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London is a diverse mix of 33 boroughs, each home to their own neighbourhoods, identity, and socioeconomic status. It’s official: these mini cities within a city also contain the highest proportion of ‘outstanding’ state schools in the land. Let’s journey across London to discover where you should focus your property search so you live within the catchment of high-performing state schools.
What you’ll learn in this quick guide:
- What makes a state school outstanding
- Best London boroughs for state schools
- Frequently asked questions
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 makes a state school outstanding?
The term ‘outstanding’ is the highest ranking awarded to a state school by Ofsted (Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills) following a rigorous inspection – a long-standing assessment framework that’s being replaced in September 2025. Schools rated as outstanding demonstrate superior teaching quality, leadership, student outcomes, and behaviour standards. They excel in creating a supportive yet challenging environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Best London boroughs for state schools
From Kensington and Chelsea in the west to Tower Hamlets in the east, from Barnet in the north to Richmond in the south, London’s vast collection of outstanding state schools is widespread.
1. London Borough of Barnet
The Borough of Barnet is where London meets the Hertfordshire countryside. This leafy area appeals to families looking for a spacious home with a generous garden without waving goodbye to the UK capital. When you’re not living the suburban dream, you can be in central London within 25 – 30 minutes via the Underground (Northern Line) or the New Barnet Overground.
The borough is home to a raft of high-performing state schools, notably Queen Elizabeth’s School and Henrietta Barnett – a non-denominational grammar school for girls aged 11 to 18. In 2024, the school was recognised as the highest-ranking state school in the Sunday Times Parent Power league table and named the State Secondary School of the Year for Academic Excellence.
2. London Borough of Richmond upon Thames
This picturesque riverside setting has everything retired couples and young families could want from suburban city life: 2,500 acres of enclosed green space, outstanding schools, a Middle England vibe, an impressive housing stock, and excellent transport links.
A recent study, which analysed Ofsted reports, found that Richmond upon Thames has the highest proportion of ‘outstanding’ schools in the country – 38.5% of state schools there have been awarded the highest rating by the education watchdog.
3. Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Row of beautiful white edwardian houses in Kensington, London[/caption]
London’s smallest borough outside of The City is also one of its most affluent. From Chelsea’s high-end shops to Kensington’s sophisticated residential roads, RBKC epitomises exclusivity. Renowned for its multi-millionaire residents, palatial properties, and prestigious private schools, it’s also a hotbed for outstanding state-run education institutions.
With 34.8% of state schools attaining the highest Ofsted rating, RBKC ranks fifth among areas with the most top-rated schools. A shining example is the Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School in Holland Park, which ranked 6th and 11th in the 2024 London state school exam results tables for GCSEs and A-levels respectively.
4. London Borough of Tower Hamlets
Covering much of London’s traditional East End, Tower Hamlets is a borough of variety and contrasts – from the shiny high rises in corporate Canary Wharf to Brick Lane’s quirky coffee shops and artistic undercurrent. Its demographic underscores why this is such a vibrant and forward-thinking area: Tower Hamlets has more residents under 40 than any other borough, and more than half of its population hails from an ethnic minority background,
With 29.9% of state schools attaining the highest Ofsted rating, Tower Hamlets ranks ninth among areas with the most top-rated schools.
Frequently asked questions
> Is there a direct link between house prices and school performance?
Boroughs with a high concentration of top-rated schools typically have higher property prices amid the catchment area admissions system.
> Can I get my child into an outstanding school if I live outside the catchment area?
It’s possible but challenging. Most Ofsted-rated outstanding state schools are in high demand, so give admission priority to children living within their catchment area. The closer you live, the better your chances.
> How do I check if a school is outstanding?
Visit the Ofsted website to check the latest inspection ratings and performance reports for any school in England.
> What should I consider alongside Ofsted ratings when choosing a state school?
- School curriculum and extracurricular offerings.
- School ethos and values.
- Distance from your home or potential home.
- Transport links and commuting times.
- Feedback from other parents.
Sources
- News Shopper – Richmond in top boroughs for outstanding schools
- The Times – Best secondary schools 2025
- Ofsted – Find an inspection report
- Timeout – London’s best state secondary schools, based on 2024 GCSE and A-Level results
- Simply London – The top state schools in London
- Simply London – Removal of Ofsted high-stakes state school ratings
Consult with Simply London
Having helped you find and secure a home in the catchment area of outstanding state schools, our experts can provide personalised guidance and support on the admissions process.
Contact us today, or schedule a free call with us here to discuss how we can help you secure places in the best possible state schools in London.
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.
