Private Schools

Private schools in the UK are associated with academic excellence, enviable facilities, centuries of tradition, and endless extracurricular opportunities for students. And for good reason—they really are world-class! 

However, all of this comes with a hefty price tag, which leaves many parents wondering: is private school worth it? If you’re curious about private school fees, the most prestigious (and expensive) schools, or how families afford this kind of education, we’ve got all the details you need. Whether you’re just exploring the idea or seriously considering private education for your child, let’s dive in.

What’s the most expensive private school in the UK?

The title of the most expensive private school in the UK belongs to Brighton College. Full boarding fees for sixth-form students start at £55,470 per year. Known for its academic achievements and holistic educational philosophy, Brighton College offers a wide-ranging curriculum, top-tier sports facilities and a creative arts program that’s hard to rival.

If you’re wondering whether it’s all worth it, Brighton College’s hefty price tag comes with some serious recognition. It recently pulled off a rare feat, winning three top awards in The Sunday Times Parent Power Schools Guide: UK Boarding School of the Year 2025, Top School for A-levels 2025, and Top Academic School in South East England 2025. On top of that, it was previously named UK School of the Decade—the only school to ever earn that title.

So, how does Brighton College compare with other top private schools? Let’s start with Eton.

How much is Eton per year?

To put Brighton College’s fees in perspective, Eton College charges around £52,749 a year. While these fees are very similar, it’s important to note that—like all private schools—Eton’s fees are now subject to VAT (from January 2025), meaning an increase of 20% on top of the listed fee.

Although Eton isn’t the most expensive UK private school, its prestige is unmatched. Eton’s fees reflect not only its historical significance, but the school’s ongoing commitment to world-class education.

What’s the most prestigious private school in the UK?

When it comes to prestige, Eton College is considered the gold standard. So why is Eton held in such high regard?

Located in Windsor—just a short journey from London—Eton has educated boys since 1440. The school boasts a reputation for excellent exam results and has produced some of the most influential figures in British history. Its illustrious alumni include Prince William and Prince Harry, former Prime Ministers Boris Johnson and David Cameron, and celebrated writers such as George Orwell.

Eton’s prestige isn’t just a matter of tradition; it’s backed by outstanding resources and a commitment to nurturing leadership, creativity and academic excellence. 

For other nearby schools, don’t miss our guide to the best London private schools as well as sixth-forms and the top ten state secondaries in the capital.

Why is Eton so expensive?

Quite simply, Eton’s fees reflect the incredible resources, faculty, support systems and heritage the school provides. Every aspect of Eton is designed to uphold excellence in education, summed up in their motto Floreat Etona which translates as “May Eton Flourish”. Its fees are a direct investment in maintaining that standard. 

Here are some key reasons behind the cost:

• Historic buildings and facilities: Eton’s campus is home to centuries-old architecture alongside modern facilities, including a pristine rowing lake, expansive sports fields, impressive tech-labs and even a dedicated museum.
• Top-tier faculty: The school invests heavily in recruiting and retaining high-calibre teaching staff who bring expertise and passion to their subjects.
• Extracurricular excellence: From music and drama to sports and debating, Eton offers a vast array of extracurricular activities that foster all-round development.
• Specialist support systems: With robust pastoral care, career guidance and enrichment programmes, every aspect of a student’s development is supported.
• Alumni network: The extensive and influential alumni network (the Old Etonian Association) provides current students with exceptional networking and mentoring opportunities.

Is Eton boys-only?

Yes, Eton is exclusively for boys aged 13 to 18. 

While Eton remains a boys-only school, families looking for an equivalent level of prestige and tradition for girls have excellent alternatives such as Cheltenham Ladies’ College or Wycombe Abbey. If you’re exploring options, here are the best boarding schools in the UK (ranked by the Top Schools Guide) for girls and boys:

Top Boarding Schools for Girls:

• Wycombe Abbey School
• St Mary’s School Ascot
• Benenden School
• Cheltenham Ladies’ College
• St Swithun’s School

Top Boarding Schools for Boys:

• St Paul’s School
• Tonbridge School
• Abingdon School
• Radley College
• Dulwich College

How much are annual school fees in the UK?

If £55,000+ per year sounds eye-watering, you’ll be relieved to hear that most private schools in the UK are much more affordable—relatively speaking! As of 2024, the average annual fee for private schools in the UK was £18,063. This was a noticeable increase from £16,656 in 2023, and with the addition of VAT, fees will only rise further in 2025.

Here’s a breakdown of private school fees:

• Day Schools: Typically costing between £12,000 and £20,000 per year. Primary schools (ages 4+) are likely to be at the cheaper end of the spectrum, while secondary schooling (ages 11+) increases in cost.
• Boarding Schools: Fees can easily rise to £40,000 or more annually, depending on the school and the facilities provided. As we’ve seen, it’s not uncommon for the most prestigious schools to charge £50,000 or more.

Remember that fees don’t include additional expenses such as school trips, uniforms, music lessons or exam fees. These “hidden costs” can quickly add up, so it’s important for families to budget carefully.

What percentage of UK children go to fee-paying schools?

Out of the 8.8 million school-age children in the UK, approximately 615,000 attend private (independent) schools—about 7% of the population. This relatively small percentage underscores the exclusivity of private education.

