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Pre-tests, Common Entrance, scholarships, bursaries, and a fee system that now includes 20% VAT. The independent school admissions process is complex, expensive, and often opaque. This guide makes it clear.
Key facts
2,500+
Independent schools in the UK
20%
VAT on fees since January 2025
~£280k
Total cost for one child (day, with VAT)
100%
Bursaries available at some schools
Independent schools have multiple entry points. Each has different assessment methods, timelines, and levels of competition.
Fees vary enormously by region, type, and whether boarding is included. These figures include 20% VAT (from January 2025).
| Type | Annual Fees | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-prep/prep day (London) | £15,000–£22,000/year | Reception to Year 6. London fees are the highest in the country. |
| Pre-prep/prep day (outside London) | £10,000–£17,000/year | Significant variation by region. Northern schools can be 30–40% cheaper. |
| Senior day school | £16,000–£25,000/year | Includes lunch at most schools. Extras (trips, sport, music) add 10–20%. |
| Boarding (full) | £30,000–£48,000/year | Top boarding schools (Eton, Harrow, Winchester) at the upper end. |
| Boarding (weekly) | £25,000–£38,000/year | Home at weekends. Increasingly popular. |
| Sixth form only | £18,000–£28,000/year | Often the most competitively priced entry point at top schools. |
Pre-prep/prep day (London)
£15,000–£22,000/year
Reception to Year 6. London fees are the highest in the country.
Pre-prep/prep day (outside London)
£10,000–£17,000/year
Significant variation by region. Northern schools can be 30–40% cheaper.
Senior day school
£16,000–£25,000/year
Includes lunch at most schools. Extras (trips, sport, music) add 10–20%.
Boarding (full)
£30,000–£48,000/year
Top boarding schools (Eton, Harrow, Winchester) at the upper end.
Boarding (weekly)
£25,000–£38,000/year
Home at weekends. Increasingly popular.
Sixth form only
£18,000–£28,000/year
Often the most competitively priced entry point at top schools.
Scholarships reward ability; bursaries are based on financial need. Many families use both.
Always ask about bursaries
Many parents don't realise bursaries are available, or feel too proud to ask. ISC data shows that £500M+ is spent on means-tested bursaries each year. Schools want talented pupils regardless of background — ask the admissions team confidentially about financial support.
Since January 2025, independent school fees are subject to 20% VAT. Here's what this means in practice.
Independent schools are inspected, but by different bodies than state schools.
Sources
This guide draws on the Independent Schools Council (ISC) census 2025, ISEB published guidance, the Good Schools Guide, HMRC VAT guidance on education, ISI published framework, and admissions information from leading independent schools. This guide is for general information only and does not constitute financial or tax advice. Fee levels, VAT rules, and bursary terms vary by school — always confirm details directly with the school and, where appropriate, a qualified financial adviser. Last reviewed April 2026.
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