Former Good Schools Guide writer and education adviser, Suzie Oweiss, gives her verdict...
In no particular order, here are the best top state schools in Surrey, SW London & Berkshire that set parents’ hearts racing.
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Coombe Girls' School
A mainstream state school for girls aged from 11 to 18 located in New Malden
Incredibly over-subscribed with around 900 applicants for 210 places in Year 7 with very little movement in other years. Located in a residential area with plenty of greenery, this national teaching school was converted into an academy in 2012.
Headteacher, Mrs Walls has worked hard at making the school one of the top in SW London. Instilling confidence in girls is one of the key elements. Academically, the school excels as it does in sport and the arts. In 2016, 88% of students achieved 5 GCSEs at A*-C, including English & maths. At A levels, 75% achieved A*-C with many going to top universities.
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The Grey Coat Hospital School
A mainstream state school (academy) for girls aged from 11 to 18 located in SW London
The school is a specialist language school offering German, Spanish, French and Latin as well as extra-curricular Mandarin and Japanese. Over-subscribed with over 1000 families competing for 151 places, weekly attendance at church for at least 5 years is required unless you can grab one of the few language places.
In 2016, 83% of students gained 5 or more A*-C at GCSE incl English and maths. At A level, 64% achieved A*-B with 37% of them A*-A. Girls learn a lot about different cultures and are made to feel very much part of a community. Great SEN provision, and art, design and sports facilities.
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3
Richard Challoner School
A mainstream state school (academy) for boys aged from 11 to 18 and girls from 16 to 18 in New Malden
Over-subscribed with four applicants for each place (150 into year 7). Incredibly wide range of subjects on offer to very enthusiastic boys. The school caters perfectly to the highly talented as well as those needing learning support. Super SEN provision.
Very strong in science, technology and sports-related subjects. In 2016, 82% of pupils achieved five A*-C in GCSEs including maths and English and at A levels, 25% of exam grades were A*-A, with 66 of A levels awarded A*/A and 56% of pupils achieving A*-B. Most go on to university – some to Oxbridge and others to Russell Group universities.
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4
Furze Platt Senior School
A mainstream state school for pupils aged from 11 to 18 in Maidenhead
As a specialist mathematics and computing school, Furze Platt is recognised for its strength in maths and IT.
The school draws pupils not only from Maidenhead but from right across Berkshire and Buckinghamshire. In 2016, 74% of A level grades were A*-C, while at GCSE 76% of pupils scored five A*-Cs including English and maths.
Furze Platt students benefit from a strong careers education scheme and excellent links with universities across the country. Many progress to Oxbridge or to one of the elite universities of the Russell Group.
The school is also a high achiever in sport – not only locally, but also on a national scale.
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5
Cheam High School
A mainstream state school for pupils aged from 11 to 18 in Cheam, Sutton
Deemed outstanding by Ofsted, the school has some impressive amenities such as 13 science laboratories and a large sports hall as well as tennis and netball courts and excellent audiovisual provision and conferencing facilities.
In 2016, 40% of entrants received A-A* at A levels and in GCSE, 74% achieved A-C in subjects including maths and English.
Admissions arrangements are listed on the school website which notes that, for example, up to 10 children are admitted with an aptitude in tennis. The school known amongst most parents as one which instils confidence in its pupils, good UCAS and uni preparation.
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6
George abbot School
Woodruff Avenue, Guildford, Surrey , Guildford, GU1 1XXA mainstream state school (academy) for pupils aged from 11 to 18, located in Guildford
A school classed as outstanding by Ofsted, for reasons which are readily apparent.
There are 10 forms in each year, yet every student receives the abundant attention that he or she deserves. Great provision for learning support and any kind of disability.
In 2016, 60% of A level students received A*/B, while at GCSE 78% achieved A*-C and 30% A*/A.
Oversubscribed, the school offers places only to those living well within the catchment area.
Languages, music and sport are accorded great importance and figure prominently in students’ achievements. Strong university entry and very good application support in place.
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7
Waldegrave School
A mainstream state school for girls aged from 11 to 18in Twickenham, Richmond upon Thames
Waldegrave was appointed as one of the first 100 Teaching Schools in the country in 2011. It was converted to an academy 2012 and opened a co-educational sixth form in 2014.
