The most expensive private schools in London revealed

Two private schools in London have been forced to close following a 20 per cent VAT hike introduced by the Government this year.

Data showed pupil numbers have dropped by 13,000 in the year to January, after parents are now having to pay VAT on their child’s fees.

The tax breaks for private schools officially ended in 2025 to “enable better investment in state education”, the Chancellor Rachel Reeves said in the Budget in October 2024.

Some private schools are feeling the pinch of this, and Park Hill School in Kingston and Falcons School in Putney say they no longer have the means to stay open.

But there are still over 130 private schools in London, here are some of the most expensive:

St Paul's School is a selective independent day school, and known as the “UK’s top performing boy school”. It has limited boarding, for boys aged 13–18, and was founded in 1509 by John Colet.

Fees differ depending on whether you are boarding and your age.

For ages 7 to 13, it costs £9,054 including VAT, and from 13 to 16 it costs £11,325 per term. Those boarding will have a higher fee, costing £17,043 per term.

The school also has different fees depending on age and whether you board.

Age 13+ day pupils and King’s Scholars are charged at £14,749 per term, age 16+ day pupils and King’s Scholars are charged £15,894, and those boarding are charged £20,995 per term.

As well as the ordinary curriculum found in state schools, Westminster also has options of studying Greek, Latin, Electronics, Mandarin and Theology.

For day students, the fee per term for the 2024 to 2025 academic year is £11,917 including VAT.

From Year 12, the fee per term goes up to £12,866 per term including VAT. The school fee includes lunch and personal accident insurance.

On their website, however, the school states: “Textbooks, public examination fees, music lessons, LAMDA classes, extra sports coaching and life drawing classes are charged as extra.”

The school, for girls only, charges £11,226 per term inclusive of VAT.

The tuition fee includes textbooks, stationery, public examination fees and day visits out of school for whole year groups, 7 – 9 inclusive and was named in the Tatler Schools Guide 2025.

According to the Guide, the school was deemed “a compelling choice for ambitious young women seeking to excel academically as well as contribute meaningfully to society. It’s no surprise that academic results are outstanding”.

Secondary school prices here differ based on years.

From year 7 and 8, it costs £9,570 per term, while for year 9 and above, it costs £10,483 per term, both inclusive of VAT.

In The Schools Index 2024, published by Carfax Education, King's was recognised as one of the top 150 leading independent schools in the world and is also ranked among the top ten in London.