King's College School (Wimbledon)

Since 2022, Dr Anne Cotton, previously head of Portsmouth Grammar. Double first in classics from Christ Church, Oxford, where she later did MSt in classical languages and literature and DPhil. Her books, Platonic Dialogue and Education of the Read

School is proud of having introduced year 7 entry point for the senior school – entirely justifiably, we think. The junior school still goes up to 13 but from 2021, junior boys will all move seamlessly up to the senior school at 11+ with no entran

Hardly any leave at 16+ - literally one or two. At 18+, a really glittering set of destinations. For the past five years around a quarter to Oxbridge (41 in 2023, plus 25 medics), the rest to eg Durham, UCL, Bristol, Exeter, Warwick, Imperial and

In 2024, 98 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 86 per cent A*/A at A level (96 per cent A*-A). IB average point score 41.

Between 2008 and 2013 this was an IB-only school, and the general consensus was that you couldn’t be taught the programme better anywhere in the UK. Results continue to be extremely impressive. A levels reintroduced in 2013. GCSEs here are mostly

School has an excellent SEN policy which ticks all the boxes, and the learning enrichment department, as it’s called here, offers support to the few students with mild learning needs who make it through the school gates. But this was one area wher

‘Amazing! There’s so much to say – where do I start?’ cried one sixth former, when asked about the drama. Regular productions include big musicals such as West Side Story and Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale, staged in the main theatre, and more i

Sport is extremely strong, with notable successes scored not only in staples such as rugby, cricket, football, athletics, hockey and netball, but in many more niche areas - fencing, fives, badminton, rowing, sailing, to name but a few. Loads on o

Those who join at 11 keep same form and tutor for the first two years. At 13, all boys allocated a house, where they’re under the care of a form teacher and a tutor who acts as their ‘moral guardian’. Vertical tutor groups meet twice weekly. Tutor

Pupils mostly from affluent backgrounds, some of them extremely so, but all of them from homes that greatly value education, and, according to school, where at least one parent has been to a very good university. ‘The children are highly motivated

Not one of our cheaper schools, but up to 100 per cent bursary assistance at 11+, 13+ and 16+ for those who need it. Bursaries are rigorously means-tested, and the families visited at home. Scholarships offered at the same entry points for academi

Intellectually exhilarating yet principled, this is selective education at its very best. For those able to take advantage of what it has to offer, a real golden ticket.