Selective state schools in London

Selective state schools in London

Selective state schools (aka grammar schools) have two big benefits for families: they consistently rank among the top-performing secondary schools in the UK, and they’re state-funded – so they’re free. This makes these selective institutions an attractive option for families seeking a rigorous education without the financial burden of private school fees.

If your family is relocating to the UK from overseas, you might also want to explore this guide to family immigration on our sister site. It covers the essentials of bringing your family to the UK.

What you’ll learn in this quick guide

• The difference between selective and non-selective state schools
• The selective state school entry process
• The benefits of selective state schools
• Selective state schools in London
• Frequently asked questions about selective state schools in London.

Selective Vs non-selective state schools: What’s the difference?

Non-selective state schools – commonly referred to as comprehensive or secondary schools – accept students regardless of academic ability, background, or interests. This allows them to provide a broad and inclusive education to all children within their catchment area.

Selective state schools are government-funded like their non-selective contemporaries but have a fundamental difference: they admit students based on academic ability – typically requiring students to demonstrate this by passing an entrance exam.

Selective state schools’ entry process

Grammar schools are top of the class when it comes to exam results and providing a bright future for your child – and it’s all fee-free. To gain a place at one of these sought-after schools, your child must demonstrate their academic prowess by passing the 11-plus exam – typically taken in Year 6 (age 10 to 11).

This entrance exam assesses a child’s academic potential through a combination of verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, mathematics, and English. The selection process is competitive, with limited places and high demand, particularly in London.

Please note that there are no selective primary schools in the UK.

Why choose a grammar school?

Grammar schools are known for:

• Outstanding academic results
• High rates of progression to top universities
• Strong extracurricular programmes, particularly in music, sport, and the sciences
• A culture that values academic ambition, discipline, and personal growth

They offer an excellent alternative for families who want their children to thrive in a challenging environment but prefer not to or cannot afford to send them to private school.

However, they are famously hard to get into, so we always recommend that relocating families consider other options too, so you have a contingency plan.

List of grammar schools in London

There are 19 grammar schools in London:

• Henrietta Barnett School – a girls’ school and sixth form with academy status for pupils aged 11 to 18 in Hampstead Garden Suburb, north London.
• Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School for Boys – often referred to as QE Boys, this is a boys’ school and sixth form for pupils aged 11 to 18 in Chipping Barnet, north London.
• Michael’s Catholic School – a girls’ school for pupils aged 11 to 16 with a co‑educational sixth form (ages 16 to 18) in North Finchley, north London.
• Beths Grammar School –a boys’ school for pupils aged 11 to 18 with academy status and a co‑educational sixth form (ages 16 to 18) in Bexley, southeast London.
• Bexley Grammar School – a co-educational school for pupils aged 11 to 18 with academy status in Bexley, southeast London.
• Chislehurst and Sidcup School – a co-educational school and sixth form with academy status for pupils aged 11 to 18 in Sidcup, southeast London.
• Townley Grammar School – a girls’ school for pupils aged 11 to 16 with a co-educational sixth form (ages 16 to 18) in Bexleyheath, southeast London.
• Newstead Wood School – a girls’ school for pupils aged 11 to 16 with a co-educational sixth form (ages 16 to 18) in Orpington, southeast London.
• St Olave’s & St Saviour’s Grammar School – a boys’ school for pupils aged 11 to 16 with a co-educational sixth form (ages 16 to 18) in Orpington, southeast London.
• The Latymer School – a co-educational school and sixth form for pupils aged 11 to 18 in Edmonton, north London.
• Tiffin Girls’ School – a girls’ school and sixth form for pupils aged 11 to 18 in Kingston upon Thames, southwest London.
• Tiffin School – a boys’ school for pupils aged 11 to 16 with a co‑educational sixth form (ages 16 to 18) and academy status in Kingston upon Thames, southwest London.
• Ilford County High School – a boys’ school and sixth form for pupils aged 11 to 18 in Ilford, northeast London.
• Woodford County High School – a girls’ school and sixth form for pupils aged 11 to 18 in Woodford Green, northeast London.
• Nonsuch High School – a girls’ school and sixth form for pupils aged 11 to 18 with academy status in Sutton, south London.
• Sutton Grammar School – a boys’ school for pupils aged 11 to 16 with academy status and a co‑educational sixth form (ages 16 to 18) in Sutton, south London.
• Wallington County Grammar School – a boys’ school for pupils aged 11 to 16 with a co‑educational sixth form (ages 16 to 18) in Wallington, south London.
• Wallington High School for Girls – a girls’ school and sixth form with academy status for pupils aged 11 to 18 in Wallington, south London.
• Wilson’s School – a boys’ school and sixth form with academy status for pupils aged 11 to 18 in Wallington, south London.

These schools are spread across London’s boroughs, such as Barnet, Bexley, Redbridge, Kingston, and Sutton – popular areas with families prioritising education and a family-friendly environment in their relocation plans.

Frequently asked questions

When should my child start preparing for the 11+ entrance exam?

Many families begin preparation in Year 4 or Year 5, some start earlier. Preparation can include tutoring, practice papers, and developing reading and problem-solving skills.

Do selective state schools have catchment areas?

Some do, some don’t. For example, Queen Elizabeth’s School has no catchment area – it’s entirely merit-based, while the Latymer School has both a catchment area and academic selection. Review each school’s admissions policy for full details.

Is it possible to apply to more than one selective state school?

Yes. You can register your child for multiple schools’ entrance exams and list them all as preferences on your local authority application form.

Can overseas or relocating families apply?

Yes, but you must check a school’s eligibility criteria carefully. Some schools may require your child to be resident in the UK at the time of the test.

Sources

• Simply London – The best areas for grammar schools in London
• Simply London – Why grammar schools are the best state secondary schools
• Simply London – What are the main types of state schools in the UK?
• UK government – Types of schools

Finding a good state school in London

Even if grammar schools aren’t the right fit for your child, London has an impressive range of outstanding non-selective state schools. Choosing the right school, and therefore neighbourhood, can significantly influence your child’s educational success.

Want help navigating the grammar school landscape or making sense of your options? Get in touch with us today.

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