Alleyn's School in Dulwich has been named the strongest-performing independent school in south east London for 2026, according to a ranking compiled by Discovery Vision Hub. The school, which is co-educational, was followed by James Allen's Girls' School (JAGS) and Dulwich College, both also located in Dulwich.
The rankings are based on recent exam results, university destinations, and positions in national independent school league tables. Data was drawn from education ranking sources including Exampapers Plus and The Times' private school league tables.
Top 10 South East London Private Schools 2026
Alleyn's School, Dulwich (SE22) - Co-educational
James Allen's Girls' School (JAGS), Dulwich (SE22) - Girls' school
Dulwich College, Dulwich (SE21) - Boys' school with co-educational sixth form
Eltham College, Mottingham/Eltham (SE9) - Co-educational
Blackheath High School, Blackheath (SE3) - Girls' school
Colfe's School, Lee (SE12) - Co-educational
Trinity School, Croydon - Boys' school
Whitgift School, Croydon - Boys' school
Royal Russell School, Croydon - Co-educational
St Dunstan's College, Catford (SE6) - Co-educational
National Standings and Borough Representation
Alleyn's School was ranked 15th nationally, while Trinity School in Croydon placed 36th and James Allen's Girls' School was ranked 37th. The rankings cover leading independent schools across Southwark, Greenwich, Lewisham, Bexley, and Croydon, and include a mix of co-educational, boys', and girls' schools.
Southwark was particularly well represented, with Alleyn's School, James Allen's Girls' School, and Dulwich College all recognised among the area's top-performing independent schools. Elsewhere, Eltham College and Colfe's School were highlighted among the best schools serving Bexley, while Blackheath High School and Eltham College featured strongly for Greenwich.
Lewisham and Croydon Schools Recognised
St Dunstan's College and Colfe's School were named among Lewisham's leading independent schools. Croydon also saw strong representation, with Trinity School, Whitgift School, and Royal Russell School all making the top 10 list.
The report describes these schools as the independent institutions most commonly regarded as the elite educational options across south east London in 2026.
