The anticipated list comes as the UK’s highest-achieving secondary schools have been ranked by the first true set of post-pandemic examination results in the 31st edition of The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide.
The guide is widely acknowledged as the most authoritative survey of the country’s top schools.
The latest edition found conversations around mental health are now ingrained in the leading schools many offering mentoring systems, talks from motivational speakers and workshops offering study tips and techniques to help with stress and anxiety.
The guide also discovered good schools embed career advice into the curriculum and inspire pupils by inviting visiting speakers, from industry leaders to alumni.
Eltham College was named London’s Independent School of the Year 2024, joint with another school.
Helen Davies, Editor of Parent Power, said: “The educational landscape continues to be challenging across both the state and independent sectors, and this is the first true assessment of post-pandemic exam results.
“We believe these rankings – and all the additional information on offer in Parent Power – provide parents with a more reliable guide to academic achievement in schools today.
“The guide showcases academic excellence but also celebrates schools who may not be right at the top but are rising, innovating and helping pupils flourish.
“Being a teenager is hard enough, and the past few years since Covid have made life even harder.
“It is heartening to highlight the achievements of so many students and schools across the UK.
“This year Parent Power includes details on extracurricular clubs, wellbeing initiatives and school lunch menus – chicken katsu seems to be the dish of the day.”
Here are the south London winners:
Top state secondary (grammar and comprehensive) schools in London
Wilson’s School – Wallington, Sutton
St Olave’s Grammar School – Orpington
The Tiffin Girls’ School – Kingston
Tiffin School – Kingston
Newstead Wood School – Orpington
Sutton Grammar School – Sutton
Top comprehensive schools in London
The St Thomas the Apostle College – Nunhead
Grey Court School – Richmond
Orleans Par – Twickenham
Waldegrave School – Twickenham
Top independent schools in London
King’s College School (KCS) – Wimbledon
James Allen’s Girls’ School – Dulwich