Top 10 Grammar Schools in the UK: A 2026 Guide
Looking for the best grammar schools in the UK? This guide highlights top-performing schools across London, Kent, Buckinghamshire and more, including exam results, admissions formats and what makes each school stand out. Use this as a starting point to shortlist schools that fit your child and explore our 11+ preparation support if you’d like tailored guidance.
Top Grammar Schools at a Glance
Here are the top 10 UK Grammar Schools in an easy-to-view table, according to the Sunday Times 2026 Schools Guide rankings.
Need help choosing the right grammar school for your child? Book a free consultation with an 11+ specialist.
What is a Grammar School?
A grammar school is a selective, state-funded secondary school in the UK that admits students based on academic ability, typically through the 11+ or a similar entrance assessment.
These schools are known for their rigorous academic standards and offer a highly challenging curriculum designed to prepare able students for top universities, including Oxbridge.
Many grammar schools consistently rank among the highest-performing schools in the country.
Although grammar schools are free to attend, their selective nature means competition for places is intense, particularly in regions with fewer grammar schools available.
For this reason, it is essential to understand the schools to which you are applying thoroughly and to approach the admissions process with careful planning and early preparation.
What are the best grammar schools in the UK by region?
London
Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet (QE Boys)
Times 2026 Ranking: 1
Gender: Boys
GCSE / A-Level: 95.5% 9–7 | 97.6% A–B
Strengths: Exceptional academic outcomes; renowned for STEM excellence; +1.22 in the Progress 8; Times State Secondary School of the Year and State Secondary School of the Year for Educational Excellence both in London and nationally, 2026
Destinations: 32 Oxbridge places in 2025; 157 total offers in the past three years; it’s sent a higher proportion of its pupils to Russell Group universities than any other state school in the country
Wilson’s School, Wallington
Times 2026 Ranking: 2
Gender: Boys
GCSE / A-Level: 97.4% 9–7 | 95.4% A–B
Strengths: Exceptional enrichment offerings, including a nationally recognised chess club, competitive sports teams, and a performing arts programme
Destinations: 37 Oxbridge offers in 2025
St Olave’s Grammar School, Orpington
Times 2026 Ranking: 3
Gender: Boys
GCSE / A-Level: 89.7% 9–7 | 95.1% A–B
Strengths: Highly selective; exceptional A-level performance; consistently places in the Times top 10 schools
Destinations: 22 Oxbridge offers in 2024, with 45 students going on to study Medicine, Veterinary Science, or Dentistry
The Tiffin Girls’ School, Kingston
Times 2026 Ranking: 5
Gender: Girls
GCSE / A-Level: 90.0% 9–7 | 92.6% A–B
Strengths: Elite academic performance; known for its excellent performing arts
Destinations: 22 Oxbridge offers in 2024, with 45 students going on to study Medicine, Veterinary Science, or Dentistry. In 2025, four students went to U.S. universities, including an Ivy League institution
The Henrietta Barnett School, Hampstead
Times 2026 Ranking: 8
Gender: Girls
GCSE / A-Level: 97.2% 9–7 | 86.0% A–B
Strengths: Repeatedly awarded state school of the year by various institutions; it consistently ranks among the top UK schools for GCSE results; over 50 extracurricular clubs
Destinations: 34 Oxbridge offers in 2025 (24% of the year group)
Tiffin School, Kingston
Times 2026 Ranking: 11
Gender: Boys (Co-ed sixth form)
GCSE / A-Level: 79.8% 9–7 | 91.8% A–B
Strengths: Excellent all-round academics and music provision
Destinations: 47 Oxbridge offers in 2025; each year, they send over 30 students to Oxford or Cambridge; high success rates with US universities and degree apprenticeships.
Latymer School, Edmonton
Times 2026 Ranking: 18
Gender: Co-ed
GCSE / A-Level: 81.1% 9–7 | 87.1% A–B
Strengths: High academic standards; broad extracurricular offerings
Destinations: 2025 - 85.5% of students progressed to a Russell Group university; approximately 30 of those students were accepted into Oxford or Cambridge
Want tailored 11+ preparation for grammar school entry?
Our Oxbridge-educated tutors support all exam boards, including GL, CEM and school-specific formats.
Many of our tutors attended the best grammar schools in the country themselves and are well-placed to support future students through entrance exams and interviews, helping them earn a coveted spot at these prestigious schools.
