The 10 Best UK Private Schools for 2026 — and the Soaring Fees Behind Them
A new Sunday Times ranking of the UK’s top private schools for 2026 highlights both their exceptional academic performance and the increasingly steep fees that now exceed £60,000 a year at some institutions.
Atalan Academy Education Correspondent
12/8/20252 min read
The Sunday Times has released its annual guide to the UK’s top independent schools, offering a snapshot of academic performance based on GCSE, IGCSE and A-level results from summer 2025. Yet alongside the familiar names and academic laurels sits another, increasingly unavoidable reality of private education: the rising cost of entry.
While many of the schools featured are day-only institutions, their fees now routinely exceed £30,000 a year — with some boarding options crossing the £60,000 threshold, placing them among the most expensive in Europe. For families contemplating the independent route, the financial implications are starker than ever.
Below is a breakdown of the Top 10 UK Independent Schools for 2026, as ranked by The Sunday Times, along with their current annual fees.
10. Latymer Upper School, London
A co-educational day school in Hammersmith and long regarded for its academic breadth. Annual fees stand at £31,095, with additional costs for lunch and instrumental tuition.
9. City of London School for Girls
Outperforming its brother school in this year’s rankings, CLSG remains one of the capital’s most competitive girls’ day schools. Fees total £30,247.20, with lunch charged separately at £6.30 per day.
8. Westminster School, London
One of Britain’s most historic and academically elite institutions, located just behind Westminster Abbey. Known for its exceptionally high Oxbridge success rate — and its on-site shooting range — boarding fees climb to £65,976.
7. King’s College School, Wimbledon
A leading co-educational day school praised for consistently strong exam results. Senior school fees are £34,212, with optional extras such as lunches and coach services raising the overall cost.
6. St Paul’s Girls’ School, London
Winners of the Independent Secondary School of the Year 2026 title, SPGS continues to dominate academically. As a day school, it charges £40,227 annually.
5. Guildford High School, Surrey
A high-performing girls’ school in the Home Counties. At £25,989 per year, it is among the more affordable schools on the list — though still firmly within premium territory.
4. The Godolphin and Latymer School, London
Another top-tier London girls’ school with a strong record of university destinations. Current fees are £34,622.
3. North London Collegiate School
Alumnae include notable figures in media and the arts. This academically selective day school charges £29,751 for senior school pupils.
2. Brighton College, East Sussex
A co-educational school often discussed for its progressive ethos — sometimes earning criticism from certain tabloids — but widely recognised for its academic strength. It is also one of the UK’s priciest: sixth-form boarding costs £66,375.
1. St Paul’s School, London
This boys’ school takes the top spot for 2026, reclaiming its place ahead of its sister school. Named Independent Secondary School of the Year for Academic Excellence 2026, its senior boarding provision costs £53,943 annually.
With fees rising sharply across the sector, this year’s list underscores a growing divide in access to Britain’s most prestigious schools. For many families, the academic rewards remain enticing — but the financial barriers have never been higher.