24.86 CATS College London Both Co-ed 24,990 49,980
19 24.83 DLD College London Both Co-ed 23,000 50,500
20 20.93 Ealing Independent College Day Co-ed 16,050  
21 16.39 Padworth College Both Co-ed    
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Sarah Hicklin
Director of International Admissions at Oswestry School

Sarah is the Director of Admissions at Oswestry School. She has been working in secondary education and Admissions and Marketing for more than 14 years. She recommends deciding what is the highest priority for you when choosing a school: a happy child, active communication and friendship with peers, the realization of creative or academic potential. She would recommend a school away from big cities so that children are less distracted.

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