The British education system has long distinguished between state comprehensive schools and grammar schools, both of which are publicly funded and free at the point of use. Comprehensive schools admit pupils of all abilities and are typically based on catchment area, whereas grammar schools are a selective subset that admit pupils based on academic performance that is most often determined via the “11+” examination taken at the age of eleven.
Grammar schools can trace their origins back to the 16th century, with the primary purpose of providing a classical education in subjects such as Latin and Greek, primarily for boys. However, by the mid-20th century and following the Education Act of 1944, grammar schools became part of the tripartite system that sat alongside secondary modern and technical schools.
Today, the majority of pupils in England attend comprehensive schools, many of which perform strongly and compete with selective schools in national rankings. Nevertheless, grammar schools have continued to thrive in certain counties, particularly Kent, Buckinghamshire and parts of London, with around 164 fully selective grammar schools remaining.
While there are many high-performing institutions across both comprehensive and selective sectors, a handful of schools consistently stand out at the very top of national rankings. Below is a closer look at a handful of the best.
The Henrietta Barnett School, London
Founded in 1911 and set within the surroundings of Hampstead Garden Suburb, The Henrietta Barnett School occupies a Grade II* Listed building that was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens.
Dame Henrietta Barnett believed that the power of education could transform lives, subsequently founding the school to give girls access to the highest quality learning opportunities. The same principle remains at the heart of HBS today, with the school frequently ranked as the nation’s leading grammar school and recently recognised as State Secondary School of the Year by The Sunday Times.
In 2025, the school achieved an extraordinary 96.9 per cent of GCSE grades at 7–9 and 95.2 per cent of A-Level grades at A*–B. Admission to The Henrietta Barnett School for Year 7 is through academic selection and applicants sit an entrance test in verbal and non-verbal reasoning, along with English and mathematics.
High Storrs School, Sheffield
High Storrs School in Sheffield stands out as one of the country’s best-performing non-selective schools. Unlike most secondary schools, High Storrs has no uniform policy, yet pupils display a strong sense of identity and belonging. The school’s ethos is rooted in trust and kindness rather than strict rules, and the emphasis on wellbeing is not at the expense of academic excellence. In fact, it fuels it. Attendance is well above the national average and maths is among the school’s most popular and successful subjects.
Academically, High Storrs offers a broad and innovative curriculum, with nearly 30 subjects available at GCSE, including Latin, Classics and Film Studies, whilst a similar range is offered at A-Level. The school also makes use of mixed-age (vertical) classes and tutor groups that allow younger and older pupils to learn alongside one another. Over half of students achieve 5 or above in the English Baccalaureate and the school’s Attainment 8 score is 50 per cent higher than the national average.
Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet
Located in Barnet, Queen Elizabeth’s School for boys also regularly tops performance tables. For more than 450 years, generations of pupils have benefited from a multifaceted, holistic approach and state-of-the-art facilities. In 2025, the school celebrated over 50% A* and 98% A*-B results, which marked the 20th consecutive year the latter figure surpassed 95%.
From the acclaimed Martin Pool to the Friends’ Recital Hall, the Robert Dudley Studio, the campus is designed to help pupils thrive. The school also has new developments underway, including a modern sports hall and the Fern Café, supporting the growth in step with the school's ambitions. Yet, beyond the classroom, boys also enjoy a wealth of opportunities in music, sport, drama and global experiences that ensure each pupil develops confidence and creativity.
Wembley High Technology College, London
Wembley High Technology College is widely recognised as one of the highest-performing comprehensive schools in England. Open to pupils of all abilities, the school has earned national recognition for exceptional results.
In 2025, over 72 per cent of GCSE grades were awarded at 7–9, maintaining its position among the very top-performing non-selective schools in the country. Yet, beyond academics, the school places strong emphasis on character development and enrichment and pupils are encouraged to engage in a variety of sports, music and community initiatives.
Loreto Grammar School
Located in Manchester, Loreto Grammar School is a selective girls’ school consistently recognised for its strong academic outcomes. In 2025, it was named State Secondary School of the Year in the Northwest, with 87.4% of A-Level results and 76.5% of GCSEs graded 7–9, which placed it 23rd nationally.
Founded in 1909 by the Sisters of Loreto, an order established by the 17th-century nun Mary Ward, the school was described as an “inspirational place to be”, praising pupils for being self-motivated, independent and determined. Equally central to its identity is a culture of inclusivity, with students encouraged to participate fully in all areas of school life. In its Ofsted report of March 2024, inspectors praised the school’s “exceptional array of opportunities for pupils to pursue interests and develop talents. It also runs a bespoke Student Leadership Accreditation scheme to equip girls with the skills and confidence to lead in any career.
While grammar schools have long been associated with academic excellence, the growing success of comprehensive schools shows that high achievement is no longer limited to selective education. Today, both models sit side by side at the top of national rankings, yet the most successful schools are united by a shared commitment to ambition, opportunity and a belief in every pupil’s potential. Grammar schools may lead the league tables, but the right choice will always be the one that nurtures a pupil’s individual strengths and aspirations.
