Top Secondary Schools in UK – Top 10 List

Choosing the right secondary school is crucial for every parent and student. With numerous options across the UK, it’s essential to understand which schools excel academically and offer well-rounded experiences. This guide highlights the top secondary schools in the UK for 2024, focusing on GCSE and A-Level results, school types, and location-specific performance.

We have included detailed lists for both state and private schools, helping you make an informed decision. From London’s best schools to top grammar and independent institutions across the country, our rankings are designed to give a comprehensive overview. Explore each category and find the best fit for your child’s educational journey.

A-level Qualification – Top 10 Secondary School UK

School	Type of School	Town	A-level Points Score
1. Cardiff Sixth Form College	Independent, Co-ed	Cardiff	94.7%
2. Oxford International College	Independent, Co-ed	Oxfordshire	90.1%
3. The Cathedral School, Llandaff	Independent, Co-ed	Cardiff	86.4%
4. Highgate School	Independent, Co-ed	Greater London	86.1%
5. Guildford High School,	Independent, Girls	Surrey	84.9%
6. Queen Ethelburga’s College	Independent, Co-ed	North Yorkshire	83.8%
7. City of London School for Girls	Independent, Girls	Greater London	83.1%
8. James Allen’s Girls’ School	Independent, Girls	Greater London	82.5%
9. Westminster School	Independent, Boys	Greater London	82.3%
10. King’s College School (KCS)	Independent, Boys	Greater London	82.3%

GCSE Qualification – Top 10 Secondary School in UK

School	Type of School	Town	GCSE Point Score
1. The Henrietta Barnett School	State, Girls	London	97.6%
2. Wilson’s School	State, Boys	Wallington	95%
3. The Tiffin Girls’ School	State, Girls	Kingston upon Thames	94.4%
4. Queen Elizabeth’s School	State, Boys	Barnet	93.3%
5. St Olave’s Grammar School	State, Boys	Orpington	91.4%
6. Altrincham Grammar School for Girls	State, Girls	Altrincham	91.2%
7. Kendrick School	State, Girls	Reading	91.2%
8. Pate’s Grammar School	State, Co-ed	Cheltenham	90.7%
9. King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys	State, Boys	Birmingham	89.3%
10. Reading School	State, Boys	Reading	88.3%

A-level Qualification – Top 10 Secondary Schools in London

School	Type of School	Town	A-level Point Score
1. Henrietta Barnett School	State, Girls	London	41.0%
2. City of London School for Girls	Independent, Girls	London	45.5%
3. Latymer Upper School	Independent, Co-ed	London	41.6%
4. Godolphin & Latymer School	Independent, Girls	London	40.1%
5. Highgate School	Independent, Co-ed	London	40.0%
6. Alleyn’s, Dulwich	Independent, Co-ed	London	39.0%
7. Wilson’s School	State, Boys	London	38.3%
8. Tiffin Girls’ School	State, Girls	London	38.3%
9. Putney High School	Independent, Girls	London	38.0%
10. Haberdasher Aske’s School for Boys	Independent, Boy	London	38.0%

GCSE Qualification – Top 10 Secondary Schools in London

School	Type of School	Town	GCSE Point Score
1. St Paul’s Girls’ School	Private, Girls	London	97.9%
2. Westminster School	Private, Boys	London	99.0%
3. Godolphin & Latymer School	Private, Girls	London	97.5%
4. King’s College School, Wimbledon	Private, Boys	London	98.3%
5. St Paul’s School	Private, Boys	London	97.0%
6. North London Collegiate School	Private, Girls	London	96.0%
7. The Henrietta Barnett School	State, Girls	London	96.0%
8. Lady Eleanor Holles School	Private, Girls	London	98.0%
9. Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet	State, Boys	London	96.3%
10. St Olave’s Grammar School	State, Boys	London	95.0%

Understanding School Rankings: What Makes the Best Secondary Schools in the UK?

School rankings in the UK are influenced by several key factors, ranging from academic performance to extracurricular opportunities and pastoral care. To understand what truly makes a secondary school stand out, let’s delve into some of the primary criteria considered in creating these rankings:

1. Academic Performance

Academic results are the most crucial factor in ranking UK secondary schools. Schools are often assessed based on their GCSE and A-Level results. The percentage of students achieving high grades (9-7 for GCSE and A*/A for A-Levels) is used as a benchmark. For example, schools like The Henrietta Barnett School and Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet consistently achieve over 90% of their students scoring in the highest brackets​.

2. School Type and Selectivity

Different school types, such as grammar schools, independent schools, and comprehensive schools, have varying criteria for admission and student selectivity. Grammar schools like Wilson’s School and St Olave’s Grammar School have a selective entry based on entrance exams, which often contributes to higher academic performance due to a more competitive student base​. Independent schools like Westminster School and St Paul’s Girls’ School also excel due to their rigorous curriculum and access to extensive resources​.

3. Ofsted Ratings and Inspections

Ofsted ratings are another critical factor in evaluating school quality. Schools rated as “Outstanding” in their Ofsted inspections, such as The Tiffin Girls’ School and King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys, are often highlighted in rankings for their teaching quality, learning environment, and overall effectiveness​.

