King's College School
London · SW19 4TT
King's College School, Wimbledon is one of Britain's most academically distinguished day schools for boys, situated on the edge of Wimbledon Common in south-west London. Founded in 1829 as the junior department of King's College London, it occupies a spacious suburban campus that belies its urban setting, offering outstanding facilities across a wide range of disciplines. The school is renowned for exceptional academic outcomes combined with a genuinely broad co-curricular programme, particularly in music, where it maintains one of the country's finest choral traditions. KCS cultivates intellectually curious, self-motivated boys who are encouraged to pursue excellence without sacrificing breadth.
- →Consistently outstanding A-level and GCSE results placing it among the top academic day schools nationally
- →World-class music provision anchored by the Cathedral-standard King's Singers tradition and multiple orchestras and choirs
- →Large, leafy campus on Wimbledon Common offering exceptional sport, science, and arts facilities for a London day school
- →Strong Oxbridge and Russell Group university placement record with dedicated guidance programmes
- →Vibrant co-curricular culture meaning boys are stretched well beyond the classroom
Who thrives here
Intellectually ambitious boys who thrive on academic challenge and want to pursue passions — whether musical, sporting, dramatic or scientific — at a high level alongside their studies. Boys with genuine curiosity, resilience, and the confidence to engage in a competitive but collegiate environment will flourish here.
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
Southside, Wimbledon Common
London
SW19 4TT
Nearest stations
Notable alumni
John Maynard Keynes
Economist and author of the General Theory
Raymond Briggs
Illustrator and author of The Snowman
Christopher Logue
Poet and playwright
Nick Clegg
Former Deputy Prime Minister and Liberal Democrat leader
Tom Hollander
Actor (Rev., Pirates of the Caribbean)
Ben Goldacre
Physician, author and science journalist
Recent investment
Frequently asked questions
What are the fees at King's College School?
Day fees at King's College School are approximately £28,962 per year (2024/25).
How do you get into King's College School?
King's College School admits pupils at 7+, 8+, 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by 11+ Selective Examination. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.
What are King's College School's exam results?
At King's College School, 83.2% of A-levels were graded A*–B and 86.1% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.
Is King's College School a boarding school?
King's College School is a day school in London and does not offer boarding.
What is King's College School's latest inspection rating?
ISI rated King's College School “Excellent” (2018).
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓Exceptional academic standards and teaching quality, particularly in sciences and humanities
✓Music provision described as genuinely world-class — outstanding for a day school
✓Wide and genuinely high-quality co-curricular offering meaning boys are busy and fulfilled
✓Strong sense of house community and belonging despite the large school size
✓Excellent university outcomes and individualised application support in Sixth Form
Common concerns
!The large size of the school (1,500+ pupils) can make it feel impersonal and some boys can be lost in the middle
!Academic pressure is high and boys who struggle can feel the pace relentless
!Fees are substantial and the bursary programme, while real, is oversubscribed
!Traffic and commute logistics around Wimbledon at pick-up and drop-off can be stressful
!Some parents feel communication from individual subject teachers could be more proactive