Best Grammar Schools in England 2026 — Complete Rankings
Grammar schools remain some of the highest-performing state schools in England. There are 163 grammar schools across 36 local authorities, educating approximately 200,000 pupils. Entry is via the 11+ examination, and competition is fierce — the most popular grammars receive five or more applicants per place.
Top Grammar Schools by GCSE Results
| # | School | Location | 5+ GCSE | A*–A | Att. 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Henrietta Barnett School | Barnet, London | 99% | 92% | 82.5 |
| 2 | Queen Elizabeth's School, Barnet | Barnet, London | 99% | 90% | 80.8 |
| 3 | Colchester Royal Grammar | Colchester, Essex | 98% | 88% | 79.2 |
| 4 | Altrincham Grammar Girls | Trafford, Gtr Manchester | 98% | 86% | 78.5 |
| 5 | King Edward VI Camp Hill Boys | Birmingham | 100% | 85% | 79.2 |
| 6 | Tiffin Girls' School | Kingston, London | 98% | 87% | 78.9 |
| 7 | Tiffin School (Boys) | Kingston, London | 97% | 85% | 77.4 |
| 8 | Chelmsford County High (Girls) | Chelmsford, Essex | 99% | 89% | 80.1 |
| 9 | Wilson's School | Sutton, London | 97% | 84% | 76.8 |
| 10 | Reading School | Reading, Berkshire | 97% | 83% | 76.2 |
Where Are Grammar Schools in England?
Grammar schools are concentrated in specific areas. The largest clusters are in Kent (32 grammars), Lincolnshire (15), Birmingham (8, via King Edward VI Foundation), Buckinghamshire (13), Essex (8), and the London boroughs of Barnet, Bexley, Bromley, Kingston and Sutton. Trafford in Greater Manchester has four grammar schools. Most of England has no grammar schools at all — they were phased out in most areas during the 1960s–70s.
How the 11+ Exam Works
The 11+ is a selective entrance test sat in September or October of Year 6, for entry the following September. The format varies by area. Some use the GL Assessment (verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, English, maths). Others use CEM tests (shorter sections, less preparation-friendly). Some areas, such as Kent, allow all children to sit the test; others, like Buckinghamshire, require opt-in registration.
Key insight: Results typically arrive in October, before the school application deadline on 31 October. This allows you to make an informed decision about which schools to list on your application.
Should You Prepare Your Child for the 11+?
Most families who apply to grammar schools prepare their children in some way. Preparation ranges from workbooks at home to weekly tutoring over 12–18 months. Critics argue this undermines the test's purpose of identifying natural ability; supporters say preparation simply ensures children are familiar with the format. If your child's primary school does not routinely send pupils to grammar school, they may need more preparation to be familiar with the test style.
Grammar School vs Comprehensive: What the Data Shows
Grammar schools achieve significantly higher raw exam results than comprehensives. However, they select the highest-attaining 20–25% of pupils. When comparing like-for-like — how pupils of similar ability perform — the advantage narrows. The Sutton Trust has found that the grammar school advantage over good comprehensives is modest once intake ability is controlled for. For the highest-attaining pupils, grammar schools and top comprehensives produce similar outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register for the 11+?
Registration varies by area. In Kent, register through kent.gov.uk by July before the September test. In Birmingham, register through the King Edward VI consortium. In Buckinghamshire, through the grammar admissions website. Check your target school's website for deadlines.
Can I apply from outside the grammar school's area?
This depends on the school. Some grammars (especially in Kent and Lincolnshire) accept applications from any address. Others prioritise local applicants. Check individual school admission criteria on Classpot.
What score is needed to pass the 11+?
There is no fixed pass mark. The qualifying score varies year by year depending on the number of applicants and places. Typically, the top 20–30% of applicants qualify. Schools then rank qualified applicants and allocate places by criteria (often distance).
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Compare results, Ofsted ratings and admissions data for all 163 grammar schools in England.
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