London Private Schools Excel in National 2025 Exam Rankings
London has solidified its position as the educational powerhouse of England, with the capital's private schools dominating the latest national rankings. According to the 2026 Top Schools Guide, which analyzes 2025 A-level and GCSE results, eight of England's top ten fee-paying schools are located in London. This remarkable achievement underscores the concentration of academic excellence within the city's educational institutions.
St Paul's School Tops the National League Table
St Paul's School in Barnes, founded in 1509, has been crowned England's best private school based on the 2025 exam performance. The all-boys' institution reported exceptional results, with 93 percent of A-level entries achieving A or A* grades and 97.9 percent of GCSE entries awarded top marks of 9, 8, or 7. However, this elite education comes at a significant cost, with termly fees ranging from £9,551 to £17,981.
Leading London Schools Showcase Consistent Excellence
The sister school of the top-ranked institution, St Paul's Girls' School, secured a very close second place nationally. It achieved an impressive 88.7 percent of students attaining the highest A-level results and a near-perfect 99.5 percent achieving the equivalent top grades at GCSE level.
King's College School in Wimbledon claimed third place with 86.1 percent of A-level entries receiving A* or A grades and 98.26 percent of GCSE entries scoring 9, 8, or 7. Westminster School, renowned for alumni such as Andrew Lloyd Webber, Helena Bonham Carter, and Louis Theroux, followed closely with an 86 percent A-level A*/A rate and a 97.38 percent GCSE 9 to 7 rate.
Complete List of Top London Private Schools
The rankings highlight the following London schools as the best based on 2025 exam results:
- St Paul's School
- St Paul's Girls' School
- King's College School
- Westminster School
- North London Collegiate School
- Godolphin and Latymer
- Latymer Upper School
- Alleyn's School
This dominance reflects London's ongoing commitment to high academic standards and the effectiveness of its private education sector. The data confirms that the capital continues to attract and nurture some of the brightest students in the country, setting a benchmark for educational excellence across England.
