Grammar Schools in North London: Complete 2026 Parent Guide
Grammar Schools in North London are among the most competitive and highest-performing state schools in the UK. Schools such as Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet, Henrietta Barnett School, The Latymer School and St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School are renowned for their exceptional GCSE and A-Level results, rigorous 11+ admissions and excellent university destinations. Every year, thousands of families apply for a limited number of places, making early preparation and a clear understanding of the admissions process essential. If you’re comparing schools across the country, our Best Grammar Schools in the UK: 2026 Top 100 League Table highlights the highest-performing grammar schools nationwide.
This guide to Grammar Schools in North London explains everything parents need to know for 2026, including the best schools, 11+ exam providers, admissions criteria, catchment areas, application timelines and expert preparation advice. Whether you’re just beginning your grammar school search or narrowing down your options, you’ll find practical information to help you make an informed decision. If you’re still deciding which selective schools are closest to where you live, our Grammar Schools Near Me: Full UK Guide (2026) is a useful place to start.
Page Contents
Which Grammar Schools Are in North London?
Queen Elizabeth's School, Barnet
Founded in 1573, Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet (QE Barnet) is widely regarded as one of the highest-performing state schools in the UK. The boys’ grammar school is known for its outstanding GCSE and A-Level results, strong Oxbridge admissions and highly competitive 11+ entrance process. Each year, thousands of families apply for a limited number of Year 7 places, making it one of the most sought-after grammar schools in North London.
Admission is based on performance in the school’s 11+ entrance examination, which assesses Maths and English skills through a rigorous selection process. There is no fixed pass mark, as offers are made to the highest-scoring applicants who meet the school’s admissions criteria. Children preparing for QE Barnet should develop strong mathematical reasoning, problem-solving skills, reading comprehension and exam technique well before the assessment.
At a glance:
- School Type: State-funded boys’ grammar school
- Location: Barnet, North London
- Age Range: 11–18
- Admission: 11+ entrance examination
- Known For: Outstanding academic results, Oxbridge success and highly competitive admissions
Henrietta Barnett School
Henrietta Barnett School (HBS) is one of the UK’s most prestigious girls’ grammar schools, consistently achieving outstanding GCSE and A-Level results. Located in Hampstead Garden Suburb, North London, the school has an excellent academic reputation and is highly regarded for its broad curriculum, strong pastoral support and impressive university destinations, including Oxford, Cambridge and other leading institutions.
Admission to Henrietta Barnett School is highly competitive, with applicants sitting a challenging 11+ entrance examination. The selection process typically includes assessments in English and Maths, with successful candidates progressing through multiple stages before final offers are made. Children preparing for HBS benefit from developing strong problem-solving skills, mathematical reasoning, reading comprehension and clear written communication well in advance of the exam.
At a glance:
- School Type: State-funded girls’ grammar school
- Location: Hampstead Garden Suburb, North London
- Age Range: 11–18
- Admission: Two-stage 11+ entrance examination
- Known For: Outstanding academic performance, exceptional university destinations and highly competitive admissions
The Latymer School
The Latymer School is a highly respected selective grammar school located in Edmonton, North London. Renowned for its excellent academic standards, outstanding GCSE and A-Level results, and wide range of extracurricular opportunities, the school attracts applications from across North London and neighbouring areas. Its strong emphasis on academic achievement, alongside music, sport and the arts, makes it one of the region’s most sought-after grammar schools.
Entry into The Latymer School is through a competitive 11+ admissions process. Applicants complete entrance assessments in English and Maths, with candidates shortlisted before progressing to the final stage of selection. Because demand for places significantly exceeds the number available each year, children should begin preparing well in advance by developing strong mathematical reasoning, reading comprehension, problem-solving skills and exam technique.
