St Paul’s shared Barnes campus, science wing · Photo: ZeevoXLONNOW / THE SHORTLIST
Five worth knowing.
An editorial shortlist within Greater London, balancing published academic evidence, different school settings and documented admissions. It is not a numerical league table or a claim that these schools suit every child. School-published results describe selected cohorts; our numbering is a reading order, not a calculated rank.
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St Paul’s shared Barnes campus, science wing · ZeevoX · CC BY-SA 4.0Barnes
St Paul’s School
Independent · boys
Deep academic stretch
The school’s 2026 release reports 91.5% of A-level grades at A* or A. Its senior academic programme is designed for boys aged 13–18, making it a serious option for families seeking a demanding independent-school environment.
Before you decide
Compare the relevant entry route, total fees, available bursaries and the commute to Barnes. Results describe a selected cohort; they do not predict an individual child’s experience.
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St Paul’s Girls’ School school exterior · Chmee2 · CC BY-SA 3.0Brook Green · Hammersmith
St Paul’s Girls’ School
Independent · girls · 11+ and 16+
Strong academics in west London
The school reports 98.7% of 2026 GCSE grades at 9–7/A*–A and 89.6% of A-level grades at A*–A. Its Brook Green setting and broad academic and co-curricular provision make it a compelling girls’ option to investigate. It is a separate school from St Paul’s School in Barnes.
Before you decide
Check the appropriate 11+ or 16+ route, full fees and bursary arrangements. Discuss learning support and examination access arrangements before applying.
Westminster pairs a central London setting with an extensive academic and co-curricular programme. It offers day and boarding options, with 13+ and 16+ senior entry routes and an 11+ through-school route beginning at the Under School. Its move towards full co-education makes the exact entry year especially important.
Before you decide
Check the published eligibility for the intended year group. Westminster says every year group will be co-educational by 2030; do not assume every route is already identical. Compare day or boarding fees, bursaries and travel.
NLCS offers both A levels and the International Baccalaureate in the Sixth Form, providing a distinctive academic comparison. The school reported its recognition as Independent Secondary School of the Year in the Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026. That award is one piece of evidence, rather than our own claim of a universal ranking.
Before you decide
Start with the appropriate senior-school entry point. Confirm fees, assessment dates, travel and pastoral support; do not confuse a scholarship with means-tested fee assistance.
Alleyn’s combines a broad academic programme with its Dulwich campus and co-educational community. Its August 2026 results release reports that two thirds of A-level students achieved only A and A* grades. It adds a different school culture and location to the other independent choices in this guide.
Before you decide
Compare the 11+ and 16+ entry requirements, bursaries and subject options for the relevant year. A campus visit should include questions about everyday pastoral support and participation in activities.
01 IN FOCUS
Compare the experience, not just the results
Ask about subject availability, how pupils are supported when work becomes difficult, and how much time the journey leaves for ordinary family life.
Published results can help identify academic ambition, but they do not capture every child’s happiness or progress.
02 IN FOCUS
Entry routes and affordability
Check the relevant age, deadline, assessment and full fee schedule.
Ask about means-tested bursaries separately from scholarships and confirm when financial-support applications are due. Keep a realistic set of alternatives; a highly selective school’s reputation does not create an entitlement to a place.
Create a decision file+
Compare entry, learning, cost and outcomes on the same basis.
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Requirements
Use the current course or school admissions page.
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Fit
Compare subject content and teaching, not only rank.
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Budget
Model fees, housing, travel and visa costs where relevant.
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Deadline
Track application, funding and acceptance dates separately.
