Top UK Grammar Schools – Ranking & League Table 2023

Looking for the best UK Grammar Schools? 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 the best 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.

top grammar schools uk

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.

How To Choose A Good Grammar School In The UK?

Choosing a good grammar school in the UK involves careful research, consideration of various factors, and understanding your child’s needs and abilities. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make an informed decision:

  1. Understand What Grammar Schools Are: Grammar schools are state-funded schools that typically admit students based on academic ability, often determined by entrance exams called the “11-plus” or other similar tests.

  2. Research Available Options: Research the grammar schools in your desired area. Use online resources, school websites, and educational directories to create a list of potential schools.

  3. Consider Location: Think about the schools’ locations and the convenience of getting to and from the school for both you and your child. Consider transportation options and travel times.

  4. Inspect Ofsted Reports: The UK’s Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (Ofsted) provides reports on the quality of education in schools. Check the most recent Ofsted reports for the grammar schools you’re interested in to assess their overall performance.

  5. Check Exam Results: Look into the schools’ academic performance. Review their exam results, especially the percentage of students achieving top grades. This can give you an idea of the school’s academic standards.

  6. Visit Open Days: Attend open days or school tours if possible. This gives you an opportunity to meet teachers, see the facilities, and get a feel for the school’s environment and culture.

  7. Consider Specializations: Some grammar schools might have specialized programs or strengths in certain subjects, such as STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) or the arts. Consider whether these align with your child’s interests.

  8. Talk to Current Students and Parents: If you can, talk to current students and parents of students attending the schools you’re considering. They can provide insights into the day-to-day experiences and the school’s overall atmosphere.

  9. Understand Admission Criteria: Each grammar school has its own admission criteria, which may include exam scores, catchment areas, and other factors. Make sure you understand these criteria and assess whether your child is likely to meet them.

  10. Consider Your Child’s Abilities and Preferences: Consider your child’s academic abilities, learning style, and preferences. Some children thrive in highly competitive environments, while others might excel in a more nurturing setting.

  11. Prepare for the Entrance Exam: If your child needs to take an entrance exam like the 11-plus, make sure they are well-prepared. There are many resources available, including practice books, online tests, and tutoring services.

  12. Apply to Multiple Schools: To increase your chances of getting a place in a grammar school, apply to more than one school. Keep in mind that these schools can be highly competitive, so having multiple options is beneficial.

  13. Review Admission Deadlines: Ensure you’re aware of the application deadlines for each school. Missing deadlines can result in your child not being considered for admission.

  14. Trust Your Instincts: After gathering all the information, trust your instincts. Consider what you feel is the best fit for your child’s personality, abilities, and goals.

Remember that finding the right school is a personalized process. What works for one child might not work for another, so take your time, involve your child in the decision-making process, and prioritize their well-being and academic growth.

Grammar Schools in Kent

Are you looking for grammar schools in Kent? Here’s a list of all grammar schools in Kent.

RankSchoolPupils achieving 5+ A*-C/ 9-4sProgress 8Pupils
19Invicta Grammar School, ME14 5DS1000.961409
21Dartford Grammar School, DA1 2HW1000.931483
24Tonbridge Grammar School, TN9 2JR1000.841166
45Gravesend Grammar School, DA12 2PR1000.451223
47Cranbrook School, TN17 3JD99NA744
50Weald of Kent Grammar School, TN9 2JP991.011426
52Highworth Grammar School, TN24 8UD990.981455
73The Judd School, TN9 2PN990.641152
74Chatham Grammar School for Girls, ME5 7EH990.6699
75Maidstone Grammar School for Girls, ME16 0SF990.591200
100The Skinners' School, TN4 9PG980.681021
111Highsted Grammar School, ME10 4PT980.5827
114Dover Grammar School for Girls, CT16 2PZ980.45881
122Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys, TN4 9XB970.391276
123Mayfield Grammar School, Gravesend, DA11 0JE970.331057
124Wilmington Grammar School for Girls, DA2 7BB970.22928
125Barton Court Grammar School, CT1 1PH970.14913
130Wilmington Grammar School for Boys, DA2 7DA960.37965
140The Folkestone School for Girls, CT20 3RB950.431139
141Simon Langton Girls' Grammar School, CT1 3EW950.391113
144Oakwood Park Grammar School, ME16 8AH950.171076
145The Norton Knatchbull School, TN24 0QJ950.161173
148Dane Court Grammar School, CT10 2RT951255
149Borden Grammar School, ME10 4DB95-0.03837
152Sir Roger Manwood's School, CT13 9JX940.041032
153Chatham & Clarendon Grammar School, CT11 7PS94-0.021470
154Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, ME13 7BQ94-0.32981
155Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys, CT4 7AS94-0.51147
162Dover Grammar School for Boys, CT17 0DQ90-0.17795

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.

