North of England Schools Guide

Whether you’re new to the area, thinking about relocating, or a lifelong resident, families in the north of England are spoilt for choice when it comes to independent schools. Use our search tools, watch our videos and read our reviews to find the perfect North England private school for your child.

Where to begin when choosing a Northern England school?

Bucolic bliss, historic market towns and a clutch of the country’s most exciting cities: it’s easy to see how the north has it all. Check out our insider reviews below to get the inside track on our favourite schools in the north of England, and then read more about some of the top schools in the area and discover why their location is such a key part of their USP.


Photo: St Peter's York
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Alphabetical
Distance from London
Offers boarding
All-through


Ackworth School
Pontefract
Ackworth School Coram House
Pontefract
Ampleforth College
York
Bootham School
York
Chetham's School of Music - Lower School
Manchester
Chetham's School of Music - Middle School & Sixth Form
Manchester
Giggleswick Prep School
Settle
Giggleswick School
Settle
Greenbank Preparatory School
Cheadle
Harrogate Ladies' College
Harrogate
Manchester Grammar School
Manchester
Manchester High School for Girls
Manchester
Pocklington Prep School
York
Pownall Hall School
Wilmslow
Queen Elizabeth Grammar School
Wakefield
Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate
York
Queen Mary's Prep School
Thirsk
Queen Mary's Senior School
Thirsk
Royal Grammar School Newcastle
Newcastle upon Tyne
Scarborough College
Scarborough
Sheffield Girls' Senior School GDST
Sheffield
St Peter's School York
York
St Peter's York 2-8
York
St Peter's York 8-13
York
Stockport Grammar School
Stockport
Stonyhurst College
Clitheroe
Stonyhurst St Mary's Hall
Clitheroe


Sheffield Girls' Senior School GDST
Sheffield
Pownall Hall School
Wilmslow
Stockport Grammar School
Stockport
Ackworth School
Pontefract
Ackworth School Coram House
Pontefract
Greenbank Preparatory School
Cheadle
Manchester Grammar School
Manchester
Manchester High School for Girls
Manchester
Queen Elizabeth Grammar School
Wakefield
Chetham's School of Music - Lower School
Manchester
Chetham's School of Music - Middle School & Sixth Form
Manchester
Pocklington Prep School
York
Bootham School
York
St Peter's School York
York
St Peter's York 2-8
York
St Peter's York 8-13
York
Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate
York
Harrogate Ladies' College
Harrogate
Scarborough College
Scarborough
Stonyhurst St Mary's Hall
Clitheroe
Ampleforth College
York
Stonyhurst College
Clitheroe
Queen Mary's Prep School
Thirsk
Queen Mary's Senior School
Thirsk
Giggleswick School
Settle
Giggleswick Prep School
Settle
Royal Grammar School Newcastle
Newcastle upon Tyne


Ackworth School
Pontefract
Ackworth School Coram House
Pontefract
Ampleforth College
York
Bootham School
York
Chetham's School of Music - Lower School
Manchester
Chetham's School of Music - Middle School & Sixth Form
Manchester
Giggleswick Prep School
Settle
Giggleswick School
Settle
Harrogate Ladies' College
Harrogate
Pocklington Prep School
York
Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate
York
Queen Mary's Prep School
Thirsk
Queen Mary's Senior School
Thirsk
Scarborough College
Scarborough
St Peter's School York
York
St Peter's York 8-13
York
Stonyhurst College
Clitheroe
Stonyhurst St Mary's Hall
Clitheroe


Ackworth School
Pontefract
Ackworth School Coram House
Pontefract
Giggleswick Prep School
Settle
Giggleswick School
Settle
St Peter's School York
York
St Peter's York 2-8
York
St Peter's York 8-13
York
Stonyhurst College
Clitheroe
Stonyhurst St Mary's Hall
Clitheroe


Sign up today!

Deciding between the schools in Northern England can be difficult. If you’re considering a school in the area, sign up today to access our expert reviews and begin the journey to choosing the best school for you and your family. Alternatively, why not contact our advisory team for tailored guidance and support on North England private schools?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best North England private school for my child?

When choosing the best school in the area, it’s important to be aware there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Some pupils may thrive in weekly boarding schools, while others might prefer the consistency of full boarding at an all-through school. Finding the best Northern England school is all about considering what works for your child and family.

Which notable alumni have attended a school in Northern England?

North England private schools have been responsible for educating plenty of famous alumni across various professions. Actor Rupert Everett, Sherlock Holmes author Arthur Conan Doyle, television presenter David Dickinson and film director Danny Boyle were all educated at one of the regional schools.




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Choosing your child’s school is one of the most important decisions you will ever make – let our experienced team help you. We will guide you through the decision-making process and give you the confidence to make the right choice, armed with the most up-to-date insider knowledge. We are all parents ourselves – we know how hard this is, and we can make it easier for you.
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