It’s important to note that private schools aren’t exclusively for the ultra-wealthy. Many families make significant financial sacrifices to send their children to these schools, and a substantial number of students benefit from scholarships or bursaries to manage the costs.

How do parents afford private school in the UK?

Private school fees can seem daunting, but there are several ways parents make this type of education more accessible. This includes scholarships and bursaries, as well as educational loans, savings and family contributions. Each school’s approach to financial assistance varies, so check the individual school’s website or contact their admissions office for specific information.

Some routes for funding private schooling include:

• Scholarships: Many UK private schools offer scholarships that cover a portion of the fees. These awards are typically based on excellence in academics, music, sports or other special talents. They are highly competitive and sometimes cover a significant percentage of the fees.
• Bursaries: Bursaries are means-tested financial awards that assist families who may not be able to afford the full fee. The exact amount and eligibility criteria vary by school, with details usually available on the school’s fees or admissions page.
• Educational loans: Some families take out loans specifically designed to cover school fees. These loans can offer flexible repayment plans, though it’s important to consider interest rates and long-term financial commitments.
• Long-term savings: Many parents save for their child’s education years in advance. Dedicated savings accounts, such as Junior ISAs or specific educational savings plans, help mitigate the financial burden over time.
• Family contributions: Some families receive financial support from relatives, such as grandparents. Gifts and inheritance often play a role in funding private education.
• Payment plans: Some schools offer flexible payment options, allowing fees to be spread out over the academic year rather than a large upfront payment.

What’s the hardest private school to get into in the UK?

Among the many private schools in the UK, Westminster School is often regarded as the most challenging to gain admission. Located in central London, Westminster is renowned for its exceptional academic standards and consistently high rates of Oxbridge admissions.

Gaining a place at Westminster involves excelling in several areas:

• Entrance exams: Students undergo rigorous assessments in core subjects like English and Maths.
• Interviews: These help gauge a candidate’s personality, interests and fit with the school’s ethos.
• Additional assessments: Depending on the student’s chosen focus, there may be extra evaluations in areas like music or sports.

As a result, it’s not uncommon for families to prepare their children years in advance for the demanding selection process. Other schools with similarly tough admissions include:

• St Paul’s Boys’ and Girls’ Schools: Two leading London institutions, known for their rigorous academic environment and outstanding results.
• Winchester College: Alongside other ancient institutions like Harrow School, Winchester is one of the oldest and most prestigious (as well as competitive) schools in the UK.
• Eton College: While its admissions process is highly competitive, Eton’s focus on tradition combined with innovation sets it apart.
• The Godolphin and Latymer School: Another famed London school, where academics and pastoral support go hand in hand.

Keep in mind that whether you’re applying to a day school or boarding school, competition is fierce. Most schools use some form of 11+ entrance exam (including papers like Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning), often working with leading national providers like GL Assessment. With thousands of applicants vying for just a limited number of places, it’s essential to check each school’s admissions policies and prepare accordingly.

Are private schools better than public schools in the UK?

Given the high costs involved, many parents wonder: are private schools better than state schools? The answer isn’t black and white—it largely depends on what you’re looking for in an education.

The choice depends on your family’s financial situation, available scholarship or bursaries, and the educational offerings in your area. For instance, in counties like Gloucestershire, Kent and Buckinghamshire where leading grammar schools are plentiful, many parents prefer them over private schools. In contrast, in areas where high-performing state schools are scarce, a private school might be the best option.

Some of the advantages of private schools include:

• Academic results: Private schools consistently rank higher in league tables, in part due to selective admissions and smaller class sizes.
• Individual attention: Fewer students per teacher means pupils receive tailored support and guidance.
• Higher education: With excellent results and personalised teaching, private schools pride themselves on securing entrance to top Russell Group and non-Russell Group universities.
• Extracurricular opportunities: Private schools offer a broad range of extracurricular activities—from sports and music to drama and debate—fostering well-rounded development.

But don’t ignore state schools either! Here are a few reasons why a state (either grammar or comprehensive) education might be the perfect solution for your family.

• Excellent results: Many state schools, especially top grammar schools, achieve outstanding academic results—similar (if not better than) their private counterparts.
• No fees: Funded by the government, state schools relieve families of significant financial burdens.
• Diverse environments: State schools often reflect a broader spectrum of society, offering children exposure to different backgrounds and perspectives. They often have a wide catchment area, providing access to a diverse group of families.
• Specialist programs: Many state schools have specialist statuses in areas such as languages, science or the arts, providing targeted excellence in certain subjects. You’ll still find a challenging and engaging curriculum at most state schools.

Final thoughts: why do parents choose private schools in the UK?

Whenever parents are asked why they opt for private education, several themes emerge. Families are often drawn to smaller class sizes, ensuring their children’s unique needs are met. Private school’s exemplary facilities and extracurricular facilities are also popular, alongside the networking opportunities and connections forged at prestigious educations—which can open doors to lucrative and rewarding careers.

Ultimately, every family’s decision is unique. For some, it’s about securing the best academic results; for others, it’s about providing a nurturing environment that allows children to thrive in extracurricular pursuits. However, with costs that can be daunting, it’s crucial to ensure the investment aligns with your family’s values and long-term goals.

If you’re considering private education and need support with 11+ entrance exams or more general academic coaching, Achieve Learning is here to help. Get in touch with our expert tutors today and take the first step toward unlocking your child’s full potential.