_The best new luxury homes near London's top independent schools

Entry points into UK schools

The main entry points into UK independent schools are at age 7, 8, 11, 13 or 16 and there are schools that cover a range of age groups – some will take from 5-18 whereas others might only start at 13.

Deciding on an entry point is important as it will affect which schools are available to you. Many schools will have ‘occasional places’ at different entry points but these can be harder to find.

Choosing a school

There are several factors to take into account when choosing a school:

• Day vs boarding – to attend a day school the child’s parents must live nearby whereas boarding has greater flexibility.

• Location – for a day school you need to consider the commuting time and whether the child can do it independently, for a boarding school you would need to consider proximity to an airport or whether you have family or friends nearby.

• International community – is the school used to welcoming international students? Can they provide the EAL or pastoral support if needed?

• Academic level – almost all schools will have some sort of academic entrance assessment so you need to consider whether the school is a realistic choice based on the child’s current level and how much time there is to prepare.

Registration

Register as early as possible. For some schools the deadline will be three years ahead of the entry point but for all schools at least one year ahead is necessary. Sometimes there are last minute places available if you miss the deadlines but these places are harder to find.

You will need to pay a registration fee to the school and they will then send you a timeline of the admissions process including when any assessments will be.

Entrance Assessments

Almost all schools will assess an applicant’s English and Maths and often verbal and non-verbal reasoning too. The first stage is usually a computerised test and the second stage will be written assessments and an interview.

If the student is put on a waiting list or the offer made is conditional, further assessments will be required at a later date.

In addition, international students might be asked to take the UKiset which is a computerised test. The assessment procedure varies between schools so you will need check exactly what your child will be required to do.

How to prepare

• Having a UK-style diagnostic assessment can be useful to see how the child does when faced with British-style exam questions, which as an international student, they may not be familiar with.

• Ask the schools what their entrance assessments will consist of and identify the relevant syllabus. Use resources designed for the assessment and age group. 

• If needed, a structured programme of tutoring can be used to target any areas of weakness identified in the assessment. Make sure the tutor knows the UK system and, ideally, has experience with the schools your child will apply to.

• Encourage reading at home and expose them to a range of texts including fiction, non-fiction and poetry.

• When possible, keep up to date with UK news and events and discuss these at home as they might be asked about it at an interview.

This article was written in conjunction with Keystone Tutors - one of the UK's leading private tutoring agencies. 

Hampstead Manor

Located on a leafy road only moments from the centre of Hampstead Village, the outstanding new development, Hampstead Manor embraces all of the qualities that have long made NW3 one of the most desirable British postcodes. Amenities include: a residents’ swimming pool, gym and hammam, private underground parking and landscaped gardens.

Girls

South Hampstead High School

St Margaret’s School

Channing School

Boys

University College School (Girls in sixth form)

Co-ed

The American School in London

Highgate School

The King Alfred School 

SouthBank International School

Star and Garter 

The Grade II listed Star & Garter, designed by Sir Edwin Cooper next to Richmond Park Gate, dates from 1924 and overlooks Richmond Park and the River Thames. The storied building has played a leading role in Richmond life for over eighty years, frequented by royalty and celebrities.

It is a true landmark, visible for miles offering residents idyllic views of the river Thames immortalized by J M Turner and many other artists - the only view protected by Act of Parliament.

On offer here are one, two and three bedroom apartments and duplexes with forty-two different layouts.

Girls

The Lady Eleanor Holles School  

St Catherine’s School 

Boys

Hampton School 

Co-ed

Hampton Court House

Radnor House

Aubury place, Chiswick

A prestigious collection of nine substantial family residences in this private gated mews development. There are four and six-bedroom family homes available to purchase. Amenities include: generous gardens, allocated car parking and hi-spec homes.

Girls 

Godolphin and Latymer  

St Paul’s Girls 

Boys

St Paul's School 

Co-ed

Latymer Upper School 

The Arts Educational School London

The Harrodian 

Chiltern Place

Designed by PLP Architects and developed by Ronson Capital Partners, it is beautifully finished to the highest standards, benefiting from an abundance of natural light, the large open plan dining area/reception room perfect for entertaining, fully fitted separate kitchen with Gaggenau appliances, as well as a delightful balcony.

Other amenities include: private parking and a concierge service.

Girls

Francis Holland

Queen's College

Boys 

Wetherby Senior School

Co-ed

Sylvia Young Theatre School

The American School in London

One Brompton

A new landmark development of luxury apartments in one of London’s most prestigious addresses. One Brompton comprises 18 apartments set over 4 floors with an unrivalled location in prime central London. Amenities include: concierge and a private penthouse.

Girls

Queen's Gate School

More House School

Boys

Wetherby Senior School

Co-ed

Garden House School

Ashbourne College

SouthBank International School

Holland Park Villas

Overlooking London’s most charming park, you will find a private, gated development of 68 elegant apartment and four exceptional penthouses, set within a landscape of exquisite woodland walks and secluded courtyard gardens. Amenities include: a concierge team, club room and cinema, as well as a 20m swimming pool.

Girls

Queen’s Gate School

More House School 

Francis Holland School

St Paul’s Girls’ School

Godolphin & Latymer School 

St James Independent School for Senior Girls 

Boys

Westminster School (Girls in sixth form)

St Paul’s Boys School

Wetherby School

Co-ed

Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle (French speaking)

Latymer Upper School

Tabernacle School

Emanuel School

SouthBank International School

To find out more about these developments near London's top independent schools, speak to our New Homes team.