Considering a secondary school in Berkshire?
Keep reading to find out which private schools and state schools are ranked the highest in Berkshire in 2026. Learn about exam results, school fees, and how to apply for a place.
The 10 best private schools in Berkshire in 2026
The following schools are ranked the top 10 independent schools in Berkshire for 2026 based on their exam results in 2025.
1. Eton College
Eton College is a boarding school in Windsor for boys aged 13–18. It was founded in 1440 by Henry VI and is famous for educating world leaders, award-winning actors and aristocracy.
Key information
- Number of pupils: 1,300+
- National league table rank: 14
- 2025-2026 fees: £21,100 per term (boarding only)
- A level results (2025): 95% A*–B
- GCSE results (2025): 94% 9–7
- Entry points: 13+, 16+
- Entry gender: boys
2. Wellington College
Wellington College is a co-educational boarding school in Crowthorne for ages 13–18. Boys and girls live on a 400-acre parkland estate and have access to over 150 extracurricular activities.
Key information
- Number of pupils: 1,100+
- National league table rank: 48
- 2025-2026 fees: £15,250 per term (day pupils), £20,750 per term (boarding pupils)
- A level results (2025): 91.6% A*–B
- GCSE results (2025): 86.7% 9–7
- Entry points: 13+, 16+
- Entry gender: mixed
3. St Mary's School Ascot
St Mary's School is a Roman Catholic boarding school in Ascot for girls aged 11–18. The school sits on a 55-acre site and has a strong partnership with Eton College. St Mary's has a small pupil population, ensuring that every girl is known within a compassionate and friendly community.
Key information
- Number of pupils: 350+
- National league table rank: 61
- 2025-2026 fees: £15,600 per term (day pupils), £21,912 per term (boarding pupils)
- A level results (2025): 84.7% A*–B
- GCSE results (2025): 94.1% 9–7
- Entry points: 11+, 13+, 16+
4. Reading Blue Coat School
Reading Blue Coat is a private day school located on a 46-acre riverside site in Sonning-on-Thames. A new Adventure Education programme helps pupils develop leadership, communication and resilience skills. The school was boys-only with a mixed sixth form until 2023, when girls were accepted into Year 7 for the first time.
Key information
- Number of pupils: 800+
- National league table rank: 89
- Fees: £8,279 per term
- A level results (2025): 83.4% A*–B
- GCSE results (2025): 81.9% A*/A/9/8/7
- Entry points: 11+, 13+, 16+
- Entry gender: mixed
5. The Abbey School
The Abbey School is an all-through day school in Reading for girls aged 3–18. It offers both the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma and A levels in the sixth form. Students have access to lots of extra-curricular activities, including sports, music, drama, arts, and outdoor education.
Key information
- Number of pupils: 900+
- National league table rank: 92
- 2025-2026 fees: £9,173 per term
- A level results (2025): 83.9% A*–B
- GCSE results (2025): 80.8% 9–7
- Entry points: 11+, 13+, 16+
- Entry gender: girls
6. Downe House
Downe House is a leading independent day and boarding school for girls aged 11–18, set in extensive woodland near Thatcham. The school is recognised for its strong academic provision, exceptional pastoral care, and a distinctive global outlook.
Key information
- Number of pupils: 500+
- National league table rank: 96
- 2025-2026 f: £11,196-£15,108 per term (day pupils), £16,980-£20,304 per term (boarding pupils)
- A level results (2025): 83% A*–B
- GCSE results (2025): 81% 9–7
- Entry points: 11+, 13+, 16+
7. Bradfield College
Bradfield College is a co-educational boarding school near Reading for ages 13–18. The school aims to help students develop confidence, open-mindedness, resilience, inquiry, communication and innovation. It's famous for its unique open-air Greek theatre and the traditional triennial Greek Play.
Key information
- Number of pupils: 800+
- National league table rank: 134
- 2025-2026 fees: £15,512 per term
- A level results (2025): 83.8% A*–B
- GCSE results (2025): 63% 9–7
- Entry points: 13+, 16+
8. The Marist School
The Marist School is a Catholic independent day school for girls aged 2–18 in Sunninghill, Ascot. The school sits on 55 acres of woodland and provides a variety of modern facilities.
Key information
- Number of pupils: 450+
- National league table rank: 151
- 2025-2026 fees: £8,160 per term
- A level results (2025): 80.2% A*–B
- GCSE results (2025): 64.9% 9–7
- Entry points: 11+, 13+, 16+
9. Reddam House Berkshire
Reddam House is an independent boarding school for boys and girls aged 0–18. It's set on 125 acres of parkland near Wokingham, with a restored Victorian mansion at the heart of the campus.
Key information
- Number of pupils: 800+
- National league table rank: 187
- 2025-2026 fees: £7,893 per term (ages 11–18)
- A level results (2025): 78% A*-B
- GCSE results (2025): 56% 9–7
- Entry points: reception, 11+, 13+, 16+
10. St George's Ascot
St George’s Ascot is a small girls’ day and boarding school in Berkshire. It's known for its supportive community, strong academic performance, and commitment to developing confidence and character.
Key information
- Number of pupils: 200+
- National league table rank: 206
- 2025-2026 fees: £11,760 (day pupils), £17,378-£18,720 per term (boarding pupils)
- A level results (2025): 68.7% A*-B
- GCSE results (2025): 62.4% 9–7
- Entry points: 11+, 13+, 16+
- Entry gender: girls
How to apply to a private school
If you would like your child to attend a private school in Berkshire, you will need to register with the school. For most senior schools, registration closes in the autumn term of Year 6 for both 11 plus and 13 plus entry. A registration fee is charged when you submit the form. This usually costs between £100–£200 for UK applicants.
The top private schools in Berkshire are selective, so your child will need to sit an entrance exam to be considered for a place. The type of exam depends on the school your child is applying for. Some schools use an exam board, such as the ISEB, Quest Admissions or Cambridge Select Insight, while others set their own bespoke tests. All exams test skills in English and maths, and some also test potential with verbal and non-verbal reasoning.
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