The UK is the home market of the British curriculum and offers the broadest selection of independent schools, state schools, and international-curriculum options of any country.
The sectors
State schools (free, with academic selective grammars in some areas). Independent schools (private), fee-based, with day fees at GBP 18,000 to 35,000 and boarding at GBP 35,000 to 55,000. International schools delivering IB or American curriculum, principally in London.
London specifics
London has the densest concentration of independent and international schools in the UK. North London (Highgate, Hampstead, Mill Hill) hosts many. South-west London (Wimbledon, Putney, Richmond) is similar. International curriculum schools include Southbank International, ACS, ICS London.
Boarding
The UK boarding market is the deepest globally. Roughly 200 boarding schools serve UK and international students. Famous names (Eton, Harrow, Westminster, Winchester, Marlborough, Cheltenham Ladies College) anchor the top tier.
Recent changes
VAT on independent school fees from 2025 has materially affected fee inflation. UCAS reforms continue to shape university admissions. The 11-plus grammar school selection process remains in selected areas.