Parents search for “best grammar schools in the UK” because they want clarity. They want a clear list and a simple answer. However, grammar schools do not always work like that. A school can look great on paper and still be the wrong fit in real life. For example, commute time, admissions rules, school culture and your child’s personality can matter just as much as results.
This guide is for families planning around the 2026 admissions cycle, when most children will sit selection tests in Year 6. League tables can help you shortlist schools. Even so, they change every year and they never show the full picture. That is why we use rankings as a tool, not a final decision.
So what will you find here? First, a quick shortlist and a Top 20 table you can scan. Next, the regional context, because grammar school options depend on where you live. Finally, a clear guide to admissions and the 11 plus, so you can plan with confidence.
Top Grammar Schools in the UK to Consider
If you want a quick shortlist, start with schools that often appear near the top of recent results-based tables. Many are single-sex at entry and some have mixed sixth forms. To use this guide realistically, follow these steps:
- First, select 3 to 6 academically strong schools.
- Next, check the admissions rules and catchment for each one.
- Finally, visit if you can, because the school’s feel and culture matter.
How These Best Grammar School Rankings Work
Most “best grammar school” lists are based on GCSE and A level results. They often focus on how many top grades a school achieves. This is helpful, but it does not show the full picture. A table cannot show you:
- Homework load and pressure
- Pastoral care quality
- Confidence support
- Travel fatigue
Use results to shortlist, not to decide. If you want to verify any school yourself, cross-check using official performance tools and inspection reports.
The Top 20 Grammar Schools in the UK
Important: this is a Top 20 shortlist, not a fixed 1-20 ranking. Rankings can change each year. Also, different publishers use different methods. Because of that, the same school may move up or down.
So how should you use it? First, choose a smaller shortlist that suits your family. Next, go to each school’s own admissions page. Then check the test format, key dates, catchment rules and oversubscription criteria before you decide.
Finally, a quick note. A small number of schools that appear in “grammar school” lists are technically selective state schools, not grammars by name. Even so, they are included here for completeness and transparency.
| School | Town Or Area | Entry | Why It Ranks Highly |
| Queen Elizabeth’s School | Barnet | Boys | Consistently top GCSE and A level results |
| Wilson’s School | Wallington | Boys | Outstanding A level outcomes and progress |
| The Henrietta Barnett School | London | Girls | Long-standing academic excellence |
| St Olave’s Grammar School | Orpington | Boys | Very selective with strong STEM results |
| The Latymer School | London | Mixed | High GCSE attainment and broad sixth form |
| Pate’s Grammar School | Cheltenham | Mixed | Excellent results across GCSE and A level |
| The Judd School | Tonbridge | Boys | Consistently strong A level performance |
| Tiffin School | Kingston upon Thames | Boys | Highly competitive with strong outcomes |
| The Tiffin Girls’ School | Kingston upon Thames | Girls | Excellent GCSE and A level results |
| King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys | Birmingham | Boys | Leading grammar school in the West Midlands |
| King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls | Birmingham | Girls | Strong academic results and consistency |
| Altrincham Grammar School for Boys | Altrincham | Boys | Top-performing school in the North West |
| Altrincham Grammar School for Girls | Altrincham | Girls | High GCSE results and progress scores |
| Colchester Royal Grammar School | Colchester | Boys | High-achieving selective school in Essex |
| Chelmsford County High School for Girls | Chelmsford | Girls | Consistent high academic outcomes |
| Dr Challoner’s Grammar School | Amersham | Boys | Strong A level performance year after year |
| Dr Challoner’s High School | Little Chalfont | Girls | High GCSE attainment and progression |
| Strathearn School | Belfast | Girls | One of Northern Ireland’s top grammars |
| Friends’ School Lisburn | Lisburn | Mixed | Strong academic reputation in Northern Ireland |
| Rathmore Grammar School | Belfast | Mixed | Consistent high academic standards |
Best Grammar Schools in the UK by Region
Grammar school choice is shaped by geography. Some areas have many options. Others have almost none.
1. London
London is one of the most competitive areas for grammar schools in the UK. Many families apply from a wide catchment, which means strong test scores are often essential. In addition, travel time plays a big role, especially during the early years.
However, London also offers some of the strongest academic performers in the country. Schools such as Queen Elizabeth’s School (Barnet), The Henrietta Barnett School and Wilson’s School (Wallington) regularly appear near the top of UK grammar school rankings. As a result, families in London often have excellent options but must plan early.
2. South East Including Kent
The South East is one of the best regions for grammar school choice. Kent alone has a large number of grammar schools, which gives families more options than many other parts of the UK. That said, competition remains high.
In this region, schools like The Judd School, Tonbridge Grammar School and Dartford Grammar School are well known for strong GCSE and A level outcomes. Therefore, understanding the Kent Test process and each school’s oversubscription rules is essential before applying.
