The UK's Best State Secondary & Grammar Schools

UK state schools are now, more than ever, at the forefront of modern education, with many redefining the standards of excellence, turning in better academic results and giving some independent schools a run for their money. 

Here's a list of the UK’s top 10 state schools based on their academic performance. The list is sourced from The Sunday Times Parent Power 2024 league tables, which use A Level and GCSE performance data to identify the top schools in the UK based on academic achievement.

From urban schools to countryside locals, each of those on our list boasts something unique and each is in high demand – so we’ve included all of the information you need to know if you’re considering your next move.

Labour's proposal to impose 20% VAT on independent school fees could prompt an increase in parents looking for a state school to avoid paying higher fees.

According to a recent poll by The Telegraph, a significant number of parents—approximately one in four— said they would have to move their children from private to state education. Nearly half of these respondents said they would consider relocating to areas with top-performing state schools.

The schools in these rankings have different ways of selecting students. Grammar schools are selective and admit students based on specific criteria. Others, partially selective, enrol only a percentage of their students using specific criteria, and some schools are comprehensive and do not use selective criteria for student admissions.

Remember, if you are interested in applying to a place at a state-funded school, you will need to submit a Common Application Form to your own Local Authority in addition to applying directly with the school. Most state schools offer places to students within a certain catchment area before extending offers further afield. 

The application process for grammar schools is selective, and it involves registering your child for the 11+ exam, usually taken in the final year of primary school. Grammar schools can take students outside their catchment area if they have places available. 

Read more: Get Into a UK Grammar School: When, Where?

Wilson's School

• A Level results 2023: 98% A*-B 
• GCSE results 2023: 95% A* (9/8) – A (7) 
• Number of students: 1,305
• Location: Surrey

Wilson’s is a UK state-funded all-boys' grammar school located in the London Borough of Sutton, near the border with Croydon.

One of the country’s most successful state-funded selective boys’ schools, Wilson’s prioritises creating a fulfilling school life in addition to preparing students for adulthood. Beyond rigorous academics, the school provides extensive opportunities for extra-curricular activities spanning sport and the arts – these range from the Combined Cadet Force and sports to chess and drama productions.

The school has thriving sports teams, from football and cricket to badminton and table tennis. Wilson’s has a very strong reputation for excellence in football and rugby is becoming increasingly popular. A flourishing music department includes a chamber string orchestra and a reputation as one of the best school choirs in the region. The drama department puts on a school play each year plus an annual Junior Production involving students from Years 7 and 8.

The school maintains high expectations for personal achievement, academic performance and behaviour – supported by a robust pastoral system promoting core values such as respect, tolerance and hard work. Diversity is celebrated, with students from various ethnic and cultural backgrounds very much welcomed. The school has a large number of distinguished old boys – including  actor Michael Caine, Sir Norman Reid, former director of the Tate Gallery and mountaineer/environmentalist Paul Deegan.

Admission is based solely on performance in entrance exams. For a place at Wilson's School in Year 7 you must register your child to take the Selective Eligibility Test by completing the supplementary Registration Form which can be accessed from the school’s website.

Should your son be successful in the Selective Eligibility Test, he will be invited to sit the Second Stage Entrance Examination – this is testament to the school’s belief that every child should have the best chance to demonstrate their abilities.  

Read our review of Wilson's School.

Queen Elizabeth’s School 

• A Level results 2023: 96.9% A*-B 
• GCSE results 2023: 93.3% A* (9/8) – A (7) 
• Number of students: 1,306
• Location: Barnet Hertfordshire

Queen Elizabeth's is a boys state-funded grammar school, with 450 years' experience of producing ‘confident, able and responsible young men’ in an environment that inspires both academic and extra-curricular pursuits – with facilities that rival many of the top independent schools.

Located on a 23 acre site on the edge of the Green Belt in High Barnet, Queen Elizabeth’s prioritises academic excellence by fostering a culture of hard work and celebrating intellectual achievements as part of a goal to cultivate well-rounded thinkers equipped for success in higher education and beyond – as evidenced by consistently high national exam rankings and places at leading universities including Oxford and Cambridge.

