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Secondary school no doubt marks a crucial stage in a child’s education, shaping future opportunities, and choosing the right school can be a daunting task for many parents.
According to The Telegraph’s latest rankings, based on a thorough analysis of nearly 3,500 state secondary schools across England, the best non-selective state school in London has been identified.
St Marylebone CofE School in Marylebone stands out in the capital and ranks second best non-selective school in the UK overall, placing 44th among all schools with a near perfect score of 39 out of 40.
The school’s impressive academic performance is highlighted by a GCSE 5+ rate of 33.1 percent, marking it as an exceptional choice among non-selective schools.
Founded in 1791, the school welcomes girls from Year 7 and admits boys in the sixth form. It offers specialisations in performing arts, general arts, maths, and computing, fostering a rich environment for academic and creative development.
What adds to the school’s prestige is the list of notable alumni who have gone on to achieve significant success in their fields. Among them are actress Naomie Harris, recognised for her roles in major films including her iconic character as Moneypenny in the James Bond series, singer Rina Sawayama and the sensational Amelia Dimoldenberg, famous for her show ‘Chicken Shop Dates.’
While the majority of top-ranked schools tend to be selective grammar schools, St Marylebone proves that non-selective state schools can deliver outstanding results and contribute significantly to the personal and academic growth of its students.
The school’s performance is assessed not only on GCSE results but also factors such as average class size, truancy rates, and pupil destinations after completing their education, showcasing a well-rounded educational environment.
Although St Marylebone is the best non-selective school in London, the top non-selective school in all of England is High Storrs School in Sheffield, which holds a 5+ rate of 50.2 percent and a perfect score in the overall national ranking.
Applications for secondary schools typically open from early September through the end of October, with places often influenced by local council catchment areas. Admission to selective schools requires passing entrance exams, but for non-selective schools like St Marylebone, places are available without such academic entry tests.