Known for its very approachable head and excellent teachers, students thrive in science subjects. In 2016, 85% of students achieved more than 5 A*-C grades including maths and English at GCSE and 51% of grades were A*/A.
The first set of A level results this year saw 75% of grades at A*-B. Students have secured very good offers from Oxbridge and other Russell Group universities.
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8
Graveney School
A mainstream state school for pupils aged from 11 to 19 in Wandsworth
Rated outstanding by Ofsted for the fifth time, more than 2000 applicants sit the Wandsworth Test for one of the 70 places awarded on ability (280 places in total). For entry on distance grounds, you need to live within 5 mins walk.
84% of pupils reach the benchmark of 5 A*-C GCSE passes including English and Maths in 2016. At A level, almost 33% of all grades were at A* or A. Last year’s English Baccalaureate results placed the school in the Top 100 (non-grammar) state-funded schools in the UK. Strong emphasis on languages and arts, most go to top unis with a significant number to art & music courses.
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9
Desborough College
A mainstream state school for boys aged from 11 to 18 and girls in the sixth form, in Maidenhead
Founded as a boys’ grammar school over 100 years ago, Desborough has moved with the times while retaining its ethos and traditions. It runs a successful house system and became an academy in 2012.
Exam grades have been consistently good. 2016 saw 61% of pupils attaining five A*-C at GCSE including English and maths. A level results included an array of A*/As.
Students are diligent, confident and happy. Studies aside, the school does very well in sport, with football, rugby, hockey and cricket on offer and teams competing against other schools. Extra-curricular activities include golf, chess, jazz and dance.
Students frequently secure places at top universities and are well prepared for higher education.
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10
The Holy Cross School
A mainstream state school for girls aged from 11 to 18 in New Malden
A Catholic school catering for mainly Catholic families but if applying mid-year, we are told a small number of non-Catholics may be lucky.
An academic school with excellent pastoral care, sense of community and support for all. Students excel in maths, history, English and science (the school has specialist status in science).
In 2016, 85% achieved 5 A*-C grades at GCSE including English and maths. At A level, 24% got A*-A grades with 54% A*-B. BTEC is also quite popular in a variety of subjects. Most go on to prestigious universities and some to higher education specialist courses.
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11
The London Oratory School
A mainstream state school for boys aged from 7 to 18 and for girls aged 16 to 18 in Fulham
Founded in 1863, the school is one of England’s oldest state-funded Catholic schools. Academically excellent - in 2016, at GCSE, 87% got 5+ A*-C grades including maths and English.
Think of a subject and the school will cater for it – even if it is not on offer, provisions will be made. Around 30 new entrants join the accelerated group of learners and five out of six form groups learn Latin until the end of the third form.
Very sporty school, especially in rugby and rowing. All sixth formers, other than those taking Theology at A level or AS level, follow a general religious education programme in the sixth form.
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12
Hinchley Wood School
A mainstream state school (academy) for pupils aged from 11 to 18
In 2016, 82% of pupils achieved five or more A*-Cs (incl maths and English) at GCSE, with 64% A*/B and 35% of grades A* or A. At A level, 80% received A*-C and 28% A*/A.
The school was judged outstanding in 2011 – and parents and students certainly seem to agree. Academic study is taken very seriously, with every student receiving the required level of individual support. Great SEN* and literacy support provision in place.
Fantastic facilities include an AstroTurf pitch that hosts Fulham Soccer Schools during the holidays. Dance companies teach ballet, jazz and modern dance classes all year round. Very good UCAS support, with most students going on to top universities.
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13
Cox Green School
A mainstream state school for pupils aged from 11 to 18 in Maidenhead
In 2016, 75% of Cox Green students attained grades A*-C at A level. Moreover, a significant number achieved A*/A and secured places at the top universities, including St George’s, London to read medicine, as well as Warwick and Bath.
At GCSE, 88% of students achieved five A*-C grades, while 75% did so with English and maths.
With good learning support, the school assists students to explore potential degrees, courses and careers. ‘More Able’ provision is also in place for those with particular gifts.
