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The Good Schools Guide

Helping you make confident choices for your child’s education

Navigating the world of education can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. We visit the best schools, interrogate the heads, speak to pupils and parents and challenge the marketing hype. The result? Impartial, straight-talking and thoroughly researched school reviews, for which we are famous.

We can help you choose the right school for your child. 

What makes The Good Schools Guide unique?

Each school in The Guide is selected on merit alone. Schools cannot pay to be included and have no influence over what we write. We always tell the truth. 


Help and Advice by The Good Schools Guide

Help and Advice

Articles written by our experts to help you with important education decisions.

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Featured articles

Harrow School, North West London

THE GOOD SCHOOLS GUIDE BLOG
'Scholarship to Harrow changed my life'
Winner of a prestigious scholarship, Ostap Stefak, tells his story from modest beginnings to Harvard University thanks to the transformative opportunity at Harrow School
Read more

Pupils at Tiffin School, Kingston

STATE SCHOOLS
Grammar schools explained
Grammar schools are academically selective state schools and their places are some of the most sought after in the country but are they a free ticket to academic success?
Read more

Marlow in Buckinghamshire

CHOOSING A SCHOOL
The best schools in Buckinghamshire
Whether a move to Bucks is on the cards for your family or you've already put down roots in the area, our new guide to the county's best schools is essential reading
Read more

Pupils from Godolphin & Laymer School in a Science lesson

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS
Is there a scholarship or bursary for you?
Private schools offer a wide range of financial assistance for pupils who are either especially talented or can demonstrate the need for monetary support.
Read more

Pupils of Keswick School, Cumbria, paddleboarding

STATE SCHOOLS
State boarding schools
If you think your child would benefit from a boarding school education, but are put off by the high fees, you may find that a state boarding school is the answer. 
Read more

Stamford School, Lincolnshire

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS
Private school system explained
Do you know the difference between public school, private school and independent school? We explain some of the more confusing aspects of private education.
Read more

London North and South Guides - 8th Edition - £25.00+p&p

No school can buy their way into our good books. Which is why, now in their 8th editions, The Good Schools Guide London North and South are invaluable for parents navigating the fiercely competitive London education system.

Packed to the brim with everything you need to know about the London education scene, the books include the latest advice on school fees, entry requirements and 2022 exam results, academic rigour and, of course, more than 400 impartial, straight-talking and thoroughly researched school reviews for which we are famous.

‘I love the anecdotes and the independence – I feel as though I’m getting the “real deal”.’ – Parent

“One of the best aids to parents…informative, witty”- Financial Times

Buy Now

Boarding Schools from The Good Schools Guide

Boarding Schools from The Good Schools Guide: £40+p&p

All the latest details and trademark candid reviews of the UK’s top boarding schools. Now available. 

☑ More than 360 schools for children aged between 7-18
☑ Preps, independent secondaries and state boarding schools
☑ Academic and money matters
☑ Head teacher profiles
☑ Pastoral care, well-being and atmosphere
☑ Extra-curricular activities, games, the arts
☑ Entrance and exit information

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The 22nd edition of The Good Schools Guide

The Good Schools Guide 22nd Edition with a month's subscription - £60.00+p&p

“It is highly opinionated: the only guide that offers parents a genuine flavour of what a school is like.” The Daily Telegraph

Over 1,200 in-depth reviews of leading private and state schools, for children aged 3-18, in the UK. These cover everything you want, and need, to know about a school and you won't find this level of independent, honest detail anywhere else. Reviews are written by parents, for parents, to help you find the best school for your child. Need exam performance data? Hey that's what the subscription is for, find data for every school in the UK online.

Special offer: free one month subscription to our website (usual price £17.99) when you purchase the book. Subscription will activate on purchase .

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