Are you seeking the best Grammar Schools in the UK? Undoubtedly, if your child is preparing for the 11 Plus test, it’s because you want to enrol them in a top Grammar School in your area. But should you just send your child to the nearest Grammar School, confident they will be in good hands? Parents want their children to get top-quality education.
The student’s transition to Secondary School can be challenging, and they want their child to secure admission to top Grammar Schools in the UK. If you are considering enrolling your child in a private school, also known as an independent school, our guide to the top 50 Grammar Schools in the UK is a great place to start.
What is a Grammar School?
Grammar Schools are selective state schools that admit students based on their 11 Plus test scores. According to the National Grammar Schools Association (NGSA), Grammar Schools account for just 164 of all secondary schools in England or less than 1%.
Due to this fact, competition is fierce, and getting into one of the country’s top 30 Grammar Schools becomes even more difficult. It’s no surprise, therefore, that many parents seek the assistance of tutors to improve their child’s prospects of success.
That is why 11 Plus Tutoring provides a free assessment and two free one-to-one English, Maths, Vocabulary, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning lessons geared to assist students in achieving outstanding results in the entrance test by learning ingenious strategies to answer questions.
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How To Find the Best Grammar Schools in the UK?
It is challenging to know where to begin your search. That’s why we’ve compiled everything you need to know into one concise piece. However, it is critical to recognise that it will just complement your search.
If you don’t live close to one of the best Grammar Schools in the UK, then this guide can help you make an informed decision. Some parents have migrated to be within a school district’s catchment region. It’s a considerable investment since your child must still work hard to get those high grades!
Why Are Grammar Schools Best for Your Child?
Grammar schools are home to many academically gifted students with the same interests. This means that the GCSE results are impressive, with most pupils achieving excellent A-level results.
Grammar schools provide high-quality teaching across all subjects, unlike comprehensive schools, whose primary objective is ensuring that all students achieve excellent results.
The amenities are another reason why parents pick Grammar Schools for their children. Many Grammar Schools provide greater possibilities for students who excel in topics such as music or sports. Furthermore, many Grammar Schools have strong contacts with the UK’s best institutions and will assist students in preparing to apply.
Another factor that makes parents opt for Grammar School for their children is the facilities. Many Grammar Schools offer more options to students with special interests in subjects like music and sports. Moreover, many such schools have strong ties to the UK’s top universities and offer support in preparing students for university.
Grammar Schools in the UK Map
League Table Of The Best 50 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 chart below ranks the best 50 Grammar Schools in the UK based on GCSE scores. In addition to the GCSE results, you’ll discover that the schools are located at different locations in England, so there’s a high possibility you’re closer to one than you think!
The schools on the list show a statistic known as “Progress 8” in addition to rating GCSE results. This statistic accurately gauges students’ performance across eight disciplines and qualifications from Years 6 to 11. As a point of reference, the national average is 0. Anything over 0.5 denotes a school’s performance as exceptional.
Top Finest 50 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!
Best Grammar School List 1- 50
| Rank | School Name | Location | Progress 8 | GCSE | GCSE Rank |
| 1 | Queen Elizabeth’s School | Barnet | 0.94 | 95.7 | 3 |
| 2 | The Henrietta Barnett School | London | 0.98 | 98.8 | 1 |
| 3 | Wilson’s School | Wallington | 1.06 | 95.4 | 4= |
| 4 | The Tiffin Girls’ School | Kingston upon Thames | 0.92 | 94.9 | 7 |
| 5 | St Olave’s Grammar School | Orpington | 0.95 | 91 | 17 |
| 6 | Pate’s Grammar School | Cheltenham | 0.77 | 95 | 6 |
| 7 | Altrincham Grammar School for Girls | Altrincham | 1.06 | 96.8 | 2 |
| 8 | King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford | Chelmsford | 0.83 | 93.8 | 11 |
