Everything you need to know about private education
When families start searching for the best schools in the UK or “private school near me,” they quickly discover that private schools in England, often called independent schools, are a distinctive and historic part of British education. From world-famous boarding schools to local prep schools, private education offers a wide range of choices. But what exactly is private education, how is it different from public schooling, and what does it cost to attend?
What is private education?
A private school (sometimes called an independent school) is an education institution funded by tuition fees rather than government money. Families pay for their children to attend, and schools have more freedom to set their curriculum, teaching style, and extracurricular opportunities.
Private schools in the UK are known for:
- Smaller class sizes and more personalised teaching
- Co-educational or single-sex options, depending on preference
- A strong emphasis on academics, sports, arts, and extracurricular activities
- Access to premium facilities, from theatres and sports grounds to science labs and robotics centres.
Private vs public schools in the UK
In the UK, the phrase “public schools” can be confusing, as the term is actually used for private schools not the publicly funded schools (state). Public (private/independent) schools are actually a subset of historic, elite British independent schools, some of the more famous known – Eton, Westminster or Harrow. More broadly, the difference is:
- State schools (publicly funded) are free to attend
- Private schools UK (fee-paying) operate independently
This distinction makes the UK different from other countries, where “public” usually means state-funded.
How are UK private schools different from abroad?
Private education exists worldwide, but UK private schools are unique for their history, prestige, and global reputation. Unlike in the US, where many private high schools are religiously affiliated, or in parts of Europe, where private schools supplement state systems, UK private education schools are often seen as the best schools in the UK for academic excellence and university preparation.
Many private schools in England also offer boarding, which is less common elsewhere. This is why families from across the globe search for the best independent schools in London or the top schools in London to prepare their children for world-class universities.
Types of private schools in the UK
Private education offers a wide spectrum of choices:
- Pre-prep – under 4 years old. Pre-school, Nursery, montessori, style settings within a private school preparing the smallest of children for life to move up into mainstream school
- Prep schools – private primary schools that prepare children for entry to secondary education. Families often search for the best primary schools near me when considering prep options.
- Private secondary schools – many are among the best secondary schools in London and across England, offering GCSEs or A-Levels.
- Co-ed schools – many of the best schools in London UK are co-educational, while others remain single-sex.
- Boarding schools – famous worldwide, including some of the most expensive schools in the UK.
How much do private schools cost in the UK?
UK private school fees, including the new 20% VAT charge, can range from:
- £12,000 to £50,000+ annually for day schools
- £35,000 to £75,000+ annually for boarding schools
Variations based on age, location and school facilities. However, many schools provide scholarships and bursaries to make education more accessible.
VAT on private school fees
A major change for families considering UK private schools is the introduction of VAT (Value Added Tax) on private school fees. VAT is a 20% tax applied to goods and services, and extending it to private education is designed to raise funds for the state sector.
This inevitably increases the burden to some families of private school UK fees by thousands of pounds per year, sparking debate about accessibility.
Independent school rankings and reputation
Parents often research independent schools ranking lists to find the best school in London or the best secondary schools in England. While league tables are useful, many families also visit schools for open days to see the ethos, facilities, and teaching style firsthand.
Some of the best independent schools in London regularly appear at the top of rankings, attracting both local families and international students.
Choosing a private school is a major decision, balancing cost, ethos, and academic reputation. Whether you’re looking at private secondary schools, co-ed schools, or the best schools in London, the country’s independent schools offer a wide range of opportunities. With centuries of tradition and global recognition, British independent schools remain some of the most respected education institutions in the world.
Why choose The Lyceum?
Choosing The Lyceum School means selecting a place where every child is cherished, known, and celebrated. Situated in the vibrant heart of the City of London, our school offers a nurturing, co-educational environment founded on the pillars of kindness, creativity, confidence, and community.
We inspire a deep love of learning through an engaging, topic-based curriculum using London as our classroom, enriched by STEAM, language, arts, and wellbeing-focused initiatives like mindfulness and yoga.
With small class sizes, high staff-to-pupil ratios, and a strong pastoral framework, including our House System and accessible pastoral support, we prioritise each child’s personal growth just as much as academic success.
Located near Old Street, Liverpool Street, Moorgate and Shoreditch stations, our modern, light-filled five-storey building with specialist art, science, STEAM studios and outdoor space provides a dynamic setting that’s seamlessly integrated with London’s rich cultural resources. At The Lyceum, learning comes alive every day, preparing children to become confident, compassionate, and curious individuals ready to contribute positively to the world.
If you’d like to experience the unique atmosphere of The Lyceum, we’d love to welcome you to one of our upcoming Open Days. These events are a wonderful opportunity to see our school in action, meet our dedicated staff, and explore our learning spaces. Simply book your place to join us. And if you can’t make it to an Open Day, don’t worry, we’re always happy to arrange a private tour at a time that works for you. Get in touch with our admissions team via registrar@lyceumschool.co.uk or call +44 (0)20 7247 1588.
