When it comes to finding the right school for your child, North London is home to some of the most prestigious and competitive Grammar Schools in the country. They’re known for academic excellence and high success rates, but it’s not just about results. These schools have built strong reputations based on a well-rounded education, preparing students for a bright future.
However, with all this prestige comes fierce competition. Parents must navigate a maze of information, from rankings and admissions criteria to how grammars compare with private schools. In such a competitive environment, understanding the specifics can make all the difference.
In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about Grammar Schools in North London, including how they rank, the entry process, which schools are hardest to get into and more.
In this article:
North London Grammar Schools: Rankings and Reputation
How many Grammar Schools are there in London?
If you’re about to enter the world of secondary education with your child, you’ll find many exceptional Grammar Schools in London. In total, there are nineteen Grammar Schools in the capital, each with its own unique atmosphere, diverse curriculum and strengths. These state-funded schools offer an excellent education that many parents dream of for their children.
In North London, you’ll find seven standout Grammar Schools:
- Henrietta Barnett School (Barnet)
- Queen Elizabeth’s School (Barnet)
- Latymer School (Enfield)
- St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School (Barnet)
- Dame Alice Owen’s School (Potters Bar, just outside North London)
- Mill Hill County High School (Barnet, partially selective)
- Fortismere School (Haringey, partially selective)
Like all Grammars in the UK, these schools have a reputation for academic excellence and a nurturing environment. As a result, the entry process is competitive.
With many families vying for limited spots, students must excel in the 11+ exam. Usually created by major providers like GL Assessment, it tests skills in English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
What are the top ten schools in London?
When it comes to the best schools in London, you’ll find a mix of Grammar and independent schools that consistently impress.
While Grammar Schools are free to attend (funded by the government), independent schools (or “private schools”) charge fees. These can be upwards of £10,000 a term. But you’ll also find some scholarships and bursaries.
Here are the top 10 schools in London, as ranked by the Sunday Times Parent Power 2024 guide.
London’s Top Grammar Schools
- Wilson’s School (Wallington)
- Queen Elizabeth’s School (Barnet)
- The Henrietta Barnett School (Hampstead Garden Suburb)
- St Olave’s Grammar School (Orpington)
- The Tiffin Girls’ School (Kingston)
- Tiffin School (Kingston)
- The Latymer School (Edmonton)
- St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School (Finchley)
- Newstead Wood School (Orpington)
- Sutton Grammar School (Sutton)
London’s Top Independent Schools
- St Paul’s Girls’ School (Hammersmith)
- City of London School for Girls (Barbican)
- King’s College School (Wimbledon)
- The Godolphin and Latymer School (Hammersmith)
- Westminster School (Westminster)
- St Paul’s School (Barnes)
- North London Collegiate School (Edgware)
- Wimbledon High School (Wimbledon)
- Notting Hill and Ealing High School (Ealing)
- Putney High School (Putney)
Among these many excellent schools, the North London Collegiate School, Queen Elizabeth’s School, Henrietta Barnett and The Latymer School stand out in North London. With impressive results and a supportive community, they offer a vibrant and exciting learning environment.
Which area in London has the best Grammar Schools?
In good news for parents in the area, North London often comes out on top for Grammar Schools. As we’ve seen, schools like Queen Elizabeth’s and Henrietta Barnett consistently rank among the best in the country.
So why are the schools in North London so good?
Well, it comes down to several factors: a strong commitment to academic achievement, dedicated teaching staff and a supportive community. Many of these schools are located in relatively affluent areas, and their emphasis on academic success and personal development (with plenty of extracurricular activities) creates an environment where students thrive.
That said, there are many standout schools in other parts of London. For example, Tiffin Girls’ School in Kingston (South West) and St Olave’s Grammar School in Bromley (South East) also boast strong reputations for academic excellence.
If you’re open to areas, explore the best Grammar Schools across London and the UK. You’ll also find a complete list of Grammars in London and guides to the nearby areas of Harrow, Hertfordshire, Slough, Watford, Buckinghamshire and Barnet.
What’s the hardest school to get into in London?
In terms of sheer competition, Queen Elizabeth’s School in Barnet is one of the hardest schools to get into. It has an extremely low acceptance rate due to its popularity and high academic results.
