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Selective state schools · London

Grammar Schools
in London

London has very few traditional grammar schools compared to surrounding counties. This guide covers every selective state school in London, the 11-plus process, preparation timeline and what to expect.

Key facts for London families
Selective schools in London19 schools
Main boroughsBarnet, Sutton, Kingston, Bromley
11-plus exam periodSept–Oct of Year 6
Application deadline31 October (secondary)
Preparation startYear 4–5 recommended
Nearby alternativesKent, Essex, Herts, Bucks

Map of Grammar Schools in London

All Grammar Schools in London

Barnet
St Michael's Catholic Grammar School
OutstandingGirlsSecondary891 pupils
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Queen Elizabeth's School, Barnet
OutstandingBoysSecondary1314 pupils
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The Henrietta Barnett School
GoodGirlsSecondary807 pupils
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Bexley
Beths Grammar School
GoodBoysSecondary1664 pupils
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Bexley Grammar School
OutstandingMixedSecondary1502 pupils
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Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar School
GoodMixedSecondary1517 pupils
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Townley Grammar School
OutstandingGirlsSecondary1670 pupils
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Bromley
St Olave's and St Saviour's Grammar School
OutstandingBoysSecondary1085 pupils
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Newstead Wood School
OutstandingGirlsSecondary1262 pupils
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Enfield
The Latymer School
GoodMixedSecondary1374 pupils
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Kingston upon Thames
The Tiffin Girls' School
OutstandingGirlsSecondary1256 pupils
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Tiffin School
GoodBoysSecondary1462 pupils
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Redbridge
Ilford County High School
GoodBoysSecondary1126 pupils
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Sutton
Wilson's School
OutstandingBoysSecondary1312 pupils
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Sutton Grammar School
GoodBoysSecondary1043 pupils
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Wallington High School for Girls
OutstandingGirlsSecondary1547 pupils
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Nonsuch High School for Girls
GoodGirlsSecondary1494 pupils
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Wallington County Grammar School
OutstandingBoysSecondary1117 pupils
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Waltham Forest
Woodford County High School
GoodGirlsSecondary1245 pupils
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What is the 11-Plus?

The 11-plus is a selective entrance examination taken by children in Year 6 (age 10-11) who wish to attend a grammar or selective school. It typically covers four areas:

🔤
Verbal Reasoning
Word relationships, analogies, coding, sequences. Tests linguistic intelligence and pattern recognition.
🔷
Non-Verbal Reasoning
Shape patterns, matrices, spatial reasoning. Tests visual-logical intelligence.
🔢
Mathematics
Mental arithmetic, word problems, fractions, shapes. Usually at primary school level but fast-paced.
📝
English
Reading comprehension, creative writing, grammar. Some schools weight this heavily.
Important note

Each school or consortium sets its own exam. The GL Assessment and CEM (Durham University) are the two main exam providers, but some schools run entirely independent tests. Always check exactly what format your target school uses before preparing.

Application Timeline

Year 4–5
Start prep
Begin familiarising with 11-plus format. Work through sample papers. Build verbal and non-verbal reasoning skills.
Year 5
Jan–April
Register interest with target schools. Check registration deadlines — some schools open registration as early as February of Year 5.
Year 6
May–July
Intense preparation phase. Mock exams, time management practice. Visit school open days.
Year 6
Sept–Oct
Exam period. Most 11-plus exams take place in September or October. Some schools run in two rounds.
Year 6
Oct–Nov
Results received. You'll be told whether your child met the qualifying score. Apply via your council by 31 October (secondary deadline).
Year 7
1 March
National Offer Day. Places confirmed. Accept by mid-March.

Grammar Schools Near London (County)

Many London families also consider grammar schools in neighbouring counties. These are fully state-funded and free to attend:

Kent · 33 schools
~33 grammar schools, among the highest density in England. Medway and Tonbridge/Maidstone areas most popular. Exam: Kent Test (September Year 6).
Hertfordshire · 3 schools
3 grammar schools (Dame Alice Owen, Watford Boys, Watford Girls). Highly competitive. Exam: Hertfordshire 11-plus (September Year 6).
Essex · 8 schools
Several selective schools in Chelmsford and Colchester areas. Exam varies by school.
Buckinghamshire · 19 schools
Fully selective county — 19 grammar schools across High Wycombe, Aylesbury and Beaconsfield. Exam: Buckinghamshire Transfer Test.
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