Get the latest UK State School Results and Rankings for 2025
The latest UK state school results have been released! Here you can find the best state schools in the UK based on the official 2025 A-Level and GCSE results. These schools performed extremely well academically, thanks to the hard work of the students, dedicated teaching staff, and quality of education.
Official UK State School 2025 Results, Ranking And League Table – 2025 A Level Result
| A-level (% A*/A) | School | Town | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 85% | Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet | Barnet | Selective (100%) |
| 79% | Wilson’s School | Wallington | Selective (100%) |
| 78% | St Olave’s Grammar School | Orpington | Selective (100%) |
| 76% | Pate’s Grammar School | Cheltenham | Selective (100%) |
| 71% | Reading School | Reading | Selective (100%) |
| 70.20% | Tiffin School | Kingston upon Thames | Selective (100%) |
| 69% | King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford | Chelmsford | Selective (100%) |
| 68% | Altrincham Grammar School for Girls | Altrincham | Selective (100%) |
| 64.20% | The Latymer School | London | Selective (100%) |
| 58% | Altrincham Grammar School for Boys | Altrincham | Selective (100%) |
| 66% | Dame Alice Owen’s School | Potters Bar | Partially selective (38%) |
| 59% | St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School, Finchley | London | Selective (100%) |
| 56% | Dr Challoner’s Grammar School | Amersham | Selective (100%) |
| 49% | Newstead Wood School | Orpington | Selective (100%) |
Official UK State School 2025 Results, Ranking And League Table – 2025 GCSE Result
| GCSE (% 9-7) | School | Town | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 95.40% | Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet | Barnet | Selective (100%) |
| 79% | Wilson’s School | Wallington | Selective (100%) |
| 90% | Pate’s Grammar School | Cheltenham | Selective (100%) |
| 86% | Altrincham Grammar School for Girls | Altrincham | Selective (100%) |
| 84.50% | The Latymer School | London | Selective (100%) |
| 79% | Tiffin School | Kingston upon Thames | Selective (100%) |
| 84% | Heckmondwike Grammar School | Heckmondwike | Selective (100%) |
| 83% | Dr Challoner’s High School | Little Chalfont | Selective (100%) |
Top UK State Schools Ranking Methodology
The 2025 UK League Table for State Secondary Schools is based on academic results, with both GCSE and A-level outcomes providing the foundation of the rankings. These public examinations are key indicators of school performance, reflecting how effectively students are prepared for higher study and future opportunities.
These tables draw on measures such as the proportion of top grades, overall pass rates, and evidence of student progress. Taken together, these factors give a clear picture of how schools perform across different stages of secondary education.
What Is A UK State School?
A UK state school is a school funded and run by the government rather than charging tuition fees to parents. These schools are free to attend for all children and are the most common type of school in the UK.
Key Features
- Funding: Financed through local authorities and central government, not through parental fees.
- Curriculum: Follow the National Curriculum set by the government, ensuring consistency in subjects and standards.
- Admissions: Open to all children, with places usually allocated based on catchment area or specific criteria such as faith or aptitude.
Types of State Schools:
- Community schools – controlled by local authorities.
- Academies and free schools – funded by government but independently run.
- Grammar schools – selective, admitting students based on academic ability.
- Faith schools – linked to religious organisations but still state funded.
- Distinction from Private Schools
Unlike independent or private schools, state schools do not charge fees, and teachers’ pay, curriculum, and oversight are largely regulated by government bodies.
Can Hong Kong Citizens Attend UK State Schools?
Yes, but it depends on residency and visa status.
Key Points:
1) State schools are free only for UK residents
To attend a UK state school without paying, a child must ordinarily live in the UK. This usually requires the family to hold a visa or immigration status that allows access to public education.
2) Visa requirements
Children of parents on most work visas, skilled worker visas, or dependent visas can attend state schools free of charge.
Note: Children on a student visa (for boarding school) are not entitled to free state education.
Visitor visas do not grant access to state schools.
3) For Hong Kong citizens
Many qualify under the Hong Kong BN(O) visa route, which gives families the right to live, work, and study in the UK. Children under this visa can attend state schools just like British citizens.
4) Alternative option
Without the right visa or residency, Hong Kong families usually look at independent (private) schools, where international students can enrol regardless of immigration status.
How To Apply To A State School In The UK?
To apply for a state school in the UK, parents must go through the local authority (council) responsible for the area where they plan to live. The first step is to research schools, looking at catchment areas, Ofsted reports, league table performance, and attending open days if possible. Applications are then submitted through the local council’s online admissions system, where parents can usually list between three and six preferences ranked in order of priority. Deadlines are strict: applications for primary schools (Reception, age 4–5) close in mid-January for a September start, while applications for secondary schools (Year 7, age 11) close in late October for the following September intake.
Families moving to the UK at other times of the year can apply for an in-year admission. School places are allocated based on criteria such as distance from the school, siblings already enrolled, special educational needs, or—where grammar schools are concerned—performance in entrance exams. Offers are sent out on National Offer Day (March for secondary schools and April for primary schools). If a child is not offered a place at their preferred school, parents may appeal the decision to an independent panel and also request to be placed on waiting lists for other schools.