Top UK Grammar Schools – Ranking & League Table 2022

Looking for the best UK Grammar School? Explore our league table.

As you might already know, it’s quite the task researching schools for sending your child to – the school’s location, international student presence, facilities, teaching standards and so many other factors are important. We have put together a league table comparing UK grammar schools in terms of their academic performance which can make this process a bit easier for you.

In this comprehensive guide to UK Grammar Schools, we compare 163 UK Grammar Schools based on their academic performance at GCSEs and their Progress 8 measures.

What is a Grammar School?

Grammar schools are a type of state school in the UK which are allowed to select students based on academic ability. Most grammar schools will require applicants to take an entrance examination – these are known as the 11+ and 13+. See our section UK Grammar School Entrance Exams below for more information about entrance exams.

UK Grammar School Age Groups

Grammar schools typically admit students from ages 11-18, with the most common entry year being age 11. Candidates will usually sit for a test at the end of primary education, at the age of 11-12. This examination is known as the 11+.

An alternative is the 13+ test for late transfers – these are usually students who narrowly missed out on the requirements when they sat for the 11+ test. See the section UK Grammar School Entrance Exams below for more information.

UK Grammar School Admission

Bear in mind that there is an extensive selection process for grammar schools. It’s strongly recommended that you start preparing your child for entry to a school from before Year 5 – we would be looking at a Year 7 entry with the 11+ entry point. Registration for grammar schools opens in April on the year before admission.

When applying for a grammar school, it’s crucial that you pay extra attention to key dates and deadlines for your school of choice.

Top 75 UK Grammar Schools Map

Looking for a grammar school by location? The map below shows the location of the top 75 grammar schools in the UK. We have grouped the schools based on league table rankings.

Here are some of the top grammar schools in the UK by location and vicinity:

Grammar Schools in Kent

Looking for grammar schools in Kent? Here’s a list of all grammar schools in Kent.

Rank	School	Pupils achieving 5+ A*-C/ 9-4s	Progress 8	Pupils
19	Invicta Grammar School, ME14 5DS	100	0.96	1409
21	Dartford Grammar School, DA1 2HW	100	0.93	1483
24	Tonbridge Grammar School, TN9 2JR	100	0.84	1166
45	Gravesend Grammar School, DA12 2PR	100	0.45	1223
47	Cranbrook School, TN17 3JD	99	NA	744
50	Weald of Kent Grammar School, TN9 2JP	99	1.01	1426
52	Highworth Grammar School, TN24 8UD	99	0.98	1455
73	The Judd School, TN9 2PN	99	0.64	1152
74	Chatham Grammar School for Girls, ME5 7EH	99	0.6	699
75	Maidstone Grammar School for Girls, ME16 0SF	99	0.59	1200
100	The Skinners' School, TN4 9PG	98	0.68	1021
111	Highsted Grammar School, ME10 4PT	98	0.5	827
114	Dover Grammar School for Girls, CT16 2PZ	98	0.45	881
122	Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys, TN4 9XB	97	0.39	1276
123	Mayfield Grammar School, Gravesend, DA11 0JE	97	0.33	1057
124	Wilmington Grammar School for Girls, DA2 7BB	97	0.22	928
125	Barton Court Grammar School, CT1 1PH	97	0.14	913
130	Wilmington Grammar School for Boys, DA2 7DA	96	0.37	965
140	The Folkestone School for Girls, CT20 3RB	95	0.43	1139
141	Simon Langton Girls' Grammar School, CT1 3EW	95	0.39	1113
144	Oakwood Park Grammar School, ME16 8AH	95	0.17	1076
145	The Norton Knatchbull School, TN24 0QJ	95	0.16	1173
148	Dane Court Grammar School, CT10 2RT	95		1255
149	Borden Grammar School, ME10 4DB	95	-0.03	837
152	Sir Roger Manwood's School, CT13 9JX	94	0.04	1032
153	Chatham & Clarendon Grammar School, CT11 7PS	94	-0.02	1470
154	Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, ME13 7BQ	94	-0.32	981
155	Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys, CT4 7AS	94	-0.5	1147
162	Dover Grammar School for Boys, CT17 0DQ	90	-0.17	795

Grammar Schools in Manchester

Looking to enrol at a grammar school in Manchester? This is a list of all grammar schools in Manchester and Greater Manchester.