At a glance:
- School Type: State-funded co-educational grammar school
- Location: Edmonton, North London
- Age Range: 11–18
- Admission: Two-stage 11+ entrance examination
- Known For: Excellent academic results, broad extracurricular opportunities and highly competitive admissions
St Michael's Catholic Grammar School
St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School is one of North London’s highest-performing selective schools for girls. Located in Finchley, the school is known for its consistently excellent GCSE and A-Level results, strong pastoral care and Catholic ethos. While priority is given to practising Catholic applicants who meet the admissions criteria, the school welcomes applications from families who meet its published requirements and are seeking a high-quality academic education.
Admission is through a competitive 11+ entrance examination, with applicants assessed in English and Maths before places are offered according to the school’s admissions policy. As places are limited and demand is high each year, children benefit from preparing early by building confidence in mathematical reasoning, reading comprehension, vocabulary and problem-solving skills.
At a glance:
- School Type: State-funded girls’ Catholic grammar school
- Location: Finchley, North London
- Age Range: 11–18
- Admission: 11+ entrance examination and published faith-based admissions criteria
- Known For: Outstanding academic results, strong pastoral support, Catholic ethos and competitive admissions
Dame Alice Owen's School (Partially Selective)
Dame Alice Owen’s School is one of the highest-performing state secondary schools in North London. Located in Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, it offers a combination of selective and non-selective admissions, making it a popular choice for families seeking an academically ambitious school without it being a fully selective grammar school. The school consistently achieves excellent GCSE and A-Level results and is recognised for its strong academic standards, pastoral support and extensive extracurricular programme.
Unlike traditional grammar schools, Dame Alice Owen’s School allocates only a proportion of its Year 7 places through academic selection. Applicants applying for these selective places must perform well in the school’s entrance assessment, while other places are offered through criteria such as proximity, siblings and music aptitude. Because competition is high across all admission routes, families should carefully review the school’s admissions policy and begin preparing for the entrance tests well in advance.
At a glance:
- School Type: State-funded partially selective secondary school
- Location: Potters Bar, Hertfordshire (serving many North London families)
- Age Range: 11–18
- Admission: Partially selective, with academic, music aptitude and comprehensive entry routes
- Known For: Outstanding academic results, broad curriculum, excellent extracurricular opportunities and highly competitive admissions
Map of Grammar Schools in North London
Grammar schools by borough
North London’s grammar schools are concentrated in a handful of boroughs, with some of the country’s highest-performing selective schools located within easy reach of one another. While there are relatively few fully selective grammar schools in the capital, families often consider neighbouring boroughs and nearby Hertfordshire schools because of their strong academic reputations and accessible transport links.
| Borough | Grammar School(s) | School Type |
|---|---|---|
| Barnet | Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet; Henrietta Barnett School; St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School | Boys’, Girls’, Girls’ Catholic |
| Enfield | The Latymer School | Co-educational |
| Hertsmere (Hertfordshire) | Dame Alice Owen’s School | Partially Selective |
Although these schools are located in specific boroughs, many accept applications from children living across North London, provided applicants meet the school’s admissions criteria. However, factors such as catchment areas, faith requirements and oversubscription rules may affect eligibility, so it’s important to check each school’s admissions policy before applying.
Which areas are within reach?
Many families applying to North London grammar schools live outside the borough where the school is located. Thanks to London’s extensive public transport network, pupils often travel from neighbouring boroughs and even parts of Hertfordshire to attend selective schools. However, admission is not guaranteed simply because a school is nearby, as each school has its own admissions criteria, and some also consider catchment areas or faith-based requirements.
Families commonly apply from areas including:
- Barnet – Home to Queen Elizabeth’s School, Henrietta Barnett School and St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School.
- Enfield – Popular for The Latymer School and within commuting distance of several other selective schools.
- Haringey – Well connected to grammar schools across North London.
- Camden – Many families travel to nearby selective schools in Barnet.
- Islington – Offers good transport links to North London’s grammar schools.
- Brent – A common location for applicants to Barnet-based schools.
- Harrow – Within reach of several selective schools by road and rail.
