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Top state schools in London for A-Levels
In mid-August every year hundreds of thousands of young people across the country nervously collect their A-level results. Hard work and dedication are the keys to success, but another variable is sometimes overlooked: where they live.
In 2024, London and the southeast remained top of the class for A-level results by region, with the proportion of A and above grades an impressive 31.3% and 30.8% respectively – compared to 23.9% in the northeast, which propped up the national league table.
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What you’ll learn in this quick guide
- Top 5 London state schools based on A Level results in 2024
- Frequently asked questions
- How Simply London can assist with the sixth form selection process
Top 5 London state schools based on A Level results 2024
London’s and the southeast’s impressive selection of state schools is reflected by its table-topping position. Let’s look at the top five A-level performers.
1. Henrietta Barnett School, Hampstead (girls, ages 11 to 18)
The Henrietta Barnett School (HBS) is a non-denominational grammar school for girls aged 11 to 18, housed in a Grade II* listed building in the Hampstead Garden Suburb of north London. The school was founded in 1911 with the vision of providing exceptional education to girls regardless of their socioeconomic background.
In 2025, HBS 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. The school boasts impressive academic results, which is reflected by 34 Oxbridge offers in 2025.
2024 A-level results: A/A*, 81%.
2. St Olave’s Grammar School, Orpington (boys, ages 11 to 18)
St. Olave’s Grammar School is a selective Church of England secondary school for boys aged 11–18, with a co-educational sixth form, in Orpington, Kent. Founded by royal charter in 1571, the school’s rigorous curriculum places an emphasis on mathematics and sciences.
It was named the Sunday Times State School of the Year in 2008 and consistently ranks in the top 10 schools nationally for A-level results.
2024 A-level results: A/A*, 74%.
3. Tiffin School, Kingston upon Thames (boys, ages 11 to 18)
Tiffin School is a boys’ grammar school in Kingston upon Thames, south London. Established in 1880, it has a long-standing tradition of academic excellence and offers a selective education for boys aged 11 to 18, with a co-educational sixth form. Applicants typically need a minimum of 8 GCSEs with an average grade of 6.625, including at least three subjects at grade 7 or higher in their intended A-Level subjects.
2024 A-level results: A/A*, 72%.
4. The Latymer School, Edmonton (co-ed, ages 11 to 18)
Established in 1624, the Latymer School is a selective, co-educational grammar school in Edmonton, north London. Over the centuries, it has evolved into one of London’s most historic and successful grammar schools, serving a diverse student body of pupils aged 11 to 18.
The school’s motto, Qui Patitur Vincit (“He who endures wins”), reflects its longstanding commitment to resilience and academic excellence. Students consistently achieve outstanding examination results at both GCSE and A-Level, placing it in the top 10% of co-educational schools nationally.
The school maintains formal links with St John’s College and Corpus Christi College at the University of Cambridge, providing endowments to support former pupils pursuing studies there.
2024 A-level results: A/A*, 67%.
5. JFS, Harrow (co-ed, ages 11 to 18)
JFS (formerly known as the Jews’ Free School) is a co-educational, voluntary aided Jewish secondary school for students aged 11 to 18 in Harrow, northwest London. Established in 1732, the school relocated to its current 26-acre campus in 2002, offering state-of-the-art facilities, including a theatre, sports halls, media studios, and a synagogue.
The school consistently ranks among the top non-selective schools in the UK by integrating a Modern Orthodox Jewish ethos with a broad curriculum encompassing secular and Jewish studies.
2024 A-level results: A/A*, 55%.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I apply to these schools for sixth form (A-Level)?
Most top state schools accept external candidates into Year 12 (sixth form). The process includes:
- Meeting the minimum GCSE grade requirements
- Submitting an application form (usually in Year 11)
- Sometimes attending an interview or entrance assessment.
Check each school’s sixth form admissions page for specific criteria and deadlines.
Are there catchment areas for these schools?
Sixth form admissions are usually open to students from outside a school’s catchment based on academic merit.
How do these schools compare to private schools for A-Level results?
Top grammar schools typically match or exceed private schools in A-Level outcomes and university placements without the associated fees. However, facilities and extracurricular activities may vary.
Sources
- Timeout – London’s best state secondary schools, based on 2024 GCSE and A-Level results
- The Times – Best secondary schools 2025
- Simply London – Why grammar schools are the best state secondary schools
Consult with Simply London
Now you know London and the southeast are top-performing regions nationally in terms of A-level results, all that’s left to do is secure your child a place at one of their many outstanding state schools.
Our schools’ experts can provide personalised guidance and support on the state school sixth form admissions process. Using their knowledge and experience, they can help you select and apply for schools that match your child’s educational needs so they can excel.
Contact us today to learn how we can help you to find your ideal school. We’ve helped so many people relocate and apply for schools in London, find out what some of them have to say about our services here.
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Article published 29th May 2025
