Using This Site
Using This Site
The Top School Guide website is designed for families to easily find the information you need to apply to the best private schools in the UK. Here are some pointers to get you started.
Guides to UK independent schools
If you are new to the British private school system then our guides will help you find your feet and understand how the land lies.
It’s likely you will have an idea of what you are looking for, and you should be able to find it in one of the following guide sections:
The private school system
Information on fees, curriculums, retakes, the application process and more.
Making applications at 11+, 13+ and 16+
Detailed step-by-step guides on finding the best schools and making the strongest possible applications.
Boarding
The ultimate guide on how to identify and get into the best boarding schools.
Dyslexia and SEN
How to find the best private schools for dyslexic students.
Late Applications
Don’t panic if you are late, these guides will tell you what to do.
Relocating
Moving is a pain. These guides will tell you how to move a private education to or within the UK.
School Filter
We list approximately 600 independent British independent senior schools on this site. You can use our school filter tool to narrow down schools which meet your requirements. Filter by gender, day/boarding, academic level, location and other key criteria.
You can then look in more depth at each school’s profile, and create a shortlist of suitable schools.
School Profiles
School profiles can be accessed by clicking through on the league tables, using the search bar, or using the school filter. Every school profile displays useful data.
Some of the better-known schools have full overviews with further information on their environment, exam result history, and application process.
All profiles are produced independently by topschoolguide.com, and are not curated or approved by schools.
School profiles can be added to a shortlist. When you submit this shortlist we will be in touch to sense check your selection and advise on next steps.
School League Tables
Exam league tables should not be used in isolation to identify the best schools. However, they can be a useful starting point.
Our league tables are divided into the following intuitive categories:
All Schools
Where you will find the top UK schools for A-levels, GCSE and IB Diploma.
Boarding Schools
As you’d expect, only schools which offer boarding are included.
By Region
For those of you who are searching for schools in a specific location.
By Subject
This is particularly useful for older students who want to find the best schools for Maths, Science and Humanities.
By Specialism
The best schools for BTECs and the best schools for a 1 year GCSE/Pre-sixth form programme.
Can't find what you're looking for?
If you can’t find what you are looking for, it could just be that we haven’t got round to publishing it yet.
So whether you are hungry for more data, want some advice, or need a hand, please get in touch.
Our goal is to help students find their perfect independent school, and we’d be delighted to help you.
