If you’re preparing your child for the 11 Plus test, you’re likely looking to secure a spot at one of the best Grammar Schools in the UK. But should you simply choose the nearest Grammar School, trusting they’ll receive a quality education? It’s important to consider all options to ensure your child’s transition to Secondary School is smooth and successful. Parents want the best for their children, and that means enrolling them in a top Grammar School.
If you’re thinking about private or independent schools as an option, getting insights into the top 100 Grammar Schools in the UK can help you make an informed decision.
What are Grammar Schools and how can my child get into one?
Grammar Schools are selective state schools that admit students based on their performance in the 11 Plus test. According to the National Grammar Schools Association (NGSA), there are only 164 Grammar Schools in England, making up less than 1% of all secondary schools. This means that competition is fierce, and securing a place in one of the top 30 Grammar Schools can be particularly challenging.
Many parents turn to tutoring services to improve their child’s chances of success. 11 Plus Tutoring offers a free assessment along with two free one-to-one lessons in English, Maths, Vocabulary, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
These lessons are designed to help students master key strategies and improve their performance in the entrance test, setting them on the path to securing a spot in one of the best Grammar Schools in the UK.
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How do I find the best Grammar Schools in the UK 2025?
Searching for the best Grammar Schools in the UK can be overwhelming, but we’ve compiled everything you need to know in one comprehensive guide. Keep in mind, however, that this will serve as a helpful complement to your own research.
If you don’t live near one of the top Grammar Schools, this guide can help you make an informed decision. Some parents even choose to move closer to a Grammar School’s catchment area, making it a significant investment.
However, it’s important to remember that your child will still need to work hard to achieve the high grades required for admission. You can contact us for information about your target schools.
Why should I choose a Grammar School for my child?
Grammar Schools are home to many academically gifted students with similar interests, leading to impressive GCSE and A-level results.
- These schools provide high-quality teaching across all subjects, setting them apart from comprehensive schools, which focus on ensuring that all students achieve excellent results.
- Another reason parents choose Grammar Schools is the facilities. Many Grammar Schools offer more opportunities for students excelling in subjects like music and sports.
- Furthermore, these schools often have strong ties with the UK’s best institutions and provide support in preparing students for university applications.
This makes Grammar Schools an attractive option for parents seeking a top-tier education for their children. Ready to start your child’s journey to a top Grammar School? Sign up here.
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League Table Of The Best 100 Grammar Schools in the UK
What is the purpose of the league table? It’s an ideal place to initiate your search and gather information, especially if you don’t live in the UK.
The list of the 100 best Grammar Schools in the UK for 2025 is ranked based on their A-level and GCSE results from 2024. This information was published by the Sunday Times in December 2024, providing valuable insight for parents looking to secure a place at one of the top Grammar Schools for their child.
Top Finest 100 Grammar Schools in the UK
Tap into our expertise and gain an edge in securing your child’s place in one of the UK’s best Grammar Schools. Don’t miss out!
Top 100 Grammar Schools in the UK List
| Rank | School | County | Entry Gender | A levels (% A*–B) | GCSEs (% 9–7) | 11+ exam type |
| 1 | The Henrietta Barnett School | London | Girls | 95.2% | 96.9% | GL Assessment (first stage), school’s own (second stage) |
| 2 | Queen Elizabeth’s School | London | Boys | 95.2% | 96.9% | GL Assessment |
| 3 | Wilson’s School | London | Boys | 93.6% | 94.6% | Sutton Selective Eligibility Test |
| 4 | St Olave’s Grammar School | London | Boys | 93.4% | 95.1% | School’s own two-stage exam |
