Our capital city has been a source of global power and influence for centuries. Throughout history, our learned men - and, more recently, women, have led the way in cultural and scientific standards. That presumes they must have benefited from superior education. These top schools in London have stood the test of time, turning out leaders in industry, finance, policy, and many other disciplines.
| 🏫School name | 👧Entry gender | 📊Evaluation criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Grammar Schools | ||
| Queen Elizabeth's School | boys | GCSE (9-7): 96.90% A-Levels (A*-B): 95.20% |
| The Henrietta Barnett School | girls | GCSE (9-7): 96.90% A-Levels (A*-B): 95.20% |
| Wilson's School | boys | GCSE (9-7): 94.60% A-Levels (A*-B): 93.60% |
| St Olave's Grammar School | boys co-ed in sixth form | GCSE (9-7): 95.10% A-Levels (A*-B): 93.40% |
| The Tiffin School | boys co-ed in sixth form | GCSE (9-7): 78.10% A-Levels (A*-B): 92.60% |
| Private schools | ||
| St Paul's School | boys | GCSE (9-7): 97% A-Levels (A*-A): 97.70% |
| Westminster School | boys co-ed in sixth form | GCSE (9-7): 99.0% A-Levels (A*-A): 89.0% |
| King's College School | boys co-ed in sixth form | GCSE (9-7): 98.1% A-Levels (A*-A): 83% |
| North London Collegiate School | girls | GCSE (9-7): 96.5% A-Levels (A*-A): 85% |
| Godolphin & Latymer School | girls | GCSE (9-7): 92% A-Levels (A*-A): 82.2% |
| State schools | ||
| Wembley High Technology College | co-educational | Progress 8 score: +1.58 |
| Holland Park School | co-educational | Ofsted rating: Outstanding |
| Forest Gate Community School | co-educational | Ofsted rating: Outstanding |
| Harris Academy | girls only | Ofsted rating: Outstanding |
| Fortismere School | co-educational | Ofsted rating: Outstanding |
What to Know About Top Schools in London
I know of no single formula for success ...
Queen Elizabeth II
If, indeed, it was superior education that made and kept Great Britain a global leader, does that imply our schools somehow found a formula to ensure consistently positive outcomes? In fact, there is and never was such a formula, as our dear, late Queen asserted. It was, and remains, the diversity in our educational structures that drives our ongoing academic excellence.
What Types of Schools Can You Find in London?
Grammar schools were among the first formal learning facilities in our country. During the mediaeval period, boys enrolled in these schools to study Latin.
'Grammar' initially meant 'the study of Latin'.
St Olave's Grammar School, one of the best secondary schools in London, UK, opened its doors in 1571, welcoming only boys to Latin studies. Today, this school (mostly) maintains its single-sex model, and still turns out leaders in the arts, sports, and politics. Obviously, the curriculum has expanded far beyond Latin learning.
Grammar schools are just one type of school in London. Students and their parents may choose from four main types of schools.
Prep schools
- for learners aged 2-11 (or 13)
- tuition-funded
- typically a pathway to grammar school entry
Grammar schools
- state-funded
- selective entry
- academic focus
Private/independent
- tuition-funded
- do not answer to the state
- may follow the national curriculum
State/comprehensive
- publicly funded
- non-selective entry
- follow the national curriculum
The London educational landscape houses many specialised schools, too. For instance, students with special educational needs (SEN) may attend a SEN school dedicated to their particular challenge. These educational facilities are particularly beneficial for learners with dyslexia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and those on the autism spectrum.
Such pupils may find it hard to learn in a typical school environment, but that's not to say that no SEN services exist in the best secondary schools in London. In fact, those facilities go out of their way to accommodate SEN students. They may recommend a transfer to a SEN learning environment if they find their efforts fall short of what a student might need.
Our capital city is also home to schools teaching from faith-based curricula, and many that practise gendered education. However, same-sex, day/boarding, and religious schools generally fall within one or more of the types of schools listed above.
London School League Tables: Key Performance Indicators
and description
With so many educational pathways1 to choose from, and so many schools of each type, parents need a way to assure themselves that their child is getting the best possible education. Fortunately for them, a number of agencies publish reports yearly, if not more often. In them, we find information about London's top-performing schools.
