Few decisions in education carry as much weight, or as many opinions, as whether to choose a private school. London makes it harder still. There are more independent schools here than anywhere else in the country, and they vary enormously in size, style and approach.
This is a practical guide for parents weighing it up honestly.
What does “private school” mean in London?
A private school, also called an independent school, is fee-paying and not funded by the state. In London that covers a huge range: large traditional day schools, small specialist colleges, single-sex and co-educational schools, and everything in between.
So the question is rarely “private or state?” in the abstract. It is “what does my child actually need, and which school provides it?”
Why families choose a private school
The reasons are usually more specific than people assume.
Class size. Smaller groups mean more discussion, more feedback and fewer students going unnoticed.
Teaching. Many independent schools and colleges employ subject specialists, often with real depth in their field.
Flexibility. Some private schools can adapt timetables, pace and subject combinations around a student’s circumstances, which larger systems struggle to do.
Pastoral care. In a small school, someone notices when a student is struggling, often well before it shows in their results.
Questions to ask before you decide
A private school is a significant financial commitment, so it deserves proper scrutiny.
What exactly am I paying for? Fees at independent schools in London vary widely. Ask what is included, and be clear about what the fees buy in terms of teaching, support and class size.
Has the school been independently inspected? Look at the most recent inspection report, not just the marketing.
Would my child thrive here? A famous name does not guarantee a good fit. Ask to see lessons running on an ordinary day.
What happens if things go wrong? How does the school respond to a student who is struggling, anxious or falling behind?
An independent school in Kensington: Collingham
Collingham is an independent college in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, teaching GCSE and A Level students since 1975. It is family-owned, which allows decisions to be made quickly and with students in mind. With around 150 students across two sites, it is small by design.
The GCSE programme is at 16 Young Street, W8, near High Street Kensington station. The A Level programme is at 23 Collingham Gardens, SW5, close to Gloucester Road and Earls Court stations.
Classes are capped at nine students, with an average of five. Teachers are subject specialists, students are treated as young adults, and there is no uniform. The January 2026 ISI inspection confirmed all standards were met, noting the strength of the college’s personalised support.
When a smaller private school works best
Collingham tends to suit students who need something different from what a large school offers. That might be a student who has been overlooked in a big class, someone who needs to retake A Levels or GCSEs, a student managing personal or health circumstances, or someone who is simply ready to take their education seriously in a setting that takes them seriously in return.
See it for yourself
The best way to judge a private school is to visit while it is working. Collingham’s Open House for A Level families and Head’s Coffee mornings for GCSE families are designed for exactly that, with real lessons, real students and honest conversation.
Start with a conversation
If you are weighing up a private school in London or Kensington, and want to talk through whether Collingham is right for your child, we would be glad to hear from you.
Get in touch with our admissions team or Call Admissions: 020 7244 1860.
