London’s boys’ state schools are among the most competitive and high-achieving in the country, consistently producing outstanding GCSE and A-Level results.
This article ranks the top 10 secondary boys state schools in London for 2025, providing detailed figures, local authority names, and postcodes to help families make informed decisions during the school admissions process.
Local Authority: Barnet
Postcode: EN5 4DQ
Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet, is widely regarded as the top boys’ state grammar school in London and one of the best in the UK. In 2024, the school achieved exceptional results, with 95% of GCSE grades at 9-7and over 80% of A-Level grades at A*-A. The Attainment 8 score is consistently among the highest nationally, and the Progress 8 score is well above average. The school is highly selective, with thousands of applicants for just 180 Year 7 places each year. The sixth form is equally competitive, and most leavers progress to Oxbridge or other Russell Group universities. The school has a capacity of about 1,250 students, and only a small percentage are eligible for free school meals, reflecting its selective intake. Queen Elizabeth’s School is also known for its extensive extracurricular programme, including music, debating, and sports, and its ethos of academic ambition and character development. Ofsted rates the school as “Outstanding”.
GCSE 9–7: 95% | A-Level A*-A: 80%+ | Progress 8: Well above average | Attainment 8: Nationally top | Capacity: 1,250 | Year 7 places: 180 | FSM: Low | Sixth Form: Yes | Ofsted: Outstanding click here for more details
Local Authority: Sutton
Postcode: SM6 9JW
Wilson’s School in Wallington is another leading boys’ grammar, consistently ranking at the top of London league tables. In 2024, 94% of GCSE grades were 9–7 and 77% of A-Level grades were A*-A. The school’s Progress 8 and Attainment 8 scores are both among the best in the country. Wilson’s is highly selective, with hundreds of applicants for just 180 Year 7 places. The school has around 1,200 students, with a sixth form that regularly sends students to Oxbridge and other elite universities. Wilson’s offers a rich selection of extracurricular activities, including science clubs, sports, and music ensembles. Ofsted rates the school as “Outstanding”.
GCSE 9–7: 94% | A-Level A*-A: 77% | Progress 8: Top 1% UK | Attainment 8: Top | Capacity: 1,200 | Year 7 places: 180 | FSM: Low | Sixth Form: Yes | Ofsted: Outstanding click here for more details
Local Authority: Enfield
Postcode: N9 9TN
The Latymer School is a highly regarded co-educational grammar (with a large boys’ cohort) in North London. In 2024, 86.5% of GCSE grades were 9–7 and 61.7% of A-Level grades were A*-A. The Progress 8 score is well above average, and the Attainment 8 score is among the highest in London. The school has a capacity of about 1,350 students, with 192 places available in Year 7. Latymer’s sixth form is very popular, and the majority of leavers progress to top universities. The school offers a wide range of enrichment opportunities, including debating, music, and sports. Ofsted rates the school as “Outstanding”.
GCSE 9–7: 86.5% | A-Level A*-A: 61.7% | Progress 8: Well above average | Attainment 8: Top | Capacity: 1,350 | Year 7 places: 192 | FSM: Low | Sixth Form: Yes | Ofsted: Outstanding click here for more details
Local Authority: Southwark
Postcode: SE15 2EB
St Thomas the Apostle School and Sixth Form College is a top-performing Catholic boys’ school in South London. In 2024, 53.3% of GCSE grades were 9–7 and 40% of A-Level grades were A*-A. The Progress 8 score is well above average, and the school has a strong reputation for both academic results and pastoral support. With around 900 students, the school is oversubscribed each year, receiving several hundred applications for 150 Year 7 places. The sixth form is growing, with many students progressing to Russell Group universities. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, drama, and leadership programmes. Ofsted rates the school as “Outstanding”.
GCSE 9–7: 53.3% | A-Level A*-A: 40% | Progress 8: Well above average | Capacity: 900 | Year 7 places: 150 | FSM: Average | Sixth Form: Yes | Ofsted: Outstanding click here for more details
Local Authority: Hammersmith and Fulham
Postcode: SW6 1RX
The London Oratory School is a prestigious Roman Catholic boys’ school in West London, known for its academic excellence and music tradition. In 2024, 49.3% of GCSE grades were 9–7 and 41.9% of A-Level grades were A*-A. The Progress 8 score is above average, and the school has a capacity of about 1,350 students, with 200 places in Year 7. The sixth form is highly regarded, and many students continue to top universities. The school’s music programme is one of the best in London, and there is a strong emphasis on sports and leadership. Ofsted rates the school as “Outstanding”.
