The best grammar schools in the UK outside London in 2026

If your child is aiming for a grammar school place and you're based outside London, you have more options than you might think. This guide covers the top-performing grammar schools across the UK, based on their 2025 exam results.

Find out which schools top the league tables, what entrance exams they use, and how to help your child prepare.

What are grammar schools?

Grammar schools are secondary schools in the UK that accept pupils based on their academic ability. Children take an entrance exam known as the 11 plus when they are in Year 6. The children with the highest scores are eligible for a place in Year 7.

Grammar schools are state-funded, which means they're free to attend. Grammar schools provide high-quality teaching and often have a range of extra-curricular activities.

Getting into a grammar school is challenging. Some regions, like Kent and Buckinghamshire, have fully selective systems — meaning most secondary schools are grammar schools. Others have just a handful of grammar schools within a largely comprehensive system.

What is the 11+?

The 11+ is the entrance exam used by grammar schools. Your child sits it when they are in Year 6, typically in September or October.

The subjects tested vary by school and region, but most exams include a combination of:

• English (reading comprehension, vocabulary)
• Maths
• Verbal reasoning — the ability to understand and reason using words
• Non-verbal reasoning — problem-solving using shapes and patterns

Children's exam scores are age-standardised and ranked. Schools then use these results to decide which children to offer places to.

The best grammar schools in the UK outside London in 2026

The list below ranks the top grammar schools outside London, drawn from The Times top 100 state secondary schools league table published in December 2025, which ranks schools based on their A level and GCSE results in 2025. London schools have been excluded.

1. Pate's Grammar School (Cheltenham)

• National rank: 6th
• A level results: 92.6% A*–B
• GCSE results: 90% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: mixed
• 11+ exam type: Gloucestershire Grammar Schools Entrance Test

2. King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford (Chelmsford)

• National rank: 7th
• A level results: 91.1% A*–B
• GCSE results: 87.5% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: boys, mixed sixth form
• 11+ exam type: CSSE 11+

3. Altrincham Grammar School for Girls (Altrincham)

• National rank: 9th
• A level results: 91.3% A*–B
• GCSE results: 86.1% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: girls
• 11+ exam type: Trafford Grammar Schools Consortium 11+

4. Reading School (Reading)

• National rank: 10th
• A level results: 88.8% A*–B
• GCSE results: 88.9% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: boys
• 11+ exam type: FSCE 11+

5. Colchester Royal Grammar School (Colchester)

• National rank: 4th
• A level results: 95.5% A*–B
• GCSE results: 88.4% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: boys, mixed sixth form
• 11+ exam type: CSSE 11+

6. King Edward VI School, Stratford (Stratford-upon-Avon)

• National rank: 12th
• A level results: 86% A*–B
• GCSE results: 90.7% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: boys, mixed sixth form
• 11+ exam type: West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test

7. Tonbridge Grammar School (Tonbridge)

• National rank: 14th
• A level results: 91.5% A*–B
• GCSE results: 77.6% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: girls, mixed sixth form
• 11+ exam type: The Kent Test

8. Dartford Grammar School (Dartford)

• National rank: 15th
• A level results: 89.8% A*–B
• GCSE results: 80.7% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: boys, mixed sixth form
• 11+ exam type: The Kent Test

9. Chelmsford County High School for Girls (Chelmsford)

• National rank: 16th
• A level results: 86.7% A*–B
• GCSE results: 87% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: girls
• 11+ exam type: FSCE 11+

10. King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls (Birmingham)

• National rank: 17th
• A level results: 86.8% A*–B
• GCSE results: 84.7% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: girls
• 11+ exam type: West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test

11. The Judd School (Tonbridge)

• National rank: 19th
• A level results: 87.1% A*–B
• GCSE results: 81.1% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: boys, mixed sixth form
• 11+ exam type: The Kent Test

12. Colyton Grammar School (Colyton)

• National rank: 20th
• A level results: 87.1% A*–B
• GCSE results: 80.9% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: mixed
• 11+ exam type: FSCE 11+

