Sixth Form Fees at UK Private Schools in 2026

The short answer

Sixth form fees at UK private schools in 2026 typically range from £18,000 to £30,000 per year for day pupils and £40,000 to £60,000 for boarders. Some schools price sixth form separately from earlier years, while others do not. Sixth form is also the most common entry point for international students joining UK schools.

This is a supporting article within our pillar guide to how much UK private schools cost.

Why sixth form is priced differently

Sixth form (Years 12 and 13, ages 16 to 18) covers the two years leading up to A-Levels, the International Baccalaureate (IB) or equivalent. Some schools charge higher fees at sixth form because of:

Smaller class sizes and more individualised tuition.
A greater share of specialist teaching.
Enhanced pastoral support during a demanding academic period.
Additional academic enrichment and university preparation.
A higher proportion of international pupils, which affects the cost base.

Typical Sixth Form Fees in 2026

Type of Sixth Form	Typical Annual Fee	Notes
Day Sixth Form in a school	£18,000 – £30,000	Most schools.
Boarding Sixth Form in a school	£40,000 – £60,000	Very common entry point for international students.
Boarding Sixth form in an elite school	£55,000 – £70,000+	Top boarding schools.
Sixth-Form-Only Colleges	£20,000 – £40,000	Includes specialist sixth-form providers, and some that offer university foundation programmes for ages 19+

International students at sixth form

Sixth form is the most common entry point for international students. Families joining at 16+ should budget not only for boarding fees but also for:

Guardianship (typically £1,500 to £5,000 per year).
Flights and holiday travel.
Visa fees.
EAL (English as an Additional Language) support if required.
Personal spending money.

Our full guide to UK private schools for international students covers the international cost picture in detail.

A-Levels, IB and specialist courses

The choice of qualification can affect the total cost of sixth form. Most UK sixth forms offer A-Levels; a smaller number offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma; a few offer specialist routes such as Cambridge Pre-U or vocational qualifications. Fees are broadly similar across qualifications, but IB programmes can involve additional costs for extended essays, CAS activities and external assessment.

Sixth form scholarships

Sixth form is a common point at which schools offer scholarships to attract strong new entrants. Academic, sport, music, drama and all-rounder scholarships are widely available, though most typically reduce fees by 5 to 20 per cent. Bursaries at sixth form level can be more substantial for families who meet means-tested criteria. See our full guide to bursaries and scholarships for the detail.

Staying vs moving at 16

Sixth form is also a natural point at which families reconsider the school choice. Some reasons to consider moving include:

A specialist sixth form with stronger provision in the child's chosen subjects.
A change of environment for a child who has outgrown their current school.
A scholarship opportunity that improves affordability.
A move to a co-ed environment after single-sex education.
Boarding at 16+ for children who want more independence before university.

Our full guide to sixth form transition explains how to think through the decision.

Final thought

Sixth form is one of the highest-stakes stages of a private education, both academically and financially. The right choice at 16+ is often less about the school's overall reputation and more about the specific subjects, university destinations and enrichment on offer.

My Top Schools helps parents find the right school for their child – with clear profiles, honest information, and search filters built around what really matters. Start your search here.