Best Schools in Kensington & Chelsea 2026 — Rankings & Reviews
Compare 40 schools and nurseries in Kensington and Chelsea — Ofsted ratings, exam results & admissions data.
Kensington and Chelsea, London's smallest borough, has 40 schools educating over 13,000 pupils across Kensington, Chelsea, Notting Hill and North Kensington. The borough has an unusually high proportion of independent schools, reflecting its affluent demographics.
Holland Park School is the most prominent state secondary and is one of London's most sought-after comprehensives. The independent sector includes Godolphin & Latymer, St Paul's Girls' Preparatory and numerous prep schools serving the area.
Kensington and Chelsea at a Glance
Top Primary Schools in Kensington and Chelsea
| School | Area | Ofsted | KS2 RWM % | Reading | Maths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fox Primary School | Kensington and Chelsea | Outstanding | 93% | — | — |
| Oratory Roman Catholic Primary School | Kensington and Chelsea | Outstanding | 93% | — | — |
| Thomas Jones Primary School | Kensington and Chelsea | Outstanding | 93% | — | — |
| Marlborough Primary School | Kensington and Chelsea | Outstanding | 91% | — | — |
| Park Walk Primary School | Kensington and Chelsea | Good | 91% | — | — |
Top Secondary Schools in Kensington and Chelsea
| School | Area | Ofsted | Progress 8 | 5+ GCSE % | EBacc % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Cardinal Vaughan Memorial RC School | Kensington and Chelsea | Outstanding | +1.00 | 97% | 28% |
| All Saints Catholic College | Kensington and Chelsea | Outstanding | +0.69 | 75% | 38% |
| St. Thomas More Language College | Kensington and Chelsea | Good | +0.32 | 78% | 13% |
| Chelsea Academy | Kensington and Chelsea | Good | +0.23 | 74% | 26% |
| Kensington Aldridge Academy | Kensington and Chelsea | Outstanding | +0.13 | 80% | 48% |
Admissions in Kensington and Chelsea — Key Dates
RBKC coordinates admissions for state schools. Secondary applications closed on 31 October 2025 with offers on 1 March 2026. Primary applications close on 15 January 2026 with offers on 16 April 2026. Holland Park School is heavily oversubscribed. Many families in the borough use independent schools. Apply through rbkc.gov.uk.
Tip: Classpot shows the applications-to-places ratio for every school so you can gauge how competitive admissions are before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best schools in Kensington and Chelsea?
Holland Park School is the leading state secondary and one of the most desirable comprehensives in London. Godolphin & Latymer and Francis Holland School are top independents. Fox Primary School is one of the best-known primaries.
Is Holland Park School hard to get into?
Yes. Holland Park School is very heavily oversubscribed. Admission distances are typically very tight due to the borough's small size and the school's popularity.
How many private schools are in Kensington and Chelsea?
The borough has a high proportion of independent schools, roughly matching the number of state schools. Many families in RBKC use independent prep schools for primary years.
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