East Anglia
Colchester Royal Grammar School, Essex
Times 2026 Ranking: 4
Gender: Boys (co-ed sixth form)
GCSE / A-Level: 88.4% 9–7 | 95.5% A–B
Strengths: Founded in 1206 with two Royal Charters; Known for its STEM excellence; Times State Secondary School of the Year for Academic Excellence in East Anglia, 2026
Destinations: 43 Oxbridge offers in 2025
King Edward VI Grammar School, Essex
Times 2026 Ranking: 7
Gender: Boys
GCSE / A-Level: 87.5% 9–7 | 91.1% A–B
Strengths: Times State Secondary School of the Year in East Anglia, 2025
Destinations: 2024, 27 students went to Oxbridge
Chelmsford County High School for Girls, Essex
Times 2026 Ranking: 16
Gender: Girls
GCSE / A-Level: 84.7% 9–7 | 86.8% A–B
Strengths: Strong academic profile; exceptional language provision
Destinations: Strong Russell Group entry, especially in STEM subjects; around 10% of the year group typically achieves Oxbridge offers
Colchester county high school for girls, Essex
Times 2026 Ranking: 23
Gender: Girls
GCSE / A-Level: 83.3% 9–7 | 84.3% A–B
Strengths: Times State Secondary School of the Year in East Anglia, 2026
Destinations: Around 60% move on to Oxbridge and Russel Group Universities
Southeast (Including Kent and Surrey)
Reading School, Reading
Times 2026 Ranking: 10
Gender: Boys
GCSE / A-Level: 79.8% 9–7 | 91.8% A–B
Strengths: Founded 900 years ago; exceptional STEM performance; super-selective; Times State Secondary School of the Year for Academic Excellence in the South East, 2026
Destinations: High Oxbridge and medical/STEM entry rates. Over 20 leavers moved on to Oxbridge in 2025
Nonsuch High School for Girls, Cheam
Times 2026 Ranking: 13
Gender: Girls
GCSE / A-Level: 77.6% 9–7 | 91.5% A–B
Strengths: Strong academic performance; excellent pastoral care; an overwhelming majority go on to study STEM degrees; Times State Secondary School of the Year in the South East, 2026
Destinations: Competitive Russell Group entry; 12 Oxbridge offers in 2025
Tonbridge Grammar School
Times 2026 Ranking: 14
Gender: Girls (co-ed sixth form)
GCSE / A-Level: 80.0% 9–7 | 89.8% A–B
Strengths: The International Baccalaureate is offered in the sixth form, though not from September 2026
Destinations: Twelve students from the class of 2025 attended Oxbridge
Dartford Grammar School, Kent
Times 2026 Ranking: 15
Gender: Boys
GCSE / A-Level: 87.0% 9–7 | 86.7% A–B
Strengths: Strong IB and language programmes
Destinations: Broad Russell Group destinations
The Judd School, Tonbridge
Times 2026 Ranking: 19
Gender: Boys (co-ed sixth form)
GCSE / A-Level: 80.9% 9–7 | 87.1% A–B
Strengths: Excellent science and maths performance; fantastic facilities and sports offerings
Destinations: Typically, over 20 Oxbridge colleges offer a year
Southwest
Pates Grammar School, Cheltenham
Times 2026 Ranking: 6
Gender: Co-ed
GCSE / A-Level: 90.7% 9–7 | 91.7% A–B
Strengths: Consistently among the UK’s top performers; exceptional pastoral care; Times State Secondary School of the Year for Academic Excellence in the Southwest, 2026
Destinations: 26 Oxbridge offers in 2025; an impressive 14 students went on to coveted degree apprenticeships
South Wilts Grammar School, Salisbury
Times 2026 Ranking: 49
Gender: Girls (co-ed sixth form)
GCSE / A-Level: 78.2% 9–7 | 79.1% A–B
Strengths: Excellent academics and science provision; Times State Secondary School of the Year in the South West, 2026
Destinations: Strong Russell Group progression
The Midlands
King Edward VI School, Stratford-upon-Avon
Times 2026 Ranking: 12
Gender: Boys (co-ed sixth form)
GCSE / A-Level: 90.7% 9–7 | 86.0% A–B
Strengths: Historic academic excellence; strong humanities & drama; Times State Secondary School of the Year and State Secondary School of the Year for Academic Excellence in the West Midlands, 2026
Destinations: 18 Oxbridge offers in 2025
The king’s school Grantham, Lincolnshire
Times 2026 Ranking: 20
Gender: Boys
GCSE / A-Level: 80.9% 9–7 | 87.0% A–B
Strengths: Consistent academic performance; supportive environment; Times State Secondary School of the Year and State Secondary School of the Year for Academic Excellence in the East Midlands, 2026
Destinations: Solid Russell Group progression
The North
Altrincham Grammar School for Girls, Manchester
Times 2026 Ranking: 9
Gender: Girls
GCSE / A-Level: 88.9% 9–7 | 91.8% A–B
Strengths: One of the top girls’ schools nationwide; exceptional results; Times State Secondary School of the Year and State Secondary School of the Year for Academic Excellence in the Northwest, 2026
Destinations: In 2024, 64.5% of leavers secured a place at a Russell Group university. 8.28% gained an Oxbridge place
Ripon Grammar School, North Yorkshire
Times 2026 Ranking: 71
Gender: Co-ed
GCSE / A-Level: 59.6% 9–7 | 81.7% A–B
Strengths: Strong boarding option; excellent pastoral care; Times State Secondary School of the Year and State Secondary School of the Year for Academic Excellence in the North, 2026
Destinations: A strong balance of Russell Group and applied pathways
How to get into the best grammar schools?
