City of London School
London · EC4V 3AL
City of London School is a leading independent day school for boys situated on the north bank of the Thames, steps from St Paul's Cathedral and the heart of the Square Mile. Founded in 1442 and in its current building since 1986, it combines centuries of tradition with a genuinely outward-looking, intellectually ambitious culture shaped by its unique urban setting. The school draws heavily on the City's resources — law firms, financial institutions, cultural venues and livery companies — giving pupils unparalleled access to the professional world. Its ethos prizes sharp, independent thinking and debate, and it consistently produces outstanding academic results without the cloistered feel of a more traditional boarding school.
- →Consistently excellent A-level and GCSE results, with very high Oxbridge and Russell Group university placement rates
- →Exceptional location giving boys direct access to City of London networks, work experience, guest speakers and cultural institutions
- →Strong and genuine inclusivity through a well-funded bursary programme, meaning the cohort is intellectually selective but socially diverse
- →Outstanding co-curricular offering — especially music, debating and drama — within a day-school format that respects family time
Who thrives here
Intellectually curious, articulate boys who relish debate, thrive under academic stretch and want to be at the centre of London life rather than removed from it. The school suits self-motivated pupils comfortable in a fast-paced, urban environment with lots of external stimulus.
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
107 Queen Victoria Street
London
EC4V 3AL
Nearest stations
Notable alumni
Milton Friedman
Nobel Prize-winning economist
Joseph Bazalgette
Victorian civil engineer who designed London's sewer system
Sir Kingsley Amis
Novelist and poet, author of Lucky Jim
Daniel Radcliffe
Actor, known for the Harry Potter film series
Julian Fellowes
Writer and director, creator of Downton Abbey
Nicholas Parsons
Broadcaster and presenter of Just a Minute
Sir Antony Sher
Actor and RSC associate artist
Recent investment
Frequently asked questions
What are the fees at City of London School?
Day fees at City of London School are approximately £27,459 per year (2024/25).
How do you get into City of London School?
City of London School admits pupils at 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by Interview, Assessment. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.
What are City of London School's exam results?
At City of London School, 65.7% of A-levels were graded A*–B and 91.9% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.
Is City of London School a boarding school?
City of London School is a day school in London and does not offer boarding.
What is City of London School's latest inspection rating?
ISI rated City of London School “Excellent” (2021).
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓Outstanding quality of teaching — especially at sixth form level — with teachers who inspire genuine love of their subject
✓The location is genuinely transformative, giving boys access to London life, speakers and work experience unavailable anywhere else
✓Strong sense of community and warm relationships between boys across year groups despite the competitive intake
✓Exceptionally well-run music and debating programmes that punch well above the school's size nationally
✓Bursary programme ensures a socially diverse cohort that enriches the experience for all boys
Common concerns
!Sports facilities are constrained by the urban site — parents of sporty boys occasionally feel team sport cannot match what boarding or suburban schools offer
!The academic pace can feel relentless and some boys find the transition from primary school a steep adjustment in Year 7
!Limited green outdoor space on the main site; the riverside setting is beautiful but the school lacks extensive grounds