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Founder’s Welcome
Dear Readers,
Welcome to the How to Get into the UK’s Top 100 Independent Schools Guide. If you’re here, you’re likely embarking on one of the most important decisions of your child’s educational journey— finding a school that aligns with their unique strengths and aspirations, a place that fosters excellence, curiosity, and resilience.
As a parent who personally navigated this path to secure my daughter’s place at City of London School for Girls, and as the founder of PiAcademy Tutors—specializing in 11+, Pre-11+, and GCSE resources—I understand just how significant and nuanced this process is. Every parent wants the best for their child, and finding a school that will nurture both academic and personal growth is crucial.
In this guide, you’ll discover a carefully curated roadmap to the UK’s top Independent Schools. We provide an in-depth look into what makes these institutions stand out, from their academic rigor and innovative teaching to their values and extracurricular offerings. Whether it’s understanding each school’s distinctive qualities or accessing practical insights on admissions, bursaries, scholarships, and open days, our guide is here to support you at every step.
We offer clear guidance on choosing the right school, preparing for entrance exams like the 11+, 13+, and ISEB, and mastering the interview process—both for you and your child. Recognizing the unique challenges for international applicants, we also offer tailored advice on navigating the admissions landscape as an overseas family. Beyond admissions, our guide delves into the Top 100 Independent Secondary Schools. Here, you’ll find the latest league tables, insights into
Preeti Baviskar Founder, School Uni Guide and PiAcademy
leaver destinations, and profiles of each school’s defining characteristics, from their rich heritage to their exceptional academic and extracurricular programs.
Our dedicated team has invested countless hours in gathering accurate, up-to-date information to provide a well-rounded and unbiased perspective. This guide reflects our commitment to helping parents make informed, confident decisions that align with their child’s goals and personality.
Think of this guide as a trusted partner on this journey—a resource that’s here to help you choose a school that will inspire your child and set them on the path to a bright, fulfilling future. Let’s embark on this journey together, with the clarity and confidence you need to secure the very best for your child.
Top 100 Independent Schools Profiles
From Nerves to Confidence: How do I tackle 11+ Exam Anxiety?
Lois Linkens
Lois is an English educator with a first-class BA and an MA in English. She is currently a research student at DMU, Leicester. She has 10 years of tutoring experience, helping students prepare for 11+, 13+ and GCSE exams.
The 11+ exam can be a source of immense anxiety for parents and students alike. From as early as Year 4 onwards, it can feel like an all-consuming presence—constant chatter in the playground, exam countdowns, endless emails and reminders.
For many parents, the pressure and intense discussion around the exam make it feel like an immeasurable hurdle—if your child does not pass, it can seem like the end of the world. And that’s
just for the parents; imagine being on the receiving end of that stress.
As an experienced 11+ tutor myself, I have seen the impact that this pressure can have on young children. For them, their entire life appears to be defined by a single result. I have seen the disappointment on their young faces when they don’t achieve their desired score, or when they feel they’ve let their parents down. As tutors and parents, it is our responsibility to make the 11+ journey as smooth and stress-free as possible.
So, what do we do? How can we transform this journey for them?
Let’s tackle this by considering three main areas:
1. Stress-free preparation for the exam itself
2. Creating a supportive home environment
3. Managing your child’s mental healt
Take a breather with your child to reset their mood and spark their curiosity.