Through tailored tutoring and pastoral care, the school encourages participation in school life and in developing new skills and interests through diverse extracurricular activities – with around 90 clubs and activities ranging from 3D printing to zoology on offer.

Music is a big part of school life, with 24 regularly rehearsing ensembles and about 150 boys in the choir. There is a full competitive sports programme (rugby, cricket, water polo, athletics, Eton Fives) and drama includes an annual Shakespeare Schools Festival and school play. Queen Elizabeth’s also promotes internal and external volunteering opportunities to encourage generosity and kindness, underscoring the importance of compassion and inclusive community.

Queen Elizabeth’s is a selective school with places offered on the basis of entrance test results – with all requirements published on the school website. Information on in-year admissions or those at ages other than 11 is available in the admissions guide on the school website. The school does not accept external students into the Sixth Form.

Read our review of Queen Elizabeth’s School.

The Henrietta Barnett School

• A Level results 2023: 91.1% A*-B 
• GCSE results 2023: 97.6% A* (9/8) – A (7)
• Number of students: 802
• Location: Hamsptead

Henrietta Barnett School (HBS) is a non-denominational state-funded grammar school for girls aged 11-18. Founded in 1911 and becoming an Academy in 2012, the school is located in the serene Hampstead Garden Suburb and occupies a charming Grade II* Listed Building designed by Lutyens.

Renowned for academic excellence, HBS fosters a warm, vibrant community, embodying Dame Henrietta Barnett’s vision of providing top-quality education to girls from diverse backgrounds. The school emphasises open-mindedness and offers a broad and stimulating curriculum alongside rich extra-curricular activities, encouraging students to explore their interests in a wide variety of ways and promoting curiosity of mind, independence of spirit and a love of learning plus respect for others without the need for bells or lists of imposed rules.

The extra-curricular programme at HBS is exceptional. There are well over 50 clubs and societies, many of which are student-led and open to students from Years 7-13. Sports include netball, basketball, volleyball, football, Park Run, badminton, cricket, multi-gym and Tang Soo Do. The school offers many choirs, orchestras and ensembles plus a wide range of music lessons and will even find a teacher if a pupil would like to learn an instrument not on the list.

Drama is also extremely popular, with LAMDA classes and at least one major drama production every year and the school believes that it’s essential that students are given as many opportunities as possible to develop debating and public speaking skills. Academic clubs and societies (such as history, economics, politics, robotics, mythology and much more) which aim to extend students’ knowledge, understanding and enjoyment of their academic studies include sessions from eminent external speakers who are experts in their field.

Admission to The Henrietta Barnett School for Year 7 is by academic selection, with a First Round Entrance Test in verbal, non-verbal reasoning and English, followed by a Second Round English and maths test.

Read our review of Henrietta Barnett School.

Pate’s Grammar School

• A Level results 2023: 91.5% A*-B 
• GCSE results 2023: 90.8% A* (9/8) – A (7) 
• Number of students: 1,249
• Location: Gloucestershire

Pate’s is a co-educational grammar school with academy status in Cheltenham, catering for pupils aged 11 to 18. For more than 400 years, the school has been dedicated to nurturing the talents and curiosity of young people from all backgrounds, fostering a culture of engagement and participation across all areas of the curriculum.

With high expectations of staff and students alike, Pate’s encourages responsibility, collaboration and support. The school doesn’t believe in setting homework for the sake of it but rather when it helps pupils to make specific progress in their learning and understanding or personal growth.

In 2022, Pate’s was re-accredited as a High Performance Learning (HPL) World Class School in recognition of its learning ethos and forward thinking. Pate’s has a personal development curriculum which has, at its foundation, a structured programme of lessons for years 7-9 and flexible learning days for year 10 and 11 students. Sixth Form students receive regular information and guidance sessions to help prepare them for life beyond school.

Learning is not restricted to the classroom and students can develop their skills in co-curricular activities and self-study. These allow students to discover and showcase their talents through House events that encourage creativity, embrace diversity and foster support for one another. Activities run by the Outdoor Education Department enable students to problem solve, take calculated risks, develop leadership skills and work as a team. Further activities allow students to find their voice in public speaking and debating events, develop practical skills such as cooking and ironing, and develop strategies to cope with stress. 

