Top Boys’ Schools in London (2026 Guide)
Independent vs State Schools
One of the first decisions parents face when choosing a school in London is whether to opt for an independent (private) school or a state (including grammar) school. Both pathways can offer an excellent education but they differ in structure, admissions and overall experience.
Independent Schools
Independent schools are fee-paying and operate outside the state system.
Key features:
Selective admissions: Entry is usually via competitive exams (7+, 11+, 13+) and interviews
Smaller class sizes: Often allowing for more individual attention
Broader curriculum: Greater flexibility beyond the national curriculum, with strong emphasis on subjects like languages, classics, music and drama
Extensive co-curricular programmes: Sport, music, debating and enrichment are a major focus
Prep-to-senior pathways: Many independent prep schools feed directly into top senior schools
Independent schools are often chosen by families seeking a highly academic environment, extensive extracurricular opportunities and a structured pathway to top universities.
State and Grammar Schools
State schools are government-funded and free to attend. Within this category, grammar schools are academically selective.
Key features:
No tuition fees: Funded by the government
Grammar school selection: Entry typically via the 11+ examination
Strong academic outcomes: Top grammar schools often rival leading independent schools in exam results
Larger class sizes: Compared to most independent schools
More standardised curriculum: Follows the national curriculum more closely
Grammar schools in particular are popular with families looking for a highly academic, cost-free alternative to private education.
Which is Right for Your Child?
The right choice depends on your priorities and your child’s needs. Some families value the resources, smaller classes and structured pathways of independent schools, while others prefer the academic rigour and accessibility of top grammar schools.
In London, both routes can lead to outstanding outcomes, including entry to leading universities. The focus should be on finding the right fit academically, socially and logistically.
With nearly a decade of experience supporting families through all aspects of the 7+, 8+ and 11+ admissions process, U2 Tuition have deep knowledge of the schools and their requirements. Prior to tutoring, many of our tutors have gone through the process themselves, offering invaluable firsthand insights into the range of independent and grammar schools available in London.
Let us help you find the right school for your child - book your complimentary 20-minute consultation today!
Top 10 Independent Boys' Primary Schools
Westminster Cathedral Choir School
Location: Ambrosden Avenue, London, SW1P 1QH (near Pimlico and Westminster).
Age Range: 4–13 years (Pre-Prep and Prep).
Structure: Catholic day school for boys with a specialised boarding facility for choristers only.
Capacity: Approx. 280 pupils.
Choristers: Around 22–28 boys (starting from Year 4) are boarders who sing daily in the Cathedral.
Gender: Boys only
Fees: From £9,816 per term
Westminster Under School
Location: 27 Vincent Square, London, SW1P 2NN.
Age Range: 7-13 years (Prep)
Structure: Independent Day School (no boarding).
Capacity: Approx. 288 pupils.
Gender: Boys only (currently), ***becoming fully co-educational for all ages from September 2026***
Fees: From £10,800 per term
King’s College Junior School
Location: Southside, Wimbledon Common, London, SW19 4TT.
Age Range: 7 to 11 years (Prep)
Structure: Independent Day School (no boarding).
Capacity: Approx. 280-285 pupils.
Gender: Boys only but moving to co-ed from age 7 in Sept 2029
Fees: From £9,674 per term
Sussex House School
Location: 68 Cadogan Square, Chelsea, London, SW1X 0EA.
Age Range: 8 to 13 years (Prep).
Structure: Independent Day School (no boarding).
Capacity: Approx. 180–190 pupils.
Gender: Boys only.
Fees: From £11,544 per term
Arnold House School
Location: 1-3 Loudoun Road, St John’s Wood, London, NW8 0LH.
Age Range: 3 to 13 years (Pre-Prep and Prep).
Structure: Independent Day School (no boarding).
Capacity: Approx. 360 pupils.
Gender: Boys only
Fees: From £8,311 per term
UCS Junior
Location: 11 Holly Hill, Hampstead, London, NW3 6QN.
Age Range: Boys aged 7 to 11 (Junior Branch). The Foundation also includes a Pre-Prep (ages 4-7).
Structure: Independent Day School (no boarding).