Exploring these data sources gives you a good foundation when you're trying to choose London's top prep school for your young learner. Likewise, studying exam result reports and university acceptance rates gives you a good idea of schools' academic performance. These indicators can help you choose the right school for your needs and goals.
Top Private Schools in London
But you can't rely on academic excellence alone when deciding the learning environment that's best for your child. You must also consider the schools' amenities, social development initiatives, and extracurricular programmes. These three top schools in London deliver on all those aspects.
St Paul's
St Paul's is one of London's oldest schools. Founded in 1509, its aim from the outset was to teach boys literature and, strangely enough, etiquette. The initial student body comprised 153 learners, the exact number of draught fishes mentioned in the Gospel of John.
To this day, top Junior scholars receive a silver fish emblem, in honour of those draught fishes.
Much later (in 1904), St Paul's established a girls' school so female learners could benefit from the boys' school's reputation for academic excellence. Today, St Paul's Girls' School stands on its own merits, outshining the boys in many areas, including sports and exam results.
Westminster
Though not quite as old as St Paul's, Westminster School is just as venerated, and places there are just as highly sought after. It is co-educational in sixth form. The school accommodates limited boarding for the boys who wish or need dormitory housing.
Tradition and ritual imbue these halls, but that doesn't mean students' sole focus is academics. This school's dizzying array of enrichment activities includes:
- sports
- music
- drama
- art
- artisan crafts
- workshops
- robotics
- discovery trips
- social clubs
Students may also participate in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award challenges. They may choose from physical (sports), community (volunteering), developing practical skills or embark on a journey of discovery.
King's College
King's is a sprawling educational enterprise that teaches more than 1 500 boys each year across its Junior and Senior campuses. Girls are admitted only at the sixth form level, so they too can benefit from King's progressive educational ideas.
Though not as old as the schools detailed above, King's hews to traditional academic teachings, but only in some respects.
Extracurricular programmes make up a substantial part of the school's enrichment portfolio.
All this, plus the chance at studying abroad in one of King's sister campuses makes this school a heavy favourite.
Of course, three schools are not enough to make an informed decision on where to educate your child. This expanded list of London's best private schools gives you more facilities to consider.
| 🏫School name | 💳Tuition/year | 📊GCSE / A-Levels A*-A | 🕵️♂️What you'll find |
|---|---|---|---|
| St Paul's School | day school: £33 975 boarding: £39 966 | 97% 97.70% | All-boys campus Strong academic showing Emphasis on extracurriculars: sports, technology, language and debate; arts and social clubs. |
| St Paul's Girls' School | day school: £35 751 boarding: £53 239 | 98% 98.50% | All-girls campus Sports, arts, language and debate; creative initiatives; social development and clubs. |
| Westminster School | day school: £44 247 boarding: £59 422 | 99.0% 89.0% | Co-educational starting in Sixth Form. Consistent, outstanding academic performance. Many enrichment programmes available. |
| King's College School (Wimbledon) | £31 449 | 98.1% 83% | Boys' school, co-educational after Sixth Form. A generous campus with many outdoor activities. International study opportunities. |
| North London Collegiate School | £30 650 | 96.5% 85% | Girls' only campus. Rigorous academic programmes balanced with many social and extracurricular offerings. |
| Godolphin & Latymer School | £33 678 | 92% 82.2% | All-girls' campus with a focus on personal development. Abundant extracurricular programmes balance the rigorous academic profile. |
| Latymer Upper School | £30 042 | 94% 81% | Co-educational day school with an excellent lineup of extracurricular programmes and top-notch learning facilities. |
| Wimbledon High School | £27 879 | 94% 81% | All-girls campus. Emphasis on personal development; a playful, engaging approach to learning. |
The Best London-Area State Schools
As noted above, state and comprehensive schools are publicly funded, follow the national curriculum, and admit students non-selectively. In short, students may attend any of these schools as long as they live within the facility's containment area.
Students are 'assigned' a school zone based on their postcode.
However, some parents have reasons to enrol their learners in a different school, outside of their containment area.
They may do so, provided they apply for a waiver6. Parents must have specific reasons under which they may apply for such a waiver. Unfortunately, wishing to enrol their child into these top schools isn't one of them.
The Henrietta Barnett School
This girls' grammar school is legendary for its consistently high academic achievement, the proof of which lies in its perpetually high exam results. However, one indicator makes Henrietta Barnett a top-draw school: attendance rates. It seems Henrietta students can't bear to stay away from their school; it regularly posts the highest attendance rates of all London-area schools.
