Not all of the best schools in the UK are private schools. Granted, the international schools in London, for instance, have gained a lot of prominence around the world, but there are still a few standouts worth checking out.
Latymer Upper School in Hammersmith is one great example. Though it's a public school on King Street, it still provides high-quality education. So much so that it has also garnered as diverse a student body as multicultural academic institutions have. Don't forget about the school's graduates too. From actor Hugh Grant to celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal, Latymer Upper School has quite an impressive alumni list.
Source: Latymer Upper School Facebook Page
History of Latymer Upper School
Latymer Upper School began with Edward Latymer, a prominent wealthy merchant during the 16th century. During his lifetime, Latymer educated poor boys in the Hammersmith area, where he also lived. He considered it his 'mission' to keep the youth from disrupting the peace of the community and to lead them in the name of 'God's true religion.' At the time, he owned Butterwick Manor, which can be considered the first campus of the school. But it didn't take until 1628 for the Latymer School to truly take form, funded in part by the estate of Dr. Thomas Edwards.
What is Latymer Upper School's Campus Like?
The school has remained in its original home in Hammersmith, one of the big
London Suburbs out there. A fair distance away from the busier city center, it's an artsy and lively district in its own right. The campus itself, however, has also retained its old-world appeal. Brick buildings make up many of the facilities, housing big classrooms, spacious lecture rooms, and expansive common areas. Not to mention designated courts and areas for extracurricular activities too, ranging from athletics to the arts. Though the campus itself isn't the most massive, it still also has its fair share of outdoor areas.
Source: Latymer Upper School Facebook Page
The Latymer Upper School Student Body
Though Latymer Upper School's campus may not seem all that big, its student body is. The school welcomes about 1,200 students per year, including new enrollees and those returning who haven't graduated yet. Unlike other
top schools in London and beyond, Latymer isn't divided into different houses. All students take classes and learn together and are only classified via their current grade level. It's also a co-ed school, but the ratio between the number of male to female students changes from year to year.
What is Latymer Upper School's Curriculum?
Latymer Upper School is divided into three separate academic levels. There's the Lower School, the Middle School, and the Sixth Form. Though it's proud of its status as an independent school, Latymer still follows the standard British curriculum, mostly focusing on helping students achieve the proper GCSE levels. At the same time, the school's staff consists of experts in their respective subjects, unlike other schools that simply hire standard teachers. Most of the professors have studied and majored in the fields they teach, allowing the students to gain more accurate and deeper knowledge of various subjects.
Source: Latymer Upper School Facebook Page
How Much Does It Cost to Study in Latymer Upper School?
Is it expensive to let your kid study in Latymer Upper School? In the grand scheme of things, yes, it is. The school's tuition fees cost about £8,633 per term, which is pretty standard as far as schools in the UK go. However, this also includes additional costs, including £1,000.00 acceptance fee and the non-refundable £150.00 registration fees, among many others. The former may be a one-time payment fee, but it still hikes up your first payment to the school to a total of around £10,000.00. And that's just for your kid's first term!
Where is Latymer Upper School in London?
As already mentioned, Latymer Upper School is located in Hammersmith, a fairly residential district in Southwest London. A fair distance away from the
central neighborhoods of London, it's more akin to the London Suburbs than its busier areas. The riverside neighborhood is considerably more peaceful than the rest of the British capital, perfect for raising a family and living a more quiet lifestyle in the city. In terms of finding a place to stay, Hammersmith fortunately has some of the best and most affordable
luxury homes in London for rent.
Source: Latymer Upper School Facebook Page
Latymer Upper School is a fine public school that can rival even the most elite private academies in London. It boasts a beautiful campus, a high-quality curriculum, and a great approach to teaching and training kids for the real world.
