UK Private Schools Ranking 2026 by A‑Level Results and Fees

The Sunday Times UK private school league tables 2026 list the best private schools in the UK, 2026 fees and academic performance. The rankings of those who took their exams during the summer of 2025 for GCSE, IGCSE, and A-Level candidates were considered. Commentators said that while the schools had great results, the fee structures and ranking list of UK private schools give rise to some truly astronomical fees that make parents stop and think just how much it would cost to send a child to one of those top private schools in the UK.

Top UK Private Schools 2026

According to the report, St Paul's School has been designated as the best private school in the UK in 2026, also taking home the title of Independent Secondary School of the Year for Academic Excellence. Fees for senior boarding schools were stated to be £53,943 per annum, making it one of the most expensive in the country.

Occasionally considered progressive, Brighton College ranked second among the UK private schools of 2026 on the price of A-Level Results and fees, with sixth form boarding fees of £66,375 per annum.

Other UK 10 best private schools list and their fees breakdown for the same:

1. North London Collegiate School - £29,751 (day school)
2. The Godolphin and Latymer School - £34,622 (day school)
3. Guildford High School - £25,989 (day school)
4. St Paul’s Girls’ School - £40,227 (day school, also given the name Independent Secondary School of the Year 2026)
5. King’s College School, Wimbledon - £34,212 (day school from Year Nine above)
6. Westminster School - £65,976 (boarding and day options, famous for Oxbridge places)
7. City of London School for Girls - £30,247.20 (day school, lunch separate)
8. Latymer Upper School - £31,095 (day school, additional costs for lunch and music lessons)

Context and Costs

Experts also noted that UK independent school fees 2025-2026 vary widely between day and boarding schools. For example, London day school fees in the UK, such as Latymer Upper or City of London School for Girls, are significantly lower than UK boarding school tuition fees at Westminster or Brighton College. Day versus boarding school fees in the UK for 2025 essentially double for boarding.

The findings also underline the private schooling costs and rankings UK, showing that while some schools, such as Guildford High, appear relatively affordable, others demand fees that rival university tuition. Experts suggested that families comparing UK independent schools and English fees should weigh both academic outcomes and financial impact.

In summary, the review of UK private school fees 2025-2026 says excellence comes at a heavy price. The paths of UK private school ranking and fee reports showcase both extraordinary academic performance and a worthy financial commitment. For parents about to enrol in a UK private school in 2026 or compare the fees of UK private schools in 2025, the league table offers a clear analysis of cost against performance, helping families make informed decisions on UK independent secondary schools' fees and long-term educational investment.

Editor’s Note:

The most recent rankings from The Sunday Times for the year 2026 on private schools are not just rankings; they define the co-relationship between academic success and financial cost in independent education. Based upon the much-anticipated GCSE and A-Level results from summer 2025, the current ranking indicates the UK's best private schools 2026 fees alongside their performance to give families an understanding of all that excellence in schooling requires today. It is evident that for some schools, like Guildford High School, fees seem more affordable, whereas others, like Brighton College and Westminster School, charge astronomical fees. This just goes on to show the difference between UK private school day vs boarding school fees 2025, usually reminding parents that one incurs a higher cost for boarding than day schooling. To families making decisions, this data merits both guidance and caution. They indicate the places where the strongest academic outcomes are achieved, but simultaneously indicate rising costs in UK private schools, UK-wide. 

Skoobuzz underscores that the rankings in performance progress underscore the growing challenge of affordability, thus making it essential to carry out a careful comparison of UK independent schools' tuition costs before arriving at a decision on where to enrol.

FAQs

1. What are the average private school fees in the UK in 2025?

It was reported that the average private school fees in the UK in 2025 were around £18,000 to £21,000 per year for day schools, while boarding schools often charged more than £40,000 annually. Analysts explained that costs varied widely depending on location, facilities, and whether the school was day or boarding.

2. Is it worth paying for private school in the UK?

Commentators suggested that whether it is worth paying depends on family priorities. They noted that private schools often provide smaller class sizes, more extracurricular activities, and strong university pathways. However, they also pointed out that the UK private school costs and ranking show that fees can be very high, so families must weigh the benefits against affordability.

3. What is the most expensive private school fee in the UK?

Education experts highlighted that schools such as Brighton College and Westminster School were among the most expensive in 2025, with UK boarding school tuition fees reaching over £65,000 per year. This confirmed that some institutions are far above the national average.

4. How much are school fees in the UK per year?

It was explained that UK independent schools' tuition costs ranged from about £15,000 per year for smaller day schools to more than £66,000 for elite boarding schools. The figures showed a clear divide between London day school fees in the UK and boarding costs across England.

5. How can I get my child into a private school for free in the UK?

Observers noted that while most private schools charge high fees, some offer scholarships or bursaries based on academic ability, talent in areas such as music or sport, or financial need. Families were advised to check directly with schools about UK private school application costs and available support schemes, as these can reduce or even cover fees.