Best State Secondary Schools in the UK – UK League Table 2026
The 2026 UK League Table will rank the best state secondary schools based on this year’s GCSE and A-level results. It gives parents and students a clear view of how each school performs and supports informed decisions about education.
Table of Contents
Secondary School League Tables Methodology
In formulating the methodology for the UK League Table 2025 on State Secondary Schools, the primary focus is on the 2025 GCSE results, a pivotal benchmark of academic achievement. The rankings are predominantly derived from an in-depth analysis of each school’s performance in the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) examinations, considering factors such as overall pass rates, grades achieved, and student progress.
This approach provides a comprehensive snapshot of the educational landscape, offering valuable insights into the effectiveness of schools in preparing students for further academic pursuits. It’s important to note that while GCSE results form the cornerstone of the methodology, other relevant factors, including school ethos, extracurricular offerings, and community engagement, should be considered holistically when making informed decisions about a school’s overall quality and suitability for prospective students.
Top State Secondary Schools in the UK: 2026 A-Levels Results
| A-level (% A*/A) | School | Town | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80.0% | Wilson's School | Wallington | Selective (100%) |
| 79.0% | Pate's Grammar School | Cheltenham | Selective (100%) |
| 78.0% | Stroud High School | Stroud | Selective (100%) |
| 74.0% | St Olave's Grammar School | Orpington | Selective (100%) |
| 71.0% | Tiffin School | Kingston upon Thames | Selective (100%) |
| 70.0% | Altrincham Grammar School for Girls | Altrincham | Selective (100%) |
| 68.0% | Dame Alice Owen's School | Potters Bar | Partially selective (38%) |
| 65.0% | Yavneh College | Borehamwood | Comprehensive |
| 63.0% | Altrincham Grammar School for Boys | Altrincham | Selective (100%) |
| 63% | Wycombe High School | High Wycombe | Selective (100%) |
| 62.0% | Queen Elizabeth's School, Barnet | Barnet | Selective (100%) |
| 62.0% | King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls | Birmingham | Selective (100%) |
| 62.0% | The Latymer School | London | Selective (100%) |
| 61.0% | The Liverpool Blue Coat School | Liverpool | Selective (100%) |
| 59.0% | King Edward VI Five Ways School | Birmingham | Selective (100%) |
| 59.0% | Bishop Wordsworth's School | Salisbury | Selective (100%) |
| 58.3% | Sir Thomas Rich's School | Gloucester | Selective (100%) |
| 58.0% | West London Free School | London | Partially selective (9%) |
| 57.7% | Loreto Grammar School | Altrincham | Selective (100%) |
| 57.0% | Sale Grammar School | Sale | Selective (100%) |
| 56.0% | Nonsuch High School for Girls | Cheam | Selective (100%) |
| 56.0% | St Michael's Catholic Grammar School, Finchley | London | Selective (100%) |
| 55.0% | Chesham Grammar School | Chesham | Selective (100%) |
| 53.0% | Newstead Wood School | Orpington | Selective (100%) |
| 52.0% | JFS | Harrow | Comprehensive |
| 50.0% | Westcliff High School for Boys | Westcliff-on-Sea | Selective (100%) |
| 50.0% | Southend High School for Girls | Southend-on-Sea | Selective (100%) |
| 50.0% | Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School | Aylesbury | Selective (100%) |
| 49.8% | Lancaster Royal Grammar School | Lancaster | Selective (100%) |
| 49.0% | St Andrew's Catholic School, Leatherhead | Leatherhead | Comprehensive |
| 48.0% | Camden School for Girls | London | Partially selective (7%) |
