With a wealth of respected academic institutions and sitting close to central London, Hampstead has long attracted families seeking high-quality education for their children.
This guide highlights some of the most respected private schools in the area – schools known not just for academic performance, but for their ethos, community and what they can offer students beyond the classroom.
University College School (UCS)
In the heart of Hampstead, University College School (UCS) has set the gold standard for boys’ education since its founding in 1830. Originally affiliated with University College London, UCS continues to champion a liberal and forward-thinking ethos, serving boys aged 11 to 16, with a sixth form that welcomes boys and girls aged 16-18.
UCS is known for its academic achievements, with character-building co-curriculars and a particular emphasis on self-discovery alongside classroom learning. Facilities are first-class, with state-of-the-art science labs, a modern theatre and impressive sports facilities, which include a 25-metre swimming pool and sports fields.
Academic enrichment at UCS is diverse, from Enrichment Weeks and the Morris Lecture Series to the Extended Project Qualification and Academic Symposium. Pupils also engage with topics such as Dialectics, PPE and subject-specific short courses to gain a deeper insight into potential university subjects and develop areas of personal interest.
Admissions at UCS typically involve an online application, entrance assessments in English and Maths and an interview or group activity, with competition particularly strong at 11+ and 16+ entry.
St Margaret's School
A respected independent day school for girls aged 4 to 16, St Margaret’s School in Hampstead is renowned for its nurturing and supportive environment. With approximately 170 pupils and 25 teachers, the school maintains small class sizes – typically between 14 and 16 students – which allows for a tailored approach to learning. The school's ethos emphasises individual growth and encourages each student to participate in a wide range of activities from academics to the arts and sports.
Academically, St Margaret’s has achieved notable success, having been ranked Number 1 in the Sunday Times League Tables for schools without a sixth form in 2023 and is also a member of the London 11+ Consortium, aimed at streamlining the entrance process for prospective students.
Admissions from Reception through Year 6 are based on assessments in English and Mathematics, whilst entry into Year 7 and beyond is more competitive, involving testing, interviews and references, with limited places available in upper years.
South Hampstead High School
One of the pioneers of the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST), South Hampstead High School is a leading independent day school for girls aged 4 to 18. Set within Maresfield and Netherhall Gardens, the institution is famed for its academic results, with consistently strong GCSE and A-Level performance, demonstrating a 100% pass rate in 2024. However, beyond league tables, the school places strong emphasis on empowering young women to lead, think critically and embrace ambition.
South Hampstead offers girls a broad education centred on curiosity, creativity and collaboration, whilst also supporting community outreach and sustainability initiatives that foster a strong sense of purpose among its students. The school's recently redeveloped campus boasts an airy sixth form centre, modern classrooms and a stylish performing arts space.
Devonshire House Preparatory School
For families focused on formative early years, Devonshire House offers a nurturing, academically ambitious learning environment for boys and girls aged 2 to 13. Situated across four beautifully restored Victorian buildings, the school provides a space for young children to thrive within early education.
The curriculum here is crafted to prepare pupils for entrance to prestigious senior schools such as Westminster, St Paul’s and Wycombe Abbey. However, academics are only part of the story as Devonshire House places a strong emphasis on individual attention, well-being and values-based education, all supported by exceptional facilities including fully-equipped science labs, art studios and extensive sports grounds.
North Bridge House School
For those who value continuity and flexibility, North Bridge House offers an attractive ‘all-through’ education. With campuses across Hampstead, Regent’s Park and Islington, the school caters to students from nursery all the way through to sixth form.
North Bridge House is co-educational and forward-thinking, with an ethos grounded in individualised learning. The school delivers a broad and challenging GCSE and A-Level curriculum, with students consistently achieving excellent results and progressing to top UK universities. Beyond academics, the Hampstead campus places great emphasis on student wellbeing and personal growth and offers a rich co-curricular programme that includes music, drama, sports and leadership opportunities.
Admissions to North Bridge House Hampstead are straightforward, with entry typically beginning at Year 7 through an assessment and interview process. As part of the Cognita group, the school benefits from global educational best practices and from September 2026, it will transition to become Alleyn’s Hampstead to introduce a new phase of growth and opportunity while continuing its exceptional standard of education.
Hereward House School
Catering exclusively to boys aged 4 to 13, Hereward House offers a traditional and rigorous education that quietly punches above its weight in academic achievement.
Established in 1951 by Lionel and Mary Brewster, the school began with just six pupils and has since grown to accommodate approximately 171 students. It follows the National Curriculum and the ISEB Common Entrance framework, enriched with subjects like French, Mandarin, Latin and chess. The academic programme is challenging to ensure boys are well prepared for the transition to senior schools, with graduates often progressing to prestigious London day and boarding schools, including Westminster, UCS, City of London and St Paul's.
Choosing a private school in Hampstead isn’t just about academics; it’s a choice rooted in lifestyle, community, and a thoughtful approach to childhood. In a world where parents value purpose just as much as performance, Hampstead's private schools continue to lead with distinction.
