London’s girls’ state schools are among the most competitive and high-achieving in the country, offering exceptional academic results, diverse enrichment opportunities, and supportive environments.
This article ranks the top 10 secondary girls state schools in London for 2025, providing detailed figures, local authority names, and postcodes to help families make well-informed choices during the school admissions process.
Local Authority: Barnet
Postcode: NW11 0BN
The Henrietta Barnett School consistently leads the field for girls’ state education in London and the UK. In 2024, the school achieved a remarkable 67% of all GCSE grades at Grade 9, with 90% at Grade 8 or 9 and 96% at Grade 7–9. In Mathematics, 83% of students achieved grade 9, and 99% of students achieved a strong pass in the EBacc suite. The Attainment 8 score was an exceptional 87.5, and the Progress 8 score was +1.1, both far exceeding national averages. At A-Level, 43% of grades were A*, 81% were A* or A, and 95% were A*-B. In 2024, 26 students secured Oxbridge offers, and the vast majority of leavers progressed to Russell Group universities, with many entering competitive fields such as Medicine, Law, and Engineering.
The school is highly selective, with thousands of applicants each year for just 104 Year 7 places and over 600 external applications for sixth form. The school’s current enrolment is around 793, with a capacity of 779, and only 4.8% of students are eligible for free school meals, reflecting its selective intake. Beyond academics, Henrietta Barnett offers a vibrant extracurricular programme, including music, drama, debating, and international trips. The school’s ethos fosters ambition, character, and resilience, ensuring students are well-rounded and prepared for future success. The most recent Ofsted inspection rated the school “Good”, and the school is widely recognised as a benchmark for academic and personal achievement in London.
GCSE Grade 9: 67% | GCSE 8-9: 90% | GCSE 7-9: 96% | A-Level A*: 43% | A*-A: 81% | A*-B: 95% | Oxbridge offers: 26 | Enrolment: 793 | Year 7 places: 104 | Sixth form applications: 600+ | Free School Meals: 4.8% | Attainment 8: 87.5 | Progress 8: +1.1 click here for more details
Local Authority: Camden
Postcode: NW5 2DB
Camden School for Girls is a voluntary aided comprehensive in Camden Town, North London, with a strong tradition of academic excellence and inclusivity. In 2024, 54% of GCSE grades were 9–7 and 50% of A-Level entries were A* or A. The Progress 8 score is consistently above the national average, and the Attainment 8 score is also high, reflecting the school’s academic strength. The school has a large sixth form, which is co-educational and attracts high-achieving students from across London.
Camden School for Girls has an enrolment of 1,068 students (2025), with a capacity of 1,040. About 28.1% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, reflecting its diverse intake. The school receives over 1,200 applications for around 120 Year 7 places each year, making it highly competitive. Ofsted has previously rated the school as “Outstanding”, and the school is well-known for its vibrant music and arts programmes, as well as strong results in STEM subjects. Many graduates progress to Russell Group universities and other top institutions. The school’s ethos centres on empowering young women, social responsibility, and academic ambition.
GCSE 9–7: 54% | A-Level A*-A: 50% | Progress 8: Above average | Attainment 8: High | Enrolment: 1,068 | Year 7 places: 120 | Applications: 1,200+ | FSM: 28.1% | Sixth Form: Co-ed | Ofsted: Outstanding click here for more details
Local Authority: Tower Hamlets
Postcode: E3 2AE
Central Foundation Girls’ School, located in Bow, East London, is a non-selective voluntary aided school with a strong commitment to academic excellence and social mobility. In 2024, the school achieved 34.7% of GCSE grades at 9–7 and 26.3% of A-Level entries at A* or A. The school’s Progress 8 score is above average, and it offers a broad curriculum with strengths in both STEM and the arts.
