Best Schools in Camden 2026 — Rankings, Ofsted Ratings & Reviews
Compare 58 schools and nurseries in Camden — Ofsted ratings, exam results & admissions data.
Camden has 58 primary, secondary and independent schools educating over 24,000 pupils in one of London's most culturally vibrant boroughs. The area stretches from the academic hub of Bloomsbury and King's Cross in the south to leafy Hampstead and Highgate in the north. Camden schools benefit from proximity to world-class institutions including UCL, the British Museum and the Francis Crick Institute.
Camden's educational outcomes are strong, with 20 schools rated Outstanding by Ofsted — over a third of all schools in the borough. The independent sector is particularly prominent, with University College School, South Hampstead High School and the Royal Academy of Dance among notable options.
Camden at a Glance
Top Primary Schools in Camden
| School | Area | Ofsted | KS2 RWM % | Reading | Maths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christ Church Primary School, Hampstead | Camden | Outstanding | 100% | — | — |
| Hampstead Parochial Church of England Primary School | Camden | Good | 97% | — | — |
| St Luke's Church of England School | Camden | Good | 94% | — | — |
| Christopher Hatton Primary School | Camden | Outstanding | 90% | — | — |
| Abacus Belsize Primary School | Camden | Good | 89% | — | — |
Top Secondary Schools in Camden
| School | Area | Ofsted | Progress 8 | 5+ GCSE % | EBacc % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camden School for Girls | Camden | Good | +0.62 | 88% | 67% |
| Parliament Hill School | Camden | Outstanding | +0.50 | 81% | 44% |
| La Sainte Union Catholic Secondary School | Camden | Good | +0.18 | 69% | 36% |
| The UCL Academy | Camden | Good | -0.16 | 67% | 57% |
| William Ellis School | Camden | Good | -0.17 | 72% | 77% |
Admissions in Camden — Key Dates
Camden Council coordinates admissions for state schools. For September 2026, the secondary deadline was 31 October 2025 with offers on 1 March 2026. The primary deadline is 15 January 2026 with offers on 16 April 2026. Camden operates a 'banding' system for some secondary schools, where children sit an assessment to ensure each school admits a balanced intake. Apply through camden.gov.uk.
Tip: Classpot shows the applications-to-places ratio for every school so you can gauge how competitive admissions are before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best schools in Camden?
Parliament Hill School, Haverstock School and Acland Burghley School are among the top state secondaries. UCH (University College School) is one of London's leading independent schools. At primary level, Fleet Primary and Brookfield Primary achieve excellent KS2 results.
How competitive are school admissions in Camden?
Very competitive, especially for popular schools like Parliament Hill and Camden School for Girls. Admission distances can be under 0.5 miles. Classpot shows historical admission distances to help you assess your chances.
Are there grammar schools in Camden?
No. Camden has no state grammar schools. The nearest selective state schools are in Barnet (Queen Elizabeth's School) and Enfield. Camden operates a comprehensive admissions system.
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