It follows a special academic curriculum
It may only be December but it’s never too early to start thinking about school applications. Thankfully, a handy new list has named all of London’s best schools for 2026 as part of a prestigious awards.
The Times found that secondary schools recorded the biggest year-on-year surge in performance. They rose an average of 9.4 places in the 2026 Sunday Times Parent Power league table – far more than private schools.
And Queen Elizabeth School in Barnet was awarded the respectable title of State Secondary School of the Year. The high-achieving school is known for producing astounding exam results.
Last year, more than 64 per cent of examinations taken at the School were awarded the highest possible grade, level nine. Around 95 per cent of pupils were awarded grades between levels seven and nine.
Students at Queen Elizabeth School, Barnet, study a wide range of subjects. All pupils study English, maths, science, humanities and a modern foreign language in Years 10 and 11. Many other students also chose to study economics, Latin, arts and technology.
Despite this, students are still offered lots of support alongside this academically rigorous programme. A 2022 Ofsted report of the school said: [Staff make sure the highly academic environment of the school is also a nurturing one. Leaders strive to develop pupils into confident, able and responsible young people.”
Full list of best London secondary schools
State Secondary School of the Year: Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet
State Secondary School of the Year for Academic Excellence: Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet
Comprehensive School of the Year in London: West London Free School
Independent Secondary School of the Year: North London Collegiate School
Independent Secondary School of the Year for Academic Excellence: St Paul’s School
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