Hardenhuish in Chippenham and St John’s in Marlborough are among the top state schools in the country, according to glossy magazine Tatler.

Best known for its well-heeled readership and coverage of high society parties, Tatler traditionally publishes an annual guide to the top public schools.

Last year, for the first time, it also published a guide to the best state schools, saying private ones were becoming too expensive.

This year, it has collated a list of the 34 most desirable state schools across the UK, broken down into 22 secondaries and 12 primaries.

Its research found “superb heads, stupendously dedicated teachers, articulate, smartly turned-out pupils, top-notch academic results, sensational facilities.”

It claims paying for an education “doesn’t always mean value” and often the right school “isn’t the most expensive one.” The “smuggest mummies” are not those at the gates of top independent schools but those with a place at the best state primaries, the magazine tells its readers.

No primaries in Wiltshire made the grade, but two secondaries were included. St John’s Academy featured for the second time, while Hardenhuish was a new addition this year. Neither is selective.

Hardenhuish, also an academy, was rated Good in all areas by Ofsted in May 2013. Headteacher Jan Hatherell said: “We are obviously delighted. We feel that it is a reward which reflects our personalised curriculum, outstanding pastoral care and academic achievements.”

St John’s was rated Outstanding across the board in May 2014.

Headteacher Dr Patrick Hazlewood said: “After receiving an outstanding judgement in 2014 it is very pleasing to be recognised for a second year running. This reflects the all-round depth of what a high quality education provides and for Marlborough to have a public school and a state-funded academy in this category is something we can all be proud of.”