Like other parents, you may be looking for the best Grammar Schools in the UK in 2024. Parents are usually concerned when choosing Grammar Schools for their children. They want their children to study in a top Grammar School in the UK. However, they must have proper knowledge about the Grammar Schools in their area and how effective they are in terms of education quality and qualified teachers.
What is a Grammar School?
Grammar Schools are state-funded schools that offer students admission after scoring good marks in 11 Plus exams. The National Grammar Schools Association (NGSA) states that only 164 secondary schools are Grammar Schools. So, the competition is high. Getting admission to the top 20-30 schools can become challenging for your child.
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How To Look For Best Grammar Schools in the UK 2024?
It is indeed a challenge for parents. They need to research about their preferred Grammar Schools, including admission criteria, academic standings and teaching quality.
To make it more convenient for parents, we have compiled all the information about the top 50 Grammar Schools in the UK 2024. The Grammar Schools also prioritise students who live near the school.
You can read out the important information and make informed decisions about your child’s secondary education from the top Grammar School in the UK. If you need personal assistance from experts, get in touch with us.
Top Grammar Schools League Table
With league tables, you can see the information in an organised way. The location will give you an idea of where each Grammar School is. Rankings depend on A-levels and GCSE results. In addition, you can learn about the 11 Plus Exam Boards (CEM, GL or Own) in the league table.
Below is a ranking of Grammar Schools according to their A-level and GCSE results in 2023. This data was released by the Sunday Times in December 2023.
Top Grammar Schools Lists (List of 1-25 Schools)
| Rank | School | Area | A level results A*–B | GCSE results A*/A/9/8/7 | Entry Gender | 11 Plus Exam |
| 1 | Wilson’s School | (Sutton, London) | 98% | 95% | Boys | Sutton Selective Eligibility Test |
| 2 | Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet | (Barnet, London) | 96.9% | 93.3% | Boys | QE Barnet 11+ |
| 3 | The Henrietta Barnett School | (Barnet, London) | 91.1% | 97.6% | Girls | Henrietta Barnett 11+ |
| 4 | Pate’s Grammar School | Gloucestershire | 91.5% | 90.7% | Mixed | Gloucestershire 11+ |
| 5 | St Olave’s and St Saviour’s Grammar School | (Bromley, London) | 90.7% | 91.4% | Boys | St Olave’s SET |
| 6 | Colchester Royal Grammar School | Essex | 93.7% | 85% | Boys | CSSE 11+ |
| 7 | The Tiffin Girls’ School | (Kingston-Upon-Thames, London) | 88.5% | 94.4% | Girls | Tiffin 11+ |
| 8 | Reading School | Berkshire | 90.1% | 88.3% | Boys | FSCE 11+ |
| 9 | King Edward VI School | Warwickshire | 89.9% | 84.4% | Boys | West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+ |
| 10 | Altrincham Grammar School for Girls | Greater Manchester | 85.3% | 91.2% | Girls | Trafford 11+ |
| 11 | King Edward VI Grammar School | Essex | 86.4% | 87.3% | Boys | CSSE 11+ |
| 12 | Chelmsford County High School | Essex | 85% | 88.3% | Girls | FSCE 11+ |
| 13 | Colyton Grammar School | Devon | 86.9% | 83.3% | Mixed | FSCE 11+ |
| 14 | King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys | Birmingham | 83.9% | 89.3% | Boys | West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+ |
| 15 | Kendrick School | Berkshire | 82.8% | 91.2% | Girls | Kendrick School 11+ |
| 16 | Tonbridge Grammar School | Kent | 89% | 78.7% | Girls | The Kent Test |
| 17 | Lumen Christi College | (County Londonderry) | 87.8% | 79.4% | Mixed | Schools’ Entrance Assessment Group |
| 18 | Tiffin School | (Kingston upon Thames, London) | 86.7% | 81.5% | Boys | Tiffin 11+ |
| 19 | Dartford Grammar School | Kent | 88.9% | 76.3% | Boys | The Kent Test |
| 20 | King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls | Birmingham | 83.6% | 85.9% | Girls | West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+ |