GCSE 9–7: 49.3% | A-Level A*-A: 41.9% | Progress 8: Above average | Capacity: 1,350 | Year 7 places: 200 | FSM: Below average | Sixth Form: Yes | Ofsted: Outstanding click here for more details
Local Authority: Barnet
Postcode: NW4 2AT
Hasmonean High School for Boys is a leading Jewish boys’ school in North London. In 2024, 45% of GCSE grades were 9–7 and 45.2% of A-Level grades were A*-A. The school’s Progress 8 score is well above average, and Attainment 8 is strong. The school has a capacity of about 800 students, and is consistently oversubscribed. The sixth form is popular, and most leavers progress to top universities and yeshivas. The school offers a broad curriculum, including both secular and Jewish studies, and a wide range of enrichment activities. Ofsted rates the school as “Outstanding”.
GCSE 9–7: 45% | A-Level A*-A: 45.2% | Progress 8: Well above average | Capacity: 800 | FSM: Below average | Sixth Form: Yes | Ofsted: Outstanding click here for more details
Local Authority: Islington
Postcode: EC2A 4SH
Central Foundation Boys’ School is a popular comprehensive in the City of London, known for strong results and a progressive ethos. In 2024, 36% of GCSE grades were 9–7 and 36% of A-Level grades were A*-A. The Progress 8 score is above average, and the school has a capacity of about 900 students. The sixth form is growing, and many students progress to university, including Russell Group institutions. The school offers a wide range of enrichment activities, including sports, music, and leadership programmes. Ofsted rates the school as “Outstanding”.
GCSE 9–7: 36% | A-Level A*-A: 36% | Progress 8: Above average | Capacity: 900 | FSM: Above average | Sixth Form: Yes | Ofsted: Outstanding click here for more details
Local Authority: Barnet
Postcode: N12 8TA
Finchley Catholic High School is a well-established boys’ Catholic school in North London. In 2024, 42% of GCSE grades were 9–7 and 26% of A-Level grades were A*-A. The Progress 8 score is above average, and the school has a capacity of about 1,000 students. The sixth form is popular, and many students continue to higher education. The school offers a broad curriculum, extensive sports, and arts opportunities. Ofsted rates the school as “Good”.
GCSE 9–7: 42% | A-Level A*-A: 26% | Progress 8: Above average | Capacity: 1,000 | FSM: Average | Sixth Form: Yes | Ofsted: Good click here for more details
Local Authority: Newham
Postcode: E7 9QD
St Bonaventure’s School is a large Catholic boys’ school in East London. In 2024, 32.2% of GCSE grades were 9–7 and 16% of A-Level grades were A*-A. The school’s Progress 8 score is above average, and the Attainment 8 score is strong. The school has a capacity of about 1,200 students and is oversubscribed each year. The sixth form is large, and many students progress to university. The school offers a wide range of enrichment activities, including sports, music, and drama. Ofsted rates the school as “Good”.
GCSE 9–7: 32.2% | A-Level A*-A: 16% | Progress 8: Above average | Capacity: 1,200 | FSM: Above average | Sixth Form: Yes | Ofsted: Good click here for more details
Local Authority: Merton
Postcode: SW20 9AD
Rutlish School in Merton is a popular boys’ comprehensive with a strong academic track record. In 2024, 34% of GCSE grades were 9–7 and 22% of A-Level grades were A*-A. The Progress 8 score is above average, and the school has a capacity of about 1,300 students. The sixth form is well regarded, and many students progress to higher education. Rutlish offers a broad curriculum, leadership programmes, and a wide range of sports and arts activities. Ofsted rates the school as “Good”.
GCSE 9–7: 34% | A-Level A*-A: 22% | Progress 8: Above average | Capacity: 1,300 | FSM: Average | Sixth Form: Yes | Ofsted: Good click here for more details
London’s top boys’ state secondary schools offer outstanding academic results, with schools like Queen Elizabeth’s School and Wilson’s School achieving over 90% GCSE grades at 9–7 and over 75% A-Level grades at A*-A in 2024. These schools are highly selective, attract thousands of applicants, and consistently send students to Oxbridge and top universities. With high Progress 8 scores, excellent Ofsted ratings, and a wide range of enrichment opportunities, these schools represent the very best in state education for boys in London.