How to use this website and choose a school

We recommend you use the following process to make optimum use of this website

A. Download a free eGuide on choosing a school

This website is famous for carrying the current academic performance of all independent schools and colleges. However, exam success is only one criterion by which to assess a school – thus we recommend you read the appropriate eGuide by clicking on the left hand buttons.

B. Check the league tables

Our site carries numerous academic league tables, where we usually show the top 100 or 50 – for A levels, UCAS tariffs, GCSEs, IB, Scottish Highers and SATS. If a school has not made the top 100 you might still find its results on its entry under a geographical or name search.

We also publish our own www.best-schools.co.uk Top 100. Education Advisers Limited have taken five criteria and given them a specific weighting with regard to examination results at both GCSE and Advanced Level. We finish by adding weightings for the entry candidates for A-Levels plus consistency, measured in exam success over 2 years.

Best-Schools.co.uk League tables

C. Check the fees for value

We only list fees for top 100 schools at senior level (ie sixth form) for comparative purposes. You may rearrange any of the tables in ascending order of fees to arrive at the best value top schools. We do not list every school fee for the simple reason that it’s far too time consuming to keep the information up to date. If you need to check a school’s fees, go to its website or phone the Registrar.

D. Find a school and request a prospectus

The search facility allows you to search for a school by area and type. You will be presented with a list of schools in that location. If you want to request a prospectus fill in your requirements and add the schools (up to 4) to your list. We send these requests direct to the school, but bear in mind that some may contact you first to ask further questions. Nothing can beat a personal visit to the school. Request a visit to your short list and remember to take the questionnaire in our eGuide.

E. Consider your budget

A quality education comes at a price. Whether you are struggling to meet the fees or simply looking for a way to slash the bill by tax planning, look at the section “save money on school fees”

F. Still need help?

If you still need assistance then fill in the enquiry form on our bespoke assistance service.