There are plenty of sports clubs on offer including basketball, rugby, netball and handball. For students interested in music there is a string group, a rock band, an orchestra, a vox percussion ensemble and a chamber choir. Students can also try climbing, shooting, art, devising drama and British Sign Language. “Shaping the Future” and “Supporting Each Other” are two of the core school values, and Pate’s students are given opportunities to engage with and work alongside the local community through a range of activities such as food collections, seasonal events, community gardening and care home initiatives.

Admission to the school is on the basis of achieving a qualifying score in an admissions test consisting of two papers comprising verbal ability, numerical reasoning and non-verbal reasoning.

Read our review of Pate’s Grammar School.

St Olave’s Grammar School

• A Level results 2023: 90.7% A*-B 
• GCSE results 2023: 91.4% A* (9/8) – A (7) 
• Number of students: 1,085
• Location: Kent

St. Olave's Grammar School is a selective state-funded secondary school for boys in Orpington, Greater London. The school is a Church of England school and a multi-faith community with Christian values that are deeply embedded in daily life and with origins that go back over 400 years to Shakespeare’s London.

Its present buildings, surrounded by over twenty acres of tree-lined playing fields, are set on the edge of the Kent countryside. Ongoing investment in facilities have seen a new science block, sports pavilion, music centre, sixth form centre, IT suite and food technology room as well as a new sport and drama hall and all weather pitch. St. Olave’s reputation stands high and each year over 1,400 pupils compete for the 128 available places in Year 7.

Academic results are among the very best in the country, leading to places at top universities, art and music colleges. Individuals and teams achieve success consistently at national level in academic competitions, sports and a broad range of activities. An Individual Pupil Monitoring Scheme sets challenge grades for each student based on their own potential and excellence is celebrated in assemblies, awards ceremonies and prize days.

Co-curricular activities offer a vital opportunity to have fun, to explore and to expand interests and a wide range of clubs and societies are on offer for students to develop emotional intelligence and resilience.

Committed to being environmentally sustainable, the school offers an environmental society which has implemented many eco-friendly changes, a large number of student societies produce academic journals throughout the year and there’s a plethora of sporting opportunities with lunchtime and after school clubs.

The school alternates between a musical and a play for the main school dramatic performance and a number of extra-curricular productions take place during the year. Music plays an important role at St. Olave’s – both as part of the curriculum and trough opportunities for students to develop musical abilities and enthusiasms at all levels. Regular student events, such as an annual cultural evening and black history month show embrace the diversity and richness of which the school is so proud.

As a designated State Grammar School, St. Olave’s selects pupils purely on the basis of academic performance in their entrance tests. Main points of entry are in years 7 and 12.

Read our review of St Olave’s Grammar School.

Colchester Royal Grammar School

• A Level results 2023: 93.7% A*-B 
• GCSE results 2023: 85% A* (9/8) – A (7) 
• Number of students: 1,019
• Location: Essex

Colchester Royal Grammar School (CRGS) is a state-funded grammar school in Colchester, Essex. It was founded in 1128 and was later granted two royal charters - by Henry VIII in 1539 and by Elizabeth I in 1584. CRGS is an 11-18 school for boys and admits girls into a co-educational Sixth Form. It is one of the UK’s very few state boarding schools, with a family style boarding house accommodating 30 Sixth Form students and it seeks to provide the best education and to give students access to opportunities and to compete with the very best schools across the world.

All students are encouraged to become confident learners who are increasingly able to take responsibility for their own learning as they progress up the school and become prepared for university entrance, employment and the challenges of a wider world. An extensive range of extracurricular clubs and activities to support subject enrichment are offered – as are trips and visits nationally and internationally.

The school takes pride in its exceptional reputation for games, music, and drama, along with a diverse array of extracurricular activities facilitated by staff. Regular fixtures in cricket, rugby, hockey, and netball are arranged for all year groups, competing against both state and independent schools. Additionally, the school boasts amenities such as a heated outdoor swimming pool, a fully-equipped gymnasium, a multigym, and extensive sports fields.

CRGS achieves a consistently high set of academic results and is a top performing school both locally and nationally. As such, the school is heavily oversubscribed and places are awarded based on performance in the CSSE 11+ examination.

