How Many Grammar Schools Are in London?

By Anna Duncan

If you’re considering sending your child to a grammar school in London, the first question that may come to mind is: how many grammar schools are there in the city? Well, the answer is not a straightforward one.

Firstly, it’s important to note that grammar schools are selective state-funded schools that require students to pass an entrance exam, known as the 11-plus. These schools focus on academic excellence and offer a challenging curriculum for academically gifted students.

In London, there are 32 boroughs, each with its own education authority. This means that the number of grammar schools varies across different areas of the city. Some boroughs may have several grammar schools while others may have none at all.

To get a better idea of how many grammar schools exist in London, let’s take a closer look at some of the most populous boroughs:

Barnet

Barnet is home to four selective grammar schools:

  • Queen Elizabeth’s School for Boys
  • Henrietta Barnett School
  • St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School
  • The Latymer School

Bexley

Bexley has two selective grammar schools:

  • Bexley Grammar School
  • Townley Grammar School for Girls

Bromley

Bromley has three selective grammar schools:

  • Newstead Wood School for Girls
  • St Olave’s and St Saviour’s Grammar School (boys only)
  • Langley Park School for Boys (boys only)

Kent County Council Area (London Borough of Bexley and London Borough of Bromley)

In addition to the above-mentioned grammars in Bexley and Bromley, the Kent County Council area (which includes parts of Bexley and Bromley) has several other grammar schools:

  • Beths Grammar School (Bexley)
  • Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar School (Bexley)
  • Dartford Grammar School (Kent)
  • Dartford Grammar School for Girls (Kent)
  • Wilmington Grammar School for Boys (Kent)
  • Wilmington Grammar School for Girls (Kent)

Enfield

Enfield has two selective grammar schools:

  • The Latymer School
  • Enfield County School for Girls

Kingston upon Thames

Kingston upon Thames has one selective grammar school:

  • Tiffin School (boys only)

Redbridge

Redbridge has five selective grammar schools:

  • Bancroft’s School (co-ed, independent school with a grammar stream)
  • Ilford County High School for Boys
  • Woodford County High School for Girls
  • The Ursuline Academy Ilford (girls only)
  • The Woodbridge High School Sixth Form Centre (co-ed, independent school with a grammar stream)

Sutton

Sutton has four selective grammar schools:

  • Nonsuch High School for Girls
  • Sutton Grammar School for Boys
  • Wallington County Grammar School (boys only)
  • Wilson’s School (boys only)

The London Borough of Redbridge and The London Borough of Waltham Forest

In addition to the above-mentioned grammars in Redbridge, the London Borough of Waltham Forest (which borders Redbridge) has one grammar school:

  • Woodford County High School for Girls (Redbridge)

Barking and Dagenham, Greenwich, Hackney, Hammersmith and Fulham, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Lambeth, Lewisham, Newham, Southwark, Tower Hamlets, Wandsworth and Westminster

Sadly speaking these 13 boroughs do not have any selective grammar schools.

Conclusion

In total there are approximately 40 selective grammar schools in London. These schools offer a unique educational opportunity for academically gifted students to receive a challenging and stimulating education.

However, competition for places is high and the entrance exams can be tough. It’s important to research the different schools and their entrance requirements before applying.