| 47.0% | Parmiter's School | Watford | Partially selective (35%) |
| 47.0% | St Paul's School for Girls, Edgbaston | Birmingham | Comprehensive |
| 45% | Ashcroft Technology Academy | London | Partially selective (10%) |
| 44.0% | Marling School | Stroud | Selective (100%) |
| 43.0% | Caistor Grammar School | Caistor | Selective (100%) |
| 43.0% | Campbell College | County Antrim | Partially selective |
| 43.0% | Newport Girls' High School | Newport | Selective (100%) |
| 43.0% | Queen Mary's Grammar School, Walsall | Walsall | Selective (100%) |
| 43.0% | Rosebery School | Epsom | Comprehensive |
| 42.2% | Waldegrave School, Twickenham | Twickenham | Comprehensive |
| 42.0% | The St Marylebone Church of England School | - | Partially selective (9%) |
| 41.0% | The Cotswold School | Bourton-on-the-Water | Comprehensive |
| 41.0% | Grey Court School | Richmond upon Thames | Comprehensive |
| 40.9% | The Holt School | Wokingham | Comprehensive |
| 40.4% | Ripon Grammar School | Ripon | Selective (100%) |
| 40.0% | St Clement Danes School | Rickmansworth | Partially selective (20%) |
| 39.0% | Stretford Grammar School | Manchester | Selective (100%) |
| 39.0% | Archbishop Holgate's School | York | Comprehensive |
| 38.3% | The Royal School, Armagh | County Armagh | Selective (100%) |
| 38.0% | Lady Margaret School | London | Comprehensive |
| 37.6% | St Gregory's Catholic Science College | Harrow | Comprehensive |
| 36.0% | Gordon's School | Woking | Comprehensive |
| 36.0% | Norton Hill School | Radstock | Comprehensive |
| 35.0% | Maidstone Grammar School | Maidstone | Selective (100%) |
| 35.0% | Katharine Lady Berkeley's School | Wotton-under-Edge | Comprehensive |
| 35.0% | Hinchley Wood School | Esher | Comprehensive |
| 35.0% | Cranbrook School | Cranbrook | Selective (100%) |
| 35.0% | Howard of Effingham School | Leatherhead | Comprehensive |
| 34.0% | Haberdashers' Adams | Newport | Selective (100%) |
| 34.0% | High Storrs School | Sheffield | Comprehensive |
| 33.0% | Burnham Grammar School | Burnham | Selective (100%) |
| 33.0% | Ilkley Grammar School | Ilkley | Comprehensive |
| 31.0% | All Hallows Catholic School | Farnham | Comprehensive |
| 31.0% | Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School | Rossendale | Selective (100%) |
| 31.0% | King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys | Birmingham | Selective (100%) |
| 31.0% | Richard Huish College | Somerset | Comprehensive |
| 29.0% | Wirral Grammar School for Girls | Bebington | Selective (100%) |
| 29.0% | Clitheroe Royal Grammar School | Clitheroe | Selective (100%) |
| 27.0% | Prendergast School | London | Partially selective (10%) |
| 25.4% | Heathside School | Weybridge | Comprehensive |
| 20.0% | Conyers School | Stockton-on-Tees | Comprehensive |
Top State Secondary Schools in the UK: 2026 GCSE Results
| GCSE (% 9-7) | School | Town | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 97.0% | Queen Elizabeth's School, Barnet | Barnet | Selective (100%) |
| 97.0% | The Henrietta Barnett School | London | Selective (100%) |
| 96.2% | Wilson's School | Wallington | Selective (100%) |
| 91.5% | St Olave's Grammar School | Orpington | Selective (100%) |
| 88.0% | Tiffin School | Kingston upon Thames | Selective (100%) |
| 87.0% | Pate's Grammar School | Cheltenham | Selective (100%) |
| 86.0% | Wallington County Grammar School | Wallington | Selective (100%) |
| 85.0% | The Latymer School | London | Selective (100%) |
| 84.0% | Nonsuch High School for Girls | Cheam | Selective (100%) |
| 83.0% | King Edward VI Five Ways School | Birmingham | Selective (100%) |
