10 best grammar schools in the UK and where to live nearby

A grammar school education is such an attractive option that many families in the UK will willingly move to a grammar school area. The combination of being free yet highly selective and high-attaining makes this type of schooling very appealing. But where are the 10 best grammar schools in the UK in 2024? Read on to find out where to look and where’s best to live nearby.

What is a grammar school?

Grammar schools are a tiny minority of state schools in the UK – less than 1% according to the National Grammar Schools Association (NGSA). They are selective, and require all students applying for a place to complete the ‘11+’ examination and undergo one or several interviews. However, education at a grammar school is free, and almost all of them are among the top-performing schools in the UK.

This means that competition for grammar school places is fierce. Every year, hundreds of thousands of schoolchildren take the 11+, hoping to get a place in one of the UK’s 163 grammar schools.

10 best grammar schools in the UK and where to live nearby

The following list shows the 10 best grammar schools in the UK. This is according to the top 50 ranking from True11Plus – a specialist UK education platform – and is based on 2023 GCSE results.

Also included in our list below is each school’s ‘Progress 8′ score. This measures the overall progress of the school’s pupils between Year 6 and Year 11. Effectively, this measures their attainment across eight subjects/qualifications. To put it in perspective, the national average is 0. Accordingly, any score higher than 0.5 is considered a signal of exceptional school-wide performance.

1: The Henrietta Barnett School

Location: Sutton

2023 GCSE Grade Percentage at 8/9: 98.8%

Progress 8: 1.1

Overview: The Henrietta Barnett School is a selective school in Hampstead, NW11. This all-girls school is rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted and is one of the most competitive schools in London for admissions. Around 3,000 applications are made to the school every year.

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Borough of Barnet

London is a city of contrasts, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the boroughs. The borough of Barnet has a suburban feel with its leafy streets lined with houses and gardens. You’ll find many parks and green spaces in the area, along Read more about Borough of Barnet

2: Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet

Location: Barnet

2023 GCSE Grade Percentage at 8/9: 95.7%

Progress 8: 1

Overview: Founded in 1573 by royal charter, Queen Elizabeth’s School has a long and storied history. Besides its grand old buildings and impressive interiors, the school is forward thinking too. It’s described as providing an “exceptional and rounded education” by the Good Schools Guide, and The Sunday Times recently voted it the State School of the Year.

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Borough of Barnet

3: Wilson’s School

Location: Sutton

2021 GCSE Grade Percentage at 8/9: 95.4%

Progress 8: 1.33

Overview: Wilson’s School has climbed the grammar school league tables fast, and ranks third for the second year running. This is thanks to its stellar reputation for sport combined with excellent academic progression rates overall. Located in Sutton, the school features an exceptional, modern and well-resourced campus.

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Borough of Sutton

Sutton is a hugely popular commuter spot for young families seeking more space outside central London areas. Excellent schools add to its appeal, alongside plenty of open green spaces and good value homes. The town of Sutton offers a great selection of family homes, Read more about Borough of Sutton

4: The Tiffin Girls’ School

Location: Kingston-Upon Thames

2022 GCSE Grade Percentage at 8/9: 94.9%

Progress 8: 0.96

Overview: London is home to many of the best grammar schools in the country, and The Tiffin Girls’ School is no exception. Boasting exceptional exam results and general progression every academic year, it also provides a highly creative learning environment. The school is a great incubator of artistic talent in its students, as well as sporting prowess.

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Borough of Kingston upon Thames

Kingston upon Thames is a vibrant and dynamic town that has something to offer for everyone. It boasts an incredible range of shops, restaurants and pubs in its historic town centre. Meanwhile, the many parks and green spaces provide the perfect backdrop to Kingston’s Read more about Borough of Kingston upon Thames

5: Altrincham Grammar School for Girls

Location: Altrincham, Cheshire

2022 GCSE Grade Percentage at 8/9: 96.8%

Progress 8: 1.05

Overview: Altrincham Grammar School for Girls was founded in 1910 and has become one of the most popular academic institutions in the Greater Manchester and Cheshire area. The school is the largest all-girls selective school in the country and has a reputation for mathematics, science, PHSE and modern foreign languages.

