Understanding Grammar Schools
Grammar schools, constituting less than 1% of state schools in the UK, require prospective students to undertake the ‘11+’ examination and undergo interviews for admission. Despite their selectivity, these schools offer tuition-free education, with most ranking among the top-performing institutions in the country. The competition for placement in these schools is intense, with hundreds of thousands of students vying for spots in the 163 grammar schools across the UK annually.
The following list showcases the ten best grammar schools in the UK based on the 2023 Top 50 League Table from Think Academy, utilizing the ‘Progress 8’ metric that measures student progress from Year 6 to Year 11 across eight subjects.
- Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet
- Located in Barnet
- Notable for its exceptional educational standards and rich history.Residential area: Borough of Barnet, offering a suburban ambiance with leafy streets and ample green spaces.
- The Henrietta Barnett School
- Situated in Sutton
- Renowned as an outstanding all-girls school with highly competitive admissions.Residential area: Borough of Barnet, known for its suburban charm and family-friendly environment.
- Wilson’s School
- Located in Sutton
- Recognized for its athletic and academic excellence.Residential area: Borough of Sutton, a favored commuter spot with excellent schools and spacious living options.
- The Tiffin Girls’ School
- Found in Kingston-Upon Thames
- Acknowledged for fostering artistic and sporting talents alongside academic success.Residential area: Borough of Kingston upon Thames, a vibrant town with historical significance and diverse amenities.
- St. Olave’s Grammar School
- Positioned in Orpington
- Boasting a fine reputation for exceptional performance and outcomes.Residential area: Borough of Bromley, a diverse borough transitioning from suburban to rural landscapes.
- Pate’s Grammar School
- Located in Cheltenham
- Known for its excellence in sciences and a history dating back to 1574.Residential area: Gloucestershire, a scenic county offering a high quality of life and business opportunities.
- Altrincham Grammar School for Girls
- Found in Altrincham, Cheshire
- Largest all-girls selective school, particularly noted for mathematics and science.Residential area: Cheshire, known for its beautiful countryside and robust educational system.
- King Edward VI Grammar School
- Situated in Chelmsford
- Holds a rich history dating back to 1551 and remains highly esteemed.Residential area: Essex, a populous county offering varied lifestyle options and attractive surroundings.
- Colchester Royal Grammar School
- Located in Colchester
- A historically significant boys’ school with impressive longevity.Residential area: Essex, known for its historic significance and varied landscapes.
- Kendrick School
- Based in Berkshire, Reading
- Recognized for consistently outstanding ratings and high Progress 8 scores.Residential area: Reading, a bustling town with excellent transport links and diverse offerings.