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Independent Education: Which private schools are the most expensive in the UK?

Introduction

 

Most independent schools in the UK are celebrated for their prestigious heritage and inclusive ethos. They consistently deliver outstanding exam results and offer comprehensive extracurricular programmes that foster holistic development at the highest standards. These schools provide an ideal environment for students to enjoy a dynamic school life and nurture their ambitions, free from the constraints often associated with state-funded schools. This makes private establishments, also referred to as public schools, a preferred choice for parents seeking a well-rounded, holistic education for their children.

 

However, the premium quality of independent education typically comes at a substantial cost. Fees, usually charged before the start of term or on the first day of term, can be exorbitantly high, especially at public schools in London, making such an education financially inaccessible for many families. These schools, while offering unparalleled educational experiences and resources, often set their fees at levels that reflect their prestigious status and by doing so, impose a financial challenge for a significant portion of the population. It is worth noting though that they do offer a limited number of bursaries to families that are unable to afford the fees and meet their criteria for a bursary.

 

Here is a comprehensive list of the UK’s most esteemed and academically successful independent schools, accompanied by an analysis of how their tuition fees have evolved since 2016:

 

St Paul’s Girls’ School 

 

One of London’s most popular single-sex schools, St Paul’s Girls’ School or SPGS is widely recognised for its comprehensive offerings and outstanding examination results. Recently, an impressive 94.8% of all GCSE results were in the 9-8 range, confirming the establishment’s stellar reputation amongst both pupils and parents. SPGS has approximately 700 applicants for 11+ places. 

 

SPGS fees this yearSource: bidwells.co.uk

 

How much does it cost to study at St Paul’s Girls’ School?

 

The Lower School termly fees at St Paul’s Girls’ School for 2023-2024 are £9,982. This is an increase of approximately 30% compared to 2016-2017, when the termly fee was £7,671.

 

To learn how to prepare for the 11+ exam at St Paul’s Girls’ School, click the button below:

St Paul’s Girls’ School 11+ Entry

 


King’s College School, Wimbledon 

 

King’s boasts a long tradition of academic excellence, producing some of the country’s strongest examination outcomes. The school’s alumni list is impressive and varied, featuring notable professionals from an array of domains, including medicine, law, the arts and journalism. The school motto is Sancte et Sapienter, which can be translated as With holiness and with wisdom

 

King's Wimbledon fees this year

Source: langford.co.uk

 

How much does it cost to study at KCS Wimbledon?

 

The Lower School termly fees at King’s Wimbledon for 2023-2024 are £7,805. This is an increase of approximately 27% compared to 2016-2017, when the termly fee was £6,125.

 

To learn how to prepare for the 11+ exam at King’s Wimbledon, click the button below:

King’s College 11+ Entry

 


St Paul’s School, London

 

St Paul’s junior division, better known as St Paul’s Juniors or SPJ, is a thriving independent school located next to the River Thames. The beautiful setting and extensive offerings ensure unique and memorable educational experiences that help mould boys into the leaders of tomorrow. At 11+, SPJ admits around 36 students who consistently demonstrate excellence throughout the school’s comprehensive and challenging admissions process.

 

St Paul's Juniors fees this year

Source: building.co.uk

 

How much does it cost to study at St Paul’s Juniors?

 

The Lower School termly fees at SPJ for 2023-2024 are £7,910. This is an increase of approximately 26% compared to 2016-2017, when the termly fee was £6,257.

 

To learn how to prepare for the 11+ exam at St Paul’s Juniors, click the button below:

St Paul’s Juniors 11+ Entry

 


Brighton College

 

Brighton is an independent school that has garnered numerous accolades over the years, including the prestigious ‘United Kingdom Independent School of the Decade’ title, as awarded by The Sunday Times. With its exceptional facilities and outstanding teaching quality, this establishment grows in popularity year after year. The vibrant community of intellectually agile boys and girls is both purposeful and harmonious, thereby contributing to impressive examination results.

 

how much are the fees at Brighton CollegeSource: independent.co.uk

 

How much does it cost to study at Brighton College?

 

The Third Form termly fees at Brighton for 2023-2024 are £7,310. This is an increase of approximately 43% compared to 2016-2017, when the termly fee was £5,100.

 

To learn how to prepare for the 11+ exam at Brighton College, click the button below:

Brighton College 11+ Entry

 


Westminster Under School

 

WUS is an all-boys establishment, renowned for its outstanding academic and non-academic outcomes and vibrant learning community, where kindness and strong moral values flourish. Characterised by a culture of unity and achievement, as well as a strong tradition in music, drama, sports, chess and Latin, Westminster Under’s ethos has shaped some of the country’s most esteemed professionals.