Cox Green has strong links with large companies such as British Airways, O2 and Network Rail, and is thus able to secure work placements, experience and apprenticeships.
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14
Salesian School
A mainstream state Catholic school for pupils aged from 11 to 18, deemed outstanding by Ofsted in 2013; Chertsey
In 2016, 88% of pupils achieved five or more A*-Cs (incl maths and English) at GCSE, with 37% A*/A. At A level, 72% scored A*/B and 34% A*/A.
The school prides itself on being a strong community, where parents and students enjoy a sense of belonging.
Sport and drama flourish and there is great SEN provision: The Cullum Centre, built in partnership with Surrey County Council and the National Autistic Society, provides educational opportunities for up to 20 young people with autism.
Pupils go on to a range of unis including Oxbridge, Imperial, Liverpool and Bristol.
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15
Holyport College
A mainstream state day and boarding school for pupils aged from 11 to 19 in Holyport
One of the new ‘free schools’, this is an all-ability, state-funded co-educational school which opened in September 2014. Entry is in both Years 7 and 9; and, from 2017 – when the first cohort of Year 9 pupils reach Year 12 – Holyport will include a sixth form.
Eton College, the school’s sole sponsor, has supported Holyport and helped to shape it prior to opening by taking a leading role on the governing body. Now, Holyport pupils are able to use some of Eton’s facilities, particularly for sport. They can also join in educational activities, attending evening speaker meetings and working on specific initiatives to benefit pupils from both colleges.
Incredibly oversubscribed, but well worth considering.
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16
The Lady Margaret School
A mainstream state school for pupils aged from 4 to 18 in Streatham
Very successful school that features in the Top 100 non-academically selective schools in the UK for students attaining the English Baccalaureate. In 2016, 84% of girls attained 5A*-C at GCSE including English and maths.
At A-Level, 68% of grades were A*-B. Highly over-subscribed with 600+ applicants for 120 places. 67 foundation places reserved for girls who attend Church of England services; 53 for other applicants of any or no religion. English and maths tests divide applicants into three ability bands. Emphasis on academia (specialist status in maths and ICT) as well as art and sports.
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17
Dunraven School
A mainstream state school for pupils aged from 11 to 18 in Streatham
A good example of a state-funded school which gets it right. Expectations are high and results reflect that. At A levels, 32% A*-A grades with 85% A*-C. An array of academic subjects on offer as well as sports (from badminton to football, fencing, ice-skating, cricket and basketball), arts, drama and photography. Pupils are immaculate and very polite.
Teachers engaging and welcoming – strict yet fair. Very good SEN provision, extra-curricular programmes and after school care. Most students opt for higher education with offers from the usual crème de la crème of universities.
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18
Heathside School
A mainstream state school for pupils aged from 11 to 18, located in Weybridge
Previously outstanding, the school was rated good in its latest Ofsted.
In 2016, 81% of pupils achieved five or more A*- C at GCSE (incl maths and English), with 32% A*/A. At A level, 60% scored A*/B.
Key strengths include languages, technology, science, drama and art, while sport also plays a big role. The school is currently undergoing a degree of refurbishment.
Very happy students and parents – no one even contemplates sending their next child elsewhere.
Some pupils leave after GCSE to attend local colleges; others go on to a good range of unis, including Oxbridge.
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Charters School
A mainstream state school for pupils aged from 11 to 18 in Sunningdale, Ascot
Unusually, Charters – an academy since 2012 – has two headteachers. The result is a school deemed outstanding by Ofsted – and a glance at the teaching, the students and their results reveal why.
In 2016, almost 58.3% of A level grades were A*-B. At GCSEs, 78% of pupils achieved five or more A*-C grades including English and maths.
Traditional academic subjects play a big role here, but the school also facilitates BTECs and NVQ courses.
Understandably, Charters is oversubscribed, with 500 applicants for 240 places per year. Well worth trying for though. Pupils go on to top universities, including Oxbridge, while a few leave for apprenticeships or foundation courses.
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Esher High School (Church of England)
A mainstream state school (academy) for pupils aged from 11 to 16, KT10 8AP
Very good school in the heart of Esher, although it did drop from outstanding to good after its latest Ofsted report. It’s a shame it only takes students up to 16; most go on to nearby colleges for A level.