| 21 | Altrincham Grammar School for Boys | Greater Manchester | 85% | 82.5% | Boys | Trafford 11+ |
| 22 | Friends’ School Lisburn | (County Antrim) | 87.7% | 77% | Mixed | Schools’ Entrance Assessment Group |
| 23 | The Latymer School | (Enfield, London) | 83% | 86.5% | Mixed | The Latymer School 11+ |
| 24 | Our Lady and St Patrick’s College | Knock (Belfast) | 90% | 72.1% | Mixed | Schools’ Entrance Assessment Group |
| 25 | The Liverpool Blue Coat School | (Liverpool) | 87.7% | 78.3% | Mixed | The Blue Coat School 11+ |
Top Grammar Schools Lists ( Top 26-50)
| Rank | School | Area | A level results A*–B | GCSE results A*/A/9/8/7 | Entry Gender | 11 Plus Exam |
| 26 | St Mary’s Grammar School, Magherafelt | (County Londonderry) | 88.5% | 73.3% | Mixed | Schools’ Entrance Assessment Group |
| 27 | St Dominic’s Grammar School | (Belfast) | 88.8% | 72.2% | Girls | Schools’ Entrance Assessment Group |
| 28 | Colchester County High School for Girls | (Essex) | 81.2% | 86.9% | Girls | CSSE 11+ |
| 29 | Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls | (West Midlands) | 82.8% | 82.9% | Girls | West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+ |
| 30 | Stratford Girls’ Grammar School | (Warwickshire) | 80% | 87% | Girls | West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+ |
| 31 | Strathearn School | (Belfast) | 84.9% | 76.4% | Girls | Schools’ Entrance Assessment Group |
| 32 | Sullivan Upper School | (County Down) | 82.3% | 80.9% | Mixed | Schools’ Entrance Assessment Group |
| 33 | Nonsuch High School for Girls | (Sutton, London) | 78.7% | 86.4% | Girls | Sutton Selective Eligibility Test |
| 34 | St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School | (Barnet, London) | 79.8% | 83.3% | Girls | St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School 11+ |
| 35 | Dr Challoner’s Grammar School | (Buckinghamshire) | 83.2% | 76% | Boys | Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test |
| 36 | Newstead Wood School | (Bromley, London) | 78.7% | 84.9% | Girls | Newstead Wood School 11+ |
| 37 | Beaconsfield High School | (Buckinghamshire) | 82.8% | 76.1% | Girls | Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test |
| 38 | Dr Challoner’s High School | (Buckinghamshire) | 81.6% | 77.6% | Girls | Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test |
| 39 | St Louis Grammar School | (County Antrim) | 86.3% | 68.1% | Mixed | Schools’ Entrance Assessment Group |
| 40 | Banbridge Academy | (County Down) | 85.2% | 70% | Mixed | Schools’ Entrance Assessment Group |
| 41 | Chesham Grammar School | (Buckinghamshire) | 81.4% | 74.9% | Mixed | Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test |
| 42 | Rainey Endowed School, Magherafelt | (County Londonderry) | 84.5% | 68.6% | Mixed | Schools’ Entrance Assessment Group |
| 43 | Sutton Grammar School | (Sutton, London) | 80.4% | 76.4% | Boys | Sutton Selective Eligibility Test |
| 44 | Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School | (Buckinghamshire) | 80.3% | 76.4% | Mixed | Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test |
| 45 | The Judd School | (Kent) | 80.4% | 74.3% | Boys | The Kent Test |
| 46 | Rugby High School | (Warwickshire) | 77.8% | 78.9% | Girls | West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+ |
| 47 | King Edward VI Five Ways School | (Birmingham) | 80% | 74% | Mixed | West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+ |
| 48 | Wallington High School for Girls | (Sutton, London) | 75.7% | 81.7% | Girls | Sutton Selective Eligibility Test |
| 49 | Sale Grammar School | (Greater Manchester) | 81.8% | 68.3% | Mixed | Trafford 11+ |
| 50 | Bexley Grammar School | (Bexley, London) | 80.2% | 70.1% | Mixed | Bexley Selection Test |
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Key Information About Top UK Grammar Schools 2024
1. Kendrick School
Kendrick Grammar School is one selective girls’ Grammar School. It is a specialist school in Science, Maths and Language. The school has shown outstanding student performance. GCSE results in 2018 and 2019 placed the school among the top five Grammar Schools in the UK.