| 79.0% | Colyton Grammar School | Colyton | Selective (100%) |
| 78.8% | The Liverpool Blue Coat School | Liverpool | Selective (100%) |
| 78.0% | Sir William Borlase's Grammar School | Marlow | Selective (100%) |
| 74.0% | Stroud High School | Stroud | Selective (100%) |
| 73.0% | Dame Alice Owen's School | Potters Bar | Partially selective (38%) |
| 73.0% | Newport Girls' High School | Newport | Selective (100%) |
| 73% | Sir Thomas Rich's School | Gloucester | Selective (100%) |
| 72.0% | Southend High School for Girls | Southend-on-Sea | Selective (100%) |
| 71.0% | The Crypt School | Gloucester | Selective (100%) |
| 71.0% | Stretford Grammar School | Manchester | Selective (100%) |
| 70.0% | Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School | Aylesbury | Selective (100%) |
| 70% | Aylesbury High School | Aylesbury | Selective (100%) |
| 66.0% | Haberdashers' Adams | Newport | Selective (100%) |
| 66.0% | Marling School | Stroud | Selective (100%) |
| 65.0% | Bishop Wordsworth's School | Salisbury | Selective (100%) |
| 65.0% | Lancaster Girls' Grammar School | Lancaster | Selective (100%) |
| 64.0% | Lancaster Royal Grammar School | Lancaster | Selective (100%) |
| 63.0% | Wirral Grammar School for Girls | Bebington | Selective (100%) |
| 63.0% | Queen Mary's Grammar School, Walsall | Walsall | Selective (100%) |
| 60.0% | Bournemouth School | Bournemouth | Selective (100%) |
| 59.0% | Orleans Park | London | Comprehensive |
| 58.4% | Ripon Grammar School | Ripon | Selective (100%) |
| 57.0% | West London Free School | London | Partially selective (9%) |
| 57.0% | Caistor Grammar School | Caistor | Selective (100%) |
| 56.0% | Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School | Rochester | Selective (100%) |
| 55.0% | JFS | Harrow | Comprehensive |
| 54.0% | Parmiter's School | Watford | Partially selective (35%) |
| 53.0% | Gordon's School | Woking | Comprehensive |
| 53.0% | Cranbrook School | Cranbrook | Selective (100%) |
| 52.0% | St Andrew's Catholic School, Leatherhead | Leatherhead | Comprehensive |
| 52.0% | Ashcroft Technology Academy | London | Partially selective (10%) |
| 51.0% | Waldegrave School, Twickenham | Twickenham | Comprehensive |
| 51.0% | St Paul's School for Girls, Edgbaston | Birmingham | Comprehensive |
| 49.0% | Grey Court School | Richmond upon Thames | Comprehensive |
| 49.0% | Lady Margaret School | London | Comprehensive |
| 48.0% | Yavneh College | Borehamwood | Comprehensive |
| 48.0% | St Clement Danes School | Rickmansworth | Partially selective (20%) |
| 48.0% | Royal School Armagh | Armagh | Selective (100%) |
| 47.0% | Hinchley Wood School | Esher | Comprehensive |
| 47.0% | Parliament Hill School | London | Comprehensive |
| 46.0% | Silverdale School | Sheffield | Comprehensive |
| 46.0% | Rosebery School | Epsom | Comprehensive |
| 45.0% | Maidstone Grammar School | Maidstone | Selective (100%) |
| 43.0% | Campbell College | County Antrim | Mixed |
| 40.0% | Alexandra Park School | London | Comprehensive |
| 38.0% | The Cotswold School | Bourton-on-the-Water | Comprehensive |
| 38.0% | Durham Johnston Comprehensive School | Durham | Comprehensive |
| 33% | The London Oratory School | London | Comprehensive |
| 27.0% | Camden School for Girls | London | Partially selective (7%) |
| 26.0% | Kings Norton Girls' School and Sixth Form | Birmingham | Comprehensive |
The A-Level and GCSE results for 2026 are scheduled to be released this August. Stay tuned for our comprehensive 2026 League Tables and the latest state secondary school performance data, which will be available right here as soon as both sets of official results are published.