Rank	School	Pupils achieving 5+ A*-C/ 9-4s	Progress 8	Pupils
7	Altrincham Grammar School for Girls, WA14 2NL	100	1.12	1327
22	Altrincham Grammar School for Boys, WA14 2RS	100	0.9	1274
27	Loreto Grammar School, WA14 4AH	100	0.81	1044
85	Sale Grammar School, M33 3NH	99	0.43	1290
79	Saint Ambrose College, WA15 0HE	99	0.51	1004
100	Stretford Grammar School, M32 8JB	98	0.68	821
120	Urmston Grammar Academy, M41 5UG	98	0.19	1035

Grammar Schools in Warwickshire

Looking to enrol at a grammar school in Warwickshire? Here’s a list of all grammar schools in Warwickshire.

Rank	School	Pupils achieving 5+ A*-C/ 9-4s	Progress 8	Pupils
24	Stratford Girls' Grammar School, CV37 9HA	100	0.84	810
41	King Edward VI School, CV37 6BE	100	0.55	726
72	Rugby High School, CV22 7RE	99	0.7	843
89	Lawrence Sheriff School, CV21 3AG	99	0.4	895
118	Alcester Grammar School, B49 5ED	98	0.34	1206

UK Grammar School Entrance Exams

11+

The 11 plus test is an entrance exam for students aged 11-12 taken in their final year of primary education. Academically selective schools in the UK such as grammar schools will usually require incoming students to sit for a test. The most common (and recommended) entry year into grammar school is Year 7, so the 11+ test is crucial in determining whether your child is accepted at their grammar school of choice.

13+

The 13 plus test is designed for late transfer or late entry students. This is subject to the availability of places as there is no shortage of applicants into grammar schools – in fact, not all grammar schools will accept late entry students. The 13+ exam takes place roughly 18 months after the 11+ test which offers students who narrowly missed their place at a grammar school a second chance at entry.