| 5 | Pate’s Grammar School | Gloucestershire | Co-ed | 92.3% | 91.9% | Gloucestershire Grammar Schools Entrance Test |
| 6 | The Tiffin Girls’ School | London | Girls | 90.7% | 94.1% | GL Assessment (stage 1), school’s own (stage 2) |
| 7 | Colchester Royal Grammar School | Essex | Boys | 92.2% | 90.2% | CSSE |
| 8 | Altrincham Grammar School for Girls | Greater Manchester | Girls | 89% | 90.4% | Trafford Consortium 11 Plus |
| 9 | King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford | Essex | Boys | 89.1% | 89.7% | CSSE |
| 10 | King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls | Birmingham | Girls | 89.8% | 88% | West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test |
| 11 | King Edward VI School, Stratford | Warwickshire | Boys | 90.1% | 86.3% | West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test |
| 12 | Reading School | Berkshire | Boys | 90% | 85.7% | FSCE |
| 13 | Tiffin School | London | Boys | 92.6% | 78.1% | GL Assessment (stage 1), school’s own (stage 2) |
| 14 | Dartford Grammar School | Kent | Boys | 91.9% | 77.9% | Kent Test |
| 15 | Tonbridge Grammar School | Kent | Girls | 90% | 81.7% | Kent Test |
| 16 | St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School | London | Girls | 88.2% | 84.1% | GL Assessment |
| 17 | The Latymer School | London | Co-ed | 86.6% | 86% | GL Assessment and school’s own |
| 18 | Stratford Girls’ Grammar School | Warwickshire | Girls | 86.7% | 85.7% | West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test |
| 19 | Colyton Grammar School | Devon | Co-ed | 86.2% | 85.3% | FSCE |
| 20 | Chelmsford County High School for Girls | Essex | Girls | 84.5% | 85.3% | FSCE |
| 21 | King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys | Birmingham | Boys | 82.9% | 87.4% | West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test |
| 22 | Newstead Wood School | London | Girls | 84.6% | 83.7% | GL Assessment |
| 23 | Loreto Grammar School | Greater Manchester | Girls | 87.4% | 76.5% | GL Assessment and school’s own |
| 24 | Altrincham Grammar School for Boys | Greater Manchester | Boys | 84.8% | 81.5% | Trafford Consortium 11 Plus |
| 25 | The Judd School | Kent | Boys | 83.2% | 82.2% | Kent Test |
| 26 | Wallington County Grammar School | London | Boys | 86.9% | 73.7% | Sutton Selective Eligibility Test |
| 27 | Kendrick School | Berkshire | Girls | 79% | 89.3% | GL Assessment |
| 28 | Chesham Grammar School | Buckinghamshire | Co-ed | 86.1% | 75.1% | Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test |
| 29 | Sutton Grammar School | London | Boys | 80.8% | 85.2% | Sutton Selective Eligibility Test |
| 30 | Langley Grammar School | Berkshire | Co-ed | 85.5% | 75.1% | Slough Consortium 11 Plus |
| 31 | Friends’ School Lisburn | Belfast | Co-ed | 85.1% | 75.5% | Schools’ Entrance Assessment Group |
| 32 | Dr Challoner’s Grammar School | Buckinghamshire | Boys | 85.4% | 74.6% | Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test |
| 33 | Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School | Belfast | Co-ed | 86.1% | 72.4% | Schools’ Entrance Assessment Group |
| 34 | Strathearn School | Belfast | Girls | 85.8% | 73% | Schools’ Entrance Assessment Group |
| 35 | King Edward VI Five Ways School | Birmingham | Co-ed | 84% | 76% | West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test |
| 36 | The Liverpool Blue Coat School | Merseyside | Co-ed | 81.5% | 80.5% | School’s own |
| 37 | Dr Challoner’s High School | Buckinghamshire | Girls | 82% | 76.9% | Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test |
| 38 | Wallington High School for Girls | London | Girls | 79.9% | 81.1% | Sutton Selective Eligibility Test |
| 39 | Westcliff High School for Boys | Essex | Boys | 83% | 74.9% | CSSE |
| 40 | Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knock | Belfast | Co-ed | 84.7% | 69.8% | Schools’ Entrance Assessment Group |
| 41 | Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School | West Midlands | Boys | 81.6% | 73.2% | West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test |
| 42 | Nonsuch High School for Girls | London | Girls | 76.2% | 83.8% | Sutton Selective Eligibility Test |
| 43 | Sir Thomas Rich’s School | Gloucestershire | Boys | 79.9% | 76% | Gloucestershire Grammar Schools Entrance Test |
| 44 | Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls | West Midlands | Girls | 73.5% | 86.6% | West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test |
| 45 | Bexley Grammar School | London | Co-ed | 82.2% | 68.6% | Bexley Selection Test |