RankSchoolPupils achieving 5+ A*-C/ 9-4sProgress 8Pupils
7Altrincham Grammar School for Girls, WA14 2NL1001.121327
22Altrincham Grammar School for Boys, WA14 2RS1000.91274
27Loreto Grammar School, WA14 4AH1000.811044
85Sale Grammar School, M33 3NH990.431290
79Saint Ambrose College, WA15 0HE990.511004
100Stretford Grammar School, M32 8JB980.68821
120Urmston Grammar Academy, M41 5UG980.191035

Grammar Schools in Warwickshire

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

RankSchoolPupils achieving 5+ A*-C/ 9-4sProgress 8Pupils
24Stratford Girls' Grammar School, CV37 9HA1000.84810
41King Edward VI School, CV37 6BE1000.55726
72Rugby High School, CV22 7RE990.7843
89Lawrence Sheriff School, CV21 3AG990.4895
118Alcester Grammar School, B49 5ED980.341206

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 2023

Here you can find the top UK grammar schools based on league table rankings as of 2023. We will update the league table as soon as we have more official information.

RankSchoolPupils achieving 5+ A*-C/ 9-4sProgress 8Pupils
1Queen Elizabeth's School, Barnet, EN5 4DQ1001.221235
1Colchester County High School for Girls, CO3 3US1001.22934
3Nonsuch High School for Girls, SM3 8AB1001.211339
3Beaconsfield High School, HP9 1RR1001.211117
5Kendrick School, RG1 5BN1001.18746
6Dr Challoner's High School, HP7 9QB1001.141181
7Altrincham Grammar School for Girls, WA14 2NL1001.121327
7Stroud High School, GL5 4HF1001.12968
9The Henrietta Barnett School, NW11 7BN1001.1775
9King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford, CM1 3SX1001.11065
11Wallington High School for Girls, SM6 0PH1001.041454
12Wilson's School, SM6 9JW1001.031197
13Colyton Grammar School, EX24 6HN1001.01870
14St Michael's Catholic Grammar School, N12 7NJ1001726
15Ripon Grammar School, HG4 2DG1000.98933
15Aylesbury High School, HP21 7SX1000.981303
15Reading School, RG1 5LW1000.98986
18King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls, B14 7QJ1000.971055
19Invicta Grammar School, ME14 5DS1000.961409
20Chesham Grammar School, HP5 1BA1000.941242
21Dartford Grammar School, DA1 2HW1000.931483
22Altrincham Grammar School for Boys, WA14 2RS1000.91274
23Westcliff High School for Girls, SS0 0BS1000.861228
24Tonbridge Grammar School, TN9 2JR1000.841166
24Stratford Girls' Grammar School, CV37 9HA1000.84810
26Townley Grammar School, DA6 7AB1000.831544
27Loreto Grammar School, WA14 4AH1000.811044
28High School for Girls, GL1 3JN1000.78884
29The Latymer School, N9 9TN1000.761382
30Sir William Borlase's Grammar School, SL7 2BR1000.741080
31King Edward VI Handsworth School, B21 9AR1000.711049
31Southend High School for Girls, SS2 4UZ1000.711130
33Queen Elizabeth's Grammar Alford - A Selective Academy, LN13 9HY1000.67554
34Wolverhampton Girls' High School, WV6 0BY1000.66892
35Colchester Royal Grammar School, CO3 3ND1000.62931
36Caistor Grammar School, LN7 6QJ1000.6686
37Calday Grange Grammar School, CH48 8GG1000.591398
38Newport Girls' High School Academy, TF10 7HL1000.57573
39Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls, B73 5PT1000.561108
39Devonport High School for Girls, PL2 3DL1000.56821
41King Edward VI School, CV37 6BE1000.55726
42Bournemouth School for Girls, BH8 9UJ1000.521135
43King Edward VI Five Ways School, B32 4BT1000.481272
44Ermysted's Grammar School, BD23 1PL1000.46830
45Gravesend Grammar School, DA12 2PR1000.451223
46Bishop Wordsworth's Grammar School, SP1 2ED1000.41946
47Cranbrook School, TN17 3JD99NA744
48The Tiffin Girls' School, KT2 5PL991.191113
49Woodford County High School, IG8 9LA991.11028
50Weald of Kent Grammar School, TN9 2JP991.011426
51Upton Court Grammar School, SL3 7PR990.99997
52Tiffin School, KT2 6RL990.981212
52Highworth Grammar School, TN24 8UD990.981455
54Langley Grammar School, SL3 7QS990.961098
55Newstead Wood School, BR6 9SA990.931067
55St Olave's and St Saviour's Grammar School, BR6 9SH990.931068
55Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School, TN4 9UJ990.931033
58Westcliff High School for Boys Academy, SS0 0BP990.921156
59Aylesbury Grammar School, HP21 7RP990.911295
60Dr Challoner's Grammar School, HP6 5HA990.851350
61Torquay Girls Grammar School, TQ2 7DY990.84937
61Chelmsford County High School for Girls, CM1 1RW990.84925
63Sutton Grammar School, SM1 4AS990.83937
64Wallington County Grammar School, SM6 7PH990.81095
65Ilford County High School, IG6 2JB990.781018
65Torquay Boys' Grammar School, TQ2 7EL990.781088
67Wycombe High School, HP11 1TB990.761303
68West Kirby Grammar School, CH48 5DP990.731206
68Southend High School for Boys, SS0 0RG990.731241
70King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys, B14 7QJ990.71846
70The Blue Coat School, L15 9EE990.711050
72Rugby High School, CV22 7RE990.7843
73The Judd School, TN9 2PN990.641152
