Best Schools in City of London

Charterhouse Square School, located in the heart of the City of London at EC1M 6EA, is a co-educational independent day school catering to children aged 3 to 11. It is part of the Cognita family of schools and is known for its inclusive, all-faiths ethos, welcoming students from diverse backgrounds. The school prides itself on its academic excellence, with pupils often working a year ahead of their peers. This is achieved through a broad curriculum that emphasizes English, Maths, and Sport, alongside specialist teaching in subjects like Music, Drama, and Spanish. The school's unique approach includes no uniform and first-name relationships between staff and pupils, fostering a friendly and informal atmosphere. Charterhouse Square School has recently expanded its facilities, adding new classrooms, a library, and a rooftop play area. Pupils achieve exceptional academic results, with many securing places at prestigious senior schools in London. The school's focus on oracy skills and holistic development ensures that children leave well-prepared for future challenges. With a student body of around 253 pupils, the school maintains a personalized approach to education, ensuring each child receives tailored support and opportunities to thrive. The school's commitment to creating a nurturing environment has earned it an outstanding reputation in educational quality and pupil development.

The City of London School, founded in 1442 through a bequest by John Carpenter, is a prestigious independent day school for boys located in the heart of London. The school's modern incarnation dates back to 1834 when it was established by an act of Parliament. Initially housed in Milk Street, the school has since moved to its current location near Blackfriars Bridge.

The school's academic excellence is evident in its outstanding examination results. In recent years, City of London School achieved its best-ever GCSE results, with 94.7% of grades at 9, 8, or 7 (equivalent to A*-A under the old system), and 54.9% of entries receiving the top grade of 9. This exceptional performance has led to the school being named London Independent Secondary School of the Year 2020 by The Sunday Times.

Beyond academics, City of London School is committed to fostering well-rounded individuals. The school's ethos emphasizes kindness, readiness, and awareness as core values. It is also recognized for its commitment to social mobility, with a diverse student body recruited from across London. The school's success in university placements is notable, with many students progressing to top universities in the UK and abroad.

With its rich history, academic rigor, and focus on character development, City of London School continues to be a leading institution in British education.

The City of London School for Girls (CLSG) is a prestigious independent day school located in the heart of London's Barbican. Founded in 1894 through a bequest by William Ward, the school has a rich history spanning over 125 years. CLSG caters to girls aged 7-18 and currently has 764 students enrolled, offering a comprehensive education from primary through sixth form.

CLSG's academic excellence is evident in its outstanding exam results. In 2023, 43% of A-level papers were graded A*, with 83% of grades awarded A*-A and 96.5% achieving A*-B, surpassing national trends. The school's GCSE results are equally impressive, with 95% of entries achieving grades 9-7 (A*-A equivalent).

The school’s strengths lie in its broad curriculum, emphasis on scholarship, and commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals. CLSG offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and educational trips. Its location in central London provides students with unique cultural and learning opportunities.

CLSG's dedication to inclusivity is reflected in its bursary program, with over 100 pupils receiving financial support. The school's success in preparing students for higher education is notable, with 30% of graduates gaining admission to Oxford or Cambridge universities. With its combination of academic rigor, diverse opportunities, and supportive environment, CLSG continues to be a leading institution for girls' education in London.

David Game College, located in the heart of London at EC3N 2ET, is a renowned independent college established in 1974. It offers a comprehensive range of academic programs, including GCSEs, A Levels, and a prestigious University Foundation Programme. The college is known for its student-centered approach, providing personalized attention through small class sizes, which helps students achieve significant academic progress. David Game College has been rated "Outstanding" by Ofsted in both 2017 and 2020, reflecting its commitment to excellence. The college boasts an impressive track record of sending students to top UK universities, with around 65% of students securing places in Russell Group institutions. Its A Level students consistently achieve high grades, with 38% securing A*-A grades and 87% achieving A*-C grades over a three-year average. The college's University Foundation Programme is particularly noted for bridging international qualifications with UK university entry requirements, making it a popular choice for international students. With its modern facilities and strategic location, David Game College offers students a holistic educational experience, combining academic rigor with access to London's cultural and educational resources.

St Paul's Cathedral School is a prestigious independent prep school located in the heart of London, adjacent to St Paul's Cathedral. Founded in 1123 to educate choristers, the school has evolved into a co-educational institution catering to students aged 4-13. With a rich history spanning over 900 years, the school maintains its strong connection to the cathedral while providing a comprehensive education to both day pupils and choristers.

The school's academic excellence is evident in its impressive leavers' destinations and scholarship achievements. Over 50% of pupils win awards and scholarships to top senior schools, with many choristers securing music scholarships. The school prepares students for over 30 independent day and boarding schools, including prestigious institutions like Westminster, City of London School, and Winchester.

St Paul's Cathedral School boasts small class sizes, averaging 15 pupils per class, which allows for personalized attention. The curriculum is broad and ambitious, incorporating the International Primary Curriculum, National Curriculum, and ISEB Common Entrance syllabus. The school offers specialist teaching in various subjects and provides a wide range of extracurricular activities.

The school's unique setting provides exceptional opportunities for cultural and historical learning. A recent £8 million building project has enhanced facilities, including a multilevel playground and an ICT suite. With its blend of tradition and innovation, St Paul's Cathedral School continues to provide an outstanding education, preparing students for future success while nurturing their individual talents.

The Aldgate School, formerly known as Sir John Cass's Foundation Primary School, is a Church of England voluntary aided primary school located in the City of London. Established in 1710 by Sir John Cass, the school has a rich history spanning over three centuries. In September 2020, the school was renamed due to its historical links with slavery, reflecting its commitment to fairness and equality in a diverse world.

The school's strengths lie in its outstanding academic performance and inclusive approach to education. In its most recent Ofsted inspection in June 2024, The Aldgate School received an "Outstanding" rating across all areas, including quality of education, behavior and attitudes, and leadership and management. The school consistently achieves results significantly above national averages, with 89% of pupils meeting expected standards in reading, writing, and maths.

With 244 students enrolled and a capacity of 271, The Aldgate School maintains small class sizes, averaging 29 pupils per class. The school's curriculum emphasizes Christian social morality while also including PSHE and French. It offers a broad range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and educational trips.

The Aldgate School's commitment to academic excellence is evident in its exam results, ranking in the top 13% of schools nationally by attainment and the top 8% by progress. The school's average scaled scores in key stage 2 reading and math tests are 108 and 107 respectively, significantly above the national averages. This outstanding performance, combined with its rich history and inclusive ethos, makes The Aldgate School a highly sought-after educational institution in the heart of London.