- Hertfordshire – Areas such as Potters Bar, Borehamwood and Bushey are popular with families applying to North London grammar schools.
Before applying, parents should carefully review each school’s admissions policy to understand any residency requirements, faith criteria or oversubscription rules. Even where there is no strict catchment area, living closer to a school may become important if places cannot be allocated solely on entrance exam performance.
Grammar School Admissions in North London
Registration deadlines
Registration deadlines for North London grammar schools vary by school, but most applications for Year 7 entry open during the spring or summer of Year 5. Parents typically need to complete the school’s registration form several months before the 11+ entrance exam, which is usually held in the autumn term of Year 6.
As deadlines differ between schools, it’s important to check each admissions page well in advance. Missing the registration window may mean your child cannot sit the entrance examination that year. Alongside registering for the 11+, families must also submit their secondary school preferences through their local authority by the national application deadline, which is normally at the end of October in Year 6.
To stay organised, it’s a good idea to create a timeline covering registration dates, exam days, results and school application deadlines. Applying early gives families more time to prepare for assessments and gather any supporting documentation required during the admissions process.
Catchment areas and eligibility
Unlike many comprehensive schools, not all North London grammar schools use a traditional catchment area. Most selective schools primarily rank applicants based on their performance in the 11+ entrance examination, although additional admissions criteria may also apply depending on the school.
Eligibility requirements can include:
- Academic performance in the 11+ entrance exam.
- Faith-based criteria, such as those used by St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School.
- Residence requirements for schools with defined catchment areas or priority admission zones.
- Supplementary Information Forms (SIFs), where required.
- Proof of address and other supporting documentation during the admissions process.
Some schools, including Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet, do not operate a fixed catchment area and instead offer places to the highest-scoring eligible candidates. Others may give priority to applicants living within a designated area once academic criteria have been met. Because admissions policies are reviewed regularly, parents should always read each school’s latest admissions arrangements before applying to ensure they meet all eligibility requirements.
Pass marks and competition
There is no universal pass mark for North London grammar schools. Most schools do not publish a fixed score because the standard required changes each year depending on the number of applicants, the difficulty of the entrance exam and overall candidate performance. Instead, places are typically offered to the highest-scoring children who meet the school’s admissions criteria.
Competition is particularly intense at schools such as Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet, Henrietta Barnett School, The Latymer School and St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School, where thousands of children may compete for a relatively small number of Year 7 places. This means that simply passing the exam is often not enough—successful applicants usually achieve some of the highest scores in the cohort.
To maximise their chances, children should begin preparing well before Year 6 by developing strong skills in Maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning (where applicable). Regular practice, timed mock exams and consistent revision can help build the confidence and exam technique needed to perform well in one of the UK’s most competitive grammar school admissions processes.
Which 11+ Exam Does Each School Use?
GL Assessment schools
Several of the leading grammar schools in North London use GL Assessment as part of their 11+ admissions process. GL Assessment is one of the UK’s most widely used entrance exam providers, with tests designed to measure a child’s academic ability rather than simply what they have been taught in school. Depending on the school, assessments may include English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and, in some cases, Non-Verbal Reasoning.
The exact test format varies between schools, with some using standard GL papers while others combine GL-style assessments with their own school-specific examinations or multi-stage selection process. Because of these differences, parents should always check the admissions information for each school before beginning preparation.
Children preparing for GL Assessment exams should focus on building core literacy and numeracy skills, developing logical reasoning and becoming familiar with timed exam conditions. Consistent practice using realistic 11+ questions and mock exams can help improve both confidence and performance on test day.
School-specific entrance exams
While some North London grammar schools use GL Assessment papers, others set their own school-specific entrance exams. These assessments are designed to identify pupils with strong academic potential and often include questions that reflect each school’s admissions priorities. As a result, the content, format and difficulty can vary significantly between schools.
