Every year, Tatler release their Schools Guide to the best independent schools in the UK.

There are around 2600 independent schools in the UK which educate an estimated 7% of all UK school pupils.

After hundreds of trips, interviews and research, Tatler shortlist the finest establishments in the nation and the winners were announced last night on an Instagram live.

According to the Independent Schools Council there are a total of 46 private schools in Hampshire.

But not a single Hampshire school featured on the exclusive shortlist this year.

Previously Father Simon Everson school in Farleigh won runner up for the 2017-18 ‘Best Head of Prep School’.

Bedales in Petersfield also just missed the top spot in the 2017-18 awards securing the runner up title for ‘Best Public School of the Year’.

Walhampton school in lymigton was shortlisted for the ‘Best Prep School’ at the Tatler Schools Awards in 2016.

This year the winners were chosen across seven categories which included best head teacher, best school and even a best food category.

Tatler revealed that Reigate Grammar School, in Surrey took the top spot for Best Public School.

Labour leader Keir Starmer is an ex pupil and it costs a whopping  £19,350-a-year to attend.

Best Prep School went to Cottesmore School, West Sussex, where fees cost an eyewatering £29,200 a year. 

Benenden School was presented the best food award  and it is easy to see why with lunch options of Hot Smoked Salmon, Chive, Parmesan Soufflé or Stir-fried Chard, Ginger, Soy and Garlic noodles and dinners such as Slow Braised Beef Ragu or Lamb and Oregano Meat Balls.

Here is a list of this year’s winners and nominations:

BEST HEAD OF A PREP SCHOOL

Winner: Jeremy Banks, Caldicott

Other nominations:

  • Sophie Green, Godstowe
  • Sarah Knollys, Notting Hill Prep School
  • Martin Barker, Westbourne House School
  • Henry Knight, Belhaven Hill

PREP SCHOOL OF THE YEAR

Winner: Cottesmore School

Other nomination:

  • Sunningdale School
  • Moulsford
  • The Elms
  • Thomas’s Battersea

BEST HEAD OF A PUBLIC SCHOOL

Winner: Jane Lunnon, Wimbledon High/Alleyn’s School

Other nominations:

  • Mark Turnbull, Giggleswick School
  • Douglas Robb, Gresham’s
  • Emma McKendrick, Downe House
  • Antony Wallersteiner, Stowe School

PUBLIC SCHOOL OF THE YEAR

Winner: Reigate Grammar School

Other nominations:

  • Stonyhurst
  • Sherborne Girls
  • Marlborough College
  • Oakham School

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Winner: Patrick Derham OBE, Westminster School

Other nominations:

  • Phil Ward, Thomas’s Clapham
  • Richard Foster, Windlesham House School
  • Julie Robinson ISC, chairwoman
  • Professor Bailey, St Paul’s School

UNSUNG HERO AWARD

Winner: Gary Steer, Bedford School

Other nominations:

  • Sister Gill Nurse, Godolphin School
  • Amelia Brooks, Brambletye
  • Sarah Wood Matron, Oundle School
  • Terry Stickney, Saint Ronan’s

BEST FOOD AWARD

Winner: Benenden School

Other Nominations

  • Cheltenham Ladies’ College
  • Bradfield College
  • Millfield
  • Terrington Hall