The definitive guide to the capital's leading educational institutions has been published, naming London's best schools for 2026. The highly anticipated rankings, released by The Times newspaper, are widely regarded as one of the most authoritative assessments of school performance in the country.
State and Grammar School Champions
Topping the list for state secondary education is Queen Elizabeth's School in Barnet, which secured a prestigious double victory. It was crowned both the State Secondary School of the Year in London 2026 and the State Secondary School of the Year in London for Academic Excellence.
In second place for the capital is St Olave's Grammar School in Orpington, which also ranks third nationally. The Tiffin Girls' School in Kingston Upon Thames completes the top three in London. A separate list highlighting the top comprehensive schools has also been released, with The West London Free School named as the Comprehensive School of the Year in London. It was followed by JFS in Harrow in second and Camden School for Girls in third.
Leading Independent and Primary Schools
In the private sector, St Paul's School in West London won the title of Independent Secondary School of the Year in London for Academic Excellence. North London Collegiate School took second place, while another West London institution, Godolphin and Latymer, came third.
The rankings for primary schools were also shared, with Thomas Jones Primary School earning the title of Primary School of the Year in London. Hampden Gurney CofE Primary School in Westminster was named the second-best primary school, and St Andrew's RC Primary School in Streatham secured third place.
Celebrating Excellence Amid Challenges
Helen Davies, the editor of The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide, commented on the current educational climate. She acknowledged the testing landscape, including budget pressures, rising student mental health concerns, and special educational needs provision.
"But there is also so much to celebrate from the dedication of teachers who are finding ever more innovative and impactful ways to enrich their students and give them the very best start in life," Davies stated. "As well as celebrating the academic excellence of the top schools it is uplifting to see how they are shaping their students to be ready for the 21st century, and instilling a lifelong love of learning."
The full lists of top-performing schools in the capital are detailed below.
Top State Secondary Schools in London
- Queen Elizabeth's School, Barnet (London) - Also State Secondary School of the Year in London for Academic Excellence.
- St Olave's Grammar School (Orpington)
- The Tiffin Girls' School (Kingston upon Thames)
- The Henrietta Barnett School (London)
- Tiffin School (Kingston upon Thames)
Top Comprehensive Secondary Schools in London
- West London Free School (London) - Comprehensive School of the Year in London.
- JFS (Harrow)
- Camden School for Girls (London)
- The Charter School North Dulwich (London)
- The Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School (London)
Top Secondary Independent Schools in London
- St Paul's School (London) - Independent Secondary School of the Year for Academic Excellence.
- North London Collegiate School (London)
- Godolphin and Latymer (London)
- St Paul's Girls' School (London)
- King's College School, Wimbledon (London)
Top Primary Schools in London
- Thomas Jones Primary School (Kensington and Chelsea) - Primary School of the Year in London.
- Hampden Gurney CofE Primary School (Westminster)
- St Andrew's RC Primary School, Streatham (Lambeth)
- Courtland School (Barnet)
- Christ Church Bentinck CofE Primary School (Westminster)