For example, Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet, Henrietta Barnett School and The Latymer School all use their own admissions processes rather than standard GL Assessment papers. These exams typically assess a combination of English and Maths, with some schools using multiple stages, including shortlisting after an initial assessment before inviting the highest-performing candidates to a second round.
Because each school has a different exam format, parents should carefully review the admissions guidance before starting preparation. Focusing on strong mathematical reasoning, reading comprehension, problem-solving and exam technique, alongside practising school-specific question styles where available, can help children feel confident and well prepared on exam day.
Interview requirements
Most North London grammar schools do not require an interview as part of their standard Year 7 admissions process. Instead, places are primarily awarded based on performance in the 11+ entrance examination and each school’s published admissions criteria. This means children should focus their preparation on achieving strong results in the entrance tests rather than preparing for formal interviews.
However, some schools may request additional information or documentation during the admissions process, while faith schools such as St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School may require supplementary forms or evidence relating to their admissions criteria. In rare cases, interviews may be used for exceptional circumstances or appeals rather than as a routine part of admissions.
As admissions arrangements can change, parents should always check the latest guidance published by each school before applying. Understanding the full admissions process early allows families to prepare effectively and ensure all required forms and supporting documents are submitted on time.
Every grammar school has its own admissions process, but one thing remains the same: children perform best when they understand the concepts behind the questions, not just the answers. Whether your child is preparing for GL Assessment papers or school-specific entrance exams, building confidence in Maths, English and reasoning skills early can make a significant difference. If you’d like to experience our structured 11+ preparation programme, book a free trial and see how our expert teachers help children prepare for some of the UK’s most competitive grammar school entrance exams.
Best Grammar Schools in North London
Academic performance
North London’s grammar schools consistently rank among the highest-performing state schools in England. Schools such as Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet, Henrietta Barnett School, The Latymer School and St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School are recognised for outstanding academic achievement, with pupils regularly achieving excellent GCSE and A-Level results across a wide range of subjects.
These schools combine rigorous academic standards with high expectations in the classroom, helping students develop strong analytical, mathematical and communication skills. Many also offer a broad curriculum alongside extensive extracurricular opportunities, allowing pupils to excel in areas such as music, sport, debating and STEM subjects.
While academic results are an important indicator of school performance, parents should also consider factors such as teaching quality, pastoral support, extracurricular opportunities and the school’s overall environment when deciding which grammar school is the best fit for their child.
GCSE and A-Level results
North London’s leading grammar schools consistently achieve some of the strongest GCSE and A-Level results in the country. Schools such as Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet, Henrietta Barnett School, The Latymer School and St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School regularly report high proportions of top grades, with many students progressing to Russell Group universities, including Oxford and Cambridge.
These exceptional outcomes reflect the schools’ selective admissions, experienced teaching staff and academically ambitious learning environments. Alongside strong examination performance, students are encouraged to develop critical thinking, independent learning and leadership skills through a wide range of academic and extracurricular opportunities.
Although examination results are a useful measure when comparing schools, they should be considered alongside other factors such as pastoral care, subject choices, extracurricular activities and the overall learning environment. Choosing the right school is about finding the best fit for your child’s strengths, interests and long-term goals.
Popular choices for families
When choosing a grammar school in North London, families often look beyond league tables to find a school that best matches their child’s strengths, interests and future ambitions. Factors such as academic reputation, travel time, extracurricular opportunities, pastoral care and admissions criteria all play an important role in the decision-making process.
Among the most popular choices are Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet, renowned for its exceptional academic results; Henrietta Barnett School, widely recognised for its outstanding education for girls; The Latymer School, valued for its strong academic performance and broad extracurricular programme; and St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School, which combines excellent results with a supportive Catholic ethos. Many families also consider Dame Alice Owen’s School because of its outstanding reputation and partially selective admissions process.
As competition for places is extremely high, many parents apply to several schools rather than relying on a single option. Researching admissions policies, attending open events and preparing early for the 11+ can help families make informed choices and improve their child’s chances of securing a place at their preferred school.
