Originally published in 2022, this guide has been refreshed with the latest 2025–2026 data from The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide, Atom Learning rankings, and other reliable sources. Grammar schools remain a popular choice for ambitious families seeking high academic standards without private fees.
When selecting a selective secondary school for Year 7 entry (or later), many parents turn to grammar schools– state-funded, academically selective institutions that have seen sustained popularity for over a decade. These schools excel at preparing students for Russell Group universities, top apprenticeships, and confident adult life.
There are currently 163 state-funded grammar schools in England (no change in recent years), spanning all-girls, all-boys, mixed sixth forms, faith-based (including Catholic), and fully co-educational options. All maintain strong Ofsted ratings, with many rated Outstanding.
This updated guide covers everything you need to know – from definitions and entry criteria to advantages, top performers, and key regional consortiums – whether you’re in south-east London, Kent, the Midlands, or further north.
What is a Grammar School?
A grammar school is a state secondary school that selects pupils primarily based on academic ability. Pupils typically sit an entrance exam (the 11+ or equivalent) in Year 6, and the highest scorers secure places from Year 7 onwards.
Grammar schools are free – fully funded by the government – and remain the only state secondary schools in England permitted to select pupils by academic performance. (There are no state grammar schools in Wales or Scotland, though some exist in Northern Ireland.)
Entry Requirements/Criteria
11 Plus /Entrance Exam
Children must pass a selective test covering Mathematics, English, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning (often GL Assessment, CEM, or school-specific formats). Registration deadlines vary by region (e.g., May–June for many 2026 entries).
Catchment Area
Many schools prioritise pupils living within defined postcodes or boroughs. Check local authority websites or school admissions pages – moving into a strong catchment can dramatically improve chances.
Sibling Policy & Other Factors
Priority often goes to siblings already at the school. Some consider children of staff, faith criteria (for faith schools), aptitude in certain subjects, or special circumstances.
Always attend open days, register early, and confirm deadlines – places are highly competitive.
What Are The Advantages of Grammar Schools?
Grammar schools continue to offer compelling benefits in 2026:
Academic Excellence
Selective intake means classes are filled with high-achieving peers, allowing faster pace, deeper challenge, and outstanding GCSE/A-level results. Many top performers secure places at Oxbridge and Russell Group universities.
Stimulating & Aspirational Environment
A culture that celebrates hard work and success reduces peer pressure against ambition. Pupils often thrive in co-educational sixth forms with strong pastoral support and enrichment (arts, sports, debating).
Social Mobility & Accesibility
Fee-free education gives bright children from all backgrounds access to inspiring teaching, facilities, and networks – a powerful ladder for upward mobility.
Critics note potential pressure or uneven access (e.g., tutoring advantages), but for many families, the academic focus and results make grammar schools a worthwhile pursuit.
Top 10 Grammar Schools in the UK (2026 Rankings)?
Based on The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026 (exam results from 2025), Atom Learning, and other sources, here are the current standouts:
- Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet (London Borough of Barnet) – Boys, exceptional STEM focus, top-ranked nationally.
- Wilson’s School, Wallington (London Borough of Sutton) – Boys, outstanding GCSEs.
- St Olave’s Grammar School, Orpington (London Borough of Bromley) – Boys.
- The Henrietta Barnett School (London Borough of Barnet) – Girls.
- The Tiffin Girls’ School (London Borough of Kingston upon Thames) – Girls.
- Colchester Royal Grammar School (Essex) – Boys/co-ed sixth form.
- Pate’s Grammar School (Gloucestershire).
- Reading School (Berkshire).
- Altrincham Grammar School for Girls (Greater Manchester).
- King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys (Birmingham).
London and the South East dominate the top spots, but strong performers exist nationwide.
Grammar School Consortiums By Region (2025–2026)
Consortiums are especially common in areas with multiple grammar schools, such as London boroughs, Kent, Buckinghamshire, Essex, and the West Midlands. Below is an expanded, updated overview for 2025–2026 entry(Year 7 starting September 2026), based on current admissions policies, local authority guidance, and consortium websites. Note that details (test formats, registration deadlines, qualifying scores) can change annually — always verify directly via school or local authority sites.
London Boroughs (Multiple Consortiums)
London has several borough-level consortiums, each handling its own 11+ process. Most use GL Assessment papers, with registration typically opening in May/June 2025 and tests in September/October 2025.
