It may only be seven years of our lives, but secondary school plays a massive part in shaping who we are and preparing us to function as real-life adults. So, when you have your own kids, you want to make sure they’re getting the best education out there.
Some parents can afford to spend eye-watering amounts on school fees, but a school doesn’t have to be pricey to get results. And there are loads of state schools out there giving private institutions a run for their money.
Now, Which School Advisor has revealed its list of the best state schools in the country, based on 2024 GCSE results. It split its ranking into grammar schools, which are academically selective and therefore have a bit of an advantage, and comprehensive schools, which are non-selective.
Topping the list of grammar schools and state schools overall was Queen Elizabeth’s School in Barnet, where 96.3 percent of GCSE grades were 7 to 9 (that’s basically A to double A* for older readers).
Which School Advisor said of Queen Elizabeth’s: ‘Known for its academic rigour and supportive environment, the school’s high expectations and comprehensive approach to student development have earned it an outstanding reputation.’
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Of the UK’s comprehensive schools, the all-boys Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School in London excelled with 57.7 percent of GCSEs graded 7 to 9. Apparently the school ‘consistently performs well academically while also placing a significant emphasis on moral and spiritual development’.
As for the rest, you might notice that most of them are based in and around London. Here’s Which School Advisor’s list of the best state schools in the country.
Top five UK grammar schools based on 2024 GCSE results and percentage of 7-9 grades
- Queen Elizabeth's School – Barnet (96.3 percent)
- The Henrietta Barnett School – London (96 percent)
- St Olave’s Grammar School – Orpington (95 percent)
- Wilson’s School – Wallington (94 percent)
- Pate’s Grammar School – Cheltenham (92 percent)
Top five comprehensive schools based on 2024 GCSE results and percentage of 7-9 grades
- The Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School – London (57.7 percent)
- The Holt School – Wokingham (51.7 percent)
- St Andrew’s Catholic School – Leatherhead (51 percent)
- Lady Margaret School – London (51 percent)
- Gordon’s School – Woking (51 percent)
You can check out the full list on the official website here.
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Want to know how these compare to Britain’s private schools? Have a look at this list of England’s 10 best private schools, according to 2024’s A-level and GCSE results. And if you’re interested in university rankings, we’ve covered those too. Take your pick from Times Higher Education, the Sunday Times 2025 ranking, the Daily Mail, the Guardian or the Academic Ranking of World Universities.
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