Picking a primary school feels different now than it did even five years ago. The options have expanded beyond the local catchment area, and families are weighing up factors that didn’t used to be part of the conversation. When looking at the best primary schools in England, it’s worth thinking about what actually matters for your specific situation rather than what looks good on paper.
This list features the five best private primary schools that employ various approaches. Some are online, some blend traditional methods with tech, and each one appeals to families for particular reasons. Here’s what stands out about each when considering the best primary schools in England for your child.
1. Oxford Online School
This school runs entirely through live online classes. The British curriculum is delivered through small group sessions, usually 8 to 10 students per class, so children aren’t just staring at a screen listening to a lecture.
Children work through Key Stages and can progress to International GCSE qualifications without switching schools. For families who begin with online primary education, transitioning to lower secondary and then to GCSE level feels like a natural progression. The teaching quality remains consistent, which is crucial when children build on previous years’ learning.
Recent exam results from May and June 2025 show what students can achieve: 91% of A-level students passed their exams, 86.7% passed their GCSEs, and every single student who took an EPQ passed.
2. Sophia High
Sophia High is an accredited British online school that delivers the English National Curriculum for ages 4 to 18. It was the first online school to be accredited by the UK Department for Education in 2022. Classes are tiny, with just six students per class in core subjects, which means children get considerable individual attention. The school offers 20 to 25 hours of live teaching weekly, considerably more than typical online providers. Teachers are UK-qualified with extensive experience in independent schools, and there are weekly parent meetings to keep families informed about the curriculum and their child’s progress.
3. Cambridge Online School
Based in Cambridge, this online school prepares students for International GCSE and A-Level exams through live classes and an interactive online platform. The school caters to students from primary school right through to sixth form. Class sizes are kept small, with 10 or fewer pupils per class, allowing for personalised online learning. The school follows both the UK National Curriculum and the Cambridge curriculum, giving students flexibility in their exam board choices. It’s particularly popular with home-educated students and international families who need a flexible British education from anywhere in the world.
4. Wendover Online School
Wendover provides British education for students aged 7 to 19 with an exceptionally personalised approach. Classes are capped at just six students, and every lesson is delivered live by experienced subject specialists. The school offers individual tutorials with mentors, personalised timetables, and a flexible curriculum tailored to each child’s needs. Beyond academics, Wendover provides clubs, trips, meetups, and guest speakers for enrichment. The school-centred learning approach builds confidence and independence whilst ensuring pastoral care covers physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.
5. British Online School
British Online School offers professional online schooling for students aged 7 to 16, with a focus on making things accessible. The school has small year groups, with a maximum of 15 students per year group, making it one of the most exclusive UK-based online schools that offers 100% live lessons. All teachers hold degrees in their subjects, as well as PGCE or equivalent teaching qualifications. Students can sit International GCSE examinations at centres across the UK or in any of 120 registered countries worldwide. The school combines interactive live lessons with the flexibility to access recorded lessons and materials at any time through student portals.
Finding the right primary school means matching your child’s learning style and your family’s circumstances with what a school actually delivers. These five options represent various approaches to education, ranging from flexible online learning to traditional, structured settings.
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