2. The Tiffin Girls School
The Tiffin school was founded in 1880, located in Kingston upon Thames in Greater England. It has a privileged position in performing arts and languages.
Tiffin Grammar School is known for its student’s outstanding results. The school organises extracurricular activities—students consistently achieve good results. Throughout the school, students are instiled with a love of learning and character-building.
3. Woodford County High School
The School is located in Redbridge Borough of London. Due to its high academic standards throughout COVID-19, the school has unexpectedly risen to 3rd position. Despite not publishing GCSE 8/9, the school’s score is high.
4. Wilson’s School
Wilson’s School is a boys’ Grammar School in Sutton, England. The school has climbed from 12th to 4th position. It is the best Grammar School in the UK if your boy likes sports. As part of its 11 Plus entrance examination, Wilson’s School administers a two-part Selective Eligibility Test (SET).
5. Dr Challoner’s High School
The school is situated in Buckinghamshire and has performed quite well among other Grammar Schools in the country. In August 2011, it became an academy. DCHS also got the award for exceptional schools in 2014.
6. Dartford Grammar School for Girls
The Dartford Grammar School for Girls is one of the most highly performing Grammar Schools in Kent and one of the best Grammar Schools in the UK 2024. The school places equal weight on academic achievement and non-academic activities. It received an “Outstanding” rating from OFSTED following its most recent review, emphasising that it is an excellent choice for 11 Plus students.
7. Queen Elizabeth School, Barnet
One of England’s renowned Grammar Schools, has dropped a few spots from the previous year but is still one of the best. London-based 450-year-old school for boys strives to help all its students develop their intellectual and extracurricular abilities. It is undoubtedly an excellent secondary school with a high national average.
8. Wallington High School for Girls
Proud of its traditions and values, with a diverse curriculum and exemplary results at GCSE, Wallington is an exclusively girls’ school, entering Year 7 via the Selective Eligibility Test (SET). Sutton’s Grammar Schools consortium has more information about the school’s 2024 entry process. If you live nearby, consider this Grammar School in the UK for your daughter.
9. Nonsuch High School for Girls
It is a Sutton-based school. The school has two-stage entry and uses the Selective Eligibility Test (SET) for admissions. There is a choice between attending Nonsuch or Wallington for accepted applicants. Nonsuch High School is among the top two percent of schools in the country for academic achievements, with an impressive National average of 1.04.
10. Highworth Grammar School
Founded in 1904, Highworth Grammar School is based in Ashford, Kent and is one of the oldest Grammar Schools in the country. Since 2005, it has acquired Music Specialist Status. In June 2013, OFSTED rated the school 1 (outstanding) in all areas. The school’s results are much higher than the national average; in 2019, all the pupils passed English and Maths GCSE, and more than 60% of all GCSE results were 7 or above ( grades A or A*).
11. Reading School
The school is among the top ten Grammar Schools in the country. The school has an outstanding OFSTED report. Moreover, Reading School has also won many accolades, including the teen teach award. It aims to provide excellence in academics by inspiring pupils to become successful.
12. Colchester County High School for Girls
This is a selective girls’ Grammar School called Colchester County High School for Girls in Colchester, Essex, which has academy status. In UK league tables, the school consistently ranks high. A pioneer of specialist science schools, the school is one of the first to offer specialist subjects in the UK. The school also specialises in foreign languages.
