The Guide to London State Schools

Our guide includes:

• The top 10 London neighbourhoods for state schools
• The top 10 London primary state schools
• The top 10 London secondary state schools
• Overview of the British state education system
• Which school grade for which age?
• The school day and the academic year
• GCSEs, A levels and the International Baccalaureaute
• School uniforms
• How to select the right state school for your child
• Understanding Ofsted inspection reports
• When and how to apply for state schools
• Understanding catchment areas and admission criteria
• Calendar of key dates and school admission deadlines
• Application links for each London Borough
• School waiting lists
• How to appeal school admission decisions
• How to select a state school for children with Special Education Needs
• Glossary of school terms used in the UK
• Links to essential websites and resources
• Answers to questions most frequently asked by parents

Note: This guide covers primary and secondary schools, for children between 4 and 16 years old.

42 pages. Updated 2025.

Over a decade of state schools experience in your pocket

At Simply London we eat, sleep and breathe London. We have already helped hundreds of clients find state schools in London. By downloading this guide, you tap into all the knowledge we have acquired over the years while helping people like you.