The Top-Rated Grammar Schools in the UK for 2024
The best grammar schools boast excellent academic results, offer a nurturing environment, and offer a wide range of extracurricular activities to ensure well-rounded development.
In this article, we’ll highlight the top-rated grammar schools in the UK for 2024, providing insights into their academic performance, facilities, and unique strengths.
What is a grammar school?
Grammar schools are selective state-funded institutions in the UK that admit students based on their performance in entrance exams.
These schools are known for their academic rigour and focus on traditional subjects such as English, Mathematics, and Science. Grammar schools aim to provide a high-quality education to academically gifted students, preparing them for higher education and successful careers.
The curriculum in grammar schools is designed to challenge students intellectually and develop their critical thinking and analytical skills. Graduates of grammar schools often go on to attend prestigious universities and pursue fulfilling careers in various fields.
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What makes a grammar school top-rated?
A top-rated grammar school is characterised by its commitment to academic excellence, innovation in teaching methods, and a supportive learning environment.
These schools focus on student development, including academics, personal growth, and well-being. The teachers at top grammar schools are highly qualified and passionate about teaching. They engage students in interesting discussions, encourage critical thinking, and provide personalised support for each student's success.
Additionally, these schools offer many extracurricular activities to develop students' skills and interests beyond the classroom.
Do children do better at grammar schools?
There has been a long debate about whether children do better academically at grammar schools than non-selective schools. Supporters say that grammar schools’ challenging environments and high expectations lead to better results, as students get to study with others with similar goals. Extracurricular support and enrichment programmes further help with students’ development into talented, well-rounded individuals.
Critics argue that grammar schools can create elitism and inequality, harming students who don't get in. Research shows mixed results on the impact of grammar schools on student achievement, so the debate continues.
Where are my local grammar schools?
It might not be obvious right away which schools are actually grammar schools. Several schools, such as The Manchester Grammar School and Royal Grammar School Guildford, have "grammar" in their names but are not actually grammar schools. On the other hand, some grammar schools, like Bournemouth School and Tiffin School, do not have the word "grammar" in their names.
To find schools that may interest you, use The Good Schools Guide school search tool. Filter by ticking 'state grammar schools' under 'School Associations'.
The Top 10 Grammar Schools in the UK (2024)
As of 2024, based on academic results, these are the top grammar schools in the UK according to the Sunday Times league table:
1. Wilson's School
Image Credit: Your Local Guardian
Wilson's School in Wallington, London, is an all-boys grammar school with a history dating back to 1615. Known for its academic excellence, the Sunday Times named it 'London Secondary School of the Decade' in 2020, underscoring its high status among London's secondary schools.
Wilson’s School is a top performer, with 43.9% of its A-level grades being A* and 82.5% achieving A*/A grades. For GCSEs, 95% of grades were A* - 7, making it second in the GCSE rankings.
The school offers a broad curriculum and an enrichment programme called 'The Elizabethan,' which includes political, cultural, and public speaking activities. This programme helps students develop personally and prepares them for modern life, ensuring they are both academically strong and well-rounded.
Admission to Wilson’s School is very competitive. Boys must take the Sutton Selective Eligibility Test (SET) and the school's English and Maths tests. This rigorous process ensures that only the most capable and motivated students are admitted, contributing to the school's exceptional academic performance.
2. Queen Elizabeth's School (QE Barnet)
Image Credit: QE Barnet
Queen Elizabeth's School (QE Barnet), founded in 1573, is one of London's oldest and most prestigious grammar schools. Located in Barnet, this all-boys school, often called QE Boys, is known for its academic excellence.
QE Barnet ranks second in the 2024 school league tables, highlighting its exceptional academic achievements. The school has 58.2% A-level grades at A* and 89.1% A*/A, making it one of the highest performing schools in the UK. Its GCSE results are also outstanding, with 93.3% of grades at A* - 7, placing it fourth in the GCSE rankings.
