Best Secondary Schools in England

West Lea School is an outstanding all-through school located in Edmonton, London. With a student-teacher ratio of 6:1 and a strong culture of safeguarding, it provides high-quality education for students aged 4-19. The leadership team maintains ambition and high standards, ensuring that pupils are well-prepared for the next stage of their education. The school has received an overall grade of A+ and outstanding ratings in areas such as leadership, achievement of pupils, and quality of teaching. While there may be some variability in teaching quality for least able key stage 3 pupils, West Lea School is dedicated to providing a nurturing and inclusive environment for all students.

Elm Court School is an outstanding middle deemed secondary school in Lambeth, London. With excellent leadership and highly effective teaching, the school provides a highly inclusive curriculum that promotes excellent progress. The school has strong links with other organizations and colleges, ensuring students have access to a wide range of opportunities. With outstanding safeguarding procedures and strong relationships between staff and pupils, Elm Court School offers a safe and enjoyable learning environment for all students.

Lakeside School is an outstanding secondary boarding school for boys aged 10-16. Led by Mr Gareth Evans, the school provides a safe and nurturing environment for students with social, emotional, and mental health needs. With a student-teacher ratio of 5:1, every student receives individualized attention to excel academically. The school's commitment to outstanding teaching, exceptional leadership, and effective safeguarding ensures that pupils make exceptional progress. Lakeside School offers a broad and balanced curriculum, and improvements in behavior and attendance showcase the school's dedication to student development.

Woodlane High School is an outstanding secondary school in Hammersmith, London. With a student teacher ratio of 5:1, the school offers highly personalised teaching and impressive curriculum opportunities. The school has an excellent track record of student progress and prepares pupils well for independent life. With outstanding leadership and management, Woodlane High School is committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for all students.

Harris Academy Bermondsey is an outstanding secondary school in Southwark, London. With a student teacher ratio of 11:1, the school provides a supportive and focused learning environment for girls aged 11-18. The school has consistently achieved above average standards and offers exceptional academic opportunities with outstanding achievement rates. It also prioritizes the well-being and safety of its students, earning high ratings in leadership and management as well as behavior and safety. With a strong emphasis on inclusivity, Harris Academy Bermondsey ensures that all students, including those with special educational needs, excel in their education. Join our vibrant and high-achieving school community today!

Harris Academy Battersea is an outstanding secondary school in Wandsworth, London. With a student-teacher ratio of 15:1, the school provides excellent academic support and personalized learning. The dedicated leadership and committed teachers ensure that students of all abilities make strong progress. The school's focus on improving reading skills and provision for disadvantaged pupils is commendable. With outstanding personal development and welfare of students, Harris Academy Battersea prepares them to excel academically and personally.

The St Thomas the Apostle College is an outstanding Roman Catholic secondary school located in Nunhead, Southwark, London. With a student-teacher ratio of 13:1 and a focus on high academic standards, the school provides a nurturing and challenging environment for boys aged 11-18. The school prides itself on its outstanding leadership, quality teaching, and personal development opportunities. In addition, the school offers an exceptional 6th Form program that prepares students for Higher Education and successful careers. With excellent exam results and a commitment to well-rounded education, St Thomas the Apostle College is an ideal choice for parents seeking a top-quality education for their children.

Heathlands School is an outstanding all-through boarding school in St Albans. Led by Mrs Lesley Reeves Costi, the school offers exceptional teaching and a nurturing environment for students aged 3-18. With a student teacher ratio of 4:1, individual needs are prioritized. The school's commitment to excellence ensures that pupils make outstanding progress and leave with recognized qualifications. Safety and personal development are key priorities, with a culture of respect, tolerance, and inclusivity. Despite challenges in presenting progress data, Heathlands School is dedicated to providing a holistic education that prepares students for success in the future.

Central Foundation Boys' School is an outstanding secondary school located in Islington, London. With a student-teacher ratio of 14:1, our dedicated staff provides excellent teaching and support for boys aged 11-18. Our students achieve impressive exam results, with 64% attaining grade 5 or above in English & maths GCSEs. We pride ourselves on outstanding behavior, safety, leadership, and governance, ensuring that parents can trust their children's education in our care.

Swanwick School and Sports College is an outstanding school in Swanwick, East Midlands. Led by Headteacher Mr Christopher Greenhough, the school offers a wide range of courses and exceptional progress for students aged 5-16. With an emphasis on independence and life skills, the school provides a well-designed curriculum and high expectations for all pupils. The school prides itself on its outstanding leadership, teaching, and behaviour and safety of pupils. With a strong focus on safeguarding and a supportive pastoral team, Swanwick School and Sports College is dedicated to helping students reach their full potential and prepare for further opportunities in adulthood.