3. West Midlands Including Birmingham
The West Midlands has a long-standing grammar school tradition. Many schools share testing systems, which can make the application process clearer once you understand the structure.
For example, King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys, King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls and Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School are often highlighted for academic performance. As a result, this region is popular with families willing to commute for the right school.
4. North West Including Trafford
Grammar schools in the North West are more limited in number. Because of this, places are highly competitive, especially in Trafford. Timing and test preparation matter a great deal here.
Well-known options include Altrincham Grammar School for Boys, Altrincham Grammar School for Girls and Sale Grammar School. Therefore, families applying in this area should check testing arrangements early and confirm whether distance plays a role in offers.
5. East of England Including Essex
The East of England combines strong academic results with structured admissions systems. Some counties use shared testing, which can simplify applications if you understand the process.
Schools such as Chelmsford County High School for Girls, Colchester Royal Grammar School and Dr Challoner’s Grammar School are often mentioned among the best grammar schools in the UK. As a result, early planning and careful school research are important in this region.
6. Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland operates a different selective education system. Entrance assessments are separate from those used in England and timelines can vary by school.
That said, Northern Ireland includes several highly regarded grammar schools. Examples include Friends’ School Lisburn, Strathearn School and Rathmore Grammar School. Therefore, families applying here should treat the process as its own system and check each school’s requirements carefully. Entrance assessments follow a different system with separate timelines and rules.
How Grammar School Admissions Work in the UK
Most children sit grammar school entrance tests in the autumn term of Year 6. After that, families submit applications early in Year 6 and offers arrive on National Offer Day. Some schools select purely by score. However, others also apply catchment rules, distance, sibling priority or other oversubscription criteria. The 11 plus usually includes English, Maths and Verbal Reasoning and it may also include Non-Verbal Reasoning. Therefore, always check each school’s admissions page for the exact format and requirements.
How to Choose the Right Grammar School for Your Child
Results matter, but fit matters more. Use this checklist:
- Daily commute realism
- Subject and extracurricular breadth
- Visible pastoral support
- Workload expectations
- Emotional response after visits
Open days tell you more than rankings ever will.
How to Prepare Without Turning Year 5 Into a Nightmare
Start with the basics, not test papers. In Year 4, build strong reading and core Maths skills. At the same time, grow your vocabulary little by little. Then in Year 5, add steady practise each week. Focus on accuracy and clear methods and keep it calm and manageable. Finally, in Year 6, introduce timed work and full practise papers. Do this step by step. The goal is confidence and familiarity, not last-minute cramming.
In the end, short and focused sessions work the best. You need to prioritise accuracy, comprehension and calm checking.
Common Mistakes
- Starting late and panicking
- Starting early with unsuitable materials
- Turning preparation into pressure
- Chasing difficulty over mastery
Conclusion
Use the Top 20 list as a starting point, not the finish line. Rankings change from year to year and they cannot show what school life feels like every day. So first, use results to narrow your options. Next, check the admissions rules, catchment and the real commute time. Then focus on fit. Look at subject choice, pastoral support and workload. Most importantly, think about whether your child will feel confident in that environment. When you balance strong results with real-life suitability, you can make a choice that is both ambitious and sensible.
In most areas, your child will need to pass the 11 plus to apply for a grammar school. Therefore, it helps to start early and practise steadily. If you want extra support, an online tutor can guide your child through the right topics and build confidence for the test.
FAQs
What Is the Top Grammar School Ranking in the UK?
There is no single official ranking. However, many recent league tables and academic guides show a similar pattern. Schools that often appear near the top include Queen Elizabeth’s School, Wilson’s School, St Olave’s Grammar School and The Henrietta Barnett School. These schools are frequently listed among the highest performers for GCSE and A level results, so they often appear in “best grammar schools in UK” rankings.
Which Area in London Has the Best Grammar Schools?
London is one of the strongest regions for grammar schools in the UK. Many high-performing grammars are clustered in north and south London boroughs, such as Barnet, Sutton and Kingston upon Thames. Because of this, families in these areas can choose from several well-ranked options. As a result, London often appears prominently in independent grammar school rankings.
Are Grammar Schools as Good as Private Schools?
Grammar schools can match or even beat many private (independent) schools for GCSE and A level results, especially at the top of league tables. However, “as good as private schools” depends on what you are comparing. Grammar schools are free state schools with strong academic outcomes. Private schools, on the other hand, can differ widely in culture, resources and extracurricular options. For this reason, many parents compare both grammar and independent school lists before choosing the best fit for their child.
How Hard Is It To Get Into a Top Grammar School?
Competition for the top grammar schools in the UK is high. As a result, many schools are oversubscribed. This means children often need a strong 11 plus score and may also need to meet catchment or oversubscription rules, depending on the school.