13. Colyton Grammar School
It is commonly known as ‘CGS’, a mixed-gender Grammar School and an academy in East Devon. According to the Sunday Times, it is one of the best Grammar Schools in the UK 2024 and South West and currently at 14th in the nation. In addition, Colyton claims that students enjoy learning at this school. They are inquiring minds and are enthusiastic about learning new things. The quality of education is exceptional at this school.
14. Herschel Grammar School
It is a Slough-based Grammar School with academy status. Around 900 students attend the school, with 250 enrolled in the sixth form. In the most recent OFSTED report, Herschel scored outstanding on all counts. It helps children excel academically in a caring and safe learning environment. Furthermore, the school offers a broad range of after-school activities, including the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme and overseas trips.
15. Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School
This girls-only school is one of Kent’s most sought-after Grammar Schools in Tunbridge Wells. The school helps girls achieve their maximum potential and promotes traditional values. In addition to arts, sports, and other cultural activities, extracurricular activities are also offered. The school requires students to pass the Kent GL exam.
16. Sutton Grammar School
All boys can attend Sutton Grammar School, but girls from the sixth form are welcome. SET and the school’s entrance examinations are necessary for admission. The school prepares boys for college and later careers by developing their aptitude for university.
17. King Edward VI Camp Hill for Boys
The school was established in 1883 and catered to Birmingham and its neighbouring region as a prestigious Grammar School. Aside from its outstanding academic performance, Camp Hill Boys also offers a range of recreational options to students, including music, art, and sports. Camp Hill for Boys also emphasises maintaining a healthy and happy environment for its students. If your son wants to gain admission, he has to pass the CEM exams.
18. Weald of Kent Grammar School
An exclusive girls’ school in Tonbridge, Weald of Kent offers a co-educational Sixth Form. This school occupies two sites: one in Tonbridge and one in Sevenoaks.
The OFSTED report rates this school as ‘Outstanding’ and is one of Kent’s most popular girls’ Grammar Schools. Read more about Weald of Kent Grammar School here, and the entrance test takes place with the Kent GL exam board.
19. St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School
In Finchley, Barnet is a voluntary-aided Roman Catholic school that offers classes to sixth and seventh-form pupils. Its current principal is Mr Michael Stimpson. It supports children in achieving top grades across all subjects. Moreover, its educational program focuses on Catholic values.
20. Ripon Grammar School
The school is in North Yorkshire. It is more than 450 years old. For nine consecutive years, it has been ranked as the most successful state school by The Sunday Times. Besides offering boarding facilities, it is also considered the trusted Grammar School in the UK. In its 2012 OFSTED report, the school earned an “Outstanding” rating and is ranked among the top 50 schools in the country.
21. Altrincham Girls Grammar School
One of the most prestigious secondary schools in the country is this selective, fee-free school. England’s largest single-sex Grammar School has about 1,250 students aged 11 to 18. AGGS is one of the most successful schools in England and has become a language school.
22. Parkstone Grammar School
The school is located in Dorset and is also an all-girls Grammar School. Parkstone Grammar School promotes extracurricular activities. The students also achieve good academic results.
The school has over 1,300 pupils enrolled in grades 7 through 13. Note that the school employs GL evaluation for 11-plus entries.
23. Kesteven and Grantham Girls’ School
This school was established in 1910. It lies in the Lincolnshire region. For people living in that area, it is a good option for academics. It is a girls’ Grammar School that focuses on extracurricular activities. The school has an outstanding OFSTED Report. Kesteven and Grantham Girls’ School specialises in developing girls’ academic skills while brushing up their social and communication skills.
24. The Henrietta Barnett School
This all-girls Grammar School emphasises how competitive it is by mentioning a large number of requests for admissions it receives each year. In 2019, it received 3000 applications. The application for the admission exam will probably need to be filed around July of this year, even though there is no confirmation for this year’s admissions. The schools’ progress has declined. It moved from 9th position to 24th. But still, it is one of the top 50 Grammar Schools in the United Kingdom.