| 9 | Colchester Royal Grammar School | Colchester | 0.66 | 84 | 34 |
| 10 | Kendrick School | Reading | 0.94 | 94.2 | 9 |
| 11 | Reading School | Reading | 0.64 | 88.7 | 21 |
| 12 | King Edward VI School, Stratford-upon-Avon | Stratford-upon-Avon | 0.77 | 91.2 | 16 |
| 13 | Chelmsford County High School for Girls | Chelmsford | 0.91 | 95.4 | 4= |
| 14 | Colyton Grammar School | Colyton | 0.88 | 90.1 | 20 |
| 15 | Altrincham Grammar School for Boys | Altrincham | 0.23 | 87.5 | 23 |
| 16 | Colchester County High School for Girls | Colchester | 0.92 | 94 | 10 |
| 17 | The Latymer School | London | 0.68 | 91.6 | 14 |
| 18 | Tonbridge Grammar School | Tonbridge | 0.61 | 88.6 | 22 |
| 19 | King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys | Birmingham | 0.86 | 92.3 | 13 |
| 20 | Stratford Girls’ Grammar School | Stratford-upon-Avon | 0.93 | 94.4 | 8 |
| 21 | King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls | Birmingham | 0.74 | 90.3 | 18 |
| 22 | Tiffin School | Kingston upon Thames | 0.47 | 84.4 | 31 |
| 23 | Newstead Wood School | Orpington | 1.05 | 92.6 | 1 |
| 24 | Dartford Grammar School | Dartford | 0.92 | 81.2 | 43= |
| 25 | Wallington High School for Girls | Wallington | 0.91 | 91.3 | 15 |
| 26 | Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls | Sutton Coldfield | 0.78 | 87.3 | 24 |
| 27 | Langley Grammar School | Langley | 0.90 | 84.7 | 29 |
| 28 | Dr Challoner’s Grammar School | Amersham | 0.75 | 77.1 | 61 |
| 29 | Sutton Grammar School | Sutton | 0.73 | 83.1 | 36 |
| 30 | Nonsuch High School for Girls | Cheam | 0.90 | 87 | 25= |
| 31 | The Liverpool Blue Coat School | Liverpool | 0.74 | 81.4 | 41= |
| 32 | Dr Challoner’s High School | Little Chalfont | 1.02 | 84.6 | 30 |
| 33 | Beaconsfield High School | Beaconsfield | 0.97 | 80.4 | 45 |
| 34 | Sale Grammar School | Sale | 0.67 | 80 | 48 |
| 35 | Westcliff High School for Boys | Westcliff-on-Sea | 0.82 | 82.2 | 38 |
| 36 | King Edward VI Five Ways School | Birmingham | 0.76 | 85 | 28 |
| 37 | Wycombe High School | High Wycombe | 0.88 | 82.1 | 39 |
| 38 | St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School, Finchley | London | 0.78 | 85.4 | 27 |
| 39 | The Skinners’ School | Tunbridge Wells | 0.02 | 83.2 | 35 |
| 40 | Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School | Sutton Coldfield | 0.57 | 75 | 74 |
| 41 | Newport Girls’ High School | Newport | 0.78 | 90.2 | 19 |
| 42 | Sir Thomas Rich’s School | Gloucester | 0.87 | 84.2 | 32 |
| 43 | Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School | Marlow | 0.55 | 79 | 51= |
| 44 | Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School | Tunbridge Wells | 0.88 | 74.6 | 76= |
| 45 | Aylesbury High School | Aylesbury | 0.68 | 79.8 | 49= |
| 46 | Woodford County High School | Woodford Green | 0.98 | 87 | 25= |
| 47 | Wallington County Grammar School | Wallington | 0.43 | 75.3 | 71= |
| 48 | Lawrence Sheriff School | Rugby | 0.61 | 76.8 | 63 |
| 49 | Chesham Grammar School | Chesham | 0.74 | 81.2 | 43= |
| 50 | Highworth Grammar School | Ashford | 0.96 | 69 | 95 |
Detailed Information Regarding UK’s Top 50 Grammar Schools
1. 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.
2. 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.
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. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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).
9. 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.
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10. 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 finest performing Grammar Schools in the UK and a solid choice for setting your child on a healthy secondary education track.
11. 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 10 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.
12. 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.”
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 2024 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 2024 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 2024.
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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.
Conclusion
Therefore, if you are a parent seeking to secure the best educational opportunities for your child, choosing from the top 50 best Grammar Schools in the UK is a prudent decision. With our established track record, excellent coaching, and dedication to perfection, 11 Plus Tutoring provides an educational experience second to none. Give your child the advantage they deserve and set them on a prosperous future.