| 46 | The Skinners’ School | Kent | Boys | 83.1% | 66% | Kent Test |
| 47 | Sale Grammar School | Greater Manchester | Co-ed | 79.5% | 73% | Trafford 11 Plus Consortium |
| 48 | The Rochester Grammar School | Kent | Girls | 84.1% | 62.5% | Medway Test |
| 49 | St Dominic’s Grammar School for Girls | Belfast | Girls | 83% | 64.5% | Schools’ Entrance Assessment Group |
| 50 | St Louis Grammar School | County Antrim | Co-ed | 85% | 60% | Schools’ Entrance Assessment Group |
| 51 | Rathmore Grammar School | Belfast | Co-ed | 82.5% | 64.8% | Schools’ Entrance Assessment Group |
| 52 | St Mary’s Grammar School, Magherafelt | County Londonderry | Co-ed | 83.2% | 63.3% | Schools’ Entrance Assessment Group |
| 53 | Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School | Buckinghamshire | Co-ed | 79.3% | 70.8% | Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test |
| 54 | Southend High School for Boys | Essex | Boys | 78.2% | 72.3% | CSSE |
| 55 | Lumen Christi College | County Londonderry | Co-ed | 80.7% | 66.8% | Schools’ Entrance Assessment Group |
| 56 | Beaconsfield High School | Buckinghamshire | Girls | 77.4% | 72.9% | Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test |
| 57 | Southend High School for Girls | Essex | Girls | 76.5% | 74.1% | CSSE |
| 58 | The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe | Buckinghamshire | Boys | 77.4% | 71.9% | Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test |
| 59 | Newport Girls’ High School | Shropshire | Girls | 77.7% | 71.3% | West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test |
| 60 | Lawrence Sheriff School | Warwickshire | Boys | 76.1% | 73.7% | West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test |
| 61 | Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School | Kent | Girls | 81.5% | 62.7% | Kent Test |
| 62 | Woodford County High School | London | Girls | 74% | 77% | Redbridge 11 Plus |
| 63 | Sullivan Upper School | County Down | Co-ed | 74.5% | 75.1% | Schools’ Entrance Assessment Group |
| 64 | Wolverhampton Girls’ High School | West Midlands | Girls | 75.5% | 70.9% | West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test |
| 65 | Stroud High School | Gloucestershire | Girls | 73.8% | 73.5% | Gloucestershire Grammar Schools Entrance Test |
| 66 | Westcliff High School for Girls | Essex | Girls | 74.3% | 71.8% | CSSE |
| 67 | Aylesbury Grammar School | Buckinghamshire | Boys | 75.8% | 67.8% | Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test |
| 68 | Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar School | London | Co-ed | 72.8% | 73.4% | Bexley Selection Test |
| 69 | Dartford Grammar School for Girls | Kent | Girls | 73% | 72.3% | Kent Test |
| 70 | King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls | Birmingham | Girls | 71% | 75.9% | West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test |
| 71 | Denmark Road High School | Gloucestershire | Girls | 69.5% | 77.5% | Gloucestershire Grammar Schools Entrance Test |
| 72 | Townley Grammar School | London | Girls | 71.9% | 72% | Bexley Selection Test |
| 73 | Ballymena Academy | County Antrim | Co-ed | 76.8% | 62% | Schools’ Entrance Assessment Group |
| 74 | Heckmondwike Grammar School | West Yorkshire | Co-ed | 68.5% | 78.4% | FSCE |
| 75 | Lancaster Girls’ Grammar School | Lancashire | Girls | 73.9% | 66.8% | GL Assessment |
| 76 | Wycombe High School | Buckinghamshire | Girls | 71% | 72% | Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test |
| 77 | Devonport High School for Girls | Devon | Girls | 71.3% | 71.1% | GL Assessment |
| 78 | Bishop Wordsworth’s School | Wiltshire | Boys | 74.9% | 63.4% | GL Assessment |
| 79 | Alcester Grammar School | Warwickshire | Co-ed | 73% | 67% | West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test |
| 80 | Bournemouth School for Girls | Dorset | Girls | 74.5% | 64% | Dorset Consortium 11 Plus |
| 81 | Aylesbury High School | Buckinghamshire | Girls | 70% | 72.6% | Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test |
| 82 | John Hampden Grammar School | Buckinghamshire | Boys | 72.9% | 66.5% | Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test |
| 83 | St Ambrose College | Greater Manchester | Boys | 72% | 68.1% | GL Assessment and school’s own |
| 84 | The King’s School, Grantham | Lincolnshire | Boys | 78.1% | 55.8% | Lincolnshire Consortium of Grammar Schools 11 Plus |
| 85 | Haberdashers’ Adams | Shropshire | Boys | 75% | 61% | West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test |
