How many British schools in London
London has more than 350 schools delivering the English national curriculum. Roughly 130 of those are fee-paying independent schools and the rest are state schools, either local authority maintained or academies. International families typically focus on a working shortlist of 40 to 50 independents that combine strong outcomes with established experience handling overseas applicants and the practical realities of mid-year arrivals.
The dominant accreditation cluster is the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference at senior level, with the Independent Association of Prep Schools covering the preparatory estate. ISI inspections, published openly, are the closest the UK has to an objective quality signal.
The exam pathway, age by age
London independents broadly follow the same exam architecture as the rest of the country. Years 1 to 6 cover Key Stages 1 and 2, with externally moderated assessment at Year 6. Years 7 to 11 cover Key Stages 3 and 4, leading to GCSEs at the end of Year 11. The most academic London independents prefer IGCSE for English and the sciences because the marking distinguishes high attainers more cleanly. Sixth form, Years 12 and 13, takes most students through A Levels in three or four subjects. About a quarter of London independents now also offer the IB Diploma alongside A Level, and a small but growing number deliver the Cambridge Pre-U in selective subjects.
The compulsory state school transition points are 11 plus, which is sat in autumn of Year 6, and 13 plus, sat in Year 8, both delivered by the Independent Schools Examinations Board. The most selective London independents also test directly with their own papers in maths, English and reasoning.
Fees and the London tiers
London independent day school fees divide into three tiers. The value tier sits at GBP 18,000 to GBP 22,000 a year and covers outer-borough preparatories and the less selective senior schools. The mid tier runs GBP 22,000 to GBP 28,000 and captures most established London preparatories plus less selective senior schools. The premium tier, GBP 28,000 to GBP 32,000, includes day fees at King's College School Wimbledon, Westminster School, St Paul's, Dulwich College, City of London School and similar academically selective London independents. Boarding capacity in central London is limited; the few central London boarders pay GBP 42,000 to GBP 45,000 all-in.
State school enrolment is free at point of use, but the London property premium attached to popular catchments is substantial. Houses inside the catchment of a strong Ofsted-rated state secondary carry a measurable rent and price premium, which families effectively pay through the housing budget rather than school fees. For a fuller account of London cost realities see our London school fees deep dive.
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Illustrative example schools
The schools below are illustrative, not a ranking. Each anchors a different niche of London's British curriculum estate.
King's College School Wimbledon sits among the strongest co-educational sixth forms in the country on raw A Level and IB outcomes. It accepts international families through 11 plus, 13 plus and a competitive 16 plus round.
Westminster School in central Westminster is the historic city centre boarding and day senior school, with one of the most selective Oxbridge pipelines in the UK and a strong international Year 12 intake.
St Paul's School in Barnes is single-sex, academically focused, with established systems for assessing international applicants on transcripts and references rather than UK-style entry papers.
Dulwich College in south London is the largest boys' senior school in the cluster, with a substantial international cohort and a globally extended sister-school network including Beijing, Shanghai and Singapore.
City of London School in Blackfriars takes a co-educational day cohort and is notable for its position in central London, accessible by mainline rail from Surrey and Hertfordshire commuter towns.
Where British curriculum families live
British curriculum families spread broadly because the school estate spreads broadly. Notting Hill, Kensington and Chelsea concentrate Wetherby, Pembridge Hall, Eaton Square and the early years of the central London prep market. South-west London, including Wimbledon, Putney, Barnes and Sheen, anchors King's College School Wimbledon, St Paul's, Ibstock Place and the Putney High and Wimbledon High network of girls' senior schools. South-east London, around Dulwich, Herne Hill and Crystal Palace, supports Dulwich College, Alleyn's and James Allen's Girls' School. North London, including Highgate, Hampstead and Belsize Park, supports Highgate School, City of London Boys at Barnet and the Channing and South Hampstead High schools network. Independent vs international choice is a frequent debate in international circles; see our independent vs international London comparison for the trade-offs.
Admissions calendar
London independent registration deadlines run from one to two academic years ahead of entry, with peak entry at 4 plus, 7 plus, 11 plus, 13 plus and 16 plus. Most senior schools accept overseas applicants on the basis of school references and transcripts in place of UK entry papers. Bursary applications open in the autumn of the year before entry. Late and casual vacancies are reviewed on a rolling basis and are particularly common in Years 8, 10 and 12 as outbound families create gaps. International families relocating in spring or summer can sometimes secure a Year 7 or Year 9 place at six months' notice, but the very top-tier schools are typically full at standard entry.
Frequently asked questions
How many British curriculum schools are there in London?
Greater London has more than 350 schools delivering the English national curriculum, of which roughly 130 are fee-paying independents and the remainder are state schools. International families typically focus on a shortlist of 40 to 50 independents that combine strong GCSE and A Level outcomes with experience handling overseas applicants.
What is the difference between GCSE, IGCSE and A Level?
GCSE and IGCSE are sat at age 16 and serve the same purpose. IGCSE is the international variant designed for overseas centres but is also taught at many London independents. A Level is the two-year specialist sixth form qualification sat at 18, typically in three or four subjects, and remains the dominant university entry route in the UK.
How much do British curriculum schools cost in London?
London independent day school fees range from GBP 18,000 a year at outer-borough preparatories to GBP 32,000 at the most academically selective senior schools. Sixth form fees at City of London, Westminster, King's Wimbledon and St Paul's sit between GBP 30,000 and GBP 32,000. Boarding fees add a further GBP 14,000 to GBP 18,000 on top.
When should I apply to a London independent school?
London prep schools typically run 7 plus and 11 plus entry rounds with registration up to two academic years ahead. Senior schools accept Year 7 entry through 11 plus, plus competitive 13 plus and 16 plus entry. For international families relocating mid-year, late vacancies are reviewed on a rolling basis but availability falls sharply at Year 7, Year 9 and Year 12.
Do London state schools accept international families?
Yes, but only once the family is physically resident at a registered London address. State school places are allocated on the basis of proximity and a sibling priority, with no fee. International families typically rent inside the catchment of a target school before submitting the in-year application, which the local authority processes within two to four weeks.