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Cheshire

Cheshire is a county in the North West of England. It has a population of over half a million people and is known for its beautiful countryside, including the Peak District National Park. Home to many universities, Cheshire’s educational system rivals that of any Read more about Cheshire

6: Pate’s Grammar School

Location: Cheltenham

2022 GCSE Grade Percentage at 8/9: 95%

Progress 8: 0.9

Overview: Pate’s Grammar School dates from 1574 and this co-educational grammar school has an excellent reputation for sciences. Its physics department has previously been named the best in the country. The school is located in a popular residential area on the western edge of historic Cheltenham.

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Gloucestershire

Gloucestershire is a historic and beautiful county in the West Midlands, England. With its rolling countryside and picturesque villages, it has long been known for its high quality of life. It’s not just great to live in; it also provides excellent opportunities for business Read more about Gloucestershire

7: St. Olave’s Grammar School

Location: Orpington

2022 GCSE Grade Percentage at 8/9: 91%

Progress 8: 1.11

Overview: St Olave’s Grammar School is a boy’s school sitting in the popular suburb of Orpington on the boundary of Greater London and Kent. Kent is traditionally a grammar school heartland and St Olaves has built a fine reputation for its outstanding performance and outcomes.

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Borough of Bromley

Bromley is the largest of the 32 London boroughs, stretching from Crystal Palace and Mottingham in the north right down to Biggin Hill in the south. It’s also a borough that transitions dramatically from suburban to rural, with farmland making up around 30% of Read more about Borough of Bromley

8: King Edward VI Grammar School

Location: Chelmsford

2022 GCSE Grade Percentage at 8/9: 93.8%

Progress 8: 0.82

Overview: King Edward VI Grammar School has a rich history, dating from 1551 when King Edward VI issued a Royal Warrant for the establishment of the institution. The school sits close to the centre of historic Chelmsford and remains an extremely renowned and coveted school, both in the city and the wider Essex area.

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Essex

Essex is a county in the East of England and is one of the most populous counties in the country. It has a population of 1.4 million people, making it an attractive place for prospective home buyers to invest their money and enjoy all Read more about Essex

9: Colyton Grammar School

Location: Devon

2022 GCSE Grade Percentage at 8/9: 90.1%

Progress 8: 0.98

Overview: Taking ninth place is Colyton Grammar School in Devon. This mixed gender school received an ‘outstanding’ Ofsted rating in 2022. With its rich history, dating back to 1546, the school is a prestigious destination in the heart of the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

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Devon

Devon is a large, picturesque county in England. The county has much to offer those looking for a peaceful and serene place to live, with plenty of scenic areas and attractive cities. For those considering moving there permanently, this guide will provide information about Read more about Devon

10: Colchester Royal Grammar School

Location: Colchester

2022 GCSE Grade Percentage at 8/9: 84%

Progress 8: 0.93

Overview: Colchester Royal Grammar School dates from as far back as 1128. The school is primarily a boy’s school, though girls are admitted for sixth form. The school is located in historic Colchester’s Lexden neighbourhood.

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Essex

Quick Questions asked about Grammar Schools

Where are the best grammar schools in England?

The best grammar schools in England are spread across London, the Home Counties, Kent and Manchester. If you really want to go down the grammar school route, it’s worth checking out all of the country’s ‘grammar school areas’ to see what might be the best fit.

Are grammar schools better than public schools?

Grammar schools are not necessarily better or worse than public schools. There are plenty of examples where one type outperforms the other on key metrics. Generally, grammar schools achieve excellent academic results, often beating public schools. Crucially, grammar schools are free, whereas public schools are fee-paying institutions.

Are grammar schools hard to get into?

Grammar schools are often very difficult to get into. They are oversubscribed because of their high popularity and non-fee-paying status. The ‘11+’ examination is a very challenging entry exam as well. It’s designed to help grammar schools find the best and most suitable candidates for places.

What percentage of children go to grammar school?

About 5% of all secondary-aged schoolchildren in England attend grammar school. Over 100,000 pupils take the 11+ each year, on average.

Do you have to pay for grammar school UK?

You do not have to pay to attend grammar school in the UK. This is a big part of the reason why they are so popular. Millions of parents want to send their children to schools that are high-achieving but without having to pay fees.

If this has sparked your interest in the grammar school system, then click on any of the schools to review their admissions processes. We also have articles on HomeViews highlighting the best private and non-grammar state schools in the country.

HomeViews provides verified resident reviews of the UK’s housing developments. We’re working with developers, landlords and the Government to recognise high performers and help to improve standards in the built environment.

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