To join the Sixth Form, pupils must meet a General Entry Requirement of a minimum of 4 GCSE’s at grade 6 with at least GCSE grade 4 in English Language and Maths. In addition, some A’Level subjects have their own specific entry requirements.

Read our review of Colchester Royal Grammar School.

The Tiffin Girls' School

• A Level results 2023: 88.5% A*-B 
• GCSE results 2023: 94.4% A* (9/8) – A (7) 
• Number of students: 1,219
• Location: Surrey

The Tiffin Girls’ School is a selective state school and stand-alone Academy for girls aged between 11 and 18. Located in Kingston-Upon-Thames, Surrey, the school has been providing an excellent education where students can live up to its ‘sapere aude – dare to be wise’ motto for 144 years.

By providing a holistic education which focuses on the pillars of ‘community’, a ‘love of learning ‘ and supporting the development of ‘character’, Tiffin girls are inspired to adopt these core values at school and in future life and the school offers a curriculum which is broad and balanced to reflect this.

To develop students to take further ownership of their learning, the school elects Love of Learning representatives in all tutor groups. These students engage with educational research to inform them of the best ways to learn. Students use this knowledge and feedback to their peers through form time discussions, assemblies, and the Love of Learning Digest.

All students have the same right to a high-quality education and with this in mind The Tiffin Girls’ School actively plans for the special educational needs or disability of students who might need a different approach, offering dedicated support and assistance.

The school offers a diverse range of extracurricular activities. In addition to regular music classes, students have the opportunity to join various music ensembles supported by the Tiffin Girls’ Music Society, a parent-founded charity to enhance the quality and breadth of music education at the school. The drama department hosts two major productions annually, involving students from all year groups in various roles both on and off stage.

With over 75 sports teams, The Tiffin Girls' School takes part in numerous competitions against local and top schools in London and Surrey and many students also represent the school at borough and county levels. And aside from department-led activities, students organise clubs and societies which have included Harry Potter Club, Origami Club and Model United Nations – plus a variety of student-led magazines complement the co-curricular programme. 

The Tiffin Girls’ School is a selective school. For places in Year 7, there are entrance tests early in the autumn term of Year 6, for which parents must register during the summer term while their child is in Year 5.

For entry to Sixth Form, students must meet the Sixth Form entry requirements for the year that they will be moving into Year 12. Priority is given to girls living in a catchment area made up of an Inner Area and a Designated Area made up of 44 postal districts set out in the admissions policy on the school website.

Read our review of The Tiffin Girls’ School.

The Reading School

• A Level results 2023: 90.1% A*-B 
• GCSE results 2023: 88.3% A* (9/8) – A (7) 
• Number of students: 1,136
• Location: Berkshire

The Reading School is a selective state day and boarding academy for boys aged 11-18. Founded in 1125, the school is located in Berkshire and has a rich heritage and depth of tradition which includes a stunning campus and plenty of opportunities for students to learn and grow.

The school’s academic reputation is very strong and while the priority is to maintain this, there is also much emphasis placed on putting people first and to focus on the needs and abilities of each individual while also looking ahead to inspire leaders who are compassionate, thoughtful, generous, wise and courageous. As such, the school is ‘as dedicated to helping students to find fulfillment and happiness’ as it is to guiding them towards achieving their academic potential. 

The school follows a broad curriculum which it calls ‘The Reading Way’ which is designed to challenge and grow all students. Languages are very strong – every student studies four languages from a choice of French, German, Spanish, Mandarin and Latin.

A co-curricular programme offers pupils the chance to extend their aspirations, skills and range of interests beyond the classroom and to help them develop socially and emotionally. Currently there are over 50 enrichment activities available to students including arts, drama and debating, music, service activities such as CCF and Duke of Edinburgh, sport, specialist clubs and societies, spirituality and contemplation groups, events, lectures and expeditions plus much more.

The main entry point is for Year 7, although entry is possible to other year groups dependent on the availability of spaces. All day places will be offered to applicants who perform well enough in the tests and who meet the standard for Year 12 entry and who reside within the catchment area. Only if there are further places available will candidates who live outside the catchment be considered.

