Independent Schools in London – and the family friendly places to live nearby

Posted on September 6, 2022

Schools are always a key factor in choosing where to live when relocating as a family. Finding the right school plays a big part in how we shape your property search to ensure the two biggest decisions dovetail together seamlessly. We take a look at a few of London’s top independent schools, and where to live nearby that offers that all important family friendly lifestyle. Whether you’re buying a property or renting, our expert knowledge and support helps to take the stress out of your move.

Fulham

Offering beautiful green spaces, a riverside lifestyle and a family friendly community Fulham is a popular choice. Nestled between Putney and Chelsea in South-West London, it’s highly sought after by young professionals and families alike. It has excellent transport links and a great range of shops, cafes and restaurants.

The nearby Goldophin and Latymer school is for girls aged 11-18 located in nearby Hammersmith W6. It won the Sunday Times Independent Secondary School of the year in 2020 and puts an emphasis on encouraging individual talents and allowing children to explore their own passions and interests (Godolphin and Latymer)

chiswick riverside sign

Chiswick

Chiswick is known as one of the safest areas of London, with the lowest crime rates. It’s an affluent community popular with young families moving out of central London. It has a leafy, village-feel set along the riverside, with plenty of green spaces ideal for taking children, and the dog, for a walk.

There is an abundance of eateries; from Michelin starred restaurants to independent coffee shops – such as Chief Coffee just off Turnham Green Terrace, and still offers great transport links into central London.

Chiswick has a number of excellent schools in the area, many of which are rated Outstanding or Good by Ofsted. The Godolphin and Latymer school is accessible from Chiswick, as well as St Pauls School in Barnes, less than a mile away.

St Pauls Girls school is a day school for girls aged 11-18 years and entry is via the competitive 11+ exam. Their focus is on building strong relationships between staff and pupils and a keen sense of energy and fun to allow their students to flourish. (St Paul’s Girls School)

river thames from above

Richmond

Also in South West London, Richmond is a vibrant community with a great range of amenities, most well-known for its plentiful green open spaces and its picturesque riverside setting. For the full lowdown on Richmond why not have a read of our blog ‘Spotlight on Richmond upon Thames’ (Spotlight on: Richmond upon Thames – Executive Relocation +)

St Pauls School and St Pauls Juniors is a selective independent school for boys aged 7-18, founded in 1509 and is in nearby Barnes. Their founding values are based on a holistic and spiritual education, not just academic, with a focus on developing humility, character and charity in their students.

Putney

Another prime area of south-west London with an abundance of outdoor space. The scenic Wandsworth Park is right on the riverbank, which is probably most well known as the start point for the Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race. Putney has an active community of residents who like jogging, cycling, rowing and sailing. Again, its very sought after by families and has great schools, shopping and dining options.

Putney High School for Girls is one of the UK’s leading schools for girls aged 4-18. They advocate a grounded, down to earth outlook on life and education, offering a broad curriculum with a modern edge. (Putney High School)

houses on the river thames

Hampstead

The NW3 post code of Hampstead is one of the most sought after and affluent areas in the whole of the UK.  Families, couples and professionals are all attracted to the distinct village feel whilst maintaining close proximity to the City.

It has a bustling high street offering many independent shops, cafes and restaurants, and is home to Hampstead Heath; nearly 800 acres of public parkland, woodlands and ponds – including some open for swimming.

University College School (UCS) was founded in 1830 offering pre-prep, junior and senior schools for boys. Girls can join at sixth-form age. Their core values place emphasis on nurturing and celebrating the individuality of their pupils and encouraging them to make a positive difference to the global society. (UCS London)

Highgate School is another very popular school if you’re considering living in Hampstead. A co-educational independent day school for ages 4-16, focussing on high-calibre academically-minded teaching with a focus on scholarship and offering a varied range of co-curricular activities. (Highgate School)

london eye view

Dulwich

Despite being in the inner city, Dulwich Village is one of the few areas that has a traditional village feel.  With its Georgian houses and cottages, a boating lake and and a wealth of independent shops and cafes, plenty of green areas and prestigious schools, you wouldn’t believe it’s only 15 minutes from London Bridge.

Alleyn’s School is a mixed independent school for children aged 4-18 with and ethos of strong pastoral care and a vibrant co-curriculum set within 30 acres of playing fields and a view of the City in the distance. (Alleyn’s School)

Also in the area is Dulwich College, a selective independent day and boarding school for girls and boys aged 4-7, and boys onwards from 7-18 years old. Valuing children from all backgrounds they are diverse in their social mix, breath of talents and characters. They celebrated their 400th anniversary in 2019 and have a long standing reputation for producing fine actors, musicians, sportsmen and writers. (Dulwich College)

If you’re thinking about moving, or just starting out on your relocation journey and would like some more information on how we can help, we would love to hear from you.

Get in touch:

Naomi Gleeson – Managing Director

Executive Relocation Plus Ltd

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