The academic program at QE Barnet is challenging, offering a mix of traditional and modern subjects. This is enhanced by enrichment activities, including guest lectures and collaborative research events called 'symposia', conducted with academically strong girls' schools nearby. These symposia provide students with unique opportunities for intellectual growth and interdisciplinary learning.
QE Barnet was named The Sunday Times State Secondary School of the Year for 2022, marking the third time the school has received this award.
Admission to QE Barnet is very competitive. Applicants must take the 11-plus exam in September of Year 6, with written papers in English and Maths, ensuring that only the most capable students are selected.
3. The Henrietta Barnett School
Image Credit: Henrietta Barnett School
The Henrietta Barnett School, founded in 1911 by Dame Henrietta Barnett, is an all-girls grammar school in Hampstead Garden Suburb, North London. As an academy, it is known for providing high-quality, holistic education based on students' abilities rather than their financial backgrounds.
Ranked third in the 2024 school league tables, The Henrietta Barnett School excels in academics with 37.8% of A-level grades at A* and 75.3% at A*/A. Its GCSE results are outstanding, with 97.6% of grades at A* - 7, placing it at the top of the GCSE rankings.
The school has a strong reputation for academic excellence and was named the 'Top Secondary School for Academic Performance' by the Sunday Times in 2022. Many graduates go on to prestigious universities such as Oxbridge, UCL, King's College London, and LSE, demonstrating the school's success in preparing students for higher education.
Admission to The Henrietta Barnett School is very competitive, with a two-stage 11-plus test. The first stage assesses verbal and numerical abilities, followed by English and Maths tests for shortlisted candidates. This rigorous selection process ensures that only the most capable and motivated students are admitted.
4. Pate's Grammar School
Image Credit: Pate's Grammar School
Pate's Grammar School, founded in 1574, is a co-ed academy in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. Known for its academic excellence and outstanding pastoral care, it has been recognised multiple times, including being named the Sunday Times ‘State Secondary School of the Year’ in 2020 and 'The Southwest Secondary School of the Year' in 2017 and 2022.
This year, Pate's Grammar School ranked fourth. It achieved 31.3% of A-level grades at A* and 70.4% at A*/A, reflecting its strong academic performance. Its GCSE results are also impressive, with 90.7% of grades at A*—7, ranking eighth in the GCSE rankings.
The Pate's Grammar School community follows a shared vision of 'Nurturing Excellence' through 'Embracing Challenge', 'Supporting Each Other', and 'Shaping the Future'. This vision emphasises relationships and respect over strict rules, as outlined in its 2025 vision, creating a supportive and respectful environment for students and staff.
Admission to Pate's Grammar School is very competitive. Prospective students must take the Gloucestershire Grammar Schools Test in Year 6, which includes questions on English, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning, and Maths. This thorough testing process ensures that only the most capable students are selected.
5. St Olave's Grammar School
Image Credit: TES
St Olave's Grammar School, located in Orpington, southeast London, is a selective state school for boys with a mixed sixth form. Founded in 1571 by royal charter, the school benefits from the St Olave's and St Saviour's Schools Foundation. Known as Olavians, students have a strong track record of academic achievement and progression to prestigious universities, including Oxbridge.
St Olave's Grammar School achieved 42% of A-level grades at A* and 77.2% at A*/A. Its GCSE results are also impressive, with 91.4% of grades at A* - 7, ranking fifth in the GCSE rankings. These results reflect the school's high academic standards and the success of its students in securing top university places, particularly in engineering and medicine.
Entry to St Olave's Grammar School is competitive, with boys required to take the Selective Eligibility Test (SET) in September of Year 6. This test includes questions in English, Maths, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning, followed by a second-stage of tests in English and Maths for shortlisted candidates.
6. Colchester Royal Grammar School
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Colchester Royal Grammar School, founded in 1206, is an all-boys grammar school in Colchester, Essex. It is one of the oldest schools in the country and offers boarding for sixth formers. The school has been granted Royal Charters from both Henry VIII and Elizabeth I and was named the East Anglia State School of the Decade by The Sunday Times in 2020.