| 86 | South Wilts Grammar School | Wiltshire | Girls | 69.2% | 72% | GL Assessment |
| 87 | Belfast Royal Academy | Belfast | Co-ed | 75.8% | 57.8% | Schools’ Entrance Assessment Group |
| 88 | Colchester County High School for Girls | Essex | Girls | 61.6% | 86.2% | CSSE |
| 89 | Torquay Girls’ Grammar School | Devon | Girls | 75% | 58.7% | GL Assessment |
| 90 | Sir Joseph Williamson’s Mathematical School | Kent | Boys | 76.6% | 55.3% | Medway Test |
| 91 | Urmston Grammar School | Greater Manchester | Co-ed | 67% | 73% | Trafford Consortium 11 Plus |
| 92 | St Bernard’s Catholic Grammar School | Berkshire | Co-ed | 67.4% | 71.9% | Slough Consortium 11 Plus |
| 93 | Caistor Grammar School | Lincolnshire | Co-ed | 73.3% | 58.7% | School’s own |
| 94 | Carrickfergus Grammar School | County Antrim | Co-ed | 76.2% | 51.6% | Schools’ Entrance Assessment Group |
| 95 | Rainey Endowed School, Magherafelt | County Londonderry | Co-ed | 69.9% | 63.8% | Schools’ Entrance Assessment Group |
| 96 | Rugby High School | Warwickshire | Girls | 64.9% | 72.5% | West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test |
| 97 | Invicta Grammar School | Kent | Girls | 69.7% | 62.3% | Kent Test |
| 98 | Omagh Academy | County Tyrone | Co-ed | 73.4% | 54.8% | Schools’ Entrance Assessment Group |
| 99 | Herschel Grammar School | Berkshire | Co-ed | 66.1% | 69% | Slough Consortium 11 Plus |
| 100 | Lancaster Royal Grammar School | Lancashire | Boys | 69.6% | 61.8% | GL Assessment |
The Top 50 Grammar Schools in the UK 2025
1. The Henrietta Barnett School
Every year, this all-girls Grammar School receives many applications, demonstrating the school’s competitiveness. The schools’ progress has decelerated, moving from the ninth to the twenty-fourth position. Nevertheless, it is among the top 50 Grammar Schools in the UK.
2. Queen Elizabeth’s School
It is still one of the best Grammar Schools in the UK, despite falling a few spots from the year before. It is a 450-year-old boys’ school in London that works to support each student’s growth in both their academic and extracurricular interests. Unquestionably, it is a top-notch secondary school with a high national average.
3. Wilson’s School
Wilson’s School moved up from 12th to 4th place this year, maintaining its standing as one of the top Grammar Schools in the UK. The school’s inclusion among the top 100 sports schools in the UK is its most notable feature. It is located in Sutton. However, remember that if you apply to this institution, your child must take the SET, a two-part admission test for 11 Plus students.
4. St Olave’s Grammar School
With roots dating back to 1562, St. Olave’s and St. Saviour’s are prominent Boys’ Grammar Schools in Orpington. The school admits only males to Year 7; however, the Sixth Form is co-educational. The programme of study at the school includes a sizable section on religious studies that covers a range of world religions and philosophical schools of thought.
5. Pate’s Grammar School
The academy-designated mixed-gender school is situated in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. The Sunday Times has named the school the top public school for 2012 and 2020. They are among the top 10 in the South West for grades nine at GCSE in several national league tables.
6. The Tiffin Girls’ School
Greater London-based Tiffin Girls’ School opened in 1880, and it is known for consistently achieving exceptional test results. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, especially in the fields of athletics and the arts. On top of that, according to the school’s website, character development includes fostering a love of learning and a sense of belonging.
7. Colchester Royal Grammar School
The state-funded Colchester Royal Grammar School (CRGS), a Grammar School in Colchester, Essex. It was founded in 1128, and Henry VIII and Elizabeth I later granted it two royal charters in 1539 and 1584, respectively. Initially a boys’ institution, it has welcomed girls into the sixth form since 1998.
8. Altrincham Grammar School for Girls
The AGGS is very proud of its reputation for excellence in academics, athletic achievement, cultural accomplishments, and community service. It is one of the most prestigious secondary schools in the nation and is a non-fee-paying institution. Parents considering enrolling their daughters in the school Year 6 programme can find valuable information here.