Capacity: Approx. 250 pupils.
Gender: Boys only.
Fees: From £9,500 per term
Dulwich College Junior School
Location: Dulwich Common, London SE21 7LD.
Age Range: Boys aged 7 to 11.
Structure: Flexi, Weekly and Termly boarding options available.
Capacity: Approx. 225 pupils.
Gender: Boys only
Fees: From £10,000 per term
Eaton House The Manor
Location: 58 Clapham Common North Side, London SW4 9RU.
Age Range: Pre-prep boys' school (ages 4-8), a prep boys' school (ages 9-13)
Structure: Independent Day School (no boarding).
Capacity: Approx. 450 pupils.
Gender: Boys only but shares a site with the girls only school and nursery
Fees: From £10,175 per term
Hereward House
Location: 14 Strathray Gardens, London, NW3 4NY
Age Range: 4–13 (Prep School)
Structure: Independent Day School (no boarding).
Capacity: Approx. 170 pupils
Gender: Boys only
Fees: From £8,646 per term
St Paul’s Juniors
Location: Lonsdale Road, Barnes, London SW13 9JT.
Age Range: 7 to 13 years.
Structure: Independent Day School (no boarding).
Capacity: Approx. 498 pupils
Gender: Boys only
Fees: From £9,500 per term
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Top 10 Independent Boys' Secondary Schools
Westminster School
Location: Dean's Yard, London, SW1P 3PF
Age Range: Year 9 - Year 13 *** Students joining at Year 7 (11+ entry) spend 2 years in Westminster Under School first***
Structure: Independent boarding and day school
Capacity: Approx. 780 pupils
Gender: Boys only until Sixth Form, where it becomes co-educational. *** From September 2026 girls join at 11+ entry point***
Fees: From £15,400 per term
St Paul’s School
Location: Lonsdale Road, Barnes, London, SW13 9JT
Age Range: Year 7 - Year 13
Structure: Independent boarding and day school
Capacity: Approx. 1,517 students
Gender: Boys only
Fees: From £12,000 per term
Harrow School
Location: High Street, Harrow on the Hill, Middlesex, HA1 3HP
Age Range: Year 9 - Year 13
Structure: Independent boarding school
Capacity: Approx. 840 boys
Gender: Boys only
Fees: From £21,245 per term
Merchant Taylor’s School
Location: Sandy Lodge, Northwood, Hertfordshire, HA6 2HT
Age Range: Year 7 - Year 13
Structure: Independent day school
Capacity: Approx. 1,100 students
Gender: Boys only
Fees: From £5,925 per term
City of London School
Location: Queen Victoria Street, EC4V 3AL
Age Range: Year 6 - Year 13 (offers entry at 10+ and 11+ entry points)
Structure: Independent day school
Capacity: 1,100 pupils
Gender: Boys only
Fees: From £9,462 per term
King’s College School
Location: Southside, Wimbledon Common, London, SW19 4TT
Age Range: Lower school (years 7-8), Middle school (years 9-11) and the Sixth Form (years 12-13)
Structure: Independent day school
Capacity: Approx. 1,500 students
Gender: Boys only with girls granted entry from Year 12-13 (Sixth Form). *** KCS has plans to go fully co-ed by 2033***
Fees: From £10,410 per term
Dulwich College
Location: Dulwich Common, London, SE21 7LD
Age Range: Year 7 - Year 13
Structure: Independent day school and boarding school
Capacity: Approx. 1,750 pupils
Gender: Boys only.
Fees: From £10,164 per term
Hampton School
Location: Hanworth Road, TW12 3HD
Age Range: Year 7 - Year 13
Structure: Independent day school
Capacity: Approx. 1,650 pupils
Gender: Boys only
Fees: From £9,979 per term
Haberdasher’s Aske’s Senior School and Sixth Form
Location: Butterfly Lane, Elstree, Hertfordshire, WD6 3AF.
Age Range: Year 7 - Year 13
Structure: Independent day school
Capacity: Approx. 1,135 pupils
Gender: Boys only
Fees: From £10,423 per term
UCS
Location: Frognal, Hampstead, NW3 6XH
Age Range: Year 7 - Year 13
Structure: Independent day school
Capacity: Approx. 850 students
Gender: Boys only with girls granted entry from Year 12-13 (Sixth Form)
Fees: From £10,971 per term
Still looking for more help?