Limpsfield Grange School is a prestigious all-girls boarding school in Limpsfield, South East. With an outstanding reputation and an exceptional staff-to-student ratio of 7:1, the school offers a specialized education for girls aged 11-16 with communication and interaction difficulties, particularly those with Autistic Spectrum Disorder. The school's personalized approach to curriculum development, combined with its focus on well-being, achievement, communication, and independence, ensures each student receives a tailored education that promotes both academic and personal growth. With outstanding exam results and an overall grade of A+, Limpsfield Grange School provides an exceptional educational experience for girls with unique needs.

La Retraite Roman Catholic Girls' School is an outstanding secondary school located in Lambeth, London. With a rich history dating back to 1880, the school values academic excellence and community service. They offer a personalized learning experience, exceptional achievement in core subjects, and strong leadership at all levels. Students benefit from a supportive pastoral team and a range of opportunities to cultivate their leadership skills. The school's focus on overall well-being ensures that students have the best chance for academic success. With outstanding exam results and a safe and inclusive environment, La Retraite is an excellent choice for parents seeking a high-quality education for their daughters.

The Ruth Gorse Academy is an outstanding secondary school located in Leeds, Yorkshire. With a personalized and high-expectations approach, the leadership team ensures that every student receives the support they need to succeed. The school offers a challenging and enriched curriculum, with extracurricular opportunities and a whole-school focus on literacy. Parents can be confident in their child's education, as evidenced by the outstanding exam results and progress made by disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs.

Whitmore High School is an outstanding secondary school located in Harrow, London. With a student teacher ratio of 14:1, the school offers a strong academic curriculum and exceptional support for students with special needs. The school's dedicated staff and excellent resources create a safe and nurturing environment for all students. Whitmore High School's outstanding reputation for achievement, leadership, and behavior makes it an ideal choice for parents seeking a high-quality education for their children.

Brook Green Centre for Learning is an outstanding secondary school located in Plymouth. With a student-teacher ratio of 5:1, the school ensures personalized attention and exceptional education quality. The dedicated staff knows each pupil well and creates exciting activities to foster their learning. The school focuses strongly on mathematics achievement and provides accurate assessments to track progress in every subject. With outstanding leadership and effective safeguarding measures, parents can trust that their children are in safe hands. Brook Green Centre for Learning prepares students for the future by offering opportunities to attend local colleges, and almost all pupils continue their learning beyond the school. It also provides comprehensive careers advice and regularly checks on safeguarding practices. While some areas, such as staff handwriting and support for systematic, synthetic phonic skills, could be improved, the school's overall performance is exceptional.

Hebden Green Community School is an outstanding all-through co-educational boarding school, located in Winsford, North West. With a student teacher ratio of 6:1, the school provides exceptional support and education for students aged 2-19 with a range of special educational needs. The school's exceptional leadership, outstanding academic achievements, and comprehensive support for social, emotional, and mental health make it an ideal choice for parents seeking a nurturing and inclusive environment for their children.

The Heathland School is an outstanding co-ed secondary school located in Hounslow, London. With a student-teacher ratio of 16:1, the school provides excellent individualized support and high academic expectations. Students consistently achieve exceptional progress and achievement, particularly in mathematics. The school also boasts an outstanding sixth form with a relevant curriculum and personalized guidance. With an overall grade of A and outstanding ratings in all areas including leadership, teaching, and safety, parents can be confident in the school's commitment to their child's success.

Sacred Heart Catholic School is an outstanding secondary school located in Southwark, London. With a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, the school provides a supportive and engaging environment for students aged 11-18. The dedicated teachers and 'no excuses' approach ensure that all students, including those with special educational needs, achieve outstanding results. The sixth form program prepares students well for top universities and workplaces, while the school's strong focus on courtesy and generosity fosters a positive and respectful community.

Heartlands Academy is an outstanding secondary school located in Nechells, Birmingham. With a student-teacher ratio of 14:1 and a focus on equality of opportunity, Heartlands Academy provides exceptional education and opportunities for all students. The school fosters a positive learning atmosphere and has achieved outstanding grades in all aspects, including academics, teaching, and leadership. With a commitment to personal growth and a relentless focus on high standards, Heartlands Academy ensures that every student has the ability to thrive and succeed.

Bishop Thomas Grant Catholic Secondary School is an outstanding Roman Catholic co-ed school in Lambeth, London. With an exceptional student-teacher ratio of 12:1 and a strong focus on academic achievement, the school provides a safe and supportive environment for students to thrive. With a dynamic curriculum, outstanding pastoral support, and high attainment across a wide range of subjects, parents can trust that their children will receive a well-rounded education and reach their full potential at Bishop Thomas Grant.