Houseroom
Houseroom Index 2026 · beta

The top UK independent schools, scored openly

Nine pillars, transparent weights, multiple sources. The Houseroom Index blends academic outcomes, destinations, AI & future-readiness, pastoral care, value-add, access, parent sentiment and external consensus — see the methodology.

Schools ranked
60
In London
24
Day fee range
£19k–£63k
Avg data confidence
77%
Rank by
Houseroom IndexBest for academicsBest for whole-childBest for future-ready
AllLondonOutside LondonBoardingBoysGirlsCo-ed
29 schoolsclear filter·How we score
  1. #1
    83.1

    St Paul's School

    Richmond upon Thames
    Academic90Whole-child79Future-ready70
    Academic outcomes93
    Destinations & outcomes88
    Future-readiness70
    Pastoral & wellbeing82
    Value-add85
    Access & breadth75
    Parent sentiment70
    External consensus70
    All ThroughBoysBoth7–18

    Independent boys all-through school in Richmond upon Thames for ages 7–18, day or boarding. Selective entry, C of E ethos, top-tier London fees.

    Riverside campus with 45 acres of green spaceOn-site boat club, theatre, art gallery, cricket pitch, concert hall, engineering workshopSelective admission at 7+, 11+, 13+ and 16+
    £9,551 – £35,847/yr day1,012 pupilsEst. 1509
  2. #2
    82.0

    Eton College

    Windsor and Maidenheadvs Parent Power #14
    Academic88Whole-child72Future-ready85tier 3
    Academic outcomes85
    Destinations & outcomes93
    Future-readiness85
    Pastoral & wellbeing70
    Value-add77
    Access & breadth75
    Parent sentiment70
    External consensus70
    SeniorBoysBoarding13–18

    Independent boys senior school in Windsor and Maidenhead for ages 13–18. Selective entry, Christian foundation ethos, established SEND provision.

    all boysboarding onlyexceptional enrichment programme
    £63,299/yr day1,350 pupilsEst. 1440
  3. #3
    79.2

    Tonbridge School

    Kentvs Parent Power #28
    Academic87Whole-child79Future-ready55
    Academic outcomes92
    Destinations & outcomes82
    Future-readiness55
    Pastoral & wellbeing82
    Value-add84
    Access & breadth75
    Parent sentiment70
    External consensus70
    SeniorBoysBoth13–18

    Independent boys senior school in Kent for ages 13–18, day or boarding. Selective entry, top-tier London fees.

    state-of-the-art sports centre with indoor swimming pooldedicated music centremodern theatre
    £46,578/yr day801 pupilsEst. 1553
  4. #4
    79.1

    Highgate School

    Haringeyvs Parent Power #19
    Academic87Whole-child79Future-ready55
    Academic outcomes87
    Destinations & outcomes89
    Future-readiness55
    Pastoral & wellbeing82
    Value-add79
    Access & breadth75
    Parent sentiment70
    External consensus70
    All ThroughGirlsBoth3–19

    Independent girls all-through school in Haringey for ages 3–19, day or boarding. Selective entry, Christian ethos.

    Sunday Times Independent School of the Decade 2021Co-educational since 2004 after 400+ years as a boys' school460-year history (founded 1565 by Sir Roger Cholmeley)
    £27,309 – £31,575/yr day1,321 pupilsEst. 1565
  5. #5
    78.3

    Winchester College

    Hampshirevs Parent Power #27
    Academic85Whole-child79Future-ready55
    Academic outcomes85
    Destinations & outcomes88
    Future-readiness55
    Pastoral & wellbeing82
    Value-add77
    Access & breadth75
    Parent sentiment70
    External consensus70
    SeniorBoysBoth13–18

    Independent boys senior school in Hampshire for ages 13–18, day or boarding. Selective entry, top-tier London fees.

    Div non-examined curriculumlongest continuous history of any English schoolfull boarding for boys 13-18
    £45,954/yr day650 pupilsEst. 1382
  6. #6
    77.7

    Brighton College

    Brighton and Hovevs Parent Power #2
    Academic81Whole-child86Future-ready55
    Academic outcomes79
    Destinations & outcomes85
    Future-readiness55
    Pastoral & wellbeing95
    Value-add71
    Access & breadth75
    Parent sentiment70
    External consensus70
    All ThroughCo EdBoth3–18

    Independent co-ed all-through school in Brighton and Hove for ages 3–18, day or boarding. Selective entry, top-tier London fees.