13. Colchester County High School for Girls (Colchester)

• National rank: 23rd
• A level results: 83.7% A*–B
• GCSE results: 85.6% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: girls
• 11+ exam type: CSSE 11+

14. Dr Challoner's High School (Little Chalfont)

• National rank: 25th
• A level results: 84.2% A*–B
• GCSE results: 82.9% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: girls
• 11+ exam type: Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test

15. Stratford Girls' Grammar School (Stratford-upon-Avon)

• National rank: 26th
• A level results: 81.6% A*–B
• GCSE results: 85.8% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: girls
• 11+ exam type: West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test

16. Kendrick School (Reading)

• National rank: 27th
• A level results: 79.2% A*–B
• GCSE results: 89.8% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: girls
• 11+ exam type: GL Assessment

17. Langley Grammar School (Langley)

• National rank: 28th
• A level results: 85.2% A*–B
• GCSE results: 76.8% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: mixed
• 11+ exam type: Slough Consortium 11+

18. Strathearn School (Belfast)

• National rank: 30th
• A level results: 83% A*–B
• GCSE results: 78.4% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: girls
• Entrance exam: SEAG

19. Sir Thomas Rich's School (Gloucester)

• National rank: 31st
• A level results: 83.1% A*–B
• GCSE results: 77.9% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: boys, mixed sixth form
• 11+ exam type: Gloucestershire Grammar Schools Entrance Test

20. Altrincham Grammar School for Boys (Altrincham)

• National rank: 32nd
• A level results: 82.2% A*–B
• GCSE results: 79.2% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: boys
• 11+ exam type: Trafford Grammar Schools Consortium 11+

21. Rathmore Grammar School (Belfast)

• National rank: 34th
• A level results: 86.3% A*–B
• GCSE results: 69.3% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: mixed
• Entrance exam: SEAG

22. St Dominic's Grammar School (Belfast)

• National rank: 35th
• A level results: 85.3% A*–B
• GCSE results: 71.3% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: girls
• Entrance exam: SEAG

23. Sale Grammar School (Sale)

• National rank: 37th
• A level results: 83.3% A*–B
• GCSE results: 73.7% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: mixed
• 11+ exam type: Trafford Grammar Schools Consortium 11+

24. Dr Challoner's Grammar School (Amersham)

• National rank: 38th
• A level results: 87.5% A*–B
• GCSE results: 64.8% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: boys, mixed sixth form
• 11+ exam type: Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test

25. King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys (Birmingham)

• National rank: 39th
• A level results: 84.5% A*–B
• GCSE results: 70.6% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: boys
• 11+ exam type: West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test

26. Bishop Vesey's Grammar School (Sutton Coldfield)

• National rank: 40th
• A level results: 80.6% A*–B
• GCSE results: 77.5% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: boys, mixed sixth form
• 11+ exam type: West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test

27. Chesham Grammar School (Chesham)

• National rank: 41st
• A level results: 85.7% A*–B
• GCSE results: 66.9% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: mixed
• 11+ exam type: Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test

28. The Blue Coat School, Liverpool (Liverpool)

• National rank: 42nd
• A level results: 78.2% A*–B
• GCSE results: 81.6% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: mixed
• 11+ exam type: school's own

29. South Wilts Grammar School (Salisbury)

• National rank: 43rd
• A level results: 79.9% A*–B
• GCSE results: 78% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: girls, mixed sixth form
• 11+ exam type: GL Assessment

30. Friends' School Lisburn (Lisburn)

• National rank: 44th
• A level results: 79.1% A*–B
• GCSE results: 78.2% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: mixed
• Entrance exam: SEAG

30=. The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe (High Wycombe)

• National rank: 44th=
• A level results: 85.5% A*–B
• GCSE results: 65.4% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: boys
• 11+ exam type: Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test

32. Our Lady and St Patrick's College, Knock (Belfast)

• National rank: 46th
• A level results: 87.2% A*–B
• GCSE results: 61.6% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: mixed
• Entrance exam: SEAG

33. Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls (Sutton Coldfield)

• National rank: 47th
• A level results: 76.5% A*–B
• GCSE results: 82.8% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: girls
• 11+ exam type: West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test

34. St Ambrose College (Altrincham)

• National rank: 49th
• A level results: 80.3% A*–B
• GCSE results: 74.6% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: boys
• 11+ exam type: Trafford Grammar Schools Consortium 11+

35. Lumen Christi College (Derry)

• National rank: 51st
• A level results: 79.9% A*–B
• GCSE results: 74.4% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: mixed
• Entrance exam: SEAG

36. King Edward VI Five Ways School (Birmingham)

• National rank: 52nd
• A level results: 80% A*–B
• GCSE results: 74% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: mixed
• 11+ exam type: West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test

37. Royal Latin School (Buckingham)

• National rank: 53rd
• A level results: 83.2% A*–B
• GCSE results: 67.2% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: mixed
• 11+ exam type: Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test

38. Beaconsfield High School (Beaconsfield)

• National rank: 54th
• A level results: 80.9% A*–B
• GCSE results: 71.2% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: girls
• 11+ exam type: Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test

39. Westcliff High School for Boys (Westcliff-on-Sea)

• National rank: 55th
• A level results: 77.9% A*–B
• GCSE results: 74.9% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: boys, mixed sixth form
• 11+ exam type: CSSE 11+

40. Sir William Borlase's Grammar School (Marlow)

• National rank: 56th
• A level results: 82% A*–B
• GCSE results: 66% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: mixed
• 11+ exam type: Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test

41. Loreto Grammar School (Altrincham)

• National rank: 57th
• A level results: 78.8% A*–B
• GCSE results: 71.2% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: girls
• 11+ exam type: GL Assessment and school's own

42. Southend High School for Boys (Southend-on-Sea)

• National rank: 58th
• A level results: 79.8% A*–B
• GCSE results: 68.9% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: boys, mixed sixth form
• 11+ exam type: CSSE 11+

42=. Sullivan Upper School (Holywood)

• National rank: 58th=
• A level results: 80.9% A*–B
• GCSE results: 66.7% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: mixed
• Entrance exam: SEAG

42=. Wolverhampton Girls' High School (Wolverhampton)

• National rank: 58th=
• A level results: 78.1% A*–B
• GCSE results: 72.3% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: girls
• 11+ exam type: West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test

45. Banbridge Academy (Banbridge)

• National rank: 61st
• A level results: 78% A*–B
• GCSE results: 72.2% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: mixed
• Entrance exam: SEAG

46. St Louis Grammar School (Ballymena)

• National rank: 62nd
• A level results: 85.9% A*–B
• GCSE results: 55.8% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: mixed
• Entrance exam: SEAG

47. Newport Girls' High School (Newport)

• National rank: 63rd
• A level results: 75.4% A*–B
• GCSE results: 76.3% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: girls
• 11+ exam type: West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test

48. Stroud High School (Stroud)

• National rank: 64th
• A level results: 73.6% A*–B
• GCSE results: 79.6% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: girls, mixed sixth form
• 11+ exam type: Gloucestershire Grammar Schools Entrance Test

49. Bishop Wordsworth's School (Salisbury)

• National rank: 65th
• A level results: 80.4% A*–B
• GCSE results: 65.3% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: boys, mixed sixth form
• 11+ exam type: GL Assessment

50. Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School (Belfast)

• National rank: 66th
• A level results: 79.4% A*–B
• GCSE results: 66.3% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: mixed
• Entrance exam: SEAG

51. Herschel Grammar School (Slough)

• National rank: 67th
• A level results: 75.7% A*–B
• GCSE results: 73% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: mixed
• 11+ exam type: Slough Consortium 11+

52. Ripon Grammar School (Ripon)

• National rank: 68th
• A level results: 81.7% A*–B
• GCSE results: 59.6% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: mixed
• 11+ exam type: GL Assessment

