Best State Secondary Schools in the UK – Rankings & League Table (Updated 2025)
Looking for the top secondary schools in the UK? Our league table will make the research easy for you. We have compiled our league table of the top state secondary schools in the UK based on published data on public examination results. We also have a league table of state secondary schools based on the latest GCSE and A-Levels results. You can find the latest UK State School results in this article.
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Top UK State Secondary Schools - Methodology
Our league table is based on Parent Power’s ranking of all state secondary schools in the UK. These rankings are determined based on the average performance of the schools in public examinations, which include A-Levels, GCSEs, International Baccalaureate, Pre-U, Advanced Higher, Higher, and National 5 outcomes. Junior schools are also included in the league table and are calculated differently based on Standard Assessment Tests.
Our league table includes different types of schools in the UK as specified below:
- Academy – Government funded, run by an academy trust
- Independent school – privately funded schools
- Maintained school – Government funded, run by a local authority
The schools included in our rankings are selective with pupils to various extents – some are 100% selective with pupils, such as grammar schools; some are partially selective with only a certain percentage of its students; while some schools are comprehensive and do not select their students.
What Is A State Secondary School?
A state secondary school in the UK is a publicly funded educational institution that provides education to students typically between the ages of 11 to 18. These schools are maintained by local authorities or regional governments and are open to all students regardless of their background or ability to pay fees.
The state secondary schools follow the UK national curriculum and offer a wide range of subjects, including core subjects like English, mathematics, and science, as well as optional subjects such as foreign languages, humanities, and arts. Other vocational courses and extracurricular activities may also be offered.
Top State Secondary Schools 2024 - League Table
Here you can find the UK State Secondary School rankings for 2024. The rankings are based on the official A Levels results for 2024 which was released on 15 August, 2024. We’ve compiled all their results and listed them in the table below. Please note that we will be regularly updating this table if there are any changes such as newly posted results, re-marks etc.
Top GCSE State Secondary Schools 2024 - League Table
Here is a comparison of the UK state secondary schools based on their latest GCSE results.
UK Secondary School Application Process
The process of applying for a UK state secondary school generally involves the following steps:
1. Research Schools
Use local council websites or the government’s school finder tool to explore secondary schools in your area.
Consider factors like school performance, Ofsted reports, curriculum offerings, facilities, and admissions policies.
Attend open days or evenings to get a feel for the school environment.
2. Check Admissions Criteria
Understand each school’s admission rules, which may prioritise children based on proximity, sibling attendance, or religious affiliation. Grammar schools require entrance exams (e.g., 11+ tests), so preparation is essential if applying to one.
3. Submit an Application
Applications are typically submitted through your local council’s online portal between September and October of the year before your child will start Year 7. You can usually list multiple schools in order of preference (e.g., up to six). Be strategic in your selection to maximise the chances of receiving an offer.
4. Entrance Tests (if applicable)
If applying to grammar or selective schools, students must sit entrance exams, usually held in September or October.
Faith schools may require additional documents, such as a priest’s reference or proof of religious practice.
5. National Offer Day
On 1st March (or the next working day), you will receive an offer letter or email with the outcome. If successful, you’ll be assigned one of the schools from your preference list.
*If you’re not happy with the assigned school, you can join waiting lists or submit appeals.
6. Appeals (if necessary)
If your child is not allocated to one of your preferred schools, you have the right to appeal. The appeal process involves presenting your case to an independent panel, typically citing special circumstances or mistakes in the admissions process.
7. Accept the Offer
Accept the offer by the specified deadline, even if you plan to appeal or explore other options. This ensures your child has a place secured.
8. Prepare for Transition
Schools will often organize transition events to help new students adjust, such as taster days or induction programs before the start of Year 7.
Top 10 State Secondary Schools in England
10. Altrincham Grammar School for Girls, Altrincham
The Altrincham Grammar School for Girls has earned its spot in the top 10 on our league table this year for its academic excellence. Located in Greater Manchester, Altrincham Grammar School for Girls is the biggest all-girl’s school in England, with over 1200 students.
9. King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford
King Edward VI Grammar School (KEGS) is a prestigious British grammar school with academy status, situated in Chelmsford, Essex. KEGS operates as a boys-only school for Years 7 to 11 and welcomes both boys and girls in the sixth form. With roots tracing back to 1551, KEGS is renowned for consistently excellent academic results and embracing an ethos of equality and inclusiveness, welcoming students from diverse social and ethnic backgrounds. KEGS nurtures personal growth, encouraging students to develop their unique talents, pursue their interests, and collaborate effectively with others.
8. Tiffin School
Tiffin School, a boys’ grammar school in Kingston upon Thames, England, excels in both performing arts and languages. It offers a vibrant music program with ensembles like a swing band and an acclaimed Boys’ Choir, which performs at prestigious venues and has recorded with renowned orchestras. The school hosts an annual oratorio with student and community participation, accompanied by orchestras such as the London Mozart Players. Sports are equally emphasised, with facilities for rugby, cricket, football, and rowing, and its 29-acre Grist’s ground near Hampton Court. Tiffin also provides ball boys for Wimbledon, further showcasing its broad engagement beyond academics.
7. Reading School, Reading
Renowned for its rich heritage and academic excellence, Reading School has consistently produced exceptional results in national examinations. Its distinguished faculty and a culture of academic rigour contribute to its reputation as a premier educational institution.
5= Pate's Grammar School
Pate’s Grammar School was named as the State Secondary School of the Year on two separate occasions by The Sunday Times’ Good Schools Guide which is a rare accolade. The school has also earned the prestigious Outstanding rating by Ofsted, a mark of the school’s high standards in education.
5= The Tiffin Girls’ School, Kingston upon Thames
The Tiffin Girls’ School admits approximately 1200 students, including 300 or so students in the Sixth Form. The school has won numerous accolades in the past decade for outstanding academic achievements.Tiffin School not only places a strong emphasis on academic achievement but also encourages students’ personal development, fostering a well-rounded education.
4. St Olave's Grammar School
Founded in 1571, St Olave’s Grammar School is a boys’ grammar school located in Greater London. St Olave’s was once named as the State Secondary School of the Year on Sunday Times in 2008, one of the most prestigious awards for schools in the country.
3. Wilson's School, Wallington
Wilson’s School was named as The Times’ London State Secondary School of the Decade in 2020. The school has a total of 1250 pupils and admits 180 pupils every year through a rigorous, two-stage entrance examination.
2. The Henrietta Barnett School
Dubbed as one of the “magnificent seven”, the school was founded by Dame Henrietta Barnett in 1911 to improve girls’ education. It has since been recognised year after year as one of the best schools in the country, with high acceptance rates at Oxbridge and top achievements at GCSEs and A-Levels.
1. Queen Elizabeth's School, Barnet
The Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet, has been consistently ranked among the top schools in the UK. Queen Elizabeth’s School topped the A-Level league tables for five years in a row and it is consistently ranked among the top 5 schools in the UK.
Best State Secondary Schools in London 2024
This league table lists all state secondary schools in the London area based on their overall 2024 ranking.
Best State Secondary Schools in Bristol 2024
This league table lists all state secondary schools in the Bristol area based on their overall 2024 ranking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Based on 2024 league tables, the number one state secondary school in England is Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet.
The top state school in London is the Henrietta Barnett School, followed by the Latymer School and St. Michael’s Catholic Grammar School in second and third place respectively.
The top state school in Bristol is the Bristol Cathedral Choir School.
First, you will have to submit application forms and other relevant documents. Depending on the school of choice, you may have to take entrance exams. The school will make its decision based on its admissions criteria.
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