North London Grammar School Comparison Table
Admissions overview
Admissions to North London grammar schools are highly competitive, with most schools selecting pupils based on their performance in the 11+ entrance examination. While the exact process varies, families typically need to register directly with each school, complete the required entrance assessments and submit their secondary school preferences through their local authority by the national application deadline.
The admissions process generally follows these stages:
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Registration Opens | Parents register their child for each school’s 11+ entrance exam, usually during Year 5. |
| 11+ Entrance Examination | Children sit assessments in subjects such as Maths and English, with some schools using school-specific papers. |
| Results & Shortlisting | Schools release exam results and, where applicable, invite the highest-scoring candidates to the next stage. |
| Secondary School Application | Parents submit their preferred schools through their local authority by the national October deadline. |
| National Offer Day | Successful applicants receive their secondary school offers in early March. |
Because every grammar school has its own admissions policy, families should check registration dates, eligibility requirements and assessment formats for each school they plan to apply to. Starting preparations early and keeping track of key deadlines can help ensure a smooth application process.
Exam provider, PAN and application dates
The table below compares the key admissions details for some of the most popular selective schools in North London. As admissions arrangements can change each year, parents should always check each school’s official admissions guidance for the latest information before applying.
| School | Exam Provider | Published Admission Number (PAN) | Registration Period | 11+ Exam |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet | School-specific | Around 192 | Spring–Summer (Year 5) | Autumn (Year 6) |
| Henrietta Barnett School | School-specific | Around 93 | Spring–Summer (Year 5) | Autumn (Year 6) |
| The Latymer School | School-specific | Around 192 | Spring–Summer (Year 5) | Autumn (Year 6) |
| St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School | School-specific | Around 128 | Spring–Summer (Year 5) | Autumn (Year 6) |
| Dame Alice Owen’s School (Partially Selective) | School-specific | Around 200 total intake (including selective places) | Spring–Summer (Year 5) | Autumn (Year 6) |
Application timelines are broadly similar across North London. Registration for the 11+ usually opens during Year 5, entrance exams take place in the autumn of Year 6, and parents submit their secondary school preferences through their local authority by the national deadline at the end of October. School offers are then released on National Offer Day in early March.
How to Prepare for North London Grammar School Entry
When should children start preparing?
The ideal time to start preparing for North London grammar school admissions is Year 4 or the beginning of Year 5. Starting early allows children to build strong foundations in Maths and English before introducing timed 11+ practice. Rather than focusing on memorising questions, the goal should be to develop problem-solving skills, reasoning and confidence that can be applied across different exam formats.
As the 11+ approaches, preparation can gradually become more structured. During Year 5, many families begin using practice papers, mock exams and targeted revision to help children become familiar with exam conditions and identify areas for improvement. This balanced approach helps reduce pressure while giving children enough time to strengthen weaker topics before the entrance exams in Year 6.
Every child progresses at a different pace, so the best preparation plan depends on their current ability and confidence. Consistent weekly practice, high-quality learning resources and regular feedback are generally more effective than intensive last-minute revision, particularly for highly competitive schools such as Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet, Henrietta Barnett School and The Latymer School.
Maths, English and Reasoning revision
A successful North London grammar school application requires more than simply completing practice papers. Children should build a strong understanding of the core skills tested in the 11+, including Maths, English and, where required, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Developing these skills gradually helps children tackle unfamiliar questions with confidence rather than relying on memorisation.
For Maths, focus on arithmetic, fractions, percentages, ratios, geometry, problem-solving and multi-step reasoning. In English, regular reading, vocabulary building, comprehension practice, spelling, punctuation and creative writing all play an important role. Where schools assess reasoning, children should also practise identifying patterns, solving logic problems and interpreting verbal relationships under timed conditions.