4. Extracurricular Activities and Student Development

Top secondary schools are not only known for academic excellence but also for offering a broad range of extracurricular activities. Schools like Highgate School and Guildford High School provide extensive sports, arts, and music programmes that contribute to a well-rounded education​.

5. Location and Facilities

Location can significantly influence school rankings. London-based schools like The Henrietta Barnett School and City of London School for Girls tend to dominate due to their access to better facilities, experienced staff, and proximity to cultural hubs. Schools outside London, such as Cardiff Sixth Form College and King’s College School, Wimbledon, also stand out for their state-of-the-art facilities and resources that support student success​.

6. Student Satisfaction and Parent Recommendations

In addition to academic metrics, factors such as student satisfaction, parent reviews, and the overall learning environment are considered in top school rankings. Websites like School Guide use parent feedback and surveys to rate schools on a broader range of factors beyond just academics, which contributes to a comprehensive view of school quality​.

Conclusion

Selecting the perfect secondary school is a significant milestone that impacts both academic success and personal development. With numerous state, grammar, and independent schools across the UK, finding the right fit requires careful consideration of academic results, school ethos, and extracurricular opportunities. Whether your focus is on top GCSE scores or A-level achievements, this guide highlights the best-performing schools to help you make an informed decision.

However, navigating school admissions and preparation for entrance exams can be challenging. Edumentors is here to support your child throughout the process. Our expert tutors specialise in preparing students for entrance exams, ensuring they have the skills and confidence to excel. With tailored lessons focused on all areas our tutors help students meet the demanding criteria of top-tier schools.

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1. How to Choose a Secondary School in the UK
2. Top 10 Private Schools in the UK
3. Top 10 Primary Schools in the UK
4. 10 Best State Schools in the UK
5. Top 10 Grammar Schools in the UK
6. Top 8 Best State Schools in the UK
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FAQ’s

What are the top 10 schools in London?

The top 10 schools in London based on the provided table are:

1. Haberdasher Aske’s School for Boys (Independent, Boys)
2. Henrietta Barnett School (State, Girls)
3. City of London School for Girls (Independent, Girls)
4. Latymer Upper School (Independent, Co-ed)
5. Godolphin & Latymer School (Independent, Girls)
6. Highgate School (Independent, Co-ed)
7. Alleyn’s, Dulwich (Independent, Co-ed)
8. Wilson’s School (State, Boys)
9. Tiffin Girls’ School (State, Girls)
10. Putney High School (Independent, Girls)

What's the most expensive secondary school in the UK?

Cheltenham Ladies’ College is among the most expensive private schools in the UK, with annual fees ranging from £50,700 to £54,000. Established in 1853, this prestigious all-girls institution is located in the Cotswolds and is renowned for its academic excellence and leadership programmes.

The fees encompass various educational expenses, including instruction, necessary textbooks, educational materials, several field trips, meals, snacks, personal accident insurance, spiritual care, and a host of other activities. Notable alumnae include actress Dame Kristin Scott Thomas, Tallulah Riley, and fashion designer Amanda Wakeley

What are the most famous public schools in the UK?

The United Kingdom is home to several renowned public schools, esteemed for their academic excellence, rich histories, and notable alumni. Here are some of the most prestigious:

1. Eton College: Founded in 1440 by King Henry VI, Eton is perhaps the most famous British public school. Its alumni include numerous British Prime Ministers, members of the royal family, and prominent figures in various fields.
2. Harrow School: Established in 1572 under a Royal Charter granted by Queen Elizabeth I, Harrow has educated several notable individuals, including Winston Churchill and King Hussein of Jordan.
3. Winchester College: Founded in 1382 by William of Wykeham, Bishop of Winchester, it claims the longest unbroken history of any school in England.
4. Westminster School: Located within the precincts of Westminster Abbey in London, it is one of the UK’s top co-educational schools, boasting the highest Oxbridge acceptance rates worldwide.
5. Charterhouse School: Founded in 1611, Charterhouse is known for its rich history and has produced many distinguished alumni.
6. Rugby School: Established in 1567, Rugby is renowned as the birthplace of rugby football and has a strong academic reputation.
7. St Paul’s School: A selective independent school in west London, educating bright boys aged 13-18 years.
8. The King’s School, Canterbury: Said to be the oldest continuously operating school in the UK, founded in 597 CE.
9. Benenden School: Regarded as one of the top all-girls’ schools in the country, founded in 1923.
10. Gordonstoun: Known for its rigorous academic standards and tough outdoor education programme; both Prince Philip and Prince Charles were educated here.

These institutions have played significant roles in British education and continue to be associated with the country’s elite. Let me know if you’d like further details!

What school has the best GCSE results?

Based on the latest available data, the following schools in the UK have achieved the highest percentages of top grades (9-7 or A*-A) in GCSE examinations:

1. Westminster School: 98.59% of entries awarded grades 9-7.
2. King’s College School, Wimbledon: 98.26% of entries awarded grades 9-7.
3. Guildford High School: 98.09% of entries awarded grades 9-7.
4. Wycombe Abbey: 96.97% of entries awarded grades 9-7.
5. King Edward VI High School for Girls: 95.10% of entries awarded grades 9-7.

These institutions are recognised for their exceptional academic performance at the GCSE level. Please note that rankings can vary annually based on exam results and other factors.