Top UK Grammar Schools and where to live nearby

Across the country, many house moves are driven by the desire to live within catchment areas for top grammar schools, as parents seek to secure the best possible education for their children.

A grammar school is a state-run secondary school that selects pupils based on an entrance examination. When applications exceed available places, the school typically considers factors like siblings, faith, and proximity to the school.

With only around 160 such schools in England out of approximately 3,000 secondaries, competition is often high.

For families, this often leads to prioritising homes close to the highest-ranked schools.

Below, we highlight several renowned grammar schools and ideal nearby areas to live.

Grammar schools in London

Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet, EN5 4DQ

Consistently ranked as one of the UK’s leading boys’ grammar schools, Queen Elizabeth’s School requires applicants to pass a selection test. Final admittance is often based on distance from the school.

Barnet is a popular place to live, with ready access to both the Hertfordshire countryside, and London.

With the EN5 area covering High Barnet and EN4 encompassing Hadley Wood, this area provides a range of property options.

Streets like Beech Hill and Camlet Way are especially desirable, offering larger homes with views over Hadley Green.

Central London is a 20-minute journey by train, and the M25 provides easy access to other major routes.

For shopping, Barnet’s Spires Shopping Centre offers a range of popular stores, including Waitrose and Waterstones. Nearby leisure options include Hadley Wood Golf Club.

Other schools in the area include the Queen Elizabeth’s School for Girls which is non-selective. Also, Whitings Hill Primary School and St Catherine’s RC School are both highly rated.

St Olave’s Grammar School, Bromley, BR6 9SH

St Olave’s Grammar School, a prestigious boys’ grammar school, is situated in Orpington. It’s highly ranked academically and attracts families seeking top-tier education within reach of the capital.

Orpington is located between London and the Kent countryside. Properties range from spacious detached and semi-detached family homes to modern flats and period cottages.

The town has excellent amenities, including the Nugent Shopping Park, various restaurants, and leisure centres. Direct trains to London Bridge take approximately 20 minutes.

The Tiffin Girls’ School, Kingston upon Thames, KT2 5PL

Tiffin Girls’ School is located in Kingston upon Thames, a desirable riverside location with a vibrant town centre.

Properties vary widely, from period townhouses and Victorian cottages to contemporary apartments.

Shopping options include the Bentall Centre, and a range of independent boutiques.

With riverside dining, beautiful green spaces and Hampton Court Park nearby, Kingston provides a tranquil atmosphere.

Direct trains to London Waterloo take around 30 minutes.

The Henrietta Barnett School, Hampstead Garden Suburb, NW11 7BN

The Henrietta Barnett School is an academy-status grammar school for girls.

Situated within the prestigious Hampstead Garden Suburb, families can enjoy proximity to both excellent schooling and a vibrant local culture.

Homebuyers will be spoilt for choice with the number of large, detached houses in the area, many within pretty, established gardens that offer privacy.

Moreover, they are just a stone’s throw from Hampstead Heath and near Hampstead Village’s independent stores and boutiques.

Nonsuch High School for Girls, Sutton, SM3 8AB

Nonsuch High School for Girls is located in Cheam. A popular choice for families due to its schools and well-rounded property options, along with a quick commute into London.

The area has a village feel, with charming boutiques, historical buildings, and extensive green spaces, including Nonsuch Park.

South Cheam is known for its spacious family homes and landscaped gardens.

Cheam Village provides a bustling high street with a mix of period and modern properties. North Cheam is also a desirable location with many suitable family homes.

Along with Nonsuch High School, other top schools in the area include Cuddington Croft school, St Dunstan’s and Avenue primary schools, Sutton Grammar for Boys and Sutton High.

Wilson’s School, Sutton, SM6 9JW

Wilson’s School, one of Sutton’s high-performing schools, is located in Wallington, a family-friendly suburb known for its relaxed pace of life.

The area offers a range of properties, from Victorian terraces and 1930s semi-detached homes to modern apartments.

Wallington High Street provides supermarkets, local shops, cafés, and restaurants, along with nearby green spaces such as Beddington Park.

With regular train services, Wallington Station connects to London Victoria and London Bridge in around 30-35 minutes.

Grammar Schools in Essex

Colchester Royal Grammar School, CO3 3ND

One of the country’s oldest and most respected grammar schools, Colchester Royal Grammar School, draws families to Colchester with its strong academic reputation.

Colchester County High School for Girls, CO3 3US

Additionally, Colchester Country High School for Girls is one of the country’s leading girls’ grammar schools further cementing Colchester’s desirability.

Colchester is renowned for its excellent schools and convenient commuting distance to London, with a 45-minute journey from Colchester North Station to Liverpool Street.

Beyond its educational appeal, Colchester offers both coastal proximity and the scenic landscapes of Constable Country.

The suburb of Lexden, close to both Colchester County High and Royal Grammar, is highly sought after for its mix of amenities and quality housing.

Other top Colchester schools include Oxford House, St Mary’s, and the Sixth Form College.

Lexden is well-located for access to schools and offers a range of family-friendly amenities and recreational options.