Blame the curriculum's traditional elements: English, Maths, and Sciences for students' devotion to learning. Or credit this school's expansive list of extracurricular and enrichment initiatives, which include everything from sports and art to trips and social clubs.
Queen Elizabeth School
QE School, a boys' grammar school, matches Henrietta Barnett in exam performance, which is why you might see one ranked first on one report while another ranks it second. Each boasts an enviable array of extracurricular activities, outstanding learning facilities, and stellar academic performance.
When it comes to assessing grammar schools, the Queen Elizabeth School is often held as the one to measure up to.
Wilson's School
This boys' school stands out for many reasons, not just for its Ofsted 'Outstanding' rating. Like Henrietta Barnett, it boasts one of the highest attendance rates among top schools in London, but Wilson's has yet more to offer. If your son is a sports fan, he will love all the team activities and competitions this school trains for.
As in the previous segment, these three facilities represent the crème de la crème of state schools. The chart below rounds out the top-ten list of London's best state schools.
| 🏫School Name | 😀Entry gender | 📊GCSE 9-7 / A-levels A*-B | 📝Entry exam type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Queen Elizabeth's School Barnet | boys | 96.90% 95.20% | GL Assessment |
| The Henrietta Barnett School Barnet | girls | 96.90% 95.20% | Stage 1: GL Assessment Stage 2: school's own exam |
| Wilson's School Sutton | boys | 94.60% 93.60% | Sutton Selective Eligibility Test |
| St Olave's Grammar School Bromley | boys co-ed in sixth form | 95.10% 93.40% | The school's own two-stage exam |
| The Tiffin School Kingston upon Thames | boys co-ed in sixth form | 78.10% 92.60% | Stage 1: GL Assessment Stage 2: school's own exam |
| St Michael's Catholic Grammar School Barnet | girls co-ed in sixth form | 84.10% 88.20% | GL Assessment |
| Newstead Wood School Bromley | girls co-ed in sixth form | 83.70% 84.60% | GL Assessment |
| Wallington County Grammar School Sutton | boys co-ed in sixth form | 73.70% 86.90% | Sutton Selective Eligibility Test |
Best Secondary Schools in London: Comprehensive Schools
All comprehensive schools are state schools, but not all state schools are comprehensive4. State learning facilities include grammar schools, local authority schools, faith-based institutions, and academies. Unfortunately, they tend to dominate the rankings.
For parents looking for London's best comprehensive schools, this distinction must be confusing. So, this section presents the best secondary schools in London of the comprehensive variety.
Wembley High Technology College
Wembley High is a co-educational comprehensive school that absolutely smashes it in the rankings. Not just in comparison to other comprehensives, but against all the best schools in London. Wembley follows the national curriculum but emphasises Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM) learning.
Students learn in a warm, encouraging environment that challenges them to reach their maximum potential, as students and humans. Besides excelling in curriculum offerings, Wembley teachers make a long list of extracurricular and enrichment activities available. This school's pastoral care is beyond reproach.
Holland Park School
Ofsted rated Holland Park 'Outstanding' after its last three inspections, and for good reason. This school embraces aspects of Montessori learning, in that students' needs influence learning structures. Admittedly, this school follows the national curriculum, as all comprehensives do. However, it leaves plenty of room in the syllabus for students to enjoy everything this campus has to offer.
Students have access to swimming facilities, dance studios, and a fully outfitted sports complex.
Forest Gate
Another Ofsted 'Outstanding' school, Forest Gate treats students to a unique and diverse learning experience. Personal development and academics get equal focus, with emphasis given to STEM education, as well as physical and recreational activities.
However, Forest Gate doesn't stop there. Students have access to music instruction, dance and theatre expression, social development activities, and an assortment of enriching extracurriculars. Student clubs, team sports, and individual challenges round out Forest Gate's profile.
