London is home to a significant number of outstanding schools, as rated by Ofsted, across both primary and secondary education levels. In 2025, there are 206 outstanding secondary schools spread across its 33 local authorities, with Barnet leading the list with the highest number. Primary schools also maintain high standards, with Barnet again ranking the highest, followed by Ealing and Camden.
The criteria for outstanding schools include academic performance, teaching quality, student development, and overall leadership. Schools with this designation often excel in curriculum innovation, inclusivity, and extracurricular offerings, making them highly sought after by parents. London’s educational landscape is diverse, with schools offering specialized programs in STEM, the arts, and international curriculums. Many outstanding schools have strong ties with universities and local industries, providing students with enriching learning opportunities.
With such a high concentration of outstanding schools, competition for places remains fierce, especially in boroughs known for their top-performing institutions. Families often relocate or plan well in advance to secure placements in these highly-rated schools. Whether for academics, extracurricular opportunities, or career readiness, outstanding London schools play a pivotal role in shaping future generations.
| Local Authority | Outstanding Secondary Schools Total |
|---|---|
| Barnet | 18 |
| Ealing | 17 |
| Camden | 16 |
| Brent | 15 |
| Newham | 15 |
| Hackney | 14 |
| Bromley | 14 |
| Redbridge | 14 |
| Croydon | 13 |
| Haringey | 13 |
| Southwark | 13 |
| Barking and Dagenham | 12 |
| Hammersmith & Fulham | 12 |
| Hillingdon | 12 |
| Lambeth | 12 |
| Tower Hamlets | 12 |
| Waltham Forest | 11 |
| Enfield | 11 |
| Lewisham | 11 |
| Hounslow | 11 |
| Bexley | 10 |
| Harrow | 10 |
| Islington | 10 |
| Sutton | 10 |
| Wandsworth | 10 |
| Greenwich | 9 |
| Kensington & Chelsea | 9 |
| Westminster | 9 |
| Richmond upon Thames | 9 |
| Merton | 8 |
| Havering | 8 |
| Kingston upon Thames | 7 |
| Local Authority | Outstanding Primary Schools Total |
|---|---|
| Barnet | 42 |
| Ealing | 39 |
| Camden | 37 |
| Brent | 35 |
| Newham | 34 |
| Hackney | 33 |
| Bromley | 32 |
| Redbridge | 31 |
| Croydon | 30 |
| Haringey | 29 |
| Southwark | 28 |
| Barking and Dagenham | 27 |
| Hammersmith & Fulham | 26 |
| Hillingdon | 25 |
| Lambeth | 24 |
| Tower Hamlets | 23 |
| Waltham Forest | 22 |
| Enfield | 21 |
| Lewisham | 20 |
| Hounslow | 19 |
| Bexley | 18 |
| Harrow | 17 |
| Islington | 16 |
| Sutton | 15 |
| Wandsworth | 14 |
| Greenwich | 13 |
| Kensington & Chelsea | 12 |
| Westminster | 11 |
| Richmond upon Thames | 10 |
| Merton | 9 |
| Havering | 8 |
| Kingston upon Thames | 7 |