Selective grammar schools make up eight of the ten top performing schools across England and Wales, according to research by the Trinity Mirror newspaper group.
Data from 3,185 secondary schools in 15 different areas, who were all state-funded, was analysed by Trinity Mirror as part of its Real School Guide.
164 (4 per cent) of those schools are grammar schools, where students are selected based on their performance in the 11-plus examination which they take in their final year at primary school.
Each school was analysed in 25 categories, which included looking at attendance, grades, pupil improvements and teaching quality.
The top-performing school was Pate’s Grammar School in Cheltenham, Gloucester, followed by Langley Grammar School.
The findings did not come as much of a surprise to Trinity Mirror data journalist, Claire Miller, who said: “If you are selective you can select pupils who will do better, although a lot of these schools do also add value. Selective schools tend to have better attendance and more of their pupils stay in education after their GCSEs.”
Grammar schools have come under criticism from some, with opponents arguing that every child should receive an equal education. However, supporters have highlighted it can provide poorer students with a strong education on the same level as private schools, which they would be unable to attend due to costs.
The research also found that only 2.4 per cent of students became NEETs (Not in Education, Employment or Training), as 88.3 per cent remained in education after completing their GCSEs.