9. King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford
The boys-only Essex Grammar School, often known as ‘kegs’, has academy status, which gives it greater control over the course schedule, playtime and after-school activities. The only way to enrol in this programme is to pass the 11 Plus exam administered by Essex’s Council for Selective Schools (CSSE).
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10. King Edward VI School
A Grammar School and academy in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England, known as King Edward VI at Stratford-upon-Avon, has traditionally only accepted boys. Nevertheless, starting in September 2013, the school welcomed female students into the sixth form. William Shakespeare most likely attended this school, so it is commonly referred to as “Shakespeare’s School.”
11. Kendrick School
Kendrick Grammar School is a prestigious girls’ boarding school. The school boasts excellent achievement among its pupils. It is today, without a doubt, one of the best performing Grammar Schools in the UK 2024 and a solid choice for setting your child on a healthy secondary education track.
12. Reading School
Dedicated to becoming a world-class institution of high academic standards, this school aims to guide your son to unprecedented success. The institution is ranked as one of the top Grammar Schools in the UK. Additionally, Reading School has received other honours, such as the Teen Teach Award. It aspires to deliver academic excellence by motivating students to succeed.
13. Chelmsford County High School for Girls
Enrollment requires an academic selection test. CCHS is one of the most academically outstanding and consistently high-achieving secondary schools in the United Kingdom, with great GCSE and A-level results year after year. CCHS was also named the best Grammar School in Essex.
14. Colyton Grammar School
A mixed-gender Grammar School and academy in East Devon is frequently called “CGS.” It is now ranked 14th in the country and one of the best Grammar Schools in the UK, according to the Sunday Times. However, Colyton also asserts that children enjoy their time in class here. They have open minds and a passion for learning new things. This institution offers high educational excellence.
15. Altrincham Grammar School for Boys
AGSB is consistently ranked among the best Grammar Schools in the United Kingdom in terms of both teaching qualities and GCSE and A-level results. However, boys’ Altrincham Grammar School has yet to begin accepting applications for the 2025 entrance test. CEM, which administers the 11 Plus test for this school, does, however, provide several academic resources.
16. Colchester County High School for Girls
Colchester County High School for Girls is a selective girls’ Grammar School in Colchester, Essex, with academy status. However, the school routinely scores well in the UK league standings. The school was among the first in the UK to provide speciality studies, making it a pioneer of specialist scientific schools. The school also teaches foreign languages.
17. The Latymer School
It is a selective, mixed-gender Grammar School in Edmonton, London, England, founded in 1624 by Edward Latymer. Latymer is one of the top public schools in the country, according to league rankings. Therefore, the school is ranked fifth in the UK among mixed-state secondary schools.
18. Tonbridge Grammar School
Tonbridge Grammar School has been known as the finest IB state school in the UK on several occasions. All students must take at least one language, one Science subject, Maths and a social science course as part of the International Baccalaureate’s programme before they enter the sixth form.
19. King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys
Founded in 1883, Birmingham Grammar School became a famous institution serving the area. Along with exceptional academic success, Camp Hill Boys provides students with various extracurricular activities, such as music, art, and athletics. This school requires your son to pass the CEM exam to gain admission to this school.
20. Stratford Girls’ Grammar School
In 2002, the institution was designated as a Specialist Language College. A year later, it was designated as a Specialist Science College. It has consistently placed among the top 20 Grammar Schools in the UK. Since 2011, the school has had the status of an academy school. Entry is by examination at 11, while sixth-form access is the most common.
21. King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls
The King Edward VI Academy Trust in Birmingham operates a prestigious Grammar School called King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls. However, when deciding who gets into Camp Hill, the 11 Plus exam score and proximity to the institution are factors.
22. Tiffin School
A rigorous admissions process is required for the highly regarded Tiffin School. With over 1800 candidates, 1 in 10 boys will get an offer of admission. As the school only sets English and Mathematics questions, students do not need to review Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning skills; they need solid numerical and literacy skills. Students must also be acquainted with the structure of the Stage 1 exam, which is multiple-choice and computer-marked.
23. Newstead Wood School
A prestigious Grammar School for girls, Newstead Wood School, is situated in the southeast London neighbourhood of Orpington. The institution opened in 1957 and received accreditation for its engineering and psychology graduate programmes. As the 11th-ranked secondary school in Greater London, Newstead Wood has established a prominent reputation.
