Explore the top 3 independent schools in London, based on the
last year’s League Tables for A-Levels scores, and discover the surrounding neighbourhoods and their core features.
London remains one of the hotspots for the top private schools in the UK. The list is based on the A+A* grades for A-Level in 2021. Note that last year, the examinations were not public because of the pandemic issues, and teachers awarded the grades via strictly controlled internal assessment criteria.
The list includes different schools in various areas, so it should be easy to find a perfect match. The high levels of competitiveness among the private schools are evident from the first sight at the list. Students at the school that ranked first achieved a stunning 97.90% of A-Level results at A or A*.
Explore the top independent school in London, discover the core features of the surrounding neighbourhoods, and find the perfect place for family living in London.
First place – St Paul’s Girls School (97.9%)
St Paul’s Girls School in Brook Green, Hammersmith, ranked first for the best private schools in 2021.
This day school for girls achieved 97.9% of A-Level grades at A or A* last year. Founded in 1904, the school has a lot of famous alumni, including Harriet Harman, Jennifer Saunders, and Mischa Barton.
Hammersmith, West London
St Paul’s Girls School sits in Hammersmith, one of the sought-after locations in London. The riverside district is a perfect mix of easy access to Central London and greenery at Hype Park, Kew Gardens, and Richmond Park. Of course, many famous destinations, including Victoria and Albert museum, sit just 5-minute away.
Home to cosy residential streets and top-notch new developments, Hammersmith will continue to set the benchmark for living in London.
Second place – St Paul’s School (95.3%)
St Paul’s School ranked second in the league, with 95.3% of A-A* results. Located in Barnes, Richmond Upon Thames, South West London, the school sits on a spacious leafy site next to the Thames.
Even though it sits far away from St Paul’s Cathedral, they are interlinked – the Dean of the Cathedral founded the school in 1509. Samuel Pepys, Gilbert Keith Chesterton, and George Osborne are among the notable former students of St Paul’s School.
Richmond Upon Thames, West London
Sitting in London Zone 4, Richmond Upon Thames has earned the reputation of one of the happiest locations to live in Britain. It is a historic and luxury residential area that offers both cosy riverside living and efficient connections to Clapham Junction and Victoria.
In fact, you can hardly tell the difference between Richmond Upon Thames and other similar destinations, such as Windsor. Discover more about the London areas (West London in particular) in new London neighbourhood guides.
Third place – James Allen’s Girls’ School (93%)
James Allen’s Girls’ School or JAGS takes the honourable third place. Sitting on beautiful grounds in South London, the school has been teaching students for more than 270 years now. It makes JAGS the oldest private school in Greater London.
Even though the school has a long, rich history, it aims towards the future, implementing state-of-the-art solutions for education. This is to honour the school’s founder, the educational visionary, James Allen.
Southwark, South London
The oldest part of South London, Southwark boasts top-notch riverside apartments and modern offices. Moreover, the borough is home to several of the most famous icons in London.
Like many other affluent areas, Southwark charms millions of residents and visitors with its rich culture and entertainment. For the most stunning vistas, take a walk on one of the bridges, including Tower Bridge and London Bridge. Embrace the true spirit of Southwark by visiting the buildings that shape London’s legacy.
Education and schools are perhaps the top features that new families highlight when buying new homes in London.
Choosing the living place in the capital by comparing education makes sense – you can hardly find a top-performing school in a derelict neighbourhood.