UK Grammar School League Table 2022

Rank	School	Pupils achieving 5+ A*-C/ 9-4s	Progress 8	Pupils
1	Queen Elizabeth's School, Barnet, EN5 4DQ	100	1.22	1235
1	Colchester County High School for Girls, CO3 3US	100	1.22	934
3	Nonsuch High School for Girls, SM3 8AB	100	1.21	1339
3	Beaconsfield High School, HP9 1RR	100	1.21	1117
5	Kendrick School, RG1 5BN	100	1.18	746
6	Dr Challoner's High School, HP7 9QB	100	1.14	1181
7	Altrincham Grammar School for Girls, WA14 2NL	100	1.12	1327
7	Stroud High School, GL5 4HF	100	1.12	968
9	The Henrietta Barnett School, NW11 7BN	100	1.1	775
9	King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford, CM1 3SX	100	1.1	1065
11	Wallington High School for Girls, SM6 0PH	100	1.04	1454
12	Wilson's School, SM6 9JW	100	1.03	1197
13	Colyton Grammar School, EX24 6HN	100	1.01	870
14	St Michael's Catholic Grammar School, N12 7NJ	100	1	726
15	Ripon Grammar School, HG4 2DG	100	0.98	933
15	Aylesbury High School, HP21 7SX	100	0.98	1303
15	Reading School, RG1 5LW	100	0.98	986
18	King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls, B14 7QJ	100	0.97	1055
19	Invicta Grammar School, ME14 5DS	100	0.96	1409
20	Chesham Grammar School, HP5 1BA	100	0.94	1242
21	Dartford Grammar School, DA1 2HW	100	0.93	1483
22	Altrincham Grammar School for Boys, WA14 2RS	100	0.9	1274
23	Westcliff High School for Girls, SS0 0BS	100	0.86	1228
24	Tonbridge Grammar School, TN9 2JR	100	0.84	1166
24	Stratford Girls' Grammar School, CV37 9HA	100	0.84	810
26	Townley Grammar School, DA6 7AB	100	0.83	1544
27	Loreto Grammar School, WA14 4AH	100	0.81	1044
28	High School for Girls, GL1 3JN	100	0.78	884
29	The Latymer School, N9 9TN	100	0.76	1382
30	Sir William Borlase's Grammar School, SL7 2BR	100	0.74	1080
31	King Edward VI Handsworth School, B21 9AR	100	0.71	1049
31	Southend High School for Girls, SS2 4UZ	100	0.71	1130
33	Queen Elizabeth's Grammar Alford - A Selective Academy, LN13 9HY	100	0.67	554
34	Wolverhampton Girls' High School, WV6 0BY	100	0.66	892
35	Colchester Royal Grammar School, CO3 3ND	100	0.62	931
36	Caistor Grammar School, LN7 6QJ	100	0.6	686
37	Calday Grange Grammar School, CH48 8GG	100	0.59	1398
38	Newport Girls' High School Academy, TF10 7HL	100	0.57	573
39	Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls, B73 5PT	100	0.56	1108
39	Devonport High School for Girls, PL2 3DL	100	0.56	821
41	King Edward VI School, CV37 6BE	100	0.55	726
42	Bournemouth School for Girls, BH8 9UJ	100	0.52	1135
43	King Edward VI Five Ways School, B32 4BT	100	0.48	1272
44	Ermysted's Grammar School, BD23 1PL	100	0.46	830
45	Gravesend Grammar School, DA12 2PR	100	0.45	1223
46	Bishop Wordsworth's Grammar School, SP1 2ED	100	0.41	946
47	Cranbrook School, TN17 3JD	99	NA	744
48	The Tiffin Girls' School, KT2 5PL	99	1.19	1113
49	Woodford County High School, IG8 9LA	99	1.1	1028
50	Weald of Kent Grammar School, TN9 2JP	99	1.01	1426
51	Upton Court Grammar School, SL3 7PR	99	0.99	997
52	Tiffin School, KT2 6RL	99	0.98	1212
52	Highworth Grammar School, TN24 8UD	99	0.98	1455
54	Langley Grammar School, SL3 7QS	99	0.96	1098
55	Newstead Wood School, BR6 9SA	99	0.93	1067
55	St Olave's and St Saviour's Grammar School, BR6 9SH	99	0.93	1068
55	Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School, TN4 9UJ	99	0.93	1033
58	Westcliff High School for Boys Academy, SS0 0BP	99	0.92	1156
59	Aylesbury Grammar School, HP21 7RP	99	0.91	1295
60	Dr Challoner's Grammar School, HP6 5HA	99	0.85	1350
61	Torquay Girls Grammar School, TQ2 7DY	99	0.84	937
61	Chelmsford County High School for Girls, CM1 1RW	99	0.84	925
63	Sutton Grammar School, SM1 4AS	99	0.83	937
64	Wallington County Grammar School, SM6 7PH	99	0.8	1095
65	Ilford County High School, IG6 2JB	99	0.78	1018
65	Torquay Boys' Grammar School, TQ2 7EL	99	0.78	1088
67	Wycombe High School, HP11 1TB	99	0.76	1303
68	West Kirby Grammar School, CH48 5DP	99	0.73	1206
68	Southend High School for Boys, SS0 0RG	99	0.73	1241
70	King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys, B14 7QJ	99	0.71	846
70	The Blue Coat School, L15 9EE	99	0.71	1050
72	Rugby High School, CV22 7RE	99	0.7	843
73	The Judd School, TN9 2PN	99	0.64	1152
74	Chatham Grammar School for Girls, ME5 7EH	99	0.6	699
75	Maidstone Grammar School for Girls, ME16 0SF	99	0.59	1200
76	The King's School, Grantham, NG31 6RP	99	0.57	1142
77	Marling School, GL5 4HE	99	0.56	969
78	Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School, HP21 8PE	99	0.54	1230
79	Saint Ambrose College, WA15 0HE	99	0.51	1004
80	Heckmondwike Grammar School, WF16 0AH	99	0.5	1466
80	Churston Ferrers Grammar School Academy, TQ5 0LN	99	0.5	1012
82	Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School, ME1 3EL	99	0.49	1294
