There are 163 Grammar Schools in England, out of which 19 are in London. The main difference between Grammar School and secondary school is the students’ selection process. Usually, Grammar Schools pick students based on their academic ability and have tough selection criteria along with an entrance test called 11 Plus. These schools are fully funded and have qualified teachers, providing quality education.
Let’s take a brief look at the top 10 Grammar Schools in London 2024 which you can consider for your child.
How to Get Into a Grammar School in London?
To get into a Grammar School in London, your child must take the 11 Plus exam. This usually happens in September when they’re in Year 6. Children with the highest marks in the 11+ exam can go to a Grammar School in Year 7.
What’s on the 11+ exam depends on the school you’re applying to. You can learn more about the 11 Plus exam in your area.
What Are The Top Grammar Schools In London?
We have listed down the top 10 Grammar Schools that were ranked the best in London in 2024 based on 2023 exam results.
1- Wilson’s School, Wallington (Sutton)
Wilson’s School, established in 1615, stands as one of the nation’s oldest state schools and boasts an outstanding reputation as an all-boys Grammar School. Recognised as the ‘London State Secondary School of the Decade’ by The Sunday Times in 2020, its students’ exam performances have propelled it to the top spot among all UK state schools in 2024.
Boys seeking admission to Wilson’s School undergo the Sutton Selective Eligibility Test (11+) in September. There is a second-stage entrance examination for shortlisted candidates.
Wilson’s School exam results 2023
- A level: 98% A*–B (ranked 1st nationally)
- GCSE: 95% A*/A/9/8/7 (ranked 2nd nationally)
2- Queen Elizabeth Grammar School (Barnet)
Queen Elizabeth’s School (QE Barnet) is a boys’ grammar school that started way back in 1573. Over the years, it has been one of the best Grammar Schools in London.
You can find the school in Barnet, North London. High Barnet station (Northern line) is about a 20-minute walk from there.
Getting into QE Barnet is tough. Every year, thousands of children take the 11+ exam to compete for just 180 spots.
QE Barnet exam results 2023
- A level: 96.9% A*–B (ranked 2nd nationally)
- GCSE: 93.3% A*/A/9/8/7 (ranked 4th nationally)
3- The Henrietta Barnett School (Barnet)
The Henrietta Barnett School was started by Dame Henrietta Barnett in 1911. It’s known as the best girls’ state school in the country because of how well its students do in exams.
The school is located in Hampstead Garden Suburb, a part of North London known for its arts, music, and literature.
Girls who want to join the Henrietta Barnett School go through two stages. First, they take an 11 Plus entrance test in September. If they pass, they take the second exam in October.
The Henrietta Barnett School exam results 2023
- A level: 91.1% A*–B (ranked 5th nationally)
- GCSE: 97.6% A*/A/9/8/7 (ranked 1st nationally)
4- St Olave’s Grammar School (Bromley)
It is a boys’ selective school that also has a mixed sixth form. It was established in 1571 and currently considered as one of the best Grammar Schools in London 2024. You’ll find the school in Orpington, Bromley, which is in southeast London.
Getting into St. Olave’s is tough, with over ten applicants for each place. In September of Year 6, children take Stage 1 of the St. Olave’s Selective Eligibility Test (SET). The top 450 boys move on to Stage 2 in November.
St Olave’s Grammar School exam results 2023
- A level: 90.7% A*–B (ranked 6th nationally)
- GCSE: 91.4% A*/A/9/8/7 (ranked 5th nationally)
5- The Tiffin Girls’ School (Kingston-upon-Thames)
Tiffin Girls School was founded in 1880 and is a popular school in London. The school has grown quite a bit both educationally and in terms of faculty. There are roughly 1,200 students between the ages of 11 to 18, among them 300 in the sixth form. The school has an advanced laboratory and has undergone a lot of improvements during the last five years.
Tiffin Girls’ School, along with Tiffin School for Boys, has a two-stage testing process for admission. Each year, there are 180 available places for successful candidates.
The Tiffin Girls’ School exam results 2023
- A level: 88.5% A*–B (ranked 14th nationally)
- GCSE: 94.4% A*/A/9/8/7 (ranked 3rd nationally)
6- Tiffin School (Kingston-upon-Thames)
Tiffin School, the boys’ equivalent of Tiffin Girls’ School, was established in 1880 and holds specialist status in performing arts and languages.
Boys seeking admission to Tiffin School undergo a two-stage testing process during the autumn term of Year 6. Those who excel in the first exam in October are selected for a second examination in November. A total of 180 places are up for grabs.
Tiffin School exam results 2023
- A level: 86.7% A*–B (ranked 21st nationally)
- GCSE: 81.5% A*/A/9/8/7 (ranked 27th nationally)
7- The Latymer School (Enfield)
The Latymer School, founded in 1624, is a co-educational grammar school known for its strong music program. Situated in Edmonton, within the borough of Enfield in North London.
Getting into The Latymer School is highly competitive. Despite offering just under 200 places, thousands of children apply each year, making the entrance exam a rigorous process.
The Latymer School exam results 2023
- A level: 83% A*–B (ranked 36th nationally)
- GCSE: 86.5% A*/A/9/8/7 (ranked 15th nationally)
8- St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School (Barnet)
St. Michael’s Catholic Grammar School, a girls’ faith Grammar School in North London, has a rich history. Established in 1909 as a boarding school, it transitioned into a day school in 1934. Additionally, boys meeting certain criteria are admitted to the sixth form. It is situated in North Finchley within the borough of Barnet.
In contrast to other Grammar Schools in Barnet, the entry process for St. Michael’s involves a single exam in September of Year 6. This exam assesses children in English, maths, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning.
St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School exam results 2023
- A level: 79.8% A*–B (ranked 61st nationally)
- GCSE: 83.3% A*/A/9/8/7 (ranked 21st nationally)
9- Newstead Wood School (Bromley)
It is a prestigious and highly selective girls’ school Located in Orpington. Newstead Wood School is among the best Grammar Schools in London 2024; founded in 1957 by the Kent Education Committee, it became part of Bromley in 1965.
Newstead Wood School is a top choice for parents in the region, often receiving more applications than available spots. In September of Year 6, children sit for two 11 Plus papers. The school offers approximately 168 places.
Newstead Wood School exam results 2023
- A level: 78.7% A*–B (ranked 69th nationally)
- GCSE: 84.9% A*/A/9/8/7 (ranked 19th nationally)
10- Sutton Grammar School (Sutton)
The Sutton Grammar School began in 1899 as a boys’ school aged between 11 to 18 with a mixed Sixth Form. It is a competitive school with Victorian origins. It is a great school that prepares students for further education, and it is ranked outstanding by OFSTED.
Similar to other Grammar Schools in Sutton, students seeking admission to Year 7 undergo a two-stage entrance process.
Sutton Grammar School exam results 2023
- A level: 80.4% A*–B (ranked 54th nationally)
- GCSE: 76.4% A*/A/9/8/7 (ranked 40th nationally)
Join Adnan Khan Tutoring for 11 Plus Success
Grammar Schools in London, offer diversity and a great learning atmosphere for students, without any fees. Some schools charge boarding charges, however, tuition is free. This blog tried to cover some of the top Grammar Schools in a different neighbourhood of London. Get started for free today.