24. Dartford Grammar School
Dartford Grammar School for boys is not far from London. The International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme has been taught at the school since 2007 with permission. This implies that the pupils at Dartford do not take A-level exams; instead, they take GCSEs along with exams administered by the International Baccalaureate Organisation.
25. Wallington High School for Girls
Wallington is a selective girls’ school where students join Year 7 through the Selective Eligibility Test (SET), and it is proud of its traditions and principles, broad curriculum, and outstanding GCSE scores. More details regarding the school’s admissions procedure for 2025 may be found at Sutton’s Grammar Schools Consortium.
26. Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls
Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, is. a Grammar School for females ages 11 to 18 and a sixth form, with academy status. It is both a Beacon School and a specialised Science College, designations it acquired in September 2004 and 2009, respectively. However, many pupils attending Sutton Girls travel considerable distances from all around Birmingham.
27. Langley Grammar School
Langley Grammar School is a coeducational Grammar School with academy status in Langley, Berkshire, England. There are now 1,013 pupils enrolled, with 261 in sixth form. It is close to Kedermister Park and slightly north of the A4. Therefore, the north-south cycling path 61 passes next to the school’s west side.
28. Dr Challoner’s Grammar School
In Buckinghamshire, students are typically competitive compared to other Grammar Schools nationwide. Highly rated for GCSE and Progress 8, the girls at this Grammar School are one of the top in the UK. Get more information about admissions through Dr Challoner’s Grammar School’s official website if you consider sending your daughter there by 2025.
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29. Sutton Grammar School
Sutton Grammar School is an exclusive all-boys school that accepts Sixth Form students. The school is highly selective and allows 135 pupils to enter their Year 7 class each year after passing their Selective Eligibility Test (SET) and the school’s exam. Therefore, the boys at this school excel academically
30. Nonsuch High School for Girls
The school that is the sister of Wallington, Nonsuch High School, is situated in Sutton. It uses its Selective Eligibility Test (SET) to decide if a student is eligible for admission and its entrance examination as part of a two-part test. Candidates who pass the test enrol at one of two schools: Nonsuch and Wallington. In addition, Nonsuch High School is regarded as one of the top 2% of Grammar Schools in the UK regarding overall performance.
31. The Liverpool Blue Coat School
The Blue Coat School is a coeducational school with accreditation as an academy located in Wavertree, Liverpool, England. It’s a medium-sized secondary school renowned for its exceptional academic achievements. In 2015, it received the Times’ State School of the Year accolade, and in 2016, it emerged as the top national state school according to GCSE performance.
32. Dr Challoner’s High School
In Amersham, Buckinghamshire, there is an elite Grammar School for females only called Dr Challoner’s High School. However, the school won the 2014 Exceptional Grammar Schools Award and is one of England’s most exquisite secondary schools and consistently ranks in the best 50 Grammar Schools tables. Almost all A-level students continue their studies beyond high school, and many receive offers from Oxbridge and Russell Group universities.
33. Beaconsfield High School
Beaconsfield High School, often known as Becky High, is a female-only Grammar School in Beaconsfield and Buckinghamshire. Offering A-levels to young ladies aged 12-18, students from Buckinghamshire’s elementary schools must pass an 11 Plus exam for admission; currently, over 1,100 pupils are studying in this school, and each year group enrols 180 pupils.
34. Sale Grammar School
Sale Grammar School is located in Sale, England, south of Manchester. Academy Trust Grammar School became the new name for the institution in 2011. Candidates must pass the school’s admission exam. The secondary education system in Trafford is entirely selective and includes Grammar and High Schools. In addition, the school was given an “Outstanding” grade in the most recent Ofsted evaluation.
35. Westcliff High School for Boys
In the 1920s, Westcliff High School for Boys Academy was established. The Sunday Times School Guide ranked it among the top 5 Grammar Schools in Essex in 2018. Therefore, the school received ‘Beacon Status’ in 2002 for the range of its successes and the quality of its students’ work. Regarding student demographics, around 23% of students speak English as a second language. Free school meals are available to 7% of pupils, and special support for education is provided to 2%.
36. King Edward VI Five Ways School
Bartley Green, Birmingham, England, has a coed state Grammar School named King Edward VI Five Ways (KEFW) for students aged 11-18. KEFW is a voluntary aided school and one of seven institutions under the Foundation of the Schools of King Edward VI. However, entry relies on a highly competitive test. Despite moving from Five Ways in 1958, the school retained its original name.
