The best areas for Grammar Schools in London

Grammar schools in London are in very short supply. There are 19 Grammar Schools in London, all of them located on the outskirts of London rather than in the central boroughs.

For families considering a move to London, this means planning ahead is essential, especially if gaining access to a grammar school is high on your priority list.

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The best areas for Grammar Schools in London

Grammar schools are spread across all corners of London, from South-West to North-East. One very important consideration is that the majority of grammar schools in London are single-sex institutions (16 out of 19). Parents should therefore think carefully about which schools may be suitable for their child before deciding where to live.

Remember too that grammar schools are selective: children usually need to sit the 11+ entrance exam, and admission is often determined not only by results but also by living within the school’s catchment area. In practice, this means that choosing the right neighbourhood can make a significant difference to your child’s chances of securing a place.

If you are looking to move close to a London grammar school, here are the areas you should be targeting:

1 – South-West London:

• Kingston – Home to Tiffin School (boys) and The Tiffin Girls’ School, both renowned for academic excellence.

• Sutton & Cheam – A hotspot for grammar schools, including Sutton Grammar, Nonsuch High School for Girls, and Wallington County Grammar. Families often move here specifically for school access.

• Wallington – Offers several high-performing grammar options and a supportive local community.

2 – South-East London

• Bexley, Bexleyheath & Sidcup – These areas are within reach of some of the four grammar schools run by the Bexley selective system, such as Beths Grammar School and Townley Grammar.

• Orpington – Close to grammar schools in Bromley and Bexley, with good commuter links into central London.

3 – North-East London

• Ilford & Woodford – The Redbridge borough has strong grammar school options such as Ilford County High School (boys) and Woodford County High School (girls). These schools are highly competitive, so location is key.

4 – North London

• Barnet, Finchley, Hampstead & Edmonton – Barnet is particularly popular with families thanks to schools like Henrietta Barnett (girls) and Queen Elizabeth’s School (boys), consistently ranked among the best in the country.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right neighbourhood in London for grammar schools involves balancing several factors: your child’s suitability for single-sex or co-educational environments, catchment boundaries, and the competitiveness of the 11+. While grammar schools are limited in number, living in the right area can significantly increase your chances of securing a place.

You can also read more about each Grammar School in London in this article.

Get help from Simply London

Our schools’ experts can provide personalised guidance on the grammar school admissions process. Using their knowledge and experience, they can help you select and apply for top-performing schools. Contact us today, or schedule a free call with us here to discuss how we can help you to find your ideal school.

Need help bringing your family to the UK? Our sister site Simply UK Visa offers expert guidance on family immigration. Because getting settled starts with getting here.