Barnet Grammar Schools
Schools: The Henrietta Barnett School (girls), Queen Elizabeth’s School (boys), St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School (girls).
Test: GL Assessment (Verbal/Non-Verbal Reasoning, Maths, English).
Key feature: High competition; catchment priority for some. Queen Elizabeth’s and Henrietta Barnett consistently rank in the national top 5.
Bexley Grammar Schools
Schools: Beths Grammar School (mixed), Bexley Grammar School (mixed), Chislehurst & Sidcup Grammar School (mixed), Townley Grammar School (girls).
Test: Bexley Selection Test (GL format).
Key feature: No strict catchment for most; high pass mark (~210–220/280).
Bromley Grammar Schools
Schools: Newstead Wood School (girls), St Olave’s Grammar School (boys).
Test: GL Assessment.
Key feature: St Olave’s often ranks in the top 10 nationally.
Kingston upon Thames Grammar Schools
Schools: Tiffin School (boys), The Tiffin Girls’ School (girls).
Test: Two-stage process (school-specific reasoning + English/Maths).
Key feature: Very high standards; no automatic catchment priority.
Redbridge Grammar Schools
Schools: Ilford County High School (boys), Woodford County High School (girls).
Test: GL Assessment (via Redbridge Consortium).
Key feature: Strong East London options.
Sutton Grammar Schools
Schools: Greenshaw High School (mixed), Nonsuch High School (girls), Sutton Grammar School (boys), Wallington County Grammar School (boys), Wallington High School for Girls (girls), Wilson’s School (boys).
Test: Sutton Selective Eligibility Test (SET) – two multiple-choice papers.
Key feature: Wilson’s frequently tops national rankings.
South East (Kent, Buckinghamshire, Medway, Berkshire, Surrey)
Kent
Largest grammar school county (over 30 schools).
Test: Kent Test (PESE) – GL Assessment format (English, Maths, Reasoning).
Key schools: Invicta Grammar (girls), Tonbridge Grammar (mixed), Weald of Kent (girls), Wilmington Grammar (boys).
Key feature: No formal consortium but county-wide test; partial selection in some areas.
Buckinghamshire Grammar Schools (TBGS – The Buckinghamshire Grammar Schools)
13 schools (e.g., Aylesbury Grammar, Beaconsfield High, Dr Challoner’s Grammar, Royal Grammar School).
Test: Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (GL format).
Key feature: Qualifying score of 121; coordinated by TBGS; high-performing county-wide.
Medway Grammar Schools
Schools: Chatham Grammar, Fort Pitt Grammar (girls), Holcombe Grammar (girls), Rainham Mark Grammar, Rochester Grammar (girls), Sir Joseph Williamson’s Mathematical School (boys).
Test: Medway Test (GL format).
Key feature: Separate from Kent despite proximity.
Berkshire
Schools: Herschel Grammar, Kendrick School (girls), Langley Grammar, Reading School (boys), St Bernard’s Catholic Grammar.
Test: GL Assessment (via Slough & Berkshire consortia overlap).
Key feature: Strong Reading/Kendrick duo.
Surrey
Overlaps with Sutton/Kingston; some independent elements, but state grammars like Nonsuch and Wilson’s fall under London/Sutton.
Other Key Regions
East of England (Essex – CSSE)
10 schools (e.g., Colchester Royal Grammar, Southend High for Boys/Girls, Westcliff High).
Test: CSSE 11+ (English, Maths, Reasoning papers).
Key feature: One test for all; high pass threshold.
Midlands (Birmingham, Warwickshire, Lincolnshire)
Birmingham: King Edward VI schools (multiple boys/girls).
Warwickshire: Alcester, Lawrence Sheriff, Rugby High.
Lincolnshire: Boston Grammar, Carre’s, Kesteven schools.
Test: GL or school-specific; strong regional consortia.
North West (Trafford, Wirral, Lancashire)
Trafford: Altrincham Grammar for Boys/Girls, Sale Grammar.
Wirral: Calday Grange, West Kirby Grammar.
Test: GL Assessment; Trafford qualifying score ~334.
For 2026 entry, registration deadlines mostly passed in summer/autumn 2025, with tests completed and results issued. Late applicants or in-year moves should contact schools directly.
Ready to find your ideal family home near the perfect grammar school e.g., London, Barnet, Sutton, Kent, Bucks? Our Buyer Assistance service can help source family homes in priority postcodes.
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