On average, over 3,000 boys sit the entrance exam, competing for just 180 places. The school also ranks 11 Plus scores from highest to lowest, so only top students secure a place.
On the private school side, St Paul’s Girls’ and Boys’ Schools and Westminster School are also known for their selective admissions processes. These schools not only require strong exam results but often include interviews and assessments to narrow down candidates.
North London Grammar Schools: Understanding the System
How do Grammar Schools select pupils?
Grammar schools admit students based on their performance in 11 Plus exams. This usually includes sections on English (featuring reading, SPaG and writing), Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
No matter what primary school your child attends, or if you’ve opted for homeschooling, the 11 Plus is the main criteria.
Your child normally must meet a “qualifying mark” (often a standardised score of 121). After this, schools use their own admissions criteria. This includes factors like catchment areas, siblings of current students or priority for “looked-after” children.
To better understand the system, don’t miss our in-depth guides to what makes a good 11+ score and 11 Plus deadlines.
Can my child go to Grammar School for free?
Yes! Grammar Schools are state-funded, which means there aren’t tuition fees. They’re free for all students who attend. This is why they’re such an attractive option for parents looking for a high-quality education without the financial burden of private school fees.
You should still consider costs like uniforms, lunches, school trips and extracurricular activities. But help is available if you’re struggling with these costs. If so, contact your child’s school or local authority.
What % of children get into Grammar School?
Generally speaking, about 30% of children pass the 11+ exam.
Around 100,000 students sit the exam each year and about 5% of pupils in England go on to attend a Grammar School. There aren’t specific figures on pass rates for North London, but it’s a highly competitive area. So expect tough competition!
Do universities favour Grammar Schools?
Universities don’t officially favour Grammar Schools, but Grammar School students often do well in admissions because of their strong academic performance. As we’ve seen, Grammar Schools are highly selective and offer a rigorous education, which helps students excel in exams and develop skills universities look for. So, while there’s no direct preference, it can give students an edge.
That said, many top universities (including Russell Group institutions and Non-Russell Group members like St Andrews and Bath), are working hard to increase their intake from a wider range of schools, particularly state comprehensives and underrepresented backgrounds. Although Grammar Schools are state-funded, they aren’t the focus of these initiatives because their students often perform similarly to those from private schools.
North London Grammar School: A Quickfire Guide
Before we round up, we should briefly mention North London Grammar School. As here’s where it gets confusing for parents. While it’s got “Grammar School” in the name, it’s not a state-funded institution.
Is North London Grammar School free?
Despite its name, North London Grammar School isn’t a Grammar School in the traditional sense. It’s an independent school, meaning it charges fees for attendance.
However, it is one of the more affordable independent schools in the area. Fees are around £4,500 a term. To put this in perspective, leading schools like St Paul’s Girls’ School charge over £10,000 a term.
Is North London Grammar School a good school?
Yes! Located in Collindale, North London Grammar School has a reputation for providing high-quality education and strong exam results in a supportive environment.
The school was founded in 2006, offering smaller class sizes and an affordable private education. They focus on “distinction in literacy” in a welcoming and diverse atmosphere.
Grammar School or Private School: Which is better?
So, should you consider a state-funded Grammar School or choose a private school like North London Grammar? It comes down to what you’re looking for in terms of education and your child’s needs.
Here are some key differences to consider:
- Cost: Grammar schools are state-funded, while private schools charge fees. This is a major factor for most families.
- Academics: Both types of schools have a strong academic focus, but private schools offer more individual attention due to smaller class sizes and better child-to-teacher ratios.
- Extracurricular activities: Private schools often provide a wider range of extracurricular opportunities and better facilities.
- Entry requirements: Grammar Schools require passing the 11 Plus exam. Private schools have their own admissions processes, normally including exams and interviews.
If you’re struggling to decide, it’s worth attending as many open days as possible. This will help you get a feel for each school’s ethos, surroundings and the environment your child prefers.
The good news is in North London, you’ll find some of the best schools in the country. So wherever you choose, it’s an exciting place for your child’s education.
Looking for support with school applications?
At Achieve Learning, we know how vital 11 Plus exams are for your child’s future. With the guidance of our experienced tutors, we’ve successfully secured places at top schools around the country.
We offer personalised tuition, mock exams and expert consultancy, providing support at every step of your child’s 11 Plus journey. Get in touch today to find out more.