Visit our 7+ or 11+ tuition programme pages to find out more about how U2 Tuition can help support your child through the admissions process, or visit OUR MENTORS page to view a selection of our expert tutoring team.
Top 5 State & Grammar Boys' Schools
Queen Elizabeth’s Barnet
Location: Barnet, North London
Age Range: Year 7 - Year 13
Structure: Selective, state-funded grammar school
Capacity: Approx. 1300 students
Gender: Boys only
St Olave’s Grammar School
Location: Goddington Lane, Orpington, Kent, BR6 9SH
Age Range: Year 7 - Year 13
Structure: State-funded, selective grammar school
Capacity: Approx. 1,100 pupils
Gender: Boys only. Co-ed Sixth Form.
King Edward VI Grammar School
Location: Broomfield Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 3SX
Age Range: Year 7 - Year 13
Structure: State-funded, selective grammar school
Capacity: Approx. 1150 students
Gender: Boys only. Co-ed Sixth Form.
The Tiffin Boys’ School
Location: Queen Elizabeth Road, Kingston, KT2 6RL
Age Range: Year 7 - Year 13
Structure: State-funded, selective grammar school
Capacity: Approx. 1500 students
Gender: Boys only. Co-ed Sixth Form.
Wilson's School
Location: Mollison Drive, Wallington, Sutton
Age Range: Year 7 - Year 13
Structure: State-funded, selective grammar school
Capacity: Approx. 1,290 students
Gender: Boys only. Co-ed Sixth Form.
How to Choose a School
Selecting the right school for your child is about more than just exam results or fees. It’s about finding the environment in which your child will thrive academically, socially and emotionally. Here are key considerations to guide your decision:
1. Academic Fit
Assess your child’s strengths, learning style and interests.
Consider schools that offer subjects or specialisms aligned with their talents, such as languages, music, STEM or sports.
2. Admissions Requirements
Independent schools often require entrance exams (7+, 11+, 13+) and interviews.
Grammar schools rely on the 11+ exam and may have additional aptitude testing. Understanding the selection process early is crucial.
3. School Culture and Ethos
Visit schools to get a sense of the environment, values and pastoral care.
Consider whether a competitive academic atmosphere or a broader co-curricular focus better suits your child.
4. Location and Logistics
Travel time and convenience can impact your child’s daily experience.
Factor in proximity to home, transport links and whether boarding options are relevant.
5. Extracurricular Opportunities
Look beyond academics to sports, arts, clubs and leadership programs.
These activities often shape confidence, teamwork skills and personal development.
6. Long-Term Pathways
Consider how the school supports progression to senior schools, universities and careers.
Some independent schools have strong feeder links to top secondary schools and universities.
Ultimately, the right school balances academic rigour, personal growth and a nurturing environment where your child can flourish. Here at U2 Tuition, our expert tutors are here to guide you every step of the way - from selecting the right schools to mastering final interview preparation.
With a proven track record in admissions success, we’re here to help your child shine.
Get in touch today and take the next step with confidence.
How U2 Tuition's Expert Tutors Support Families
Navigating the competitive admissions landscape in London can feel daunting but U2 Tuition’s expert tutors are here to guide every step of the way. With nearly a decade of experience, we provide bespoke support tailored to your child’s needs.
Our expert mentors offer:
1. Expert Knowledge of Schools
Tutors have first-hand experience with top independent and grammar schools across London.
2. Personalised Tuition
One-to-one sessions focus on strengths, areas for improvement, and exam techniques.
3. Exam Preparation and Practice
Comprehensive preparation in English, Maths, and Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning. Programs are tailored to the 7+, 8+, and 11+ entry exams, as well as school-specific assessments.
4. Strategic Application Support
Guidance on interview preparation, reference letters and application forms.
With U2 Tuition, families gain a trusted partner in achieving educational success. Book a complimentary 20-minute consultation today to discuss how we can support your child in securing a place at their ideal school.