King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford, CM1 3SX

King Edward VI Grammar School in Chelmsford is another top school in Essex and is highly ranked against the rest of the country.

Chelmsford is an incredibly popular place to live, offering residents a high quality of life.

The city has convenient access to the A12 and a mainline station with direct services to London Liverpool Street.

There is a lively shopping centre, three private preparatory schools (two located on New London Road), two renowned grammar schools, and the prestigious independent school New Hall.

Moulsham Street is known for its selection of independent pubs, bars, and eateries.

Cotswold Grammar Schools

Stroud High School, Stroud, GL5 4HF

Stroud High School is located in Gloucestershire surrounded by the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty where buyers will find many beautiful stone-built houses for sale.

The town offers a unique selection of shops, along with a Waitrose supermarket and an award-winning farmers’ market.

Rail services from Stroud and Kemble stations provide direct routes to London Paddington in around 1.5 hours.

The region’s road networks connect easily to Cheltenham, Gloucester, and Swindon, with the M4 and M5 motorways offering swift access to Bristol, London, and the Midlands.

Pates Grammar School, Cheltenham, GL51 0HG

Another top Grammar School in Gloucestershire is Pates Grammar, a highly regarded co-educational school in Cheltenham, offering pupils a high standard of education alongside a scenic, family-friendly environment.

Cheltenham’s town centre contains fine examples of Regency townhouses.

These are prevalent along The Promenade, Lansdown, Montpellier, and Pittville. The town also features several garden squares, with Imperial Square being one of the most desirable.

Cheltenham offers regular direct trains to Bristol in around 30 minutes and trains to London Paddington in approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes.

The surrounding suburbs, like Charlton Kings, are known for their spacious detached homes, while properties on Leckhampton Hill often enjoy striking views across the Severn Vale towards the Black Mountains and Malvern Hills.

King Edward VI School, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6BE

King Edward VI School is highly regarded for its educational standards, set within the picturesque town of Stratford-upon-Avon.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a historic market town in the heart of Warwickshire just outside the Northern border of the Cotswolds along the scenic banks of the River Avon.

Best known as the birthplace of William Shakespeare, the town celebrates its literary heritage with preserved landmarks, including Shakespeare’s former home at New Place.

The area offers a variety of properties, from period homes in conservation zones to more contemporary options. Stratford’s vibrant town centre comprises a variety of shops, restaurants, cafés, and businesses.

Local attractions include a cinema, nightclubs, bars, The Butterfly Farm, the Big Wheel, and the interactive MAD Museum on Henley Street.

There are convenient routes to the Cotswolds, the M5, and the M40, and two train stations offering regular direct services to Birmingham and London.

Other top grammar schools in the UK

Beaconsfield High School, Buckinghamshire, HP9 1RR

Top grammar schools are dotted across the UK, and another to mention is Beaconsfield High School, a highly-rated girl’s grammar school in Buckinghamshire.

Beaconsfield’s direct rail link to London Marylebone (under 30 minutes) makes it ideal for commuting families.

The town is equally valued for its top schools and access to the Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Beaconsfield is an appealing location for homebuyers.

Homes on roads like Burkes Road, Burgess Wood Road, and Ledborough Lane are particularly desirable, often offering larger properties in leafy surroundings.

In addition to Beaconsfield High, families have access to other renowned grammar schools. Examples include The Royal Grammar School for Boys and John Hampden Grammar in High Wycombe.

Reading School, Berkshire RG1 5LW

Reading School is another highly acclaimed grammar school with high academic performance and excellent rail and motorway links to London and Heathrow Airport.

Additionally, the highly regarded University of Reading is located near the town centre, and several of the country’s top grammar and private schools are within easy reach.

In the heart of Reading is the Oracle Shopping Centre with canal-side dining, the Vue Cinema, and a variety of top restaurants and entertainment options.

The River Thames skirts the town centre, featuring riverside parks and opportunities for boating. Within the local area, historic destinations like Oxford, Windsor, and Henley-on-Thames are all easily accessible.

Altrincham Grammar School for Girls, Greater Manchester, WA14 2NL

Altrincham Grammar School for Girls is among the top state-run schools in the North West, making Altrincham a compelling area for families who seek excellent schooling alongside proximity to Manchester.

Combining charm with convenience, Altrincham offers an array of independent shops, eateries, and amenities, including the renovated Market House.

The area also provides a variety of housing options, including sought-after period homes, particularly within The Downs conservation area.

Close-by areas such as Bowdon, Hale, and Hale Barns offer further appealing housing options for families.

Easy motorway access and proximity to Manchester Airport further add to Altrincham’s appeal.

Houses near grammar schools

Securing a home near a leading grammar school often requires in-depth knowledge of catchment areas, as well as an understanding of local property markets. This is where a property finder’s expertise can prove invaluable.

An experienced buying agent can simplify your property search, providing timely insights into new listings and competitive pricing within key school catchment areas.

Let Garrington assist with your next move to ensure you find the ideal home in the most advantageous location.

Contact us to discuss your specific search requirements.