    Located on the south coast with easy access to countryside and seaAward-winning modern campusOutstanding academic results
    £4,761 – £32,910/yr day1,272 pupilsEst. 1845
  7. #7
    77.6

    Cheltenham Ladies' College

    Gloucestershire
    Academic77Whole-child93Future-ready55
    Academic outcomes82
    Destinations & outcomes71
    Future-readiness55
    Pastoral & wellbeing95
    Value-add74
    Access & breadth90
    Parent sentiment70
    External consensus70
    GirlsBoarding11–18

    Independent girls school in Gloucestershire for ages 11–18. Selective entry, top-tier London fees.

    £37,980 – £43,020/yr day833 pupils
  8. #8
    77.6

    Wycombe Abbey

    Buckinghamshirevs Parent Power #18
    Academic84Whole-child79Future-ready55
    Academic outcomes86
    Destinations & outcomes83
    Future-readiness55
    Pastoral & wellbeing82
    Value-add78
    Access & breadth75
    Parent sentiment70
    External consensus70
    SeniorGirlsBoarding11–18

    Independent girls senior school in Buckinghamshire for ages 11–18. Selective entry, Anglican ethos, top-tier London fees.

    Top-three UK girls school170-acre parkland campusStrong full-boarding ethos
    £46,800/yr day650 pupilsEst. 1896
  9. #9
    76.7

    Cardiff Sixth Form College

    Cardiffvs Parent Power #40
    Academic79Whole-child86Future-ready55
    Academic outcomes78
    Destinations & outcomes82
    Future-readiness55
    Pastoral & wellbeing95
    Value-add70
    Access & breadth75
    Parent sentiment70
    External consensus70
    Sixth FormCo EdBoth16–19

    Independent co-ed sixth-form college in Cardiff for ages 16–19, day or boarding. Selective entry, other ethos, top-tier London fees.

    Top academic resultsUniversity-style boarding in single ensuite roomsAward-winning pastoral care and careers provision
    £30,120 – £34,560/yr day470 pupilsEst. 2004
  10. #10
    75.6

    Benenden School

    Kent
    Academic73Whole-child93Future-ready55
    Academic outcomes75
    Destinations & outcomes72
    Future-readiness55
    Pastoral & wellbeing95
    Value-add67
    Access & breadth90
    Parent sentiment70
    External consensus70
    SeniorGirlsBoth11–18

    Independent girls senior school in Kent for ages 11–18, day or boarding. Selective entry, top-tier London fees.

    extensive weekend activities included in fees24/7 medical care on-sitemeans-tested bursary support
    £35,415 – £42,495/yr day500 pupils
  11. #11
    75.3

    Caterham School

    Surreyvs Parent Power #38
    Academic65Whole-child86Future-ready95tier 4
    Academic outcomes60
    Destinations & outcomes77
    Future-readiness95
    Pastoral & wellbeing95
    Value-add52
    Access & breadth75
    Parent sentiment70
    External consensus70
    All ThroughCo EdBoth3–18

    Independent co-ed all-through school in Surrey for ages 3–18, day or boarding. Selective entry, Christian ethos.

    Apple Distinguished SchoolTES Best Independent Senior School 2024Innovative Technology-Led Teaching award winner 2023
    £27,630 – £28,950/yr day1,012 pupilsEst. 1811
  12. #12
    74.5

    Emanuel School

    Wandsworthvs Parent Power #42
    Academic78Whole-child79Future-ready55
    Academic outcomes76
    Destinations & outcomes84
    Future-readiness55
    Pastoral & wellbeing82
    Value-add68
    Access & breadth75
    Parent sentiment70
    External consensus70
    All ThroughCo EdBoth10–19

    Independent co-ed all-through school in Wandsworth for ages 10–19, day or boarding. Selective entry, Christian ethos.

    One of the oldest schools in London (1594, Lady Dacre)Eight vertical houses named after British naval and military heroes50+ clubs and societies
    £26,151 – £31,381/yr day1,115 pupilsEst. 1594
  13. #13
    74.4

    Wellington College

    Bracknell Forestvs Parent Power #48
    Academic74Whole-child79Future-ready70
    Academic outcomes73
    Destinations & outcomes78
    Future-readiness70
    Pastoral & wellbeing82
    Value-add65
    Access & breadth75
    Parent sentiment70
    External consensus70
    SeniorCo EdBoth13–18

    Independent co-ed senior school in Bracknell Forest for ages 13–18, day or boarding. Selective entry, C of E ethos, top-tier London fees.

    co-educational 13-1880% boarders, 20% day pupilsdiverse intake from over 30 nationalities
    £45,750/yr day1,180 pupilsEst. 1859
  14. #14
    74.3

    Sevenoaks School

    Kent
    Academic81Whole-child72Future-ready55
    Academic outcomes82
    Destinations & outcomes83
    Future-readiness55
    Pastoral & wellbeing70
    Value-add74
    Access & breadth75
    Parent sentiment70
    External consensus70
    All ThroughCo EdBoth11–18

    Independent co-ed all-through school in Kent for ages 11–18, day or boarding. Selective entry, top-tier London fees.