As with the types of schools described above, three brief blurbs aren't enough to make a qualified decision of where your child should learn. This 'top ten' chart gives you more institutions to consider.
| 🏫School name | 📍Location | 🕵️♂️Main features |
|---|---|---|
| Wembley High Technology College | East Lane North Wembley HA0 3NT | Excellent academic record Many extracurricular and social activities. |
| Holland Park School | Airlie Gardens Campden Hill Road London W8 7AF | Outstanding rating Personalised curriculum structure Many extracurricular and sports activities |
| Forest Gate Community School | Forest Lane, Forest Gate, London E7 9BB | Outstanding rating Extensive extracurricular opportunities Focuses on personal development |
| Harris Academy | 55 Southwark Park Road, Bermondsey, London, SE16 3TZ | Girl's only school Focus on STEM education Personal development is the secondary focus |
| Fortismere School | Two locations in Muswell Hill | Outstanding rating Independently governed Foundational secondary facility |
| Mossbourne Community Academy | 100 Downs Park Road Hackney London E5 8JY | Emphasis on music studies Rowing teams are a favourite extracurricular |
| London Oratory School | Seagrave Road, London, SW6 1RX | All boys to age 16 Co-educational from 16-18 Sports and personal development have as much weight as academic learning. |
| Sacred Heart Catholic School | Camberwell New Road, London SE5 0RP | Outstanding education Solid pathway to Russell Group universities Many extracurricular activities and social clubs. |
What Are The Best Secondary Schools in London?
In this article's introduction, you saw a chart highlighting the best secondary schools in London UK. It lists the type of school they are, their average grade and academic profiles, and what makes them such great learning facilities.
Now, we wind down our exposé with another table. This one lists what you should look for when searching for the right school for your child.
| 📌Criterion | 🕵️♂️What to look for |
|---|---|
| Academic Excellence | High ratings from oversight bodies (Ofsted, ISC, Good Schools Guide) High exam percentages High university acceptance rate. |
| Location and Accessibility | Within your containment area Distance from home Traffic patterns Transportation options |
| Amenities | Sports facilities Libraries Laboratories Outdoor open spaces Dormitories Classroom tech |
| Extracurricular Opportunities | Areas of development Range of opportunities Balance of academic to physical and social initiatives |
| School Culture and Values | Pastoral care Community service Inclusivity Diverse student body Attendance reports |
| Financial Considerations | Tuition, financial aid and bursary availability Support for disadvantaged students Added costs for dormitory space Cost of uniforms and sports gear Extra fees for field trips and outings |
| Application Process | The paperwork to file (waivers, local council notifications, etc) Qualifying exams Interviews Deadlines for submitting paperwork. |
Top Schools in London: Further Reading and Resources
- Simply London. “How Many Schools Are There in London?” Simply London Relocation, 2025, simplylondonrelocation.com/knowledge-base/how-many-schools-in-london/. Accessed 13 Dec. 2025.
- Independent School Council. “Exam Results - ISC.” Www.isc.co.uk, 23 Aug. 2025, www.isc.co.uk/research/exam-results/. Accessed 13 Dec. 2025
- Parentkind. “School Performance and Inspection.” Parentkind, 2025, www.parentkind.org.uk/for-parents/understanding-education/about-schools/school-performance-and-inspection#. Accessed 14 Dec. 2025.
- ---. “What Are the Main Types of State Schools in the UK? - Simply London Relocation.” Simply London Relocation, 22 Oct. 2025, simplylondonrelocation.com/knowledge-base/what-are-the-main-types-of-state-schools-in-the-uk/. Accessed 14 Dec. 2025.
- Department for Education. “Statistics: Performance Tables.” GOV.UK, 24 Jan. 2013, www.gov.uk/government/collections/statistics-performance-tables#full-publication-update-history. Accessed 13 Dec. 2025.
- ---. “Understanding State School Catchment Areas in the UK.” Simply London Relocation, 9 Sept. 2025, simplylondonrelocation.com/knowledge-base/school-catchment-areas-in-the-uk/. Accessed 14 Dec. 2025.
- Lang, Louise. “Top 100 Independent Schools in the UK (2025 Edition).” Exam Papers Plus, 21 Nov. 2025, exampapersplus.co.uk/advice/independent-schools/top-100-independent-schools-in-the-uk-2025-edition/. Accessed 13 Dec. 2025.
- Guy. “The London Parents Forum.” Bonasmacfarlane.co.uk, 2020, bonasmacfarlane.co.uk/en/london-parents-forum. Accessed 13 Dec. 2025.
- Locrating.com. “Find the Best Schools, Nurseries & Properties.” Locrating, 13 Jan. 2020, www.locrating.com/Blog/attainment-8-and-progress-8-explained.aspx. Accessed 14 Dec. 2025.
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