South West London has long been a highly sought after area for families due to its combination of beautiful parks, inclusive communities and the excellent educational opportunities on offer. Renowned for having high-quality schools, this area has a mix of state-funded and independent establishments that cater to a diverse range of individual needs. With the golden trio of strong academic performance, diverse extracurricular activities, and brilliant Ofsted ratings, the schools in West London are some of the best in the country, spanning both primary and secondary education.
Belleville Primary School, Clapham
Type: State Primary
Ofsted Rating: Outstanding
Known for its nurturing environment and academic attainment, Belleville Primary School in Clapham is a large, multi-campus school that emphasises inclusivity and educational excellence. The school boasts consistently high SATs scores that reflect its focus on the important core subjects like English and Maths whilst also maintaining a robust curriculum that covers science, art, and technology.
Belleville offers a range of extracurricular activities that include sports clubs, music lessons, and language workshops that cover Spanish, French, and numerous others. There are also regular trips to parks and nature reserves as part of the school’s ongoing commitment to outdoor learning. Not only do parents appreciate the variety of afterschool activities, but also the school’s strong emphasis on community involvement which is shown through regular family days and cultural celebrations throughout the year.
Putney High School, Putney
Type: Independent All-Through Girls School
ISI Rating: Excellent
Putney High School is a prestigious independent school that caters for girls aged 4-18. It is known for its academic achievements as well as its modern facilities like the sports hall and science laboratories. It is consistently amongst the highest-ranking schools in national league tables, with students excelling at both GCSEs and A-levels. The curriculum is a seamless blend of traditional academics with more forward-thinking lessons like coding and environmental science.
There is a wide array of extracurriculars on offer at Putney High School, with rowing, drama, robotics, and debate clubs among the most popular. One of the standout features is the school’s STEAM programme (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Maths) which encourages students to broaden their skillset. Another area that Putney High excels in is pastoral care, with a strong emphasis on mental health and well-being. Counselling services and mindfulness workshops are widely available as part of this initiative.
Honeywell Junior School, Battersea
Type: State Primary
Ofsted Rating: Outstanding
Located in Battersea, Honeywell Junior School is a highly regarded primary school known for its strong academic record and close-knit school community. With a focus on literacy and numeracy, Honeywell ensures the best possible academic foundation for all of its students. Creative subjects like drama and art are also integral parts of the Honeywell curriculum.
With chess, gardening, and football clubs available after school, students can participate in a variety of different activities. The school also organises residential trips for some of the older pupils that focus on building independence and improving teamwork skills. Honeywell has a very hands-on parent-teacher association that organises numerous fundraising events like school fairs as well as other community projects.
St Paul’s School, Barnes
Type: Independent Boys Secondary
ISI Rating: Excellent
A leading independent school for boys aged 13-18, St Paul’s School carries a historical prestige and academic rigor that make it a popular choice for parents in the area. Students consistently achieve outstanding grades in both GCSEs and A-levels as well as being encouraged to study subjects like classical languages and computer science. Many graduates of St Paul’s secure spots in top universities including Oxbridge.
Rowing is an important extracurricular at St Paul’s given the school’s proximity to the Thames and the unique opportunities it offers. The school also has strong music and drama programmes, with several productions staged every year.
The Roche School, Wandsworth
Type: Independent Primary
ISI Rating: Excellent
This family oriented independent primary school is located in Wadsworth and prioritises creativity and individualised education plans. Small-sized classes make personalising the curriculum possible and ensure that each child receives the attention they require. Mindfulness and emotional well-being are another integral part of the school’s daily routine.
Ballet, coding, and chess are just a few of a variety of clubs that enrich the students' learning experience. Further enrichment comes from organised trips to museums and theatres.
Graveney School, Tooting
Type: State Secondary
Ofsted Rating: Outstanding
As one of the top-performing state secondary schools in South West London, Graveney School attracts students from across the borough of Wandsworth. It offers a wide yet balanced curriculum that is particularly strong in the science and mathematics areas. The Graveney Sixth Form is also highly regarded with students frequently achieving excellent A-level results.
The school boasts successful sports teams like football and rugby as well as a flourishing creative arts programme that enables students to build confidence and public speaking skills. Given the school’s emphasis on holistic development, students can also join clubs like robotics and debate clubs. One of the most celebrated aspects of Graveney School is its inclusive, multicultural environment which helps to foster mutual respect among all students.
Wimbledon High School, Wimbledon
Type: Independent All-Through Girls School
ISI Rating: Excellent
As part of the Girls’ Day School Trust, Wimbledon High School is renowned for its progressive ethos and academic achievement. Excellent GCSE and A-level results are achieved by the school every year across a wide range of different subjects. The forward-thinking curriculum offers lessons on sustainability and entrepreneurship to help prepare students for the future.
There are more than 100 extra-curricular clubs on offer at Wimbledon High including fencing, drama, and coding. The performing arts programme is regarded as one of their strongest areas with students regularly attending and participating in national competitions. The facilities at this school are state-of-the-art with a modern theatre and science labs enhancing the students' learning experience.
There is a mix of state funded and private schooling options available in South West London, but one thing they all have in common is their academic rigor, holistic curriculum and status as some of the finest schools in the country. Whether your preference is a nurturing primary school or a high school that will push your child to reach their potential, the perfect school can be found in South West London.