    International Baccalaureate Diploma Programmefocus on small tutor groupsstrong university destination record including US, Canada and international
    £29,937 – £43,383/yr day1,200 pupilsEst. 1432
  15. #15
    73.7

    Concord College

    Shropshirevs Parent Power #31
    Academic77Whole-child79Future-ready55
    Academic outcomes86
    Destinations & outcomes65
    Future-readiness55
    Pastoral & wellbeing82
    Value-add78
    Access & breadth75
    Parent sentiment70
    External consensus70
    SeniorCo EdBoth13–19

    Independent co-ed senior school in Shropshire for ages 13–19, day or boarding. Selective entry.

    international boarding schoolsmall class sizesextensive university guidance
    £21,600 – £22,500/yr day600 pupilsEst. 1949
  16. #16
    73.5

    Radley College

    Oxfordshire
    Academic69Whole-child93Future-ready55
    Academic outcomes74
    Destinations & outcomes65
    Future-readiness55
    Pastoral & wellbeing95
    Value-add66
    Access & breadth90
    Parent sentiment70
    External consensus70
    SeniorBoysBoarding13–18

    Independent boys senior school in Oxfordshire for ages 13–18. Selective entry, top-tier London fees.

    full boarding for boysrigorous academic scholarship processlarge financial assistance programme
    £60,336/yr day762 pupils
  17. #17
    73.3

    Dulwich College

    Southwarkvs Parent Power #46
    Academic72Whole-child79Future-ready70
    Academic outcomes62
    Destinations & outcomes89
    Future-readiness70
    Pastoral & wellbeing82
    Value-add54
    Access & breadth75
    Parent sentiment70
    External consensus70
    All ThroughBoysBoth0–18

    Independent boys all-through school in Southwark for ages 0–18, day or boarding. Selective entry, top-tier London fees.

    DUCKS co-educational environment from 6 months to 7 yearsAcademic selective with boarding from Year 9Extensive academic enrichment and co-curricular programmes
    £19,008 – £32,118/yr day2,400 pupilsEst. 1619
  18. #18
    72.5

    Eltham College

    Bromleyvs Parent Power #43
    Academic74Whole-child79Future-ready55
    Academic outcomes74
    Destinations & outcomes78
    Future-readiness55
    Pastoral & wellbeing82
    Value-add66
    Access & breadth75
    Parent sentiment70
    External consensus70
    All ThroughBoysBoth7–19

    Independent boys all-through school in Bromley for ages 7–19, day or boarding. Selective entry, other ethos.

    70-acre grounds in south-east LondonFounded to educate children of missionaries serving overseasEric Liddell Sports Centre named for Olympian alumnus
    £24,657/yr day810 pupilsEst. 1842
  19. #19
    72.1

    Abingdon School

    Oxfordshire
    Academic74Whole-child79Future-ready55
    Academic outcomes74
    Destinations & outcomes75
    Future-readiness55
    Pastoral & wellbeing70
    Value-add66
    Access & breadth90
    Parent sentiment70
    External consensus70
    All ThroughCo EdBoth4–18

    Independent co-ed all-through school in Oxfordshire for ages 4–18, day or boarding. Selective entry.

    Co-educationalDay and boardingPrep School for ages 4-13
    £28,500/yr day200 pupils
  20. #20
    72.0

    Haileybury

    Hertfordshire
    Academic70Whole-child86Future-ready55
    Academic outcomes70
    Destinations & outcomes72
    Future-readiness55
    Pastoral & wellbeing95
    Value-add62
    Access & breadth75
    Parent sentiment70
    External consensus70
    SeniorCo EdBoth11–18

    Independent co-ed senior school in Hertfordshire for ages 11–18, day or boarding. Selective entry, top-tier London fees.

    500-acre campusco-educational senior schoolacademic selective entry at multiple ages
    £28,605 – £43,035/yr day1,500 pupils
  21. #21
    71.8

    Roedean School

    East Sussex
    Academic69Whole-child86Future-ready55
    Academic outcomes72
    Destinations & outcomes69
    Future-readiness55
    Pastoral & wellbeing95
    Value-add64
    Access & breadth75
    Parent sentiment70
    External consensus70
    SeniorGirlsBoth11–18

    Independent girls senior school in East Sussex for ages 11–18, day or boarding. Selective entry, top-tier London fees.

    all-girls environmentboarding and day school optionsholistic learning experience
    £25,671 – £33,660/yr day615 pupils
  22. #22
    71.8

    Ardingly College

    West Sussex
    Academic66Whole-child93Future-ready55
    Academic outcomes71
    Destinations & outcomes61
    Future-readiness55
    Pastoral & wellbeing95
    Value-add63
    Access & breadth90
    Parent sentiment70
    External consensus70
    All ThroughCo EdBoth3–18

    Independent co-ed all-through school in West Sussex for ages 3–18, day or boarding. Selective entry.

