Which London school did Stephen Hawking attend at the start of his education?

Stephen Hawking began his schooling at Byron House School in Highgate, London.

Byron House was an independent preparatory school known for progressive teaching methods. Hawking later said that his experience there contributed to his learning to read relatively late, reportedly not until about age eight. His criticism was aimed at the school’s educational approach, not at a lack of intelligence or curiosity.

After his family moved to St Albans, Hawking attended several other schools, including Radlett School and St Albans School. He also spent a short period at St Albans High School for Girls, where younger boys could attend one of the houses at the time.

The answer is sometimes confused with Westminster School because Hawking’s father wanted him to attend there. Hawking took the scholarship examination while ill, however, and the family could not afford the fees without a scholarship, so he remained at St Albans School instead.