The best grammar schools in the UK are highly competitive to gain admission to. The best way to secure a place is to understand the admissions process early and begin preparation as soon as possible. Families may also find it helpful to read our 11 Plus Tuition page.
Each grammar school has its own entrance exam and selection criteria:
Most require students to sit the 11+ exam, which typically includes English, Maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning.
Some schools also require an interview or additional assessments. Check out our 11+ Interview Guide or our 10 and 11+ Interview Question Packs for more preparation tips.
As an overview, the different exam styles commonly used include GL assessments, CEM Exams, the CAT4, and the ISEB Common Pre-test.
It’s crucial to do your research. Some grammar school exams are grouped regionally by one entrance test, reducing the number of exams your child may need to sit—for example, the Wandsworth or Kent Tests.
The sooner your child becomes familiar with the entrance exam format, the better.
Starting in Year 4 or certainly by Year 5 allows time to build skills gradually and practise with structured repetition.
If your child is new to question types like verbal reasoning or non-verbal reasoning, extra preparation is essential.
Our article on ‘5 Essential Tips for 11+ Exam Revision’ offers helpful guidance on this.
Working with a specialist tutor can significantly accelerate your child’s progress.
A tutor can provide targeted feedback, school-specific advice and structured preparation that is difficult to replicate at home.
U2 Tuition’s 11+ tutors include many alumni of the UK’s top grammar schools and understand precisely what these schools are looking for.
Once your child is confident with the content, the next step is to refine their exam technique.
Timed practice papers help build speed, accuracy and confidence.
The following free past paper resources may be helpful:
CGP Free 11+ Resources (including papers tailored to specific test providers)
If your child is invited to interview at a top grammar school, it’s essential that they can communicate clearly, reflect the school’s values and demonstrate enthusiasm for learning.
Our full 11+ Interview Crib Sheet provides practical tips, and families seeking personalised guidance may find U2 Tuition’s interview preparation especially helpful.
Although the admissions process can feel intense, early and well-structured preparation makes a huge difference. If you would like tailored advice for your child’s target grammar schools, get in touch or book a free consultation.
How to select the best grammar schools for your child?
Choosing the right grammar school means finding a setting that suits your child’s academic strengths, interests and personality. Focus on the following:
Academic performance: Look at GCSE and A-level results to gauge the school’s strengths and whether they align with your child’s abilities.
Location: A manageable commute is essential for maintaining wellbeing and participating in extracurricular activities.
School ethos: Some schools are highly academic and competitive; others prioritise wellbeing or enrichment. Choose the environment where your child will thrive.
Extracurricular opportunities: Strong programmes in sport, music, drama or debate can enrich your child’s experience and support broader development.
School size & support: Consider whether your child would benefit from a smaller, more personalised environment or a larger school with wider subject choices.
Subject specialisms: If your child has a particular passion, such as science, music or languages, look for schools known for excellence in that area.
Visiting open days is the best way to experience a school’s atmosphere first-hand. If you’d like personalised advice, our educational consultants can help you identify the best-fit grammar schools and support your child through the whole admissions process.
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