    Top 5 IB school in the UKTop 10 IB school worldwideOnly UK school awarded 'Significant Strength' in Boarding by ISI
    £19,740 – £22,875/yr day1,048 pupils
  23. #23
    71.0

    St Mary's School Ascot

    Berkshire
    Academic70Whole-child81Future-ready55
    Academic outcomes79
    Destinations & outcomes59
    Future-readiness55
    Pastoral & wellbeing82
    Value-add71
    Access & breadth80
    Parent sentiment70
    External consensus70
    SeniorGirlsBoarding11–18

    Independent girls senior school in Berkshire for ages 11–18. Selective entry, top-tier London fees.

    full boarding schoolRoman Catholic ethossingle-sex girls' school
    £46,800/yr day380 pupils
  24. #24
    70.2

    Harrow School

    Harrow
    Academic71Whole-child82Future-ready55
    Academic outcomes76
    Destinations & outcomes65
    Future-readiness55
    Pastoral & wellbeing82
    Value-add68
    Access & breadth55
    Parent sentiment70
    External consensus50
    SeniorBoysBoarding13–18

    Independent boys senior school in Harrow for ages 13–18. Selective entry, Church of England ethos.

    Fees TBC/yr day831 pupilsEst. 1572
  25. #25
    70.1

    Downe House

    Berkshire
    Academic66Whole-child86Future-ready55
    Academic outcomes71
    Destinations & outcomes62
    Future-readiness55
    Pastoral & wellbeing82
    Value-add63
    Access & breadth90
    Parent sentiment70
    External consensus70
    SeniorGirlsBoth11–18

    Independent girls senior school in Berkshire for ages 11–18, day or boarding. Selective entry, top-tier London fees.

    Flexible boarding options (full, flexi, day)Strong pastoral careGirls-only education
    £33,588/yr day542 pupilsEst. 1907
  26. #26
    69.8

    Oundle School

    Northamptonshire
    Academic69Whole-child79Future-ready55
    Academic outcomes72
    Destinations & outcomes68
    Future-readiness55
    Pastoral & wellbeing70
    Value-add64
    Access & breadth90
    Parent sentiment70
    External consensus70
    SeniorCo EdBoth11–18

    Independent co-ed senior school in Northamptonshire for ages 11–18, day or boarding. Selective entry, top-tier London fees.

    boarding community with 8 boys’ houses, 5 girls’ houses, and 1 mixed junior housestrong pastoral and tutoring system with 8-10 tutees per groupSaturday morning lessons for Year 9 upwards
    £24,150 – £38,085/yr day1,134 pupils
  27. #27
    69.3

    St Catherine's Bramley

    Surrey
    Academic68Whole-child79Future-ready55
    Academic outcomes75
    Destinations & outcomes60
    Future-readiness55
    Pastoral & wellbeing70
    Value-add67
    Access & breadth90
    Parent sentiment70
    External consensus70
    All ThroughGirlsBoth3–18

    Independent girls all-through school in Surrey for ages 3–18, day or boarding. Selective entry.

    all-through 3-18strong academic resultsrich tradition combined with modern facilities
    £11,055 – £27,540/yr day31 pupils
  28. #28
    69.0

    Woldingham School

    Surrey
    Academic64Whole-child86Future-ready55
    Academic outcomes68
    Destinations & outcomes61
    Future-readiness55
    Pastoral & wellbeing82
    Value-add60
    Access & breadth90
    Parent sentiment70
    External consensus70
    SeniorGirlsBoth11–18

    Independent girls senior school in Surrey for ages 11–18, day or boarding. Selective entry, top-tier London fees.

    all-girls schoolboarding and day optionsstate-of-the-art Sixth Form Centre
    £24,990 – £35,178/yr day534 pupilsEst. 1842
  29. #29
    69.0

    Hurstpierpoint College

    West Sussex
    Academic64Whole-child86Future-ready55
    Academic outcomes68
    Destinations & outcomes61
    Future-readiness55
    Pastoral & wellbeing95
    Value-add60
    Access & breadth75
    Parent sentiment70
    External consensus70
    SeniorCo EdBoth11–18

    Independent co-ed senior school in West Sussex for ages 11–18, day or boarding. Selective entry, top-tier London fees.

    all-through 4-18 educationvalue-added academic excellenceboarding options including flexi and weekly
    £10,500 – £36,885/yr day1,317 pupils

The Houseroom Index 2026 is computed from publicly verifiable sources plus Houseroom parent reviews. Scores update as data improves — read the methodology. Schools can claim their listing to fill data gaps.