In the north of London lies a neighbourhood known around the world—especially among expatriates. This coveted area is renowned for its excellent international, private, and state schools is Hampstead. It is also distinctive for being divided into several sub-neighbourhoods, each with its own unique character and atmosphere.
Education
Hampstead offers some of the best choices of private and state schools in London, making it an excellent base for families choosing a school in London. Among British primary schools for boys, Arnold House School and The Hall School are particularly well-regarded for academic boys. Both boast outstanding academic results, with many pupils going on to top secondary schools such as Eton, Harrow, Westminster, and St Paul’s. University College School offers a top cultural and academic education to boys until age 16 and has a sixth form which admits both boys and girls. St Mary’s RC School, offers an excellent Roman Catholic education for girls from 4 to 11 years. St Christopher’s is a highly academic all- girls, prep school option. Both Heathside and Devonshire House prep schools, offer their own distinctive form of education for both girls and boys to 11 years. Families considering this stage of education may find it helpful to explore our guide to the best prep schools in Hampstead, which looks in more detail at the area’s leading preparatory options. South Hampstead School for Girls, part of the Girls Day School Trust which manages 24 independent girls’ schools throughout the UK, is a popular choice from 4- 18 years.
They are closely followed by well-regarded co-educational primary schools, including Hampstead Parochial Church of England School and St Joseph’s RC School. For secondary school pupils, Parliament Hill School gained an outstanding OFSTED rating in 2024.
In addition, several international schools are located just a short distance from Hampstead, such as Stewart International School and the French English Collège Français Bilingue de Londres (CFBL) in nearby Kentish Town. Southbank International School is a small, welcoming international school located in Hampstead and Kensington (for prep and junior school children) and in Westminster for secondary school children.
When deciding between boys’, girls’, and mixed schools, many parents benefit from understanding the differences between single-sex and co-educational schools in the UK system.
Different Hampstead Neighbourhoods
Hampstead Village
With its rural, storybook-like scenery, Hampstead Village attracted many painters and writers during the 19th century. Today, it is one of the most popular part of Hampstead. For families who can afford it, the village offers a true haven of peace—lush greenery combined with close proximity to central London.
Hampstead Garden Suburb
For families seeking a quiet and spacious environment, Hampstead Garden Suburb is an ideal choice. Developed in the early 20th century as part of a project led by Henrietta Barnett, the area was designed to promote tranquillity and green living, largely thanks to its low population density. Despite its strong residential character, it remains a highly desirable place to live—especially for those who value silence, space, and nature.
West Hampstead and South Hampstead
Located to the west of Finchley Road, West Hampstead and South Hampstead benefit from excellent transport links, with underground and train stations bearing the same names.
The streets, lined mostly with Victorian houses, are reminiscent of North Fulham. These areas are also becoming increasingly popular with French families, thanks to their easy access to well-regarded French and bilingual schools in London, including the Lycée Winston Churchill in Wembley and the CFBL in Kentish Town.
The popularity of West and South Hampstead continues to grow, driven by their strong transport connections and convenient access to two highly regarded French–English international and bilingual schools: Lycée Winston Churchill and the Collège Français Bilingue de Londres (CFBL).
Hampstead’s Cultural Mix
Amongst all London neighbourhoods, Hampstead has a distinctly intellectual vibe. The neighbourhood remains proud of its strong literary and artistic history. In the 18th- 20th centuries, Hampstead was home to figures like writers John Keats and George Orwell, psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud, and painter John Constable. And today to actresses Emma Thompson and Helena Bonham Carter and former political aide, Alastair Campbell. British families make up around 46% of Hampstead’s population with the community enriched by families who hold dual nationalities or multiple citizenships including US, Canada, Russia, Israel, India, UAE, France, Spain, Italy amongst others.
Expert Support for School Applications
Relocating to Hampstead in London? We can assist you with applications to both private and state schools in Hampstead, as well as international schools in neighbouring areas. Feel free to contact us for expert guidance throughout the application process for British and international schools in London and across the UK.
