The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. 

Top 10 UK schools to consider for your child

If you’re looking for a new school for your child this autumn, here are 10 schools with well-rounded offerings to ensure they thrive

Wednesday 18 August 2021 10:10 BST
(Getty Images)

From traditional education to holistic teaching programmes designed to meet specialist needs, we’ve found 10 schools to consider for your child, whatever their age and ability.

Wimbledon High GDST, London: A grounded, purposeful and community-led girls’ school

(Wimbledon High Girls Day School Trust)

Wimbledon High School GDST prides itself on educating girls to go out into the world and make a difference. Through inspiring teaching and an extensive co-curricular and partnerships programme, students learn to solve problems collaboratively, show kindness to each other and leave equipped for the challenges of 21st-century life. Outstanding pastoral care enables students to discover the unique individuals they are, to find their inner compass and to learn to use their voices for the power of good. As increasing diversity is a key aim for the school, means-tested bursaries are available, allowing up to 100% off fees, plus help with uniform, travel costs, lunches and school trips.

Book now for an open event or find out more about help with fees

Wimbledonhigh.gdst.net

The Peterborough School, Peterborough: A personalised education to unlock your child’s potential

(The Peterborough School)

Nestled in a leafy campus in the centre of the city, The Peterborough School has provided expert teaching for over 125 years. Small class sizes and personalised support helps students from nursery to sixth form to achieve their utmost potential and the curriculum is enhanced with an expansive range of extracurricular activities, including an onsite forest school. In 2020, 100% of sixth formers gained places at their chosen universities, with over half going on to study at Russell Group institutions. The Peterborough School offers various scholarships to pupils upon entry into year 7 and the sixth form, recognising academic success, musical talent and athletic ability, among other awards.

Find out more today

thepeterboroughschool.co.uk

Bancroft’s School, Woodford: A top performing school for all age groups

(Bancroft’s School)

Bancroft’s School is a co-educational independent day school for children aged seven to 18, located in northeast London. One of the capitals top-performing independents, Bancroft’s School consistently sees excellent results in public examinations. Academic study is balanced out by a huge range of opportunities outside of the classroom, with students able to take full advantage of a range of learning opportunities. Pupils are encouraged to take on challenges and develop all-important skills such as courage, curiosity, kindness and integrity. From prep school to A levels, each individual is supported by well-regarded pastoral care.

Find out more about visiting the school in the autumn term

bancrofts.org/admissions/open-days/

More House School, Frensham: Providing students with the support they need at school

(More House School)

More House School in Frensham works to empower boys with specific learning and language difficulties to transform their futures. Established over 80 years ago, the school offers weekly and full boarding education to support intelligent boys with dyslexia, attention-deficit disorder or language-processing weaknesses. Each subject-specialist class teacher is trained to address pupils’ SEND needs in every classroom. Specialist therapeutic intervention, including speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and literacy tuition is integrated into a rich, mainstream academic curriculum and extra-curricular provision. Boarding pupils enjoy modern impressive facilities and residential accommodation set in the school’s 30-acre grounds. Although a renowned independent school, some boarders’ places are supported through funding from their local education authority or from the Ministry of Defence.

Discover more today

morehouseschool.co.uk

Hall School, Wimbledon: A school to develop your child’s academic skillset and unique characteristics

(Hall School Wimbledon)

Hall School Wimbledon is an inclusive, independent co-educational school and is the only non-selective school in the heart of Wimbledon. It educates boys and girls aged 5 to 18, with pupils achieving success in academic, musical, sporting and artistic spheres. The main entry points are Junior School entry to reception (age 5+); Junior School entry to Year 3 (age 7+); and Senior School entry to Year 7 (age 11+). The Junior school gives your child a positive and nurturing education, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to succeed in their senior education and beyond. Hall School Wimbledon’s nurturing pastoral care and broad curriculum supports your child on their journey into The Senior School years, where children shape their own identities as young adults. The school accepts admissions throughout the year, for more information contact admissions@hsw.co.uk or call 020 8394 6144.

Click here to find out more about open days

hsw.co.uk

St Edmund’s School, Canterbury: A place for developing creativity and leadership skills

(St Edmund’s School Canterbury)

St Edmund’s School Canterbury is a dynamic co-educational day and boarding school for students aged three to 18 where pupils benefit from high-calibre teaching, a broad academic curriculum and a holistic educational approach that develops creativity, leadership skills and original thinking. Small class sizes allow for personalized learning and ensure that every pupil is known and understood individually. Underpinned by its sense of community, the school’s supportive learning environment allows pupils to receive the attention and academic challenges needed to reach their full potential.

Find out more today

stedmunds.org.uk/

North London Collegiate School, Edgeware: An ambitious education for ambitious students

(NLCS)

North London Collegiate School is an independent day school for girls aged four to 18 that provides an ambitious academic education to prepare individuals to thrive in a dynamic and rapidly changing world. The school takes pride in supporting students to grow into independently-minded women who have the drive to make the most of opportunities and make a difference in the world. Conscious that happy students are successful students, there’s a strong emphasis on pastoral care. The school focuses on supporting every student to develop resilience and a sense of perspective, so they can tackle challenges head-on, learn from setbacks and have the confidence to try again if things don’t work out initially. Registration for 2022 entry is now open. Open events are held in the autumn term.

Head here for more information

nlcs.org.uk

Upton House School, Windsor: Where education meets innovation, delivering skills for life

(Upton House School)

Based in the heart of Windsor, Upton House School is an NACE-accredited independent school for girls and boys from pre-nursery to form 6. Pupils from the senior school have won offers and scholarships to some of the UK’s top senior schools, including St Mary’s School Ascot, Wellington School, St George’s Weybridge, Wycombe Abbey and Lady Eleanor Holles School. Along with a progressive traditional education, the school provides a range of extracurricular activities, such as fencing, judo, parliament club and debating, as well as clubs focused on the environment. Students can also enjoy rugby, cricket and rowing, and have the opportunity to compete to IAPS level in swimming, hockey and netball. Upton House is not only a technology-enabled school but embraces performing arts, traditional music lessons and music technology. Contact the school’s office manager, Mrs Deborah Bates, on 01753 862610 or visit the website.

Visit the website for more information

uptonhouse.org.uk

Winchester House School, Brackley: A school that creates a life-long love for learning

(Winchester House School)

Northamptonshire’s Winchester House School is a thriving prep school for pupils aged three to 13 that prepares students for the Common Entrance Examination and a range of scholarship awards. At Winchester House School pupils are encouraged to embrace challenges with tenacity and the school’s innovative curriculum is committed to developing lifelong learners with a spirit of resourcefulness and self-reliance. With a long tradition of delivering holistic education, the school is constantly evolving to provide a relevant and contemporary education to young people. The school is now hosting open days on 1st October and 19th November 2021

Visit Winchester House for more information

winchester-house.org

Impington International College, Cambridge: A world-class education offering the International Baccalaureate

(Impington International College)

Impington International College has been the UK’s leading state provider of the International Baccalaureate for the past two years. The college offers an average student to teacher ratio of 10:1, and more than 30 subjects to choose from. With a 100% pass rate, an average point score of 36 (surpassing the global average) and 95% of students receiving offers from their first-choice university (including 43% to Oxbridge and Russell Group universities), it will come as no surprise that the college is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. Located in historic Cambridge, students have the opportunity to train with specialist coaches through scholarships and out-of-area students can live with one of the College’s network of host families. Email the senior leadership team at international@ivc.tmet.org.uk to book an individual meeting.

Head to the website to discover more

impingtoninternational.org.uk

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in