Top State Secondary Schools in the UK: 2025 A-Level League Table for State Schools
The 2025 A-Level results for UK state schools are out! Here are the top school performances this year!
| School | (A*/A) | Town | Gender |
|---|---|---|---|
| Queen Elizabeth's School, Barnet | 85.5 | London | Boys |
| Wilson's School | 81.1 | Wallington | Boys |
| Colchester Royal Grammar School | 78.2 | Colchester | Co-ed |
| St Olave's Grammar School | 78.2 | Orpington | Co-ed |
| Pate's Grammar School | 77.1 | Cheltenham | Co-ed |
| Reading School | 72.4 | Reading | Boys |
| The Henrietta Barnett School | 72.2 | London | Girls |
| Tiffin School | 71.2 | Kingston upon Thames | Co-ed |
| Colyton Grammar School | 70.1 | Colyton | Co-ed |
| King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford | 69.9 | Chelmsford | Co-ed |
| Altrincham Grammar School for Girls | 68.1 | Altrincham | Girls |
| Sutton Grammar School | 67 | London | Co-ed |
| Wallington County Grammar School | 67 | Wallington | Co-ed |
| Dartford Grammar School | 66.9 | Dartford | Co-ed |
| The Judd School | 66.8 | Tonbridge | Co-ed |
| The Tiffin Girls' School | 66.7 | Kingston upon Thames | Girls |
| Dame Alice Owen's School | 66.1 | Potters Bar | Co-ed |
| Nonsuch High School for Girls | 64.4 | Cheam | Girls |
| The Latymer School | 64.2 | London | Co-ed |
| King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys | 63.9 | Birmingham | Boys |
| Dr Challoner's Grammar School | 63.9 | Amersham | Co-ed |
| King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls | 63.8 | Birmingham | Girls |
| Tonbridge Grammar School | 63.2 | Tonbridge | Co-ed |
| Chelmsford County High School for Girls | 63 | Chelmsford | Girls |
| Our Lady and St Patrick's College, Knock | 62.7 | Belfast | Co-ed |
| West London Free School | 61.1 | London | Co-ed |
| St Michael's RC Grammar School, Finchley | 60.8 | London | Co-ed |
| King Edward VI School, Stratford | 59.6 | Stratford-upon-Avon | Co-ed |
| Langley Grammar School | 58.9 | Langley | Co-ed |
| Colchester County High School for Girls | 58.5 | Colchester | Girls |
| Altrincham Grammar School for Boys | 58.4 | Altrincham | Boys |
| Chesham Grammar School | 58.4 | Chesham | Co-ed |
| The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe | 58.3 | High Wycombe | Boys |
| Rathmore Grammar School | 56.9 | Belfast | Co-ed |
| Friends' School Lisburn | 56.8 | Lisburn | Co-ed |
| Sale Grammar School | 56.7 | Sale | Co-ed |
| Dr Challoner's High School | 56.3 | Little Chalfont | Girls |
| Wallington High School for Girls | 56.2 | Wallington | Girls |
| Strathearn School | 56.1 | Belfast | Girls |
| St Dominic's Grammar School | 54.3 | Belfast | Girls |
| Kendrick School | 54.2 | Reading | Girls |
| Stratford Girls' Grammar School | 54.1 | Stratford-upon-Avon | Girls |
| Bishop Vesey's Grammar School | 53.7 | Sutton Coldfield | Co-ed |
| Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls | 52.9 | Sutton Coldfield | Girls |
| The Blue Coat School, Liverpool | 52.2 | Liverpool | Co-ed |
| Bexley Grammar School | 51.5 | Welling | Co-ed |
| Newstead Wood School | 48.6 | Orpington | Co-ed |
| Woodford County High School | 48 | Woodford Green | Girls |
| Sir Thomas Rich's School | 47.7 | Gloucester | Co-ed |
| South Wilts Grammar School | 44 | Salisbury | Co-ed |
Top State Secondary Schools in the UK: 2025 GCSE League Table
The 2025 GCSE League Table for State Schools in the UK is out! Here are the top school performances this year!