83	South Wilts Grammar School for Girls, SP1 3JJ	99	0.48	1040
84	Burnham Grammar School, SL1 7HG	99	0.45	1084
85	Sale Grammar School, M33 3NH	99	0.43	1290
86	Parkstone Grammar School, BH17 7EP	99	0.42	1227
87	The Crossley Heath School, HX3 0HG	99	0.41	1133
87	Fort Pitt Grammar School, ME4 6TJ	99	0.41	816
89	Lawrence Sheriff School, CV21 3AG	99	0.4	895
90	Royal Latin School, MK18 1AX	99	0.37	1262
91	The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe, HP13 6QT	99	0.23	1364
92	Bexley Grammar School, DA16 2BL	99	0.21	1416
93	Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School, BB4 7BJ	99	0.13	1264
94	Devonport High School for Boys, PL1 5QP	99	0.07	1207
95	The North Halifax Grammar School, HX2 9SU	99	-0.06	1148
96	Pate's Grammar School, GL51 0HG	98	0.85	1081
97	Lancaster Girls' Grammar School, LA1 1SF	98	0.84	893
98	Wirral Grammar School for Girls, CH63 3AF	98	0.77	1184
99	Dartford Grammar School for Girls, DA1 2NT	98	0.74	1147
100	Stretford Grammar School, M32 8JB	98	0.68	821
100	The Skinners' School, TN4 9PG	98	0.68	1021
102	The Crypt School, GL2 5AE	98	0.66	950
103	Clitheroe Royal Grammar School, BB7 2DJ	98	0.62	1290
104	Bournemouth School, BH8 9PY	98	0.59	1022
104	Sir Thomas Rich's School, GL2 0LF	98	0.59	1008
104	Kesteven and Grantham Girls' School, NG31 9AU	98	0.59	1214
107	Queen Mary's Grammar School, WS1 2PG	98	0.55	1011
108	Herschel Grammar School, SL1 3BW	98	0.54	956
109	Bishop Vesey's Grammar School, B74 2NH	98	0.53	1118
109	Ribston Hall High School, GL1 5LE	98	0.53	843
111	Queen Mary's High School, WS4 2AE	98	0.5	756
111	Highsted Grammar School, ME10 4PT	98	0.5	827
113	Haberdashers' Adams, TF10 7BD	98	0.48	907
114	Poole Grammar School, BH17 9JU	98	0.45	1190
114	Dover Grammar School for Girls, CT16 2PZ	98	0.45	881
116	Skipton Girls' High School, BD23 1QL	98	0.42	858
117	Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar School, DA15 9AG	98	0.39	1379
118	Alcester Grammar School, B49 5ED	98	0.34	1206
119	St Bernard's Catholic Grammar School, SL3 7AF	98	0.33	806
120	Urmston Grammar Academy, M41 5UG	98	0.19	1035
121	The Rochester Grammar School, ME1 3BY	97	0.63	1227
122	Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys, TN4 9XB	97	0.39	1276
123	Mayfield Grammar School, Gravesend, DA11 0JE	97	0.33	1057
124	Wilmington Grammar School for Girls, DA2 7BB	97	0.22	928
125	Wirral Grammar School for Boys, CH63 3AQ	97	0.14	1059
125	Barton Court Grammar School, CT1 1PH	97	0.14	913
125	Lancaster Royal Grammar School, LA1 3EF	97	0.14	1042
128	King Edward VI Aston School, B6 6DJ	97	0.02	876
129	Spalding High School, PE11 2PJ	96	0.64	957
130	Wilmington Grammar School for Boys, DA2 7DA	96	0.37	965
131	Rainham Mark Grammar School, ME8 7AJ	96	0.36	1355
132	King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys, B21 9ET	96	0.33	1016
133	John Hampden Grammar School, HP11 1SZ	96	0.3	1048
134	Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Penrith, CA11 7EG	96	0.27	873
135	The Queen Elizabeth's High School, Gainsborough, DN21 2ST	96	0.25	1231
136	Beths Grammar School, DA5 1NE	96	-0.01	1410
137	Maidstone Grammar School, ME15 7BT	96	-0.12	1273
138	Upton Hall School FCJ, CH49 6LJ	95	0.88	974
139	Bourne Grammar School, PE10 9JE	95	0.67	1507
140	The Folkestone School for Girls, CT20 3RB	95	0.43	1139
141	Simon Langton Girls' Grammar School, CT1 3EW	95	0.39	1113
142	Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, Horncastle, LN9 5AD	95	0.22	791
143	Kesteven and Sleaford High School Selective Academy, NG34 7RS	95	0.19	733
144	Oakwood Park Grammar School, ME16 8AH	95	0.17	1076
145	The Norton Knatchbull School, TN24 0QJ	95	0.16	1173
146	Carre's Grammar School, NG34 7DD	95	0.09	798
147	Plymouth High School for Girls, PL4 6HT	95	0.08	790
148	Dane Court Grammar School, CT10 2RT	95	0	1255
149	Borden Grammar School, ME10 4DB	95	-0.03	837
149	Skegness Grammar School, PE25 2QS	95	-0.03	470
151	Spalding Grammar School, PE11 2XH	94	0.3	890
152	Sir Roger Manwood's School, CT13 9JX	94	0.04	1032
153	Chatham & Clarendon Grammar School, CT11 7PS	94	-0.02	1470
154	Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, ME13 7BQ	94	-0.32	981
155	Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys, CT4 7AS	94	-0.5	1147
156	Holcombe Grammar School, ME4 6JB	93	0.17	843
157	King Edward VI Grammar School, LN11 9LL	93	0.08	824
158	The Harvey Grammar School, CT19 5JY	93	-0.05	964
159	Boston High School, PE21 9PF	92	0.33	782
160	St Anselm's College, CH43 1UQ	91	0.26	880
161	St Joseph's College, ST4 5NT	90	0.24	1116
162	Dover Grammar School for Boys, CT17 0DQ	90	-0.17	795
163	The Boston Grammar School, PE21 6JY	86