37. Wycombe High School
Wycombe High School, founded in 1901, is a girls’ Grammar School in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. The Academy educates girls between 11 and 18 years, with around 1,348 students enrolled. The school was awarded Academy status in 2011 and rated as ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted.
38. St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School, Finchley
St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School is a Roman Catholic Grammar School that is voluntarily aided and caters to both girls and boys in the sixth form. It is situated in Finchley, Barnet, London and is currently led by Mr Michael Stimpson. The school was established in 1908 by the Sisters of the Poor Child Jesus and presently has approximately 750 students and 100 employees.
39. The Skinners’ School
Skinners’ School, commonly called Skinners’, is an academy school located in Royal Tunbridge Wells in Kent. The Worshipful Company of Skinners (one of 108 livery companies of the City of London) originated due to a need for education in the Royal Tunbridge Wells area in 1887.
40. Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School
Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School, established in 1527 by Bishop John Vesey, is a highly respected educational institution in Sutton Coldfield, a suburban town in the West Midlands region of England. However, it is one of the oldest schools in the country. It provides students with the “Vesey experience,” which includes access to exceptional extracurricular activities and excellent academic standards.
41. Newport Girls’ High School
Newport Girls’ High School is a Grammar School for girls in Newport, Shropshire, England. It was established in 1919 by a group of female governesses as a day school for girls in the area. The school has academy status and only admits 120 female students annually. It received the “West Midlands State Secondary School of the Year” award from The Sunday Times in 2020.
42. Sir Thomas Rich’s School
In 1964, Sir Thomas Rich’s School relocated from the heart of Gloucester to its current location. The school offers various sports clubs and teams and stands out from other contemporary schools by providing a structured games programme for students. Additionally, the school has facilities such as a sports hall, gym, swimming pool, and even a bowling club affiliated with the institution.
43. Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School
Borlase, or SWBGS, a state Grammar School located in Marlow, Buckinghamshire, England, is also known as Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School. It educates students between 11 and 18 and is located on West Street, near the town centre. The School welcomes students from the neighbouring towns.
44. Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School
TWGGS is a girls-only school established in 1905 in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, England. To gain admission, students must pass the 11 Plus test and live within 1.6 miles of the school’s catchment area. However, a few spots are reserved for students outside the catchment area or with governesses.
45. Aylesbury High School
Aylesbury Grammar School, situated in Buckinghamshire, has an enrollment of over 1300 students. It was established in 1598 by Sir Henry Lee, who supported Queen Elizabeth I. Giles Scoble is the current headmaster. Students come from places like Oxford and Milton Keynes. It is a selective state institution, and its admission criteria are determined by the Buckinghamshire Transfer Test, previously known as the “11 Plus.”
46. Woodford County High School
Woodford County High School for Girls in Woodford Green, London, is an esteemed secondary school founded in 1919 with an outstanding academic excellence record and achievement history. Their mission is to offer challenging yet stimulating education to girls aged 11-18, fostering their growth into independent and responsible young women.
47. Wallington County Grammar School
Wallington Grammar is an all-boys Grammar School in Wallington, Outer London, with a mixed Sixth Form. The current Ofsted report graded Wallington Grammar as Outstanding, with good academic achievement. However, this school, unlike others, does not conduct second-stage interviews. Consequently, your child must take the Selective Eligibility Test (SET) to be accepted.
48. Lawrence Sheriff School
Lawrence Sheriff School is a boarding school for boys in Rugby, Warwickshire, England. The school is named after Lawrence Sheriff, an Elizabethan who founded Rugby School. The school’s name is usually reduced to “LSS” or “Sheriff.” Traditionally, the school has partnered with Rugby High School for Girls, a nearby Grammar School.
49. Chesham Grammar School
Chesham Grammar School is a coeducational Grammar School located on White Hill in Chesham, Buckinghamshire. Around 1,300 pupils aged eleven to eighteen, including over 400 in the sixth form. Admission to the school is facilitated by Buckinghamshire County Council, which operates a selective secondary school system across the county. Students must have an 11 Plus score of 121 or higher to be admitted to the college.
50. Highworth Grammar School
Highworth Grammar School in Ashford, Kent, is an elite coed Grammar School founded in 1904. Initially exclusively for girls until becoming co-educational in 2011, Highworth is widely recognised for its high academic standards, particularly regarding science, technology, engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects.
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