74Chatham Grammar School for Girls, ME5 7EH990.6699
75Maidstone Grammar School for Girls, ME16 0SF990.591200
76The King's School, Grantham, NG31 6RP990.571142
77Marling School, GL5 4HE990.56969
78Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School, HP21 8PE990.541230
79Saint Ambrose College, WA15 0HE990.511004
80Heckmondwike Grammar School, WF16 0AH990.51466
80Churston Ferrers Grammar School Academy, TQ5 0LN990.51012
82Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School, ME1 3EL990.491294
83South Wilts Grammar School for Girls, SP1 3JJ990.481040
84Burnham Grammar School, SL1 7HG990.451084
85Sale Grammar School, M33 3NH990.431290
86Parkstone Grammar School, BH17 7EP990.421227
87The Crossley Heath School, HX3 0HG990.411133
87Fort Pitt Grammar School, ME4 6TJ990.41816
89Lawrence Sheriff School, CV21 3AG990.4895
90Royal Latin School, MK18 1AX990.371262
91The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe, HP13 6QT990.231364
92Bexley Grammar School, DA16 2BL990.211416
93Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School, BB4 7BJ990.131264
94Devonport High School for Boys, PL1 5QP990.071207
95The North Halifax Grammar School, HX2 9SU99-0.061148
96Pate's Grammar School, GL51 0HG980.851081
97Lancaster Girls' Grammar School, LA1 1SF980.84893
98Wirral Grammar School for Girls, CH63 3AF980.771184
99Dartford Grammar School for Girls, DA1 2NT980.741147
100Stretford Grammar School, M32 8JB980.68821
100The Skinners' School, TN4 9PG980.681021
102The Crypt School, GL2 5AE980.66950
103Clitheroe Royal Grammar School, BB7 2DJ980.621290
104Bournemouth School, BH8 9PY980.591022
104Sir Thomas Rich's School, GL2 0LF980.591008
104Kesteven and Grantham Girls' School, NG31 9AU980.591214
107Queen Mary's Grammar School, WS1 2PG980.551011
108Herschel Grammar School, SL1 3BW980.54956
109Bishop Vesey's Grammar School, B74 2NH980.531118
109Ribston Hall High School, GL1 5LE980.53843
111Queen Mary's High School, WS4 2AE980.5756
111Highsted Grammar School, ME10 4PT980.5827
113Haberdashers' Adams, TF10 7BD980.48907
114Poole Grammar School, BH17 9JU980.451190
114Dover Grammar School for Girls, CT16 2PZ980.45881
116Skipton Girls' High School, BD23 1QL980.42858
117Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar School, DA15 9AG980.391379
118Alcester Grammar School, B49 5ED980.341206
119St Bernard's Catholic Grammar School, SL3 7AF980.33806
120Urmston Grammar Academy, M41 5UG980.191035
121The Rochester Grammar School, ME1 3BY970.631227
122Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys, TN4 9XB970.391276
123Mayfield Grammar School, Gravesend, DA11 0JE970.331057
124Wilmington Grammar School for Girls, DA2 7BB970.22928
125Wirral Grammar School for Boys, CH63 3AQ970.141059
125Barton Court Grammar School, CT1 1PH970.14913
125Lancaster Royal Grammar School, LA1 3EF970.141042
128King Edward VI Aston School, B6 6DJ970.02876
129Spalding High School, PE11 2PJ960.64957
130Wilmington Grammar School for Boys, DA2 7DA960.37965
131Rainham Mark Grammar School, ME8 7AJ960.361355
132King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys, B21 9ET960.331016
133John Hampden Grammar School, HP11 1SZ960.31048
134Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Penrith, CA11 7EG960.27873
135The Queen Elizabeth's High School, Gainsborough, DN21 2ST960.251231
136Beths Grammar School, DA5 1NE96-0.011410
137Maidstone Grammar School, ME15 7BT96-0.121273
138Upton Hall School FCJ, CH49 6LJ950.88974
139Bourne Grammar School, PE10 9JE950.671507
140The Folkestone School for Girls, CT20 3RB950.431139
141Simon Langton Girls' Grammar School, CT1 3EW950.391113
142Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, Horncastle, LN9 5AD950.22791
143Kesteven and Sleaford High School Selective Academy, NG34 7RS950.19733
144Oakwood Park Grammar School, ME16 8AH950.171076
145The Norton Knatchbull School, TN24 0QJ950.161173
146Carre's Grammar School, NG34 7DD950.09798
147Plymouth High School for Girls, PL4 6HT950.08790
148Dane Court Grammar School, CT10 2RT9501255
149Borden Grammar School, ME10 4DB95-0.03837
149Skegness Grammar School, PE25 2QS95-0.03470
151Spalding Grammar School, PE11 2XH940.3890
152Sir Roger Manwood's School, CT13 9JX940.041032
153Chatham & Clarendon Grammar School, CT11 7PS94-0.021470
154Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, ME13 7BQ94-0.32981
155Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys, CT4 7AS94-0.51147
156Holcombe Grammar School, ME4 6JB930.17843
157King Edward VI Grammar School, LN11 9LL930.08824
158The Harvey Grammar School, CT19 5JY93-0.05964
159Boston High School, PE21 9PF920.33782
160St Anselm's College, CH43 1UQ910.26880
161St Joseph's College, ST4 5NT900.241116
162Dover Grammar School for Boys, CT17 0DQ90-0.17795
163The Boston Grammar School, PE21 6JY86

