St. Paul’s Girls’ School
St. Paul’s Girls’ School (SPGS) is an exceptional independent day school for girls aged 11-18, located in Hammersmith, London. Established in 1904 to complement St. Paul’s School, SPGS is now considered as one of the best independent schools in the UK.
Their students’ accomplishments are impressive, with 99.5% achieving A-Level results A*-B and 97.9% earning grades 9-7 at GCSE. In 2022, 37 of their students progressed to Oxford or Cambridge, with 22 choosing to study overseas at US and Canadian universities. Many notable alumnae have emerged from the school who have excelled in science, politics, and the arts, such as Barbara Moore, Naiza Khan and Rachel Weisz.
St. Paul’s Girls’ School has a unique house system, where students are divided into six houses named after influential women in history, including Austen, Curie, Franklin, Nightingale, Pankhurst, and Seacole. The house system encourages friendly competition and promotes a sense of community and teamwork among students. With a close-knit community and average class sizes of around 20, SPGS offers a personalised education approach that emphasises character development, personal responsibility, and integrity.
St Paul’s School
St. Paul’s School is a highly regarded school for boys aged 7-18, located in Barnes, London. Students of St. Paul’s enjoy not only a world-class education but also a truly global outlook. The school was founded in 1509 by John Colet, a Dean of St. Paul’s Cathedral, and it has a long history of academic excellence with a particular focus on the humanities.
In 2022, at A Level and Pre-U 70% of grades awarded were A* (or equivalent) and 96% were A* or A (or equivalent). Furthermore, 76% of GCSE grades were at grade 9 and 94% were grade 8 or 9.
Aided by a 100-minute-long lunch ‘break’, students are encouraged to learn and develop outside of the classroom on a daily basis. The school has a strong tradition of rowing, and its boat club is one of the most successful in the UK, having won numerous championships and producing many Olympic rowers, most notably Tom Charlton and Simon Dennis. St. Paul’s School also has a fantastic music program, and its chapel choir is considered one of the best in the country. The School also has a strong drama programme and produces several plays and musicals each year.
St. Pauls is known for its impressive campus. It occupies 45 acres of its very own space right beside the River Thames which includes a combination of historic buildings and modern facilities, such as the newly built science and performing arts centre.
King’s College School
King’s College School (KCS) was founded in 1829 and is located in Wimbledon, London. Renowned for its academic excellence, the school is a consistent top performer among British schools, excelling particularly in mathematics and the sciences.
The school has an impressive track record of progressing students to top-tier universities, a testament to its dedication to educational excellence. 68% of A-Level results were A* and 94% were A* or A in 2022. In GCSEs, 73% were awarded a grade 9 and 90% were grade 8 or 9.
The school’s outstanding amenities further distinguish it, featuring a state-of-the-art performing arts centre, a modern sports complex, and a dedicated STEM centre. These facilities aid in promoting an all-rounded education, designed to facilitate the holistic development of its students.
King’s College School is committed to providing a broad range of extracurricular activities aimed at enabling students to explore their interests and talents, with options in music, drama, art, sports, and community service. A unique house system further encourages this, fostering togetherness and healthy competition among students.
Westminster School
Westminster, with its rich history and proximity to the pillars of British politics and religion, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey, combines tradition with a progressive mindset. Since 1394, the school has adapted to modern times while remaining respectful of its heritage and longstanding traditions.
98% of students achieved grades 7-9 at GCSE, with 25 students achieving straight 9s. Outstanding grades continue at A-Level, with 70% of students achieving straight A*s and 98% of Westminster students awarded A*-B.
The school has a unique connection to the British monarchy. Their choir performs at many state occasions, including royal weddings and funerals, and is internationally renowned for its exceptional musical talent. Equally noteworthy is its esteemed ‘election’ system, an age-old tradition dating back to the 14th century, which is still upheld today. Each year, a select group of students are chosen to become Queen’s Scholars, based on their academic prowess and potential, thereby enabling them to enjoy a range of exclusive privileges, including financial support and access to special events.
Despite its aristocratic associations, Westminster School is firmly committed to fostering a culture of intellectual independence and impartiality, empowering every student to think freely and critically. Graduates of the school leave as well-rounded individuals, enriched by a broad education that extends far beyond academics and encompasses spiritual, moral, and political engagement.
City of London School
The City of London School (CLS) is an esteemed, private independent day school for boys situated in the very heart of London’s financial district, within the City of London. Founded in 1834 by the City of London Corporation to provide an exceptional education to the sons of London’s eminent merchants and bankers, CLS has acquired a reputation as one of the most distinguished schools in the UK, attracting discerning students from across the globe.
In 2022, 66% of students achieved grade 9 at GCSE, with a further 86% achieving grades 8 or 9. In A-Levels, 60% of students received an A*, and 91% of CLS students received an A* or an A. 26 of their students were confirmed for places at the Universities of Oxford or Cambridge, with 95% accepted at Russell Group universities.
In addition to this academic excellence, CLS fosters a thriving extracurricular environment, with a record of excellence in various sports, including cricket, football, rugby, rowing, and more. The school’s dedication to musical excellence, with a particular emphasis on classical music, is also longstanding, and its symphony orchestra and choir are renowned. Indeed, many students have pursued successful careers in the performing arts thanks to CLS’s distinguished programmes, such as Daniel Radcliffe and Joe Strummer.
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