The top state schools in London

Outstanding state schools in London certainly aren’t in short supply – there are 342 ‘outstanding’, state-funded primary schools in London, and plenty of excellent state secondary schools too. With so many to choose from, we have rounded up the top state schools in London for you.

Choosing a top state school when moving to London with a family

Choosing an area to live, finding your ideal home, deciding which local pub whets your whistle: these are all big decisions when relocating to London. If you have kids, however, there’s one decision that’s even more important: which school you’re going to send them to. Yes, you love your job and can’t wait to call London home; but if your child isn’t happy, the relocation won’t be a success – and choosing the right school is central to this.

Our school days are supposed to be the happiest of our lives, so give your child the best chance of experiencing this for themselves by taking the time to learn about the top state schools in London.

Best primary state schools in London (age 4-12 years)

Outstanding state schools in London certainly aren’t in short supply – there are 342 outstanding, state-funded primary schools in the capital to be precise. With so many to choose from, you won’t struggle to find a primary school that scores top marks.

Here’s a list of ten of the very best:

1. Fox Primary School (Kensington & Chelsea)
2. St Joseph’s RC Primary School (Brent)
3. Thomas Jones Primary School (Kensington & Chelsea)
4. Bousfield Primary School (Kensington & Chelsea)
5. The Cathedral School of St Saviour and St Mary Overy (Southwark)
6. The London Oratory School (Hammersmith & Fulham)
7. St Peter’s Catholic Primary School (Greenwich)
8. Sir Willim Burrough Primary School (Tower Hamlets)
9. St John and St James Church of England Primary School (Hackney)
10. Paxton Primary School (Lambeth)

You can find out more on the best state primary schools in London by reading the following resources:

• https://www.compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk/schools-by-type?step=phase&geographic=all&region=0&phase=secondary – compare the performance of schools across England against a variety of criteria.
• https://londonbestschools.com/eng/best-primary-state-schools-in-london/ – London’s top-performing primary schools based on English, maths and spelling results.
• https://www.standard.co.uk/news/education/primary-school-league-tables-2018-girls-from-inner-london-beat-rest-of-uk-a4017601.html – provides a list of primary schools in London, ranked according to the number who passed reading, writing and maths SATs.
• https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/top-20-english-state-primary-13632370 – the Sunday Times compiles an annual ‘Parent Power’ list ranking each school according to SATs results – in 2018 six of the top 10 were in London.
• https://www.portico.com/blog/vendor-advice/ofsted-outstanding-primary-schools-complete-list-and-house-price-guide-2019 – full list of London’s 342 ‘outstanding’ state-funded primary schools – together with the average property price of living near each school.

Download our Guide to State Schools now

Best secondary state schools in London (age 12-16 years)

Thankfully, finding the best state schools in London isn’t like finding a needle in a haystack. With so many outstanding state secondary schools to choose from, it’s more a case of being spoilt for choice.

Here’s a list of ten of the very best:

1. Queen Elizabeeth’s School (Barnet)
2. Wilson’s School (Sutton)
3. Henrietta Barnett School (Barnet)
4. Tiffin Girls’ School (Kingston upon Thames)
5. St Olave’s and St Saviour’s Grammar School (Bromley)
6. Tiffin School (Kingston upon Thames)
7. Sutton Grammar for Boys (Sutton)
8. Nonsuch High School for Girls (Sutton)
9. The Latymer School (Enfield)
10. Holland Park School (Kensington & Chelsea)

You can find out more on the best state secondary schools in London by reading the following resources:

• https://www.compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk/schools-by-type?step=phase&geographic=all&region=0&phase=secondary – compare the performance of schools across England against a variety of criteria.
• https://www.mylondon.news/news/north-london-news/londons-best-secondary-schools-according-17314210 – the best secondary schools in London according to The Sunday Times School Guide 2020.
• http://www.londonpreprep.com/2019/08/gcse-results-2019-ranking-of-the-top-london-secondary-schools/ – provides a ranking of the top London secondary schools based on GCSE results in 2019 – allows you to compare the top state schools with the top independent schools.
• https://londonbestschools.com/eng/top-secondary-state-schools-in-london/ – provides a list of the top secondary schools in London based on exam results.

You can find out more on Grammar Schools by checking this article.

Get help from the Schools Experts (optional)

Simply London won’t just help you to identify good state schools in London; we will help you secure a place for your child at one as well.

We offer two options designed to take the hassle out of your school search, in addition to our home search and settling-in services:

• School phone consultation – advice on schools, admissions and the general process.
• School search service – an in-depth, bespoke service that’s tailored to your family’s requirements.