Best private schools London: Sunday Times School Guide reveals top independent schools in Parent Power survey

The top performing private schools in London have been revealed by Parent Power, the Sunday Times’ Schools Guide 2022.

Getting a good education is essential for future success and Londoners are in the privileged position to have access to some of the best schools in the country.

The 29^th edition of Parent Power identifies the highest-achieving schools in the UK, ranked by their examination results from 2017 to 2019.

In top position is St Paul’s Girls’ School in Hammersmith, which holds the best GCSE and A Levels results in the country.

Notable alumni from the school include actress Rachel Weisz, BBC presenter Victoria Coren Mitchell and Labour MP Harriet Harman.

Alastair McCall, editor of Parent Power, said: “St Paul’s Girls’ has dominated our rankings of independent secondary schools like no other – top of the form in all but one of the past 10 years.

“In that sense, this win was somewhat overdue.

“The award is about so much more than academic excellence, however.

“St Paul’s Girls’ develops students who go on to achieve highly at their chosen universities and in their careers beyond – confident, independent learners with an intellectual curiosity, problem solvers secure in their talents and abilities.”

The school’s high mistress Sarah Fletcher said: “I am thrilled that The Sunday Times has recognised the hard work of all concerned and the outstanding education we provide.

“This is an inspirational community blessed by supportive parents.

“Much more important than any league table ranking is the emphasis we place on friendship, independent learning, critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, and curiosity.

“These are some of the attributes and skills that really matter, fostering a love of learning and the confidence that provides resilience and adaptability in a changing world.

“I am proud of the diverse ambitions of our students and of the multitude of talents they develop through engagement with the wider co-curriculum too.”

The second school on the list is King’s College School in Wimbledon.

It is predominantly a boys school, accepting girls for sixth form.

Sixth-formers can choose between A Levels and the International Baccalaureate.

Notable alumni include Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi, comedian Ed Gamble and musician Marcus Mumford.

And the third best-achieving school is St Paul’s School in Barnes, which is a boys only school.

Notable old Paulines include actor Rory Kinnear, the Crown creator Peter Morgan and historian and presenter Dan Snow.

The schools are ranked by their GCSE and A Levels results from 2017 to 2019.

Which are the 10 best private schools in London?

1. St Paul’s Girls School, Brook Green, London, W6 7BS
2. King’s College School, Southside, Wimbledon Common, London SW19 4TT
3. St Paul’s School, Lonsdale Road, London SW13 9JT
4. Westminster School, 17A Dean’s Yard, London SW1P 3PB
5. City of London School for Girls, Barbican, St Giles Terrace, Wood St, London EC2Y 8BB
6. Godolphin and Latymer School, Iffley Road, London W6 0PG
7. North London Collegiate School, Canons Drive, Edgware HA8 7RJ
8. The Lady Eleanor Holles School, Hanworth Road, Hampton TW12 3HF
9. Hampton School, Hanworth Road, Hampton TW12 3HD
10. Wimbledon High School GDST, Mansel Road, London SW19 4AB

How were the rankings worked out?

The 29th edition of Parent Power identifies the highest-achieving schools in the UK, ranked by their pre-pandemic examination results.

As well as assessment of all academic results on a school-by-school basis, Parent Power enables parents to compare the performance of a given school with other schools in the same town, local authority or nationally.

There are also live links to school websites and schools’ most recent inspection reports.

How do I see the full rankings?

You can find the full national database on The Sunday Times website.