The most effective revision combines topic-based learning with regular exam practice. As confidence grows, introduce timed questions and full-length mock exams to improve speed, accuracy and exam technique. Reviewing mistakes and strengthening weaker areas after each practice session is one of the best ways to build long-term confidence and maximise performance in the highly competitive North London 11+ admissions process.
Recommended practice papers and mock exams
Using a combination of practice papers and mock exams is one of the most effective ways to prepare for North London grammar school admissions. Topic-based practice papers help children strengthen individual skills in Maths, English and reasoning, while full-length mock exams recreate the pressure of the real 11+ by testing speed, accuracy and exam technique under timed conditions.
Children should begin with untimed practice to build confidence before progressing to timed papers as the exam approaches. Mock exams are particularly valuable because they expose pupils to unfamiliar questions, highlight knowledge gaps and help them become comfortable managing exam pressure. Reviewing mistakes after each paper is just as important as completing the questions themselves, allowing children to improve weaker areas before test day.
For the best results, combine high-quality practice papers with a structured revision plan and regular feedback. This balanced approach develops the understanding and problem-solving skills needed to succeed in the highly competitive entrance exams for North London’s leading grammar schools.
Grammar Schools vs Comprehensive Schools in North London
Which option is right for your child?
Choosing between a grammar school and a comprehensive school depends on your child’s academic ability, learning style and personal preferences. Grammar schools offer a fast-paced, academically selective environment that suits children who enjoy challenging lessons and perform well in entrance exams. Comprehensive schools, on the other hand, admit pupils of all abilities and often provide a broader range of academic, vocational and extracurricular opportunities.
For children who are confident in Maths, English and problem-solving, preparing for the 11+ can open the door to some of the highest-performing state schools in the country. However, grammar schools are highly competitive, and success requires consistent preparation, resilience and a willingness to work in a demanding academic environment.
Ultimately, the best school is one where your child will be happy, supported and able to thrive. Parents should consider factors such as teaching quality, pastoral care, travel time, extracurricular activities and the overall school culture alongside academic performance. Visiting open days and speaking to current pupils and staff can help you decide which option is the best fit for your child’s strengths and long-term goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many grammar schools are there in North London?
North London has a small number of fully selective grammar schools, with the best-known including Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet, Henrietta Barnett School, The Latymer School, and St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School. There are also several partially selective schools in the region. Because selective schools are limited, competition for places is extremely high, with many children sitting the 11+ each year for relatively few available places.
Which is the best grammar school in North London?
There is no single “best” grammar school in North London, as the right choice depends on your child’s strengths, location and preferred learning environment. However, Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet is consistently ranked among the highest-performing state schools in the UK, while Henrietta Barnett School, The Latymer School and St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School also achieve excellent GCSE and A-Level results and are highly competitive.
Are grammar schools in North London free?
Yes. Grammar schools in North London are state-funded schools, so there are no tuition fees. Admission is based on academic ability, with pupils usually required to pass an 11+ entrance examination. Parents may still need to budget for costs such as uniforms, transport, school trips and optional extracurricular activities.
What score do you need for Queen Elizabeth’s School?
Queen Elizabeth’s School does not publish a fixed pass mark because the required score varies each year depending on the number of applicants and overall performance. Instead, places are offered to the highest-scoring candidates who meet the school’s admissions criteria. As one of the UK’s most competitive grammar schools, children typically need to perform exceptionally well across the entrance assessment.
Which grammar schools are in Barnet?
Barnet is home to several of North London’s best-known selective schools, including Queen Elizabeth’s School, Henrietta Barnett School, The Latymer School (located in nearby Enfield) and St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School. Many families also consider other selective and partially selective schools in neighbouring boroughs when applying through the 11+ process.
When do North London grammar school applications open?
Registration for most North London grammar school entrance exams usually opens during the spring or summer of Year 5, although exact dates vary by school. Entrance tests are generally held in the autumn term of Year 6, with school applications submitted through your local authority by the national secondary school application deadline. Parents should always check each school’s admissions website for the latest registration windows and key dates.
