Tatler has released its annual Schools Guide 2027, spotlighting some of the United Kingdom's leading private educational institutions for students aged four to 18. The guide includes a range of schools, from those with royal alumni to institutions offering unique programs, many with substantial fees.
Brighton College is listed as the most expensive, with annual fees reaching £69,561. The school is recognized for its approach that combines academic rigor with a focus on student well-being, emphasizing "kindness and the individual." Eton College, a historically prominent boarding school, follows closely with fees of £63,000 per year. It is notable as the alma mater of Princes William and Harry, and Prince George is slated to attend.
UWC Atlantic College in Wales, referred to as 'Hippie Hogwarts,' has also been included, gaining popularity among European royalty. Other notable schools featured in the guide include St Paul's Girls' School, which does not require uniforms and offers extended lunch hours for hobbies like stargazing and scuba diving. Harrow School, founded in 1572, is recognized for its broad range of student interests, from gardening to skiing, and its strong academic record, with many students attending top global universities.
Benenden School, an all-girls institution, is highlighted for its encouraging of students to participate in diverse activities such as building race cars and undertaking parachute jumps. Westminster School is undergoing a transition to become fully co-educational by 2030, a significant shift in its nearly 500-year history, and is praised for its "free-thinking" educational approach.
Eton College, founded in 1440, maintains a 20% acceptance rate and offers scholarships, while also engaging with state schools through programs like Eton Connect and sponsorship of the London Academy of Excellence. Wellington College offers lessons in Happiness and Positive Psychology, extending these to parents, and features extensive sports facilities and its own student-run TV channel, WTV.
St George's Ascot, which has educated figures like Winston Churchill and Princess Beatrice, emphasizes a hands-on educational approach with personalized attention. Headington Rye Oxford encourages students to pursue a wide array of extracurricular activities alongside academics, from robotics to artificial intelligence, and also promotes student well-being.
Reigate Grammar School is noted for its strong A-level results and sports facilities, including an upcoming F1 simulator, but its pastoral care is particularly valued by parents. Marlborough College, formerly attended by the Princess of Wales, has opened an Innovation Centre to teach STEM subjects dynamically and boasts students achieving in sports at national and international levels.
Gordonstoun, a remote Scottish institution attended by Prince Philip and King Charles, who famously described it as 'Colditz in kilts,' is noted for its character-building ethos that emphasizes finding passions through activities like sailing and furniture making. The Tatler Schools Guide 2027 is available online and in print.