In 2016, over 62% of all grades were A*- C (incl English and maths). Additionally, 32.5% of students achieved the EBacc.
In 2013, with a new sports centre already in place, a £9m capital investment programme resulted in a new science block with nine labs and a lecture theatre, as well as an impressive Learning Resources Centre.
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Newlands Girls' School
A mainstream state school for girls aged from 11 to 18 in Maidenhead
Latest exam results show that 92% of Newlands students achieved A*-C at A-Level, while 85% achieved A*-C at GCSE including English and maths.
The school rightly prides itself on nurturing confident, independent and happy girls. High expectations are rewarded with great results and places at the top universities.
The school runs a house system whereby girls are supported and encouraged to participate in many activities, compete at sport and take part in drama and other performing arts.
Admissions are all online but do pay a visit – whether you want learning support or a robust system to guide your daughter as a ‘more able and gifted’ student.
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Gordon's School
A mainstream state school for pupils from 11 to 18, listed as one of Britain’s outstanding schools by HM Chief Inspector; GU24 9PT
In the Woking school’s own words: ‘Founded on academic rigour, excellent pastoral care, ceremony and an enviable activity programme. We insist on hard work, exemplary behaviour and relentless courtesy, at all times.’
In 2016, 96.6% achieved five or more A*-C at GCSE (incl English and maths), with 45.5% A*/A. For A level: 47% A*/A, 79.4% A*/B.
The school is set up as a traditional boarding school with day pupils. Families tend to be affluent and living very close by – some say that you cannot be more than 600m away if you want a place. Each year sees 400 applicants for just over 100 places.
Strong school for high achievers and strong characters. Most end up in Russell Group universities.
Fun fact: Gordon’s School was established in 1885 at the behest of Queen Victoria as a memorial to Gordon of Khartoum, an officer of the Corps of Royal Engineers, who was killed in 1885. The reigning monarch of the United Kingdom has been the school's patron ever since
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Howard of Effingham
A mainstream state school (academy) for pupils aged from 11 to 18, located in Leatherhead
School deemed outstanding by Ofsted – and parents certainly seem to agree.
A level results for 2016: 57% achieved A*/B and 29% A*/A. In GCSE, 83% of pupils achieved A*-C in five or more subjects, with 41% A*/A.
Greatly sought-after school with parents moving close by to ensure that they are within the catchment area. Large school, but every student seems to be catered for. Emphasis on the academic, as well as sport (especially rugby) and art. A large number of clubs on offer.
The majority stay for A levels and go on to university, with around seven to nine pupils heading for Oxbridge for the past few years.
Greatly oversubscribed – and it’s not at all hard to see why.
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St John the Baptist Catholic Comprehensive School
St John the Baptist Catholic Comprehensive School Elmbridge Ln, Woking, GU22 9ALA mainstream state Roman Catholic school for pupils aged from 11 to 18, deemed outstanding by Ofsted in 2014; GU22 9AL
The Woking school was one of the first 100 designated Teaching Schools in the UK. Headteacher Ani Magill is a National Leader of Education, dedicated to supporting other schools as well as her own.
In 2016, at GCSE, 91% of students achieved five or more A*-C grades, with 47.2% A*/A. At A levels, 78% of all students received A*/B.
Owing to its excellence, the school is oversubscribed. Some say that the chance of entry for non-Catholics is small, but all may apply. Strengths include maths, science and technology, plus sport and art. University entry is mostly to the Russell Group.
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Windsor Girls' School
A mainstream state school for girls aged 13-18 in Windsor
While most Berkshire schools operate on a two-tier system, with pupils entering secondary school at age 11, Windsor & Maidenhead LEA uses the three-tier system – hence the 13+ entry.
Windsor Girls’ School (WGS) was founded in 1920 as an independent school. It later became a grammar and turned comprehensive in the 1970s, while retaining its grammar school feel – as evidenced by results.
WGS held Business & Enterprise specialist status and was rated outstanding by Ofsted in 2014. In 2016, 85.1% of GCSE students achieved five or more A*- Cs including English and maths. A level pass rate was 100% (66% A*-B), with most girls going on to top universities.
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