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Considering a private senior school in Berkshire for your child? Find out everything you need to know, including:
The full list of single-sex and mixed private senior schools in Berkshire
Which private schools in Berkshire offer boarding
Independent school league table rankings
School fees and financial assistance
Details about entrance exams
What are the best private schools in Berkshire?
Every year, The Sunday Times Parent Power releases a league table for all schools in the UK based on their recent exam results.
The following 10 private schools were ranked the highest in Berkshire for 2024:
Wellington College
Eton College
St Mary's School, Ascot
The Abbey School
Downe House
Reading Blue Coat School
Bradfield College
Queen Anne's Caversham
St George's Ascot
Heathfield School
How much do private schools cost in Berkshire?
The cost of private education in Berkshire varies from school to school. Some of the smaller day schools in Berkshire charge less than £6,000 per term, while boarding can exceed £12,000 per term at some of the larger boarding schools.
The cheapest private secondary school in Berkshire is St Joseph’s College in Reading, where fees are £4,763 per term. The most expensive private school in Berkshire is Eton College; all pupils board for £16,666 per term. Pupils with a means-tested bursary may be eligible for discounted or no fees.
We’ve included the 2023–24 fees for all the private secondary schools in Berkshire below.
What’s included in the school fees?
Fees always include the cost of teaching. Some fees include textbooks, materials, extracurricular activities and lunch. Most private schools charge for entry to public exams (e.g. GCSE and A levels).
Before registering your child with a school, it's best to check the admissions policy to find out what's included in the fees. You will need to pay a non-refundable registration fee when you apply for a place and this is usually £100–£300. If your child is offered a place, you will need to pay a refundable deposit to accept.
Help with school fees in Berkshire
Most private schools in Berkshire offer financial assistance. The main type of assistance is a means-tested bursary, and some offer sibling discounts.
Most private senior schools in Berkshire offer means-tested bursaries. These are usually offered on a sliding scale, so children from lower-income households receive more funding than those with a higher family income.
Bursaries can cover up to 100% of tuition fees. Some schools offer extra funding to help with the costs of school lunch, uniform, transport and activities.
If you think you might be eligible for a bursary, you will need to supply detailed financial evidence. You might have a home visit from a professional who will assess your financial circumstances.
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Private boys’ schools in Berkshire
Boarding school in Windsor for boys aged 13–18.
Address: Eton, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 6DW
Number of students: 1,300+
Fees per term: £16,666
Financial assistance: means-tested bursaries ranging from 5% to 100%
National rank: 24
13+ exam: ISEB Common Pre-Test and The Eton List Test
Private girls’ schools in Berkshire
Day and boarding school in Thatcham for girls aged 11 to 18.
Address: Downe House, Cold Ash, Thatcham, Berkshire, RG18 9JJ
Number of students: 550+
Fees per term: £11,840 (day pupils), £15,920 (boarding pupils)
Financial assistance: means-tested bursaries up to 100% plus an allowance towards school extras
National rank: 80
11+ exam: ISEB Common Pre-Test
Private co-educational schools in Berkshire
Day and boarding school in Bradfield for boys and girls aged 13 to 18.
Address: Bradfield College, Bradfield, Berkshire, RG7 6AU
Number of students: 800+
Fees per term: £12,080 (day pupils), £15,100 (boarding pupils)
Financial assistance: means-tested bursaries up to 100%
National rank: 164
13+ exam: ISEB Common Pre-Test
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