Primary classes in England UK for international students. List of 159 top institutions, 2024 fees, rankings
-
80.59% of A Level students achieved A*-A results among top UK schools in 2021United KingdomYorkCurrently watching: 9from 13850.00 £ / termApply with documentsProgram namedateAgeFeesPrimary schoolLast booking 3 weeks ago02.09.2019 - 20.06.20205-10
-
from 8746.00 £ / termApply with documentsProgram namedateAgeFeesPrimary schoolLast booking 3 weeks agoAll year round4-13
-
In 2019 - near 39% of A Level students achieved A*/A gradesUnited KingdomReadingCurrently watching: 8from 4342.00 £ / yearApply with documents
-
from 22800.00 £ / yearApply with documentsProgram namedateAgeFeesPrimary schoolLast booking 3 weeks agoAll year round8-11
-
In 2021 an average IB score made up 36.4United KingdomTauntonCurrently watching: 6from 6920.00 £ / termApply with documents
-
In 2019 - 21% of GCSE students achieved A* - A scoresUnited KingdomTonbridgeCurrently watching: 10from 9100.00 £ / termApply with documentsProgram namedateAgeFeesPrimary schoolLast booking 6 weeks agoAll year round4-14
-
from 8690.00 £ / termApply with documentsProgram namedateAgeFeesPrimary schoolLast booking 4 weeks agoAll year round6-13
-
In 2021 - 85% of A Level students achieved A* - BUnited KingdomBrightonCurrently watching: 6from 5030.00 £ / termApply with documentsProgram namedateAgeFeesPrimary schoolLast booking 6 weeks agoAll year round3-13
-
In 2021 - 90% of A Level students achieved A*-BUnited KingdomEly, CambridgeshireCurrently watching: 6from 10658.00 £ / termApply with documentsProgram namedateAgeFeesPrimary schoolLast booking 6 weeks agoAll year round7-13
-
In 2021 - 75% of A Level students achieved A* - BUnited KingdomStonehouseCurrently watching: 8from 7700.00 £ / termApply with documents
Alternative destinations
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:
-
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.
-
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.

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 |