53. The Rochester Grammar School (Rochester)

• National rank: 69th
• A level results: 85.3% A*–B
• GCSE results: 52% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: girls, mixed sixth form
• 11+ exam type: The Medway Test

54. Aylesbury High School (Aylesbury)

• National rank: 70th
• A level results: 76% A*–B
• GCSE results: 70% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: girls
• 11+ exam type: Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test

55. Ballymena Academy (Ballymena)

• National rank: 71st
• A level results: 81.8% A*–B
• GCSE results: 58.2% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: mixed
• Entrance exam: SEAG

56. Southend High School for Girls (Southend-on-Sea)

• National rank: 72nd
• A level results: 74.6% A*–B
• GCSE results: 70.2% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: girls, mixed sixth form
• 11+ exam type: CSSE 11+

57. Rainey Endowed School (Magherafelt)

• National rank: 73rd
• A level results: 79% A*–B
• GCSE results: 61.1% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: mixed
• Entrance exam: SEAG

58. Churston Ferrers Grammar School (Brixham)

• National rank: 74th
• A level results: 78.9% A*–B
• GCSE results: 60.9% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: mixed
• 11+ exam type: GL Assessment

59. Carrickfergus Grammar School (Carrickfergus)

• National rank: 75th
• A level results: 80.9% A*–B
• GCSE results: 56.4% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: mixed
• Entrance exam: SEAG

60. Invicta Grammar School (Maidstone)

• National rank: 76th
• A level results: 79% A*–B
• GCSE results: 59.8% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: girls, mixed sixth form
• 11+ exam type: The Kent Test

61. Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School (Tunbridge Wells)

• National rank: 77th
• A level results: 75.1% A*–B
• GCSE results: 66.6% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: girls
• 11+ exam type: The Kent Test

62. Urmston Grammar (Manchester)

• National rank: 80th
• A level results: 76% A*–B
• GCSE results: 62% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: mixed
• 11+ exam type: Trafford Grammar Schools Consortium 11+

63. Rugby High School (Rugby)

• National rank: 82nd
• A level results: 70.4% A*–B
• GCSE results: 72.8% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: girls, mixed sixth form
• 11+ exam type: West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test

64. Heckmondwike Grammar School (Heckmondwike)

• National rank: 83rd
• A level results: 64.6% A*–B
• GCSE results: 83.5% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: mixed
• 11+ exam type: FSCE 11+

65. St Bernard's RC Grammar School (Slough)

• National rank: 84th
• A level results: 70.2% A*–B
• GCSE results: 72% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: mixed
• 11+ exam type: Slough Consortium 11+

66. Dartford Grammar School for Girls (Dartford)

• National rank: 85th
• A level results: 68.5% A*–B
• GCSE results: 75.5% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: girls, mixed sixth form
• 11+ exam type: The Kent Test

66=. John Hampden Grammar School (High Wycombe)

• National rank: 85th=
• A level results: 75.1% A*–B
• GCSE results: 62.1% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: boys
• 11+ exam type: Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test

68. King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls (Birmingham)

• National rank: 87th
• A level results: 72.7% A*–B
• GCSE results: 65.9% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: girls
• 11+ exam type: West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test

69. Down High School (Downpatrick)

• National rank: 88th
• A level results: 80.2% A*–B
• GCSE results: 50.7% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: mixed
• Entrance exam: SEAG

70. Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School (Aylesbury)

• National rank: 89th
• A level results: 72.4% A*–B
• GCSE results: 65.8% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: mixed
• 11+ exam type: Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test

71. Lancaster Royal Grammar School (Lancaster)

• National rank: 90th
• A level results: 72.2% A*–B
• GCSE results: 65.2% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: boys, mixed sixth form
• 11+ exam type: Lancashire 11+

72. Haberdashers' Adams (Newport)

• National rank: 91st
• A level results: 74.8% A*–B
• GCSE results: 59.1% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: boys, mixed sixth form
• 11+ exam type: West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test