How are the rankings measured?

There are a number of factors that are taken into consideration in these rankings. These are based on academic performance and Progress 8 scores.

Academic performance in this league table is simply determined based on the number of students who have achieved 5+ A*-C grades at GCSEs.

Progress 8 is a new indicator of a school’s performance. This is considered to be a better measure of academic performance by the UK’s Department of Education compared to academic performance as it considers the progress of students of all abilities.

Before we get into Progress 8 scores, Attainment 8 is a scoring system which is an average grade of eight subjects taken by students. Progress 8 is then calculated by comparing the students’ Attainment 8 score with the national average of pupils with similar academic starting points.

Scoring goes from -1 to +1, where +1 Progress 8 scores indicates that students are achieving one grade higher in each qualification compared to similar pupils in other schools. According to the Department of Education, schools that score +0.5 and higher are considered above average. In other words, Progress 8 is a measure of a student’s progress from their academic starting point. The higher the Progress 8 score, the better.

UK Grammar Schools Map

A map of the top 75 Grammar Schools in the UK.

Click on the image above to zoom in or to share the image to social media.

Best Grammar Schools in the UK

10. King Edward VI Grammar School

King Edward VI Grammar School (KEGS) is all-boys up to Year 11 and co-educational for Sixth Form. KEGS is well-known for its many achievements in academics as it has been named as the top school by the Sunday Times and the Financial Times.

9. 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.

8. Stroud High School

Stroud is a top girls’ school that specialises in science, mathematics, and modern foreign languages. The school achieved 77% Grade 7-9 at GCSEs, which puts it at a solid place in our top ten list.

7. Altrincham Grammar School for Girls

Altrincham Grammar School for Girls is one of the top schools in the region of Greater Manchester. The school has been awarded Ofsted’s Outstanding rating, a hard-earned status that denotes the school’s high standards in education, management, and pastoral care. With around 1350 students, it is among the largest single-sex all-girls schools in England.

6. Dr Challoner’s High School

Dr Challoner’s High School is an all-girls school that specialises in sports education. The school excels just as well at both academics and sports, with its achievements of 71.1% A*-A grades at the GCSEs as well as top places at basketball, tennis, cross-country, among other sports.

5. Kendrick School

The Kendrick School is a girls’ grammar school located in Reading. A number of reports have found that Kendrick School graduates have a high acceptance rate at Oxbridge, with around 15% of students being accepted at Oxbridge. The school is highly selective, receiving around ten applications per place every year.

4. Beaconsfield High School

Beaconsfield High School is a specialist in technology and languages. Beaconsfield has produced great academic results, earning its number four spot on our list with its most recent achievement of 72.7% A*-A grades at the GCSEs.

3. Nonsuch High School for Girls

Nonsuch High School for Girls, located in Cheam, Surrey, is a grammar school with academy status. The school is known as a specialist in science and language education as it has produced great results for these subjects in the past few years – it is no surprise why it has gained the number three spot on our league table.

2. Colchester County High School for Girls

Located in Essex, the Colchester County High School for Girls is a grammar school that has academy status. The highly selective school has earned its number 2 spot on our list as it has consistently produced top results in the GCSEs.

1. Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet

Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet, is the number one UK Grammar School. 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.