Best Schools in London 2026 — Rankings, Ofsted Ratings & Parent Reviews
Compare 2,466 schools and nurseries in London — Ofsted ratings, exam results & admissions data.
London is home to over 2,400 primary, secondary and independent schools educating more than one million pupils across 33 boroughs. Whether you are looking for an Outstanding-rated state primary, a high-performing grammar school or a prestigious independent, this guide brings together Ofsted inspection results, KS2 and GCSE performance data, admissions statistics and parent reviews to help you compare every option in one place.
London schools consistently outperform the national average. At GCSE level, London students achieve well above the national figure for five or more top grades. Use the tables below to find the best nurseries, primary schools, secondary schools and private schools in London.
London at a Glance
Top Primary Schools in London
| School | Area | Ofsted | KS2 RWM % | Reading | Maths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benedict Academy | Merton | Outstanding | 100% | — | — |
| Simon Marks Jewish Primary School | Hackney | Good | 100% | — | — |
| St Mary's Bryanston Square CofE School | Westminster | Good | 100% | — | — |
| Hampden Gurney CofE Primary School | Westminster | Good | 100% | — | — |
| Christ Church Primary School, Hampstead | Camden | Outstanding | 100% | — | — |
Top Secondary Schools in London
| School | Area | Ofsted | Progress 8 | 5+ GCSE % | EBacc % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michaela Community School | Brent | Outstanding | +2.56 | 97% | 81% |
| Menorah High School for Girls | Brent | Good | +1.58 | 97% | 77% |
| Mossbourne Victoria Park Academy | Hackney | Outstanding | +1.54 | 93% | 99% |
| Mossbourne Community Academy | Hackney | Outstanding | +1.47 | 85% | 88% |
| The St Thomas the Apostle College | Southwark | Outstanding | +1.45 | 86% | 66% |
Admissions in London — Key Dates
School admissions in London follow the national timeline. For 2026/27, secondary applications closed on 31 October 2025 with offers on 1 March 2026. Primary applications close on 15 January 2026 with offers on 16 April 2026. Each borough manages its own admissions. Popular schools are frequently oversubscribed — Classpot shows the applications-to-places ratio so you can gauge your chances.
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 is the best school in London?
Based on combined Ofsted ratings and academic results, top-performing schools include Brampton Manor Academy in Newham at secondary level and multiple Outstanding-rated primaries in Tower Hamlets. The best school for your child depends on location, ethos and individual needs. Use Classpot to compare schools by exam results, Ofsted rating and admissions data.
How many Outstanding schools are there in London?
London has a significant number of schools holding an Outstanding rating, representing a higher proportion than the national average. A further majority are rated Good, meaning the vast majority of London schools have a top-two Ofsted grade.
When are school admissions deadlines in London?
For September 2026, the secondary deadline was 31 October 2025 and the primary deadline is 15 January 2026. Nursery admissions vary by borough and provider. Apply through your home borough's local authority portal.
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