| Rank | School | GCSE (% 9/8/7) | Town | Gender |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wilson's School | 97.4 | Wallington | Boys |
| 2 | The Henrietta Barnett School | 97.2 | London | Girls |
| 3 | The Tiffin Girls' School | 95.7 | Kingston upon Thames | Girls |
| 4 | Queen Elizabeth's School, Barnet | 95.5 | London | Boys |
| 5 | King Edward VI School, Stratford | 90.7 | Stratford-upon-Avon | Co-ed |
| 6 | Pate's Grammar School | 90 | Cheltenham | Co-ed |
| 7 | Kendrick School | 89.8 | Reading | Girls |
| 8 | St Olave's Grammar School | 89.7 | Orpington | Co-ed |
| 9 | Reading School | 88.9 | Reading | Boys |
| 10 | Colchester Royal Grammar School | 88.4 | Colchester | Co-ed |
| 11 | Newstead Wood School | 87.9 | Orpington | Co-ed |
| 12 | King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford | 87.5 | Chelmsford | Co-ed |
| 13 | Chelmsford County High School for Girls | 87 | Chelmsford | Girls |
| 14 | Altrincham Grammar School for Girls | 86.1 | Altrincham | Girls |
| 15 | Stratford Girls' Grammar School | 85.8 | Stratford-upon-Avon | Girls |
| 16 | Colchester County High School for Girls | 85.6 | Colchester | Girls |
| 17 | Woodford County High School | 85 | Woodford Green | Girls |
| 18 | King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls | 84.7 | Birmingham | Girls |
| 19 | The Latymer School | 84.1 | London | Co-ed |
| 21 | Wallington High School for Girls | 83.3 | Wallington | Girls |
| 22 | Dr Challoner's High School | 82.9 | Little Chalfont | Girls |
| 23= | Nonsuch High School for Girls | 82.8 | Cheam | Girls |
| 23= | Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls | 82.8 | Sutton Coldfield | Girls |
| 25 | Upton Court Grammar School | 82.2 | Slough | Co-ed |
| 26 | The Blue Coat School, Liverpool | 81.6 | Liverpool | Co-ed |
| 27= | The Judd School | 81.1 | Tonbridge | Co-ed |
| 27= | Sutton Grammar School | 81.1 | London | Co-ed |
| 29 | Colyton Grammar School | 80.9 | Colyton | Co-ed |
| 30 | Dartford Grammar School | 80.7 | Dartford | Co-ed |
| 31 | St Michael's RC Grammar School, Finchley | 80.6 | London | Co-ed |
| 32 | Tiffin School | 79.8 | Kingston upon Thames | Co-ed |
| 34 | Altrincham Grammar School for Boys | 79.2 | Altrincham | Boys |
| 35 | Strathearn School | 78.4 | Belfast | Girls |
| 36 | Friends' School Lisburn | 78.2 | Lisburn | Co-ed |
| 37 | South Wilts Grammar School | 78 | Salisbury | Co-ed |
| 38 | Sir Thomas Rich's School | 77.9 | Gloucester | Co-ed |
| 39 | Tonbridge Grammar School | 77.6 | Tonbridge | Co-ed |
| 40 | Bishop Vesey's Grammar School | 77.5 | Sutton Coldfield | Co-ed |
| 41 | Langley Grammar School | 76.8 | Langley | Co-ed |
Top Secondary Schools in UK
If you are looking for the league tables and results for private schools in the UK, do check out the links below.
Frequently Asked Questions about the State and Grammar Schools in the UK
This ranking was completed using the latest GCSE results (2024).
While league tables provide valuable insights, it’s important to consider other factors such as the school’s ethos, extracurricular activities, and location. Rankings may not capture all aspects of a school’s culture and environment.
No, league tables should be used as a tool alongside other considerations. Factors like school facilities, teacher-student ratios, and community feedback should also be taken into account to make a well-informed decision.
Apply To A UK University Today!
Speak to us today for free application assistance and education advice. Our expert consultants are more than happy to help!
Apply To Your Favourite UK School Today!
Speak to us today for free application assistance and education advice. Our expert consultants are more than happy to help!