Some British Independent schools are highly famous and thought after, and almost all of them are very expensive. Most British people will choose them to stick to strong family tradition. Independent schools distinguish themselves by their sought-after reputability, small class groups (12 to 15 max), a comprehensive education including sport, arts and music, the strong feeling to be member of a private and selective group highly recognizable in their social and professional life. They are selective schools and most children, even the more gifted, have to be tutored to pass the Entry exams.
Below some good examples of British Independent schools for International families relocating to London
CAMERON VALE
- English curriculum. Co-educational prep school from 6 months to 11 years
- Prep school, not a specific feeder but popular leavers destinations are Dulwich, Alleyn’s, Emanuel and Francis Holland
- Location – Chelsea, just of the Kings Road
- 15 minutes from Victoria (national rail)
- School Fees – from £9,700 per term for school year 2024/2025
Cameron Vale is a co-educational preparatory school for children aged 6 months to 11 years old. They are part of the Forfar Education Group. Nestled in a converted townhouse just off the Kings Road this is a homely, traditional school. Relatively small, with about 65 students and group teaching in years 3-4 and 5-6. A relatively international cohort, they are used to the needs of relocating families. There is a big emphasis placed on building community – families are added to WhatsApp’s groups ahead of them arriving. The whole of Year 6 is given over to 11+ prep and leaver’s go onto an impressive array of destinations, popular destinations include Dulwich, Latymer Upper and Queens Gate..
KNIGHTSBRIDGE SCHOOL
- English curriculum. Co-educational prep school from 3 to 16 years
- Prep and senior school – most leave at 11+ and 13+, popular destinations include Latymer Upper, Dulwich and Charterhouse.
- Location – Chelsea, very close to Harrods.
- 10 minutes from Victoria (national rail).
- School Fees – from £8,555 per term.
Knightsbridge school was founded in 2006 by Magoo Giles with the vision of creating a school with happiness at its core with an emphasis on a rounded education. Now owned by Dukes Education, Magoo remains on as Principal. It is a co-educational prepschool for students aged 3-16. Located in central Chelsea, a stone’s throw from Harrods, it occupies a large red brick building. Students are well prepped for the 11+ and 13+ but extracurriculars are also a big priority – think school productions and sports fixtures. Non-selective entry, families are instead interviewed to ensure the right fit for the school. About 40% of families are international, particularly popular with Americans but not exclusively so. A strong parents association ensures that newcomers feel welcomed, with lots of community events. The senior school “opened” in 2023 but remains in the same school building, resulting in a true all through school. Most still leave at 11+ or 13+ to a variety of day and boarding schools.
HILL HOUSE
- English curriculum. Co-educational prep school from 4 to 13 years
- Prep school, Dulwich and Francis Holland are popular destinations.
- Location – Split across 3 sites in Chelsea.
- School fees – from £6,000 per term.
Hill House is a co-educational prep school for pupils aged 4-13, founded in 1951 by the grandfather of the current headmaster. It is a family school famous for its slightly eccentric uniforms. It teaches a traditional English curriculum with an emphasis on preparing students for successful senior school entry. That said, arts and sports are still valued highly, and pupils have a reputation for being grounded and unpretentious. Largely non-selective entry, with an informal observation rather than assessment for reception places. A large cohort of international families – there are over 60 nationalities at the school and an active parents association means that relocating families are welcomed into the school community. The school goes up to 13+, although most girls leave at 11+. Students go onto a mix of day and boarding schools. For day, Dulwich and Queens Gate are popular, for boarding, Downe House and Eton are frequent choices.
SUSSEX HOUSE
- English curriculum. Boy’s prep school for 8-13
- Prep school – viewed as an Eton feeder.
- Location – Cadogan Square, a short walk from Harrods.
- 10 minutes from Victoria (national rail).
- School fees – £8660 per term
Sussex House is a boy’s prep school for pupils aged 8-13, founded in 1952. Located in a Cadogan Square it is a truly traditional school with a reputation for being one of the most academically rigorous prep schools in London. Entrance is competitive – there are 36 places available at 8+ (no 7+ places) with 3 applicants to every place. The school aims to support students in gaining entrance to the UK4s most prestigious UK public schools – they achieve this with 80% going onto Eton, KCS, St Pauls, Westminster and Winchester. Alongside the core of academics, sports and the arts are prioritised with drama and music being particularly strong – the fencing programme is amongst the best in the country. The school itself has no outdoor space, but they do use the facilities at Battersea Park to ensure that boys have a chance for physical activity each day. Pupils are confident, with a sense of independence and have a very positive attitude to their learning.
MAIDA VALE – Co-educational senior school for 11-18
- English curriculum.
- Senior school.
- Location – near to Queen’s Park.
- 20 minutes from Euston (national rail).
- Fees – from £10,153.20 per term.
Maida vale is a co-educational senior school for students aged 11-18. Located in (as you would expect) Maida Vale, it is part of the Gardener Schools Group. It was founded in 2020 with the idea of creating a nurturing school that would serve local demand for an independent co-educational school. Year 7 applicants sit the ISEB and are then invited for interview, after this they are open to in year admissions which is useful for relocating families. On the smaller end with around 600 pupils, it has a clear “open door” policy and is keen to encourage working alongside parents to help a student reach their full potential. They offer a value led education, with a big emphasis on educating the whole person with excellent pastoral care and SEN support.
OAKFIELD PREPARATORY SCHOOL IN WEST DULWICH
- English Curriculum
- Prep School, feeder for Dulwich College and Whitgift
- Location: West Dulwich
- 15 mins away from London Victoria ( National Rail)
- School fees 2020/2021: £11,319/year (for Y1-6 including school lunches)
Oakfield Preparatory School is an independent, co-educational preparatory school for boys and girls aged 2 to 11 years old. They have been part of the fabric of Dulwich for over 130 years and blend traditional values with a modern curriculum. The school is very committed and passionate about the future of their students. They are a feeder school for some of the most prestigious schools in the area, including Dulwich College and Whitgift, and pride themselves on their diverse learning environment, combining an academic programme of a high standard with a choice of diverse co-curricular activities to encourage boys and girls to become the best that they can be.
Nice residential areas around
West Dulwich – Brockwell Park
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