The school has a capacity of 1,550 and currently has 1,515 pupils enrolled, making it one of the largest girls’ state schools in London. Notably, 42.5% of students are eligible for free school meals, reflecting the school’s commitment to serving a diverse community. Central Foundation Girls’ School has a thriving sixth form and a wide range of enrichment programmes, including leadership opportunities, sports, and creative arts. The school’s ethos is rooted in inclusivity, resilience, and high aspirations, and many graduates go on to higher education, including Russell Group universities. The school’s most recent Ofsted inspection (prior to September 2024) rated it as “Good”.
GCSE 9–7: 34.7% | A-Level A*-A: 26.3% | Progress 8: Above average | Enrolment: 1,515 | Capacity: 1,550 | FSM: 42.5% | Sixth Form: Yes | Ofsted: Good click here for more details
Local Authority: Waltham Forest
Postcode: E11 4AB
Connaught School for Girls, located in Leytonstone, is a community school with a long-standing reputation for academic achievement and personal development. The school serves girls aged 11–18 and offers a broad curriculum with a focus on both academic and personal growth. The school’s Progress 8 and Attainment 8 scores have historically been above the local authority average, and its sixth form enables students to continue their studies in a supportive environment.
Connaught School for Girls has a capacity of 600 students, with a strong focus on inclusion and diversity. The school’s enrichment activities include leadership programmes, arts, sports, and STEM clubs. The school’s ethos centres on respect, ambition, and resilience, and many graduates go on to further education and successful careers. While the most recent Ofsted inspection predates the new framework, the school has been praised for its supportive environment and high expectations. The school is situated in a vibrant part of East London, making it accessible to a wide range of families.
Progress 8: Above average | Attainment 8: Above local average | Capacity: 600 | Sixth Form: Yes | Ofsted: Good click here for more details
Local Authority: Croydon
Postcode: CR7 8BT
Norbury High School for Girls, located in Thornton Heath, Croydon, is a popular non-selective school for girls aged 11–19, with a large all-girls sixth form. The school is known for its strong academic performance, inclusive ethos, and wide range of extracurricular opportunities. In 2024, the school continued to achieve results above the Croydon average, with a Progress 8 score in the “above average” band and an Attainment 8 score that reflects consistent improvement year on year.
Norbury High School for Girls has a capacity of 1,224 and currently has 1,100+ students enrolled. The school offers a rich array of enrichment activities, including sports, music, drama, and leadership programmes. The percentage of students eligible for free school meals is in line with the borough average, and the school is praised for its pastoral care and commitment to student wellbeing. The school’s most recent Ofsted inspection rated it as “Good”. Many graduates progress to higher education, including Russell Group universities.
Progress 8: Above average | Attainment 8: Improving | Capacity: 1,224 | Enrolment: 1,100+ | FSM: Borough average | Sixth Form: Yes | Ofsted: Good click here for more details
Local Authority: Hammersmith and Fulham
Postcode: SW6 4UN
Lady Margaret School, located in Parsons Green, is a high-achieving Church of England school for girls aged 11–18. The school achieved 51% of GCSE grades at 9–7 and 44.2% of A-Level entries at A* or A in 2024. The Progress 8 score remains above the national average, and Attainment 8 is strong, reflecting the school’s commitment to academic excellence.
With a capacity of approximately 900 students and over 1,000 applications for 120 Year 7 places each year, Lady Margaret School is one of the most sought-after girls’ schools in West London. The percentage of students eligible for free school meals is below the national average, and the school’s sixth form is highly regarded, with many students progressing to Russell Group universities. The school offers a broad curriculum and a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, drama, and music. The school’s ethos is rooted in Christian values, but it welcomes girls of all backgrounds. Ofsted has previously rated the school as “Outstanding”.
GCSE 9–7: 51% | A-Level A*-A: 44.2% | Progress 8: Above average | Capacity: 900 | Year 7 places: 120 | Applications: 1,000+ | FSM: Below national average | Sixth Form: Yes | Ofsted: Outstanding click here for more details
Local Authority: Westminster
Postcode: SW1P 2DY
The Grey Coat Hospital, based in Westminster, is a leading girls’ comprehensive school with a distinctive Church of England ethos. In 2024, 55.5% of GCSE grades were 9–7 and 36.5% of A-Level entries were A* or A. The Progress 8 score is above the national average, and the Attainment 8 score is strong. The school has a capacity of about 1,000 students and receives more than 900 applications for around 150 Year 7 places annually.