25. Stroud High School
Stroud High School is located in Stroud, Gloucestershire. The School’s website states that its entrance exam does not have a pass mark. All applicants’ combined scores determine that only a small number get accepted. The school employs the Durham University (CEM) exam.
26. Denmark Road High School
Previously called High School for Girls, Denmark Road High School is located on Denmark Road in Gloucester. It is a girls’ Grammar School with an academy status. It has a mixed sixth form, and girls must score exceptionally well in 11 Plus exams to secure admission to this school. According to Real School Guide, Denmark Road High School is one of the best Grammar Schools in the UK 2024, Gloucestershire.
27. Ilford County High School
There is a boys-only selective school in Ilford, just outside East London, known as Ilford County High School. Approximately 180 boys are admitted to Ilford’s Year 7 every year following their 11 Plus results. Boys of all faiths are welcome at Ilford, contributing to its diversity and focusing on pupils’ character development. Boys who want to get into this school must take Redbridge 11 Plus exams.
28. St Olave’s and St Saviour’s Grammar School
It is a boys’ Grammar School in Orpington with a history dating back to 1562. It is located in Orpington. In Year 7, the school solely accepts boys; however, the Sixth Form is mixed sex. Schools offer comprehensive religious programmes to teach about different faiths, beliefs and ideologies. The institution has an impressive academic reputation.
29. Boys’ Altrincham Grammar School
AGSB routinely ranks among the best Grammar Schools in the UK 2024 for both teaching standards and GCSE and A-level performance. Boys’ Altrincham Grammar School has begun taking applications for the entrance exam in 2025. However, CEM, which administers the 11 Plus test for this institution, offers a variety of practice resources on their website.
30. King Edward VI Grammar School Chelmsford
This boys-only Grammar School in Essex, UK, also known as “kegs”, has academy status, which grants it more flexibility regarding the course syllabus, break times, and after-school programs. The Council for Selective Schools (CSSE). in Essex’s 11 Plus test is the only way to get into this institution.
31. Wallington County Grammar School
It is boys only school located in Wallington, Outer London, and is a co-ed sixth-form Grammar School. The most recent OFSTED assessment on Wallington Grammar gave it an Outstanding rating with strong academic performance. Wallington teaches courageous and caring young individuals, which is evident in the school’s values.
32. Westcliff High School for Boys
The first Westcliff High School for Boys Academy was initiated in the 1920s. It was ranked fifth in Essex by The Sunday Times School Guide in 2018. Because of its high education standards and accomplishments, it was awarded “Beacon Status” in 2002.
33. Maidstone Grammar School for Girls
It began its operation in1887, but in 1938 it moved to its current location. For admission to this school, the applicant must pass an 11 Plus examination upon completion of primary school. It is primarily a school for girls. However, it also offers a mixed-gender sixth form college. The school is doing well in the academic field.
34. Invicta Grammar School
All-girls Invicta Grammar School is located in Maidstone, Kent, and has a co-ed Sixth Form. Maidstone School for Girls and Maidstone Technical High School for Girls were the previous names of the school. Another noteworthy thing about the Invicta Grammar School is that it helps students of Year 5 prepare for 11 Plus exams. The test is known as Kent Test (KCC).
35. Pate’s Grammar School
It is a mixed-gender school that has an academy status located in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. The school has been recognised as the best state school for 2012 and 2020 by The Sunday Times. Several national league tables rank them among the top 10 for grades nine at GCSE in the South West.
36. Tiffin School
Tiffin School is a highly regarded institution with a demanding admissions process. With over 1800 candidates, the school will only accept one out of ten applications. Early preparations are, therefore, crucial. The school 11 Plus tests consist of English and Maths sections. However, to pass the exams, students must thoroughly know English and Maths.
37. Bourne Grammar School
Bourne Grammar School, a mixed-sex institution in Lincolnshire, is a brand-new inclusion on the list for this year. East Midlands Bourne Grammar School is among the best Grammar Schools in the UK 2024. This school has an excellent reputation. From Year 7 to Year 11, pupils show impressive results, as seen by the institution’s outstanding Progress 8 ranking.
