City of London School

Since 2018, Alan Bird. Guildford born and bred, educated at RGS Guildford. Read economics at Cambridge (it was that or music as a degree) then did his master’s at LSE. A gap year between degrees, working at his old school, gave him the teaching bug.

Highly competitive – and school makes no bones about it. ‘Every year we turn down hundreds of candidates who are top of their class at their current school,’ warns admissions booklet.

Apply September of previous year for 10+ (40 places), 11+ (80

Vanishingly rare for anyone to leave after GCSEs except by choice. Almost everyone to Russell Group – first or second choice. In 2023, 23 to Oxbridge, seven medics and 12 internationally. Conservatoires too, including folk music at Royal

In 2024, 92 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 81 per cent A*/A at A level (95 per cent A*-B)

Very high ability profile of pupils makes for a dynamic learning environment ‘with no limits’, where intellectual curiosity is the norm; some teachers say ‘it’s the most buzzy school’ they’ve worked in. ‘It’s a fast-paced environment so you need to

The department comprises five specialist teachers (including two EAL-qualified): they are the ‘unsung heroes of the school’ and ‘unbelievably supportive’. ‘Amazing’ head of learning support garners universal praise: ‘kind, thoughtful and nurturing’,

Music deserves a fanfare and frequently delivers one, with a programme of concerts to rival the Festival Hall. Director of music oversees all three City of London schools and works closely with external partners such as London Handel Festival to

Despite the thoroughly urban setting, ‘sport is great’ and ‘not an afterthought’. On site, there are basketball hoops and table tennis tables (both sports boast successful teams) in the courtyard, an AstroTurf ringed by office buildings, plus

‘Unbelievably good’ was the consistent feedback on pastoral care. The team includes several counsellors, plus a pastoral and wellbeing adviser. Pupils aren’t afraid to ask for help: ‘If you ever feel down or lonely, there’s always somewhere to go.’

‘Its diversity is what really sets the school apart,’ agree parents. Pupils come from all over London, some travelling up to an hour each way, creating a very different vibe from competitors with a more local intake. Becoming commuters at an early

Full and partial bursaries at 11+ and 16+, ranging from 25 to 110 per cent (ie including uniform and trips). Scholarships (academic, music and sport) are honorific, though sports and music scholars also receive some additional funding – awarded at

It’s ‘private education but not a bubble of privilege’ nor a school for helicopter parents. For bright boys ready to throw themselves into school life, CLS offers the very best opportunities to excel academically and otherwise: ‘From day one, my