Read our review of Reading School.

King Edward VI School

• A Level results 2023: 89.9% A*-B 
• GCSE results 2023: 84.4% A* (9/8) – A (7) 
• Number of students: 843
• Location: Warwickshire

King Edward VI Stratford (K.E.S) is a state-funded Academy Trust selective school for boys with a co-educational Sixth Form. 

The school, known to have been in existence from 1295 and re-founded by a Charter of King Edward VI, has a reputation for high academic standards and an outstanding co-curricular programme and was even attended by poet and playwright William Shakespeare in the 1570s – which is why it is often known as ‘Shakespeare’s School’.

Traditional methods and a rich heritage co-exist with innovative teaching and learning that embrace the latest technologies. Students follow a balanced academic curriculum with the English Baccalaureate at its heart and smaller examination set sizes than those typical in state schools – and are able to study an array of subjects in detail, including Latin and Mandarin. K.E.S is proud of the vast array of extra curricular activities that it offers, something that really distinguishes the school from many others while supporting its ethos that education goes beyond the classroom. Sport offerings are outstanding with a major fixtures programme incorporating rugby, cricket, netball, hockey, athletics and rowing.

A varied list of clubs includes everything from 3D Printing to astronomy, fencing, jazz court, magistrates court mock trial, triathlon and many many more. The school will consider any proposal for an activity without prejudice and will enable it if appropriate!

The Drama department’s productions have long been admired for the range and quality of the work both in terms of performance skill and technical expertise, with students often working alongside professional practitioners and in professional performance venues and an extensive range of music activities is made available to all including a regular series of concerts and performances in the local community and further afield plus individual tuition and regular ensembles. First-class facilities and expert coaching ensure that sports teams, drama and instrumental ensembles frequently enjoy success both regionally and nationally. 

Admission to K.E.S is by a selective entrance procedure administered by the Local Authority on the School’s behalf. Before listing King Edward VI School as a preference on your form, please check that your child is eligible. The proximity of your home to the school is important and can change based on the demand for places.

Read our review of King Edward VI School.

Altrincham Grammar School For Girls 

• A Level results 2023: 85.3% A*-B 
• GCSE results 2023:91.2% A* (9/8) – A (7) 
• Number of students: 1,367
• Location: Manchester

Altrincham Grammar School for Girls (AGGS) is a girls' grammar school with academy status in Bowdon, Greater Manchester – and the largest single-sex grammar school in the UK.

The school is part of the Bright Futures Educational Trust which provides a wide range of opportunities for staff and students across the Bright Futures network and gives outstanding support for staff and students to achieve at the highest level. AGGS is also one of the first schools in the country to be designated a National Teaching School and is a lead school in a number of subjects including maths, science, PSHE and modern foreign languages.

The school values the diversity of its community and is committed to ensuring that the school environment is inclusive and welcoming for all, aiming to foster the intellectual, social, creative, physical, moral and spiritual development of every student.

AGGS has a tradition of academic success (as exam results testify), sporting and cultural achievements and service to the community, fostering independent learning, confidence and leadership through stimulating and challenging lessons and a huge range on extra-curricular activities covering everything from Latin to manga. Sports and creative workshops are available at every level. At STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) clubs, pupils can discover how to create art through computer coding, and learn practical skills in design and construction while gardening clubs encourage the ecologists of the future.

An after school homework club is provided for pupils from Year 7-11 from 3.40-5.00 and provides a supervised opportunity for each child to undertake further study as required. The Sixth Form can also stay until 5pm in the Sixth Form Library, five days a week. A pastoral system is in place to ensure that everyone’s academic and personal progress is closely monitored through teams of tutors and through Sixth Form peer mentors who work with students in years 7-11.

The Trafford Grammar School Consortium, comprising Altrincham Grammar School for Boys, Altrincham Grammar School for Girls, Sale Grammar School, Stretford Grammar School and Urmston Grammar School have a partnership with GL Assessment, the test provider for Year 7 entry testing from 2023 for 2024 entry and beyond. Places are offered to students living within a catchment area first, before being extended further afield. 

Read our review of Altrincham Grammar School For Girls.