Wembley may be best known for its iconic stadium, but the London borough of Brent is now gaining recognition as England’s ‘cleverest’ area. With over five out of six schoolchildren—84%—progressing to university, Brent leads the nation in higher education enrollment among local authority-maintained school students from 2015/16 to 2020/21.
Out of 7,272 students completing secondary education in Brent, the vast majority pursued degree-level study, marking the highest transition rate anywhere in England. This achievement underscores Brent’s reputation as the country’s brightest borough.
Brent’s remarkable diversity is notable, too. Only 43.9% of its residents were born in the UK—the lowest figure among all local authorities—reflecting its status as the most ethnically diverse area in the country. The borough also has the highest proportion of Irish residents nationwide and vibrant Indian, Brazilian, and Afro-Caribbean communities. Well-known alumni from Brent schools include George Michael, David Baddiel, and Twiggy.
READ MORE: Glastonbury Festival Weather Forecast: Met Office Predicts Possible Heatwave and Unsettled Conditions
Close contenders include the London boroughs of Redbridge and Ealing, each boasting an 83% university attendance rate. Harrow and Kensington & Chelsea follow closely at 82%, with Barnet, Merton, Sutton, and Southwark each at 80%. Outside London, Rutland leads with 78%, Buckinghamshire at 77%, and Reading and Buckinghamshire again at 74%. In northern England, Trafford and Manchester have the highest proportions, at 73% and 72% respectively.
On the other end of the spectrum, Knowsley has the lowest rate, with just 40% of pupils advancing to university after secondary education. Swindon recorded 42%, Hartlepool 44%, and Portsmouth and Barnsley both at 46%.
Discover how your area stacks up with our detailed interactive map.