The pursuit of a top-notch education often comes with a hefty price tag, especially when considering private schools. Some parents shell out over £55,000 annually for their children to receive the best academic experience money can buy. These fees typically encompass accommodation, meals, clubs, laundry, and other essentials. However, additional expenses for exams, private tuition, and trips often add to the overall cost.
But which school truly reigns supreme when it comes to academic excellence, and how much would you need to invest to secure a place? The 2024 A-Level results are in, and Cardiff Sixth Form College (CSFC) emerges as the champion, boasting an impressive 90.7% of students achieving A or A* grades. This information stems from The Telegraph’s recent revelation of the top 10 private schools in the UK, based on nationwide A-Level results.
CSFC, a co-educational institution for students aged 15 to 19, has maintained its position as the top school for A-Level results over the past decade, a testament to its exceptional academic standards. Many of its graduates go on to prestigious universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College, London School of Economics, and University College London, as well as top institutions in the US and Hong Kong.
However, a spot at CSFC doesn’t come cheap. The 2024/25 academic year has seen a significant rise in private school fees. CSFC’s website lists tuition fees of £24,100 for A-Level students who return home at the end of the day. For boarders, the cost escalates to £57,600 for cluster boarding and £62,700 for studio boarding, representing a £4,700 increase compared to the previous academic year. Cluster rooms offer shared accommodations for four to six students, featuring single bedrooms, ensuite bathrooms, and a shared kitchen and lounge. Studio flats provide single rooms with ensuite bathrooms and kitchens but lack a lounge. These studios are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
In addition to these fees, CSFC’s website outlines various other charges, including registration fees, acceptance deposits for new students, and second-year top-up fees.
Following closely behind CSFC, Westminster School in London secures the second spot in The Telegraph’s ranking, with 87% of its students attaining top A-Level grades. This progressive school has also been recognized as one of the most expensive in the country, according to the Spear’s School Index. Historically a boys’ school, Westminster is actively transitioning towards a fully co-educational environment. Boys can enroll from the age of 13, while girls can join from 16. The annual fees for day students aged 13 to 16 are £36,873, rising to £52,488 for boarders. For students aged 16 and above, the fees are £39,735 for day pupils and £52,488 for boarding pupils. Additional fees and deposits are also required for admission.
Westminster boasts a distinguished alumni, including musical legend Andrew Lloyd-Webber, actress Helena Bonham Carter, former Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, and musician Gavin Rossdale.
Here are the top 10 private schools in the UK based on A-Level results, as per The Telegraph:
1. Cardiff Sixth Form College (90.7% A or A* grades)
2. Westminster School (87% A or A* grades)
3. St Michael’s School (86.6% A or A* grades)
4. Brighton College (86.4% A or A* grades)
5. King’s College School, Wimbledon (86.1% A or A* grades)
6. Queen Ethelburga’s College (84.4% A or A* grades)
7. Guildford High School (82.7% A or A* grades)
8. Wycombe Abbey (82.4% A or A* grades)
9. The National Mathematics and Science College (82.2% A or A* grades)
10. The Perse School (81.4% A or A* grades)
