EDUCATION
Top 5 London secondary schools: a state and private shortlist
Five academically ambitious London schools to compare, with the state/private distinction made clear from the start.
- Selection
- 5 editorial picks
- Scope
- State + independent
- Reviewed
- 26 September 2026
Five worth knowing.
An editorial shortlist of academically selective schools, selected for published academic evidence and clearly documented admissions. Two state grammar schools and three independent schools are included. Numbers organise the guide; they are not a comparable attainment league table, an Ofsted ranking or a claim that one school suits every child.
- Barnet
Queen Elizabeth’s School
State grammar · boysAn academic state-school route
QE publishes detailed examination results and operates a selective admissions process. It earns a place here for families looking for an academically demanding boys’ school without independent-school tuition fees.
Before you decideRead the entrance-test arrangements and the local-authority application requirements together. A high test score is not the same thing as an offer, and the daily journey matters.
- Hampstead Garden Suburb
The Henrietta Barnett School
State grammar · girlsA selective girls’ school
HBS is a non-denominational grammar school for girls aged 11–18. Its academic focus and published examination information make it a strong comparison point for families considering selective state education.
Before you decideUse the determined admissions policy for the correct entry year. Check the tests, priority rules and journey rather than assuming that living nearby guarantees a place.
- Barnes
St Paul’s School
Independent · boysDeep academic stretch
The school’s 2026 release reports 91.5% of A-level grades at A* or A. Its senior academic programme is designed for boys aged 13–18, making it a serious option for families seeking a demanding independent-school environment.
Before you decideCompare the relevant entry route, total fees, available bursaries and the commute to Barnes. Results describe a selected cohort; they do not predict an individual child’s experience.
- Westminster
Westminster School
Independent · day and boardingCentral London academic life
Westminster combines a central London setting with a substantial academic and co-curricular programme. Its published admissions routes include 13+ and 16+ entry, with separate information on fees, bursaries and boarding.
Before you decideEntry points and the school’s co-education arrangements are changing. Check the exact age, year and eligibility on the current admissions pages before building an application plan.
- Edgware
North London Collegiate School
Independent · girlsA broad academic shortlist
NLCS offers an independent girls’ school route and publishes a structured admissions process covering assessments, scholarships and bursaries. Its academic reputation makes it a useful counterpoint to the other independent options here.
Before you decideStart with the appropriate senior-school entry point. Confirm fees, assessment dates, travel and pastoral support; do not confuse a scholarship with means-tested fee assistance.
How to use this Top 5
Start with eligibility and a realistic journey, then compare subject choice, pastoral support and the full cost.
These are academically selective choices, not a survey of every excellent comprehensive school in London. A school outside this list may be a much better fit for your child.
Your school-visit checklist
Ask how the school supports different learning needs, what happens when a pupil struggles, how subject choices work and which activities are genuinely accessible.
Read the latest inspection and performance information for the school itself. Keep several realistic options and use the correct admissions year.
Create a decision file
Compare entry, learning, cost and outcomes on the same basis.
Requirements
Use the current course or school admissions page.
Fit
Compare subject content and teaching, not only rank.
Budget
Model fees, housing, travel and visa costs where relevant.
Deadline
Track application, funding and acceptance dates separately.
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