38. Queen Mary’s Grammar School
Present in Walsall in the West Midlands, Queen Mary’s Grammar School is a Grammar School for boys. There are 1100 students in the school’s mixed-sex sixth form, ages 11 to 18. Unlike most schools, Queen Mary’s Grammar School has more autonomy over its curriculum. The institution focused on languages and was among the first in the United Kingdom to offer Mandarin. A variety of overseas tours are also organised by it annually.
39. Dartford Grammar School
Just outside London is the Dartford Grammar School for boys. Since 2007, the school has been authorised to teach the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program. As a result, it became the first school in the United Kingdom and the first public school in the world to offer the programme.
40. Upton Grammar School
Upton Court Grammar School is a fully selective academy school located on Lascelles Road in Slough, Berkshire. According to OFSTED, Upton Court is a culturally diverse school since more than half the pupils are not native English speakers. The school has international school status, which students from different cultural backgrounds study.
41. Dr Challoner’s Grammar School
This Grammar School for boys is located in Amersham, Buckinghamshire, England. The school is among the top 20 public schools. The school’s ranking has slightly declined due to COVID-19, although it is still among the top 50 Grammar Schools in 2024.
42. Bishop Wordsworth’s Church of England Grammar School
This school, formerly referred to as ‘’The Bishop’s School’’, was established in 1890; its mission is to combine its rich history and legacy with new and innovative education, making for a truly unique learning experience. The school has two sections: lower school and middle school.
43. Sir Thomas Rich’s School
Initially located in the centre of Gloucester, the Grammar School moved to another location in 1964. The school is locally known as ”Tommies”. The schools offer high-quality teaching and learning environments to students. The school was awarded the Career Guidance National Quality Mark in February 2020.
44. The Latymer School
Established in 1624 by Edward Latymer, it is a selective, mixed-gender Grammar School in Edmonton, London, England. According to league tables, Latymer is ranked as one of the top public schools in the country. The school is ranked fifth among mixed state secondary schools in the UK. GCSE results for 2019 show that all students scored good grades in English and Maths.
45. Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School
It was built in 1527 and is the third oldest school in the West Midlands. It is a co-ed Grammar School. The school offers a mixed sixth form college. In addition to helping pupils excel academically, the school offers the “Vassey Experience” to children.
46. The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe
The school has been in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, since 1915. It has produced many famous alumni and became part of the Royal Charter in 1562 (originally, it was a school founded in 1551). It became an academy in February 2011. OFSTED gave this school a ‘Good’ ranking in their latest report.
47. King Edward VI School
King Edward VI School is a Grammar School for girls between 11-18 years. It is based in Birmingham and part of the King Edward VI Multi-Academy Trust. Pupils are encouraged to take part in after-school activities, and participation by students is encouraged. It’s a school that values diversity, uniqueness, and tolerance for all cultures.
48. The Bluecoat School
It is a Grammar School for boys and girls with academy designation in Wavertree, Liverpool, England. It is a medium-sized state school known for its high academic achievements; in 2016, The Times named it the top state school for GCSE performance. Around 15% of applicants are accepted here.
49. The Crypt School
Gloucester’s Podsmead area is home to The Crypt School, a Grammar School for both sexes. It moved to its current location in the 1940s. Since 2018, the school has been a coed school after being a boys’ school for centuries. The school’s current enrollment is 1050 pupils, ages between 11 to 18 years. The Crypt School is an academy that gives it more freedom over its curriculum.
50. Ermysted’s Grammar School
Ermysted’s Grammar School is a voluntary aided Grammar School in Skipton, North Yorkshire. Currently, 791 students are enrolled. Sport is a major focus at the school, with a stellar reputation and inter-school competition record. The school is also Britain’s 7th oldest school.
These are the top 50 Grammar Schools in the UK 2024, ranked by the league table. For professional 11 Plus exam preparation support, you can book a free assessment followed by a week free trial.
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