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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

Sir Keir Starmer speaking with his cabinet at 10 Downing St

THE GOOD SCHOOLS GUIDE BLOG
Private schools and VAT - The latest
The latest information on the Government's planned introduction of VAT on school fees. Who's affected, how are schools adapting their fees and talk of a legal challenge.
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Pupils in uniform and straw hats at Harrow School

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 at Whitgift School with a astronomy demonstration

CHOOSING A SCHOOL
School open days
An open day is your chance to get a feel for the school, inspect the facilities and chat with pupils and staff. We've a list of questions to ask and essentials to look out for.
Read more

The bridge at Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire

CHOOSING A SCHOOL
The best schools in Oxford & Oxfordshire
Whether a move to Oxfordshire is on the cards for your family or you're already living there, our new parents' guide to the best schools in the county is essential reading.
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Pupls at Plymouth College in the swimming pool

THE GOOD SCHOOLS GUIDE BLOG
6 top schools for swimming
Some schools have the facilities, staffing and flexibility to nurture elite aquatic talent while keeping up with a full academic timetable. Here are some of our favourites.
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A summer view of The Camden School for Girls

STATE SCHOOLS
Secondary school admissions
With the October deadline fast approaching, how well-informed do you feel about your child's application to start secondary school in a year's time?
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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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