In the 2024 school league tables, Colchester Royal Grammar School is ranked sixth. The school achieved 35.4% of A-level grades at A* and 76.8% at A*/A. Its GCSE results are also notable, with 85% of grades at A*- 7, placing it eighteenth in the GCSE rankings. The school's impressive facilities, exam results, and extensive extracurricular program contribute to its high standing.
Admission to Colchester Royal Grammar School involves taking the CSSE 11+ exam, which consists of two written papers assessing English and Maths.
7. The Tiffin Girls' School
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The Tiffin Girls' School, located in Kingston upon Thames, London, is an all-girls selective school. Founded in the 17th century, it is also the sister school to the all-boys Tiffin School. The school is committed to providing an intellectually stimulating environment and strongly focuses on community outreach and charitable initiatives.
The Tiffin Girls' School achieved 34.3% of A-level grades at A* and 71.6% at A*/A. Its GCSE results are exceptional, with 94.4% of grades at A* - 7, securing the third position in the GCSE rankings. The school's emphasis on academic excellence and social responsibility is evident in its achievements and recognition, including winning the Pupil Premium Awards for its progress with disadvantaged students.
Admission to The Tiffin Girls' School requires a two-stage entrance exam. The first stage consists of English and Maths tests set by GL Assessment, and the second stage involves English and Maths papers written by the school.
8. Reading School
Image Credit: Reading Chronicle
Reading School, founded in 1125, is one of the country's oldest and most prestigious grammar schools. Located in Reading, it offers boarding at approximately one-third of the cost of private school boarding. The school consistently achieves excellent exam results and was named the Southeast Secondary School of the Year by the Sunday Times in 2017.
In the 2024 school league tables, Reading School is ranked eighth. It achieved 34.4% of A-level grades at A* and 73.1% at A*/A. Its GCSE results are impressive, with 88.3% of grades at A*-7, ranking tenth in the GCSE rankings. These results reflect the school's high academic standards and success in preparing students for top universities.
Admission to Reading School involves taking an 11+ exam set by Future Stories Community Enterprise (FSCE) in September of Year 6. The exam consists of three papers: English, Maths, and Creative Writing.
9. King Edward VI School, Stratford
Image Credit: King Edward VI School
King Edward VI School, founded in 1295 in Stratford-upon-Avon, is a boys' grammar school famously attended by William Shakespeare in the 1570s. Known as 'Shakespeare's School', it offers a rich cultural and academic environment. The school excels in sports, music, and drama, with students frequently succeeding in national and international competitions.
Ranked ninth in the 2024 school league tables, King Edward VI School achieved 33% of A-level grades at A* and 71.6% at A*/A. Its GCSE results are also commendable, with 84.4% of grades at A*/9-7, placing it twentieth in the GCSE rankings. The school's strong focus on extracurricular activities and academic success prepares students well for top universities, including Oxbridge and Russell Group institutions.
Admission to King Edward VI School involves taking the West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+ exam in September of Year 6. The test consists of two one-hour papers divided into smaller sections assessing English, Maths, Verbal, and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
10. Altrincham Grammar School for Girls
Image Credit: AGGS
Altrincham Grammar School for Girls (AGGS), located in Bowdon, Greater Manchester, is England's largest single-sex grammar school, with over 1,300 students. Established in 1910, the school was awarded the title 'Northwest Secondary School of the Year' 2022 by the Sunday Times. AGGS is known for its academic excellence and leadership in Maths, Science, PSHE, and Modern Foreign Languages.
At AGGS, 20.7% of A-level grades were A*, and 59.6% were either A* or A, ranking it tenth for A-levels. Its GCSE results are also notable, with 91.2% of grades at A*- 7, ranking sixth for GCSEs. The school's strong academic performance is complemented by its status as a National Teaching School and its membership with the Bright Futures Educational Trust.
Admission to AGGS involves taking entrance exams that assess Maths, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
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