 

WUS Westminster under fees this year

Source: wikipedia.com

 

How much does it cost to study at Westminster Under?

 

The termly fees at WUS for 2023-2024 are £8,340. This is an increase of approximately 41% compared to 2016-2017, when the termly fee was £5,906.

 

To learn how to prepare for the 11+ exam at Westminster Under, click the button below:

Westminster Under 11+ Entry

 


Hampton School

 

Amongst the most successful public schools in the UK, Hampton School dates back to 1556 and boasts a rich history and long tradition of academic excellence. In line with the motto Wisdom surpasses wealth, the school instils in pupils the ability to think both critically and creatively, maximising their prospects for successful and fulfilling futures.

 

Hampton School fees this year

Source: hamptonschool.org.uk

 

How much does it cost to study at Hampton School?

 

The termly fees at Hampton for 2023-2024 are £8,240. This is an increase of approximately 35% compared to 2016-2017, when the termly fee was £6,125.

 

To learn how to prepare for the 11+ exam at Hampton School, click the button below:

Hampton 11+ Entry

 


City of London School for Girls

 

CLSG is another single-sex school in this list that is widely recognised for its prestige and achievements. Attending CLSG means that your daughter will engage in meticulous learning both in and out of the classroom while benefitting from comprehensive pastoral care. Situated in the heart of the Barbican, the school frequently hosts guest lecturers, who inspire the girls and broaden their horizons.

 

City Girls fees this year

Source: clsg.org.uk

 

How much does it cost to study at City of London School for Girls?

 

The termly fees at CLSG for 2023-2024 are £7,926. This is an increase of approximately 48% compared to 2016-2017, when the termly fee was £5,352 .

 

To learn how to prepare for the 11+ exam at City of London School for Girls, click the button below:

City Girls 11+ Entry

 


Highgate School

 

Highgate School has been operational since 1565, when Queen Elizabeth I initiated the foundation of a grammar school ‘for the most liberal education and instruction of the boys and young men’ around Highgate. The establishment began admitting girls in 1993, becoming fully co-educational in 2004. Today, Highgate is one of the nation’s most successful independent schools in terms of GCSE and A-Level results, which has enabled 81% of its recent leavers to secure a place at their first-choice university.

 

Highgate fees this year

Source: clague.co.uk

 

How much does it cost to study at Highgate School?

 

The termly fees at Highgate School for 2023-2024 are £8,505. This is an increase of approximately 30% compared to 2016-2017, when the termly fee was £6,530.

 

To learn how to prepare for the 11+ exam at Highgate School, click the button below:

Highgate School 11+ Entry

 


Magdalen College School

 

A leading public day school for boys, MCS was founded in 1480 and has since been a synonym for academic and pastoral excellence. Its alumni list includes Olympians and a Nobel Prize laureate, testifying to the exceptional quality of the co-curricular programme and academic education on offer. Recently, an amazing 94% of all GCSE grades were in the 9-7 range.

 

Magdalen College School fees this year

Source: siderise.com

 

How much does it cost to study at Magdalen College School?

 

The termly fees at Magdalen College School for 2023-2024 are £7,259. This is an increase of approximately 27% compared to 2016-2017, when the termly fee was £5,705.

 

To learn how to prepare for the 11+ exam at Magdalen College School, click the button below:

Magdalen College 11+ Entry

 


The Haberdashers’ Boys’ School

 

Habs Boys traces its roots back to the 17th century. It has been voted the top independent school in the country numerous times and has state-of-the art facilities, as well as a Grade II* listed building. Within the scope of the co-curricular provision, great emphasis is placed on sports, allowing boys to compete in cricket, rugby, fencing, squash and many other pursuits. Recently, an impressive 91% of all GCSE grades achieved at Habs were within the top-tier range of 9-7.

 

Haberdashers’ Boys’ School fees this year
Source: standard.co.uk

 

How much does it cost to study at Haberdashers’ Boys’ School?

 

The termly fees at Habs Boys for 2023-2024 are £8,183. This is an increase of approximately 33% compared to 2016-2017, when the termly fee was £6,152.

 

To learn how to prepare for the 11+ exam at Haberdashers’ Boys’ School, click the button below:

Habs Boys 11+ Entry

 


Eton College 

 

Founded in 1440 by Henry VI, Eton College is a boarding-only school, globally recognised for its exceptional academic and non-academic results. The establishment has educated Nobel Prize recipients, prime ministers and world leaders and is one of the most expensive schools nationally. Eton boasts a multicultural ethos thanks to its numerous international students. Embracing diversity and innovation, the College features exceptional facilities on its expansive campus, a location frequently chosen as a setting for various film productions.

