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It doesn’t matter how much you love your job or how excited you are about calling London home; if your children are relocating with you, they will be your priority.
Choosing a school that matches your family’s requirements will, therefore, be one of the most important decisions you make during your move. Particularly if you plan on sending your children to a state school in the capital – according to the Good Schools Guide, there are 10 times more applications for good state schools than places available.
These statistics highlight the vital role your home search plays in the school search process. So, where should you focus this search to ensure you live within the catchment area of high-performing state schools?
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.
The best London neighbourhoods for state schools
We’ve listed some boroughs below that score top of the class when it comes to good passes at GCSE in English and maths, based on state and grammar schools.
- Kingston & Sutton
- Barnet
- Richmond
- Kensington & Chelsea
- Redbridge
- Westminster
- Ealing
- Wandsworth
- Harrow
A Borough is an administrative section of London, managed by a local authority, read our article: what is a London borough? to find out more.
1. Kingston & Sutton
A favourite amongst British families looking to settle slightly outside of central London while staying within easy reach. Kingston is known for its riverside charm, excellent grammar schools like Tiffin and Tiffin Girls’, and a thriving town centre. Sutton offers strong performing schools and a quieter suburban lifestyle, with great parks and community feel, making both boroughs ideal for families prioritising education and space.
To find out more, read our article: Kingston upon Thames: where royal history meets modern suburbia
2. Barnet
Located on the northern edge of London, Barnet is an absolute favourite for families looking to live in larger houses with gardens, while retaining access to public transport into the city. The borough is home to several high-performing schools, including Queen Elizabeth’s School and Henrietta Barnett, and boasts a range of family-friendly amenities, green spaces, and diverse communities.
To find out more, read our article: Barnet: where London meets the Hertfordshire countryside
3. Richmond
A definite favourite amongst expatriate families for its amenities and excellent schools. Richmond is also one of London’s greenest boroughs, offering the scenic Thames riverside, vast Richmond Park, and a village-like atmosphere. Its schools, such as Grey Court and The Vineyard, consistently perform well, adding to its appeal.
To find out more, read our article: Richmond: the beloved suburban area for expat families in London
4. Kensington and Chelsea
Definitely not the cheapest area in London. If you can afford it, great shopping, museums, and restaurants await you. It’s also home to some of the capital’s most highly rated schools and offers stunning architecture, world-class cultural institutions, and central location convenience.
5. Redbridge
On the eastern side of London, Redbridge offers families larger homes and plentiful parks, like Valentines Park. It is also home to several outstanding schools such as Woodford County High and Ilford County, making it a top option for families seeking space without sacrificing school quality. Definitely a keeper.
6. Westminster
State schools are not what you think of first when considering Westminster, but their state schools are amongst the best in London – so it isn’t just about private schools here. Families benefit from access to historic attractions, museums, and the heart of government, all while enjoying top-rated educational institutions like Westminster City School and Grey Coat Hospital.
7. Ealing
A fantastic location for affordable rents, great multicultural communities and all amenities one can dream of. Ealing offers a suburban feel with quick access to central London, excellent schools like Twyford CofE High School, and a strong arts and café culture, making it perfect for family life.
To find our more, read out article: Ealing: a bright future for this West London neighbourhood
8. Wandsworth
Another favourite of British families looking for more space when expanding their family size. With leafy streets, good transport links, and schools like Graveney and Ashcroft Academy, Wandsworth provides excellent value. It also boasts riverside walks and a growing number of independent shops and restaurants.
To find out more, read our article: Wandsworth: London riverside living at its best
9. Harrow
Famous for some of the schools carrying its name, Harrow also offers excellent access to central London and a very strong community feel. It combines educational prestige, notably with Harrow School, with family-friendly neighbourhoods and a variety of parks and local amenities.
To find our more, read our article: Harrow: where leafy living meets metropolitan energy
House prices rise sharply within the narrow catchment area of Ofsted-rated “outstanding” state schools, whereas selective grammar schools don’t cast a catchment area as part of the selection process. Instead, potential pupils are required to take an entrance exam. Therefore, if you’re confident your child will pass, you might be able to purchase a well-priced home a little further away.
Find out more by reading our article: the best areas for grammar schools.
Resources
- Find out which school year your child will be attending: School Year Calculator
- Search London for your ideal school using our interactive School Map
- Learn more on how to apply for a state school: How to apply for a state school
- Read the latest exam results for all state schools in London: Ofsted Reports
How Simply London Can Help
Our Simply London School expert can:
- Explain the school system and admissions process
- Help you select the most suitable schools for your children
- Assist you with your applications until your children have received a school place.
- Work with you throughout the entire school search process until your children have started at their new London school!
All our schools’ experts are based in London and have extensive knowledge of state schools, private schools, and international schools in and around London. Contact us today to learn how we can help make your school search in London stress-free. We’ve helped so many people find their ideal school, hear what some of them have to say about our services here.
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.
Article written 24th April 2020 and updated in May 2025.
