City of London School: Elite Academics in the Heart of the City

Boys in blazers cross the Thames on their daily commute. City of London School occupies a prime riverside position at Queen Victoria Street, where the Square Mile's ambition meets traditional academic rigour. Results place this school among the elite: 36th in England at GCSE and 21st at A-level (FindMySchool ranking). With 92% of GCSE entries achieving grades 9-7 and 95% of A-level grades at A*-B, this is a school where academic excellence is the baseline, not the aspiration.

The school's position defines its character. Windows overlook the Millennium Bridge; St Paul's Cathedral rises across the water. Boys arrive via Blackfriars and Mansion House tube stations, navigating rush-hour crowds alongside City workers. This is not a cloistered environment. Students grow accustomed to urban independence from Year 6.

Founded in 1442, the school has occupied its current purpose-built premises since 1986. The modern building, designed to maximise the riverside setting, houses 1,100 boys from ages 10 to 18. Entry begins at Year 6 (10+), with further intake at 11+, 13+, and 16+.

The school declares no religious character, drawing boys from all faiths and none. This secular foundation supports a genuinely diverse intake, with approximately 50 feeder schools sending pupils to Year 7.

Results are exceptional. At GCSE in 2024, 75% of grades were 9-8, with 92% at 9-7. These figures place City of London School in the elite tier, ranking 36th in England and 2nd in the City of London (FindMySchool data).

At A-level, performance is equally strong. 41% achieved A*, with 81% at A*-A and 95% at A*-B. This ranks 21st in England (FindMySchool ranking), firmly in the top 1% of schools.

The combined GCSE and A-level performance places the school 20th in England on FindMySchool's composite ranking.

The curriculum follows a traditional academic model with significant breadth. Boys study a wide range of subjects at GCSE before specialising at A-level. Sciences are taught separately from Year 7. Modern and classical languages feature prominently.

Teaching benefits from the school's City location. Proximity to financial institutions, law firms, and cultural venues creates opportunities for enrichment beyond the classroom. Guest speakers from nearby professions address students regularly.

Oxbridge success is notable. In the measurement period, 80 students applied to Oxford and Cambridge, with 26 receiving offers and 23 accepting places. Cambridge attracted 47 applications (12 acceptances); Oxford 33 applications (11 acceptances). The school ranks 27th in England for combined Oxbridge outcomes (FindMySchool ranking).

The 2023/24 leaver cohort of 140 students saw 59% progress to university. This percentage reflects the measurement methodology; it does not include gap year students who proceed to university the following year. 11% entered employment directly.

Entry points exist at 10+ (Year 6), 11+ (Year 7), 13+ (Year 9), and 16+ (Sixth Form). Competition is strong at all entry points. The school uses its own entrance examinations rather than Common Entrance.

For detailed admissions information, application deadlines, and open day bookings, families should consult the school website. Registration typically opens approximately 18 months before the intended entry date.

The school operates a house system for pastoral organisation, with vertical groupings allowing older students to mentor younger boys. Form tutors provide the primary point of contact for families.

The urban setting requires particular attention to safeguarding and independence training. Boys learn to navigate central London from Year 6, developing maturity and self-reliance.

The City location offers distinct advantages. Cultural venues, including the Barbican Centre and numerous museums, sit within walking distance. Music benefits from proximity to professional orchestras and performance spaces. Drama draws on West End resources.

Sport operates differently from schools with extensive grounds. Playing fields are accessed away from the main site. The school maintains strong competitive fixtures across major sports despite the urban constraints.

Combined Cadet Force, Duke of Edinburgh Award, and a range of academic societies complement the formal curriculum.

City of London School is an independent day school. For current fee levels, families should consult the school's official fees page. The school offers means-tested bursaries, and scholarships are available for academic achievement, music, and other areas. Details of financial assistance are published on the school website.

The school is located at 107 Queen Victoria Street, London EC4V 3AL. Blackfriars station (National Rail and Underground) provides the nearest transport hub. No boarding is offered; all students attend as day pupils.

Urban environment. There are no extensive grounds on site. Boys who thrive in open green spaces may find the City setting constraining. Sport requires travel to external facilities.

Commuting demands. Students travel from across London and the Home Counties. Rush-hour commutes build independence but add to the school day. Families should consider journey times carefully.

Academic intensity. Results reflect a highly selective intake and demanding expectations. Boys who prefer a gentler pace may find the environment pressured.

Boys only throughout. Unlike some London independents, there is no co-educational sixth form. Families seeking mixed education at any stage should look elsewhere.

City of London School delivers elite academic outcomes in an environment that prepares boys for the wider world. The urban setting develops independence and metropolitan confidence. Results speak clearly: top 1% at A-level, 23 Oxbridge places annually, and a peer group of equally ambitious students. Best suited to academically able boys who embrace urban life and thrive under high expectations. The main decision for families is whether the City environment and single-sex model align with their preferences.