Latymer Upper School is a co-educational day school in Hammersmith with a story stretching back four centuries. Here are five things to know.
1. It started with “eight poore boyes”
In 1624, a prosperous lawyer called Edward Latymer left part of his fortune for the clothing and education of “eight poore boyes” from Hammersmith. The school opened on its King Street site in 1895, and generosity is still at its heart: the school’s Inspiring Minds campaign aims to offer one in four students a bursary.
2. The site runs all the way to the river
Newcomers are often surprised by the size of the school, which stretches from its gothic gates on King Street right down to its own boathouse on the Thames. Rowing is a proud tradition.
3. It’s fully co-educational
Once a boys’ school, Latymer has been co-educational since 2004 and now educates around 1,400 girls and boys, with Latymer Prep on the same site for younger pupils. Results are excellent: in 2025, 96.5% of GCSE grades were 9 to 7.
4. It’s rethinking GCSEs
Latymer is at the forefront of education reform, and from 2027 its own Middle School curriculum will replace traditional GCSEs. As a Round Square school, it also places a strong emphasis on internationalism, sustainability, adventure, leadership and service, with courses such as World Perspectives and Global Goals.
5. Most pupils join at 11+
Most students join the Upper School at 11 through an exam and interview, with some joining in the sixth form at 16. Competition for places is strong, and the school’s growing bursary programme means families from a wide range of backgrounds can apply.
Find out more
Latymer Upper School, 237 King Street, Hammersmith, London W6 9LR. Telephone 020 8629 2024. Visit latymer-upper.org for admissions and open events.