 

Eton College fees this year
Source: britannica.com

 

How much does it cost to study at Eton College?

 

The termly fees at Eton for 2023-2024 are £16,666. This is an increase of approximately 35% compared to 2016-2017, when the termly fee was £12,354.

 

To learn how to prepare for the 13+ exam at Eton College, click the button below:

Eton College 13+ Entry

 


Wycombe Abbey

 

A highly successful day and boarding establishment that has the admirable motto Go forth in faith, Wycombe Abbey caters exclusively for girls. Founded in 1896, it boasts a prestigious heritage and a magnificent campus, which includes gardens, woods and a lake. The school consistently achieves exceptional results, with 97.5% of all recent GCSE grades being awarded in the top 9-7 range.

 

Wycombe abbey fees this year

Source: telegraph.co.uk

 

How much does it cost to study at Wycombe Abbey?

 

The termly fees at Wycombe Abbey for 2023-2024 are:

 

– £15,900 for boarding pupils

– £12,000 for day pupils

 

This is an increase of approximately 30% compared to 2016-2017, when the termly fees were £12,250 for boarders and £9,188 for day pupils.

 

To learn how to prepare for the 11+ exam at Wycombe Abbey, click the button below:

Wycombe Abbey 11+ Entry

 


Sevenoaks School

 

Sevenoaks is a highly selective, top-performing establishment that caters for day and boarding students and has cutting-edge facilities. For its extensive offerings, it has received numerous accolades over the years, confirming its reputation as an in-demand educational institution for both Kent-based students and international pupils. Many esteemed professionals grace Sevenoaks’ alumni list, including a number of scientists, diplomats and businesspeople. 

 

Sevenoaks School fees this year

Source: timronalds.co.uk

 

How much does it cost to study at Sevenoaks School?

 

The termly fees at Sevenoaks School for 2023-2024 are:

 

– £15,595 for boarding pupils

– £9,709 for day pupils

 

This is an increase of approximately 41% compared to 2016-2017, when the termly fees were £11,052 for boarders and £6,921 for day pupils.

 

To learn how to prepare for the 11+ exam at Sevenoaks School, click the button below:

Sevenoaks School 11+ Entry

 


Harrow School

 

Last but certainly not least, Harrow, a top-tier boys’ establishment, is globally recognised for its irrefutably superior provision across both academic and non-academic domains. In addition to educating several Nobel laureates, this prestigious institution has become a pop-culture landmark, with its campus prominently featuring in a Harry Potter film. All of Harrow’s pupils are boarders, donning distinct uniforms that can still include suits, top hats, straw boaters and canes.

 

Harrow School fees this yearSource: arabiantents.com

 

How much does it cost to study at Harrow School?

 

The termly fees at Harrow School for 2023-2024 are £16,850. This is an increase of approximately 35% compared to 2016-2017, when the termly fees were £12,450.

 

To learn how to prepare for the 13+ exam at Harrow School, click the button below:

Harrow School 13+ Entry

 


So, why has independent education become so pricey?

 

The recent trend in tuition fee increases at the UK’s top-performing public schools can be attributed to a variety of factors. Primarily, it reflects the schools’ ongoing efforts to provide state-of-the-art facilities, world-class educational resources and an enriched learning environment. The investment in highly qualified staff, advanced technology and a broad array of extracurricular activities has also played a crucial role. These enhancements ensure the maintenance of high academic standards and the overall development of students, but they come at a cost, reflected in the rising fees.

 

The following graph illustrates the percentage increase in tuition fees over a specific period. This visual representation clearly demonstrates the changes in costs, offering a quantitative perspective on the financial implications of maintaining and improving the quality of education at these prestigious institutions. 

 

private school fees in the UK

 

Faisal Nasim, founder of Exam Papers Plus, shared his insights on the current trends in independent education and future expectations:

 

“The rapid increase in fees in the independent education sector, though startling to some, aligns with the surge in living costs driven by various socio-economic and political factors. Interestingly, some schools appear to be targeting affluent international students, reflecting a strategic shift towards enhancing cultural diversity. With rising costs, fewer UK families can afford these institutions, paving the way for international students to thrive in environments that prioritise educational excellence. Nevertheless, I anticipate a deceleration in this fee-increase trend in the coming years, especially given the looming threat of VAT being added to school fees, as proposed by Labour.”