73. Aylesbury Grammar School (Aylesbury)

• National rank: 92nd
• A level results: 70.7% A*–B
• GCSE results: 67.2% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: boys
• 11+ exam type: Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test

74. Lawrence Sheriff School (Rugby)

• National rank: 93rd
• A level results: 70.3% A*–B
• GCSE results: 67.9% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: boys, mixed sixth form
• 11+ exam type: West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test

75. Queen Mary's Grammar School, Walsall (Walsall)

• National rank: 94th
• A level results: 70.1% A*–B
• GCSE results: 68.3% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: boys, mixed sixth form
• 11+ exam type: West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test

76. Dane Court Grammar School (Broadstairs)

• National rank: 95th
• A level results: 80.9% A*–B
• GCSE results: 46.1% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: mixed
• 11+ exam type: The Kent Test

76=. The Skinners' School, Tunbridge Wells (Tunbridge Wells)

• National rank: 95th=
• A level results: 73.7% A*–B
• GCSE results: 60.5% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: boys
• 11+ exam type: The Kent Test

78. Lancaster Girls' Grammar School (Lancaster)

• National rank: 97th
• A level results: 68.8% A*–B
• GCSE results: 68.3% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: girls
• 11+ exam type: Lancashire 11+

79. The King's School, Grantham (Grantham)

• National rank: 98th
• A level results: 71.5% A*–B
• GCSE results: 62.6% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: boys
• 11+ exam type: Lincolnshire Consortium of Grammar Schools 11+

80. Methodist College Belfast (Belfast)

• National rank: 99th
• A level results: 71.6% A*–B
• GCSE results: 61.8% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: mixed
• Entrance exam: SEAG

81. Parkstone Grammar School (Poole)

• National rank: 100th
• A level results: 74.6% A*–B
• GCSE results: 55.5% A*/A/9/8/7
• Entry gender: girls
• 11+ exam type: Dorset Consortium 11+

The best grammar schools by region

Looking for grammar schools in a specific part of the country? The regional guides below cover the top schools, local entrance exams, key dates, and how to help your child prepare.

These guides focus on areas outside London, if you're looking for grammar schools in London, you'll find everything you need in our guide to the best grammar schools in London.

Gloucestershire

Top school: Pate's Grammar School (national rank: 6th)

Pate's is the highest-ranked state school outside London. All seven Gloucestershire grammar schools use the same entrance test, the Gloucestershire Grammar Schools Entrance Test which is taken on the same day in September, so your child only needs to sit one exam to be considered for all of them.‍

Discover: The best grammar schools in Gloucestershire

Greater Manchester

Top school: Altrincham Grammar School for Girls (national rank: 9th)

Most grammar schools in Greater Manchester are in the Trafford area and use the Trafford Grammar Schools Consortium 11+. There are seven grammar schools in total, and one ranks in the top 10 state schools nationally.

Discover: ‍The best grammar schools in Manchester

Essex

Top school: Colchester Royal Grammar School (national rank: 4th)

Essex has 11 grammar schools. All but one use the CSSE 11+, a shared entrance exam covering English and maths. Colchester Royal Grammar School was founded in 1206 and is one of the oldest schools in the UK.

Discover: The best grammar schools in Essex

Birmingham & the West Midlands

Top school: King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls (national rank: 17th)

Birmingham has eight grammar schools, many within the prestigious King Edward VI family. All use the West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test, which covers verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, and maths.

Discover: The best grammar schools in Birmingham

Buckinghamshire

‍Top school: Dr Challoner's High School (national rank: 25th)

Buckinghamshire is one of the few fully selective areas in England, with 13 grammar schools. All use the Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test. Nearly all Year 6 children in Buckinghamshire take the test, because the whole county is selective.

Discover: The best grammar schools in Buckinghamshire

Kent

‍Top school: Tonbridge Grammar School (national rank: 14th)

Kent has more grammar schools than any other county in the UK. Most use the Kent Test; schools in the Medway area use the Medway Test. Both are taken in September of Year 6.

Discover: The best grammar schools in Kent