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.

What is Progress 8?

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

Here is the 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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Grammar Schools

  1. What are UK Grammar Schools?

    • UK Grammar Schools are state-funded schools in the United Kingdom that select students based on their academic abilities through an entrance examination known as the 11 Plus or similar tests. These schools provide a focused and academically rigorous education.

  2. How do I apply to a UK Grammar School?

    • To apply to a UK Grammar School, you usually need to register your child for the 11 Plus exam or any other specific entrance examination used by the school. The exam is typically taken in Year 6 (ages 10-11). The results of the exam determine admission eligibility.

  3. Are Grammar Schools only available in certain parts of the UK?

    • Yes, Grammar Schools are not uniformly available across the UK. They are more common in certain regions like England and Northern Ireland, while Scotland and Wales have different educational systems. However, not all areas in England and Northern Ireland have Grammar Schools.

  4. What is the curriculum like in UK Grammar Schools?

    • The curriculum in UK Grammar Schools is similar to that of other secondary schools, covering a wide range of subjects including English, mathematics, science, humanities, languages, and more. Grammar Schools often have a focus on academic subjects and may offer a broader range of advanced level (A-level) subjects.

  5. Do Grammar Schools charge tuition fees?

    • No, Grammar Schools in the UK are state-funded schools, which means they do not charge tuition fees. They are part of the state education system and provide free education to students who meet the admission criteria.

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