Queen Elizabeth’s School school exterior · Photo: Matt BrownLONNOW / THE SHORTLIST
Five worth knowing.
This is an editorial shortlist of selective state grammar schools within Greater London. We considered published academic evidence and documented admissions; we did not calculate a London-wide league table. The list is not a comparison of all comprehensives, faith schools or specialist provision. Results reflect selected intakes, and numbers below are a reading order.
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 decide
Read 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.
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The Henrietta Barnett School school exterior · Rcsprinter123 · CC BY 3.0Hampstead Garden Suburb
The Henrietta Barnett School
State grammar · girls
A selective girls’ school
HBS reports 97% of GCSE entries at grades 7–9 in summer 2026, alongside 75% of A-level entries at A* or A. The non-denominational girls’ grammar in Hampstead Garden Suburb is a strong north London comparison for families considering a selective academic route.
Before you decide
Use 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.
Wilson’s reports 96.2% of 2026 GCSE entries at grades 7–9 and 79.4% of A-level entries at A* or A. Located in the London Borough of Sutton, it offers another academically selective boys’ route, with a wider school life that families should assess alongside the results.
Before you decide
Read the Selective Eligibility Test and second-stage arrangements for the correct entry year. Registering for a test and submitting the local-authority school application are distinct steps.
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The Tiffin Girls’ School school exterior · Lm189 · CC BY-SA 3.0Kingston upon Thames
The Tiffin Girls’ School
State grammar · girls
A southwest London academic option
Tiffin Girls’ publishes detailed GCSE and A-level results and offers a broad subject and co-curricular programme. Its Kingston location gives families in southwest London a selective girls’ option to investigate. Look at the actual subject offer, pastoral provision and journey alongside the school’s academic evidence.
Before you decide
The current Year 7 policy includes the relevant selection and geographical priority rules. Read it before registering; meeting an academic threshold alone does not guarantee a place.
Sutton Grammar combines an academic grammar-school programme with activities beyond lessons. The headmaster’s introduction places personal confidence and communication alongside examination achievement. It is included as a further Greater London option for families comparing selective state education; sixth-form arrangements should be checked separately.
Before you decide
Use the current Year 7 admissions pages and test arrangements. Confirm the second-stage requirements, priority rules and daily travel before treating it as a realistic application choice.
01 IN FOCUS
These are selective choices
All five schools use academic selection.
High results are influenced by their intake and are not proof that a grammar school is the best setting for every child. Visit local comprehensives too, and compare support, curriculum, friendships and travel.
02 IN FOCUS
Build a realistic application plan
Use the determined policy for the intended entry year.
Test registration deadlines can precede the council application deadline, and a test result is not an offer. Keep several realistic preferences, understand geographical priorities and discuss SEND access arrangements early.
Create a decision file+
Compare entry, learning, cost and outcomes on the same basis.
01
Requirements
Use the current course or school admissions page.
02
Fit
Compare subject content and teaching, not only rank.
03
Budget
Model fees, housing, travel and visa costs where relevant.
04
Deadline
Track application, funding and acceptance dates separately.