The Grey Coat Hospital is known for its diverse student body and strong tradition in music and performing arts. Many students progress to Russell Group universities, and the school’s alumni network is active and supportive. The percentage of students eligible for free school meals is lower than the London average. The school’s ethos encourages leadership, resilience, and community engagement, and Ofsted has previously rated the school as “Outstanding”.
GCSE 9–7: 55.5% | A-Level A*-A: 36.5% | Progress 8: Above average | Capacity: 1,000 | Year 7 places: 150 | Applications: 900+ | FSM: Below London average | Sixth Form: Yes | Ofsted: Outstanding click here for more details
Local Authority: Barnet
Postcode: NW4 1NA
Hasmonean High School for Girls is a faith-based school in North London with a strong academic reputation. In 2024, 54% of GCSE grades were 9–7 and 51.6% of A-Level entries were A* or A. The school’s Progress 8 score is well above average, and Attainment 8 is also high. The school has a capacity of around 800 students, with hundreds of applications for limited Year 7 places each year.
Hasmonean offers a broad curriculum, with particular strengths in STEM subjects and a strong commitment to both secular and religious education. The percentage of students eligible for free school meals is below the national average. The school’s alumni include leaders in medicine, law, and academia, and many graduates progress to top universities. Ofsted has previously rated the school as “Outstanding”.
GCSE 9–7: 54% | A-Level A*-A: 51.6% | Progress 8: Well above average | Capacity: 800 | Applications: Hundreds | FSM: Below national average | Sixth Form: Yes | Ofsted: Outstanding click here for more details
Local Authority: Barnet
Postcode: NW7 2EU
Menorah High School for Girls in North London is known for its academic achievement and strong sense of community. In 2024, 54% of GCSE grades were 9–7 and 47% of A-Level entries were A* or A. The Progress 8 score is above average, and Attainment 8 is strong. The school has a capacity of about 600 students, with a nurturing environment and a focus on both secular and religious education.
The percentage of students eligible for free school meals is below the London average. Menorah offers a wide range of enrichment activities, including leadership programmes, sports, and the arts. The school’s alumni have gone on to study at leading universities, and the school is praised for its supportive staff and strong pastoral care. Ofsted has previously rated the school as “Outstanding”.
GCSE 9–7: 54% | A-Level A*-A: 47% | Progress 8: Above average | Capacity: 600 | FSM: Below London average | Sixth Form: Yes | Ofsted: Outstanding click here for more details
Local Authority: Hackney
Postcode: E5 0RB
Clapton Girls’ Academy, based in Hackney, is a comprehensive school known for its inclusive ethos and strong academic results. In 2024, 43.8% of GCSE grades were 9–7 and 30% of A-Level entries were A* or A. The Progress 8 score is above the national average, and Attainment 8 is strong. The school has a capacity of around 1,200 students and receives more than 800 applications for Year 7 places annually.
The percentage of students eligible for free school meals is above the London average, reflecting the school’s commitment to serving a diverse community. Clapton Girls’ Academy offers a wide range of enrichment activities, including arts, sports, and leadership programmes. The school’s alumni include successful professionals in a variety of fields, and many graduates progress to higher education. Ofsted has previously rated the school as “Outstanding”.
GCSE 9–7: 43.8% | A-Level A*-A: 30% | Progress 8: Above average | Capacity: 1,200 | Applications: 800+ | FSM: Above London average | Sixth Form: Yes | Ofsted: Outstanding click here for more details
London’s top girls’ state secondary schools set the benchmark for academic excellence, with schools like The Henrietta Barnett School achieving 67% GCSE grade 9 and 81% A-Level A*-A in 2024. These schools attract thousands of applicants for limited places, and their students regularly progress to Oxbridge and other top universities. With high Progress 8 scores, outstanding Ofsted ratings, and a wealth of enrichment opportunities, these schools offer the best in state education for girls in London.