Top 20 A Level Schools in London

London offers one of the widest choices of A Level providers anywhere in the world, from selective grammar schools and independent schools to comprehensive sixth forms and specialist sixth form colleges. This guide focuses on strong A Level pathways and naturally excludes IB-only or American-only schools, even where they are highly regarded.

How this list is ranked (and what “A Level results data” really means)

Key datapoints families typically compare:

• A*/A and A*/A/B rates at A Level over multiple years
• Progress (value-added) scores where available (e.g. ALPS, Ofsted/ISI commentary)
• Subject breadth and timetable flexibility (especially for niche subjects)
• University destinations (including Russell Group/Oxbridge success where relevant)
• Ofsted/ISI inspection outcomes and sixth form-specific commentary

Beyond data, many families look at culture, wellbeing support, and whether the sixth form is a good “fit” for their child.

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The Top 20 (London)

Below are 20 types of A Level routes and providers that London families typically shortlist.

1. Top-performing state grammar schools with sixth forms in Greater London – Often extremely competitive to enter; offer very strong A Level outcomes and university placements.
2. Selective independent day schools in central and west London – Well-known names with high A*/A rates and strong Oxbridge/Russell Group pathways.
3. High-performing comprehensive school sixth forms – Co-educational environments with good value-added performance and strong support.
4. Specialist sixth form colleges (e.g. in central and north London) – Focused on A Level teaching with a broad subject offer and exam-focused culture.
5. Colleges with strong STEM A Level provision – Ideal for budding engineers and medics; look for Further Maths, triple Sciences, and strong lab facilities.
6. Colleges with strong humanities and social sciences A Level provision – Prioritise schools with strong History, Politics, Economics, and English teaching.
7. Girls’ schools with strong A Level outcomes – Historically, many girls’ schools in London show particularly high A*/A rates.
8. Boys’ schools with mixed or single-sex sixth forms – Often strong in Maths, Further Maths, and Physics; confirm co-ed status for sixth form.
9. Faith-based schools with strong sixth forms – May offer a close-knit community alongside solid A Level results.
10. Schools offering A Levels plus vocational options (e.g. BTECs alongside) – Useful for students combining academic and applied learning.
11. Schools known for strong support with Oxbridge/medicine applications – Look for dedicated Oxbridge/medic programmes and alumni track records.
12. Schools with strong creative arts A Level departments – Important for students targeting architecture, design, film, or performing arts.
13. Schools with strong modern languages A Level offer – Relevant for students targeting European universities or language-heavy degrees.
14. Sixth form colleges with evening or flexible A Level provision – Helpful for students combining A Levels with work or other commitments.
15. Colleges that explicitly publish detailed A Level statistics and progression data – Transparency is an excellent quality signal.
16. Schools with robust EAL support for international A Level students – Important for new arrivals who need extra language support.
17. Schools with strong pastoral and wellbeing provision in sixth form – Stress management and mental health support can make a big difference in A Level years.
18. Schools offering resit or intensive one-year A Level options – For students needing to improve grades quickly.
19. Private A Level colleges in central London focused on exam performance – Often small-group or tutorial-style teaching with high contact hours.
20. Online British A Level providers serving London students – Cambridge/Edexcel syllabuses taught online, with local London exam centres for private candidates.

What to do next (quick checklist)

• Shortlist a mix of schools and colleges and attend open days or taster lessons where possible.
• Compare A Level statistics, subject choice, and university destinations, not just headline reputations.
• Check how each provider supports study skills, mock exams, predicted grades, and UCAS applications.

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