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London’s reputation for educational excellence is reinforced by research showing its boroughs dominate a national league table of areas with the most ‘outstanding’ state schools – the highest ranking awarded by Ofsted (Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills) following a rigorous inspection.
According to the study by Teachers to Your Home, which analysed Ofsted reports, London boroughs make up six of the top ten areas. With north, south, east, and west all represented, you’ll find an area with a high proportion of outstanding schools that suits your budget and lifestyle requirements.
What you’ll learn in this quick guide
- London boroughs with the most outstanding state schools
- Examples of outstanding state schools in London
- Frequently asked questions
London boroughs with the most outstanding state schools
Tower Hamlets
Tower Hamlets takes ninth spot in the national rankings with 29.9% of state schools in this diverse east London borough rated ‘outstanding’ by the education watchdog, including:
Top-rated state schools include:
- Mulberry School for Girls – a secondary comprehensive school and sixth form for girls aged 11 to 19 in Shadwell.
- Swanlea School – a co-educational comprehensive secondary school for pupils aged 11 to 18 in Whitechapel.
- Mayflower Primary School – a primary school for pupils aged 3 to 11 in Poplar.
- Bigland Green Primary School – a primary school for pupils aged 3 to 11 in Wapping.
Photo: Mulberry School for Girls
Islington
Islington is eighth, with 30.9% of state schools in this diminutive north London borough rated ‘outstanding’, including:
- Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School – a comprehensive secondary school for girls aged 11 to 16 in Angel.
- St Mary Magdalene Academy – a co-educational academy for pupils aged 4 to 19 in Barnsbury.
- Newington Green Primary School – a primary school for pupils aged 3 to 11 in Newington Green.
- Yerbury Primary School – a primary school for pupils aged 3 to 11l in Tufnell Park.
Photo: Yerbury Primary School
Camden
Camden is seventh, with 33.3% of state schools in this vibrant north London borough rated ‘outstanding’, including.
- St Marylebone School – a comprehensive secondary school and sixth form for girls aged 11 to 18 in Marylebone.
- Parliament Hill School – a secondary school for girls aged 11 to 18 with a mixed sixth form in Gospel Oak.
- Torriano Primary School – a community primary school for pupils aged 3 to 11 in Kentish Town.
- Richard Cobden Primary School – a primary school for pupils aged 3 to 11 in Camden.
Kensington and Chelsea
Kensington and Chelsea is fifth, with 34.8% of state schools in this affluent west London borough rated ‘outstanding’, including:
- Kensington Aldridge Academy – a co-educational secondary school with academy status for pupils aged 11 to 18 in North Kensington.
- The Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School – a Roman Catholic secondary school for boys aged 11 to 16 with a mixed sixth form in Holland Park.
- Fox Primary School – a primary school for pupils aged 4 to 11 in Notting Hill.
- Servite RC Primary School – a primary school for pupils aged 3 to 11 in Chelsea.
Photo: Kensington Aldridge Academy
Hammersmith and Fulham
Hammersmith and Fulham is second, with 37.7% of state schools in this riverside west London borough rated ‘outstanding’, including:
- Lady Margaret School – a Church of England comprehensive secondary school for girls aged 11 to 18 in Parsons Green.
- The London Oratory School – a selective catholic voluntary aided secondary school for boys aged 7 to 18 with a mixed sixth form in West Brompton.
- Fulham Primary School – a primary school for pupils aged 3 to 11 in Fulham.
- Ark Conway Primary Academy – a primary school for pupils aged 3 to 11 in Hammersmith.
Photo: The London Oratory School
Richmond Upon Thames
Richmond Upon Thames tops the national table with 37.8% of state schools in this leafy southwest London borough rated ‘outstanding’, including:
- Waldegrave School – a comprehensive secondary school with academy status for girls aged 11 to 16 with a mixed sixth form in Twickenham.
- Grey Court School – a co-educational high school academy for pupils aged 11 to 18 in Ham.
- Marshgate Primary School – a primary school for pupils aged 4 to 11 in Richmond.
- East Sheen Primary School – a primary school for pupils aged 4 to 11 in East Sheen.
Photo: East Sheen Primary School
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ‘Outstanding’ mean in Ofsted terms?
Until September 2024, Ofsted assigned an overall effectiveness grade to schools, with ‘Outstanding’ being the highest. This indicates exceptional performance across key areas: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management.
How does Ofsted’s new grading system work?
From September 2024, Ofsted stopped issuing single-word overall effectiveness grades. Starting from September 2025, inspection reports will provide detailed evaluations for each key assessment area without an overarching label.
Should I only consider Ofsted ratings when selecting a school for my child?
While an outstanding rating indicates high performance, also consider other factors such as the school’s ethos, extracurricular offerings, and your child’s specific needs. A ‘good’ rated school might be a better fit depending on these considerations.
Where can I find the latest Ofsted reports?
You can access the most recent Ofsted reports for state schools through the education watchdog’s official website.
Sources
- Simply London – Removal of Ofsted high-stakes state school ratings
- Simply London – The top state schools in London
- Ofsted – Find an inspection report
- News Shopper – Richmond in top boroughs for outstanding schools
Consult with Simply London
Having helped you find and secure a home in the catchment area of state schools that match your child’s requirements, our experts can provide personalised guidance and support on the admissions process – from accompanying you on school visits to helping you fill out the application form. Contact us today to learn how we can help. We’ve helped so many people find their ideal school in London for their children, find out what some of them have to say about our services here.
Article published 10th June 2025
