Key Takeaways:
- State schools have recorded the biggest year-on-year surge in performance, rising an average of 9.4 places in the 2026 Sunday Times Parent Power league table.
- London schools dominate the rankings for the fourth consecutive year, taking eight of the top ten places.
- Girls’ schools have slipped down the combined rankings (-2.4 places) while boys’ schools jumped an average of 17 places.
- East Anglia posted the biggest regional improvement, with schools leaping an average of 15 places.
- Private schools still make up 78 of the top 100 despite sharp gains by state schools.
- The highest riser is St Dominic’s Grammar School, Belfast, jumping from 616 to break into the top 150, placing 145th.
Introduction to the Parent Power League Table
The 2026 Sunday Times Parent Power league table has been released, and it shows a significant surge in performance by state schools. On average, state schools have risen 9.4 places in the rankings, outpacing private schools. This is a notable improvement, and it highlights the efforts of state schools to provide high-quality education to their students. The league table is based on exam results, and it provides a comprehensive overview of the best secondary schools in the UK.
Regional Performance
London schools continue to dominate the rankings, taking eight of the top ten places. The region’s schools have a strong reputation for academic excellence, and they offer a wide range of extracurricular activities and opportunities for students. The southeast region is also performing well, with schools such as Brighton College and Guildford High School achieving high rankings. East Anglia has seen the biggest regional improvement, with schools leaping an average of 15 places. This is a significant achievement, and it reflects the hard work and dedication of teachers and students in the region.
School Winners
Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet, has been named State Secondary School of the Year, State Secondary School of the Year for Academic Excellence, and State Secondary School of the Year in London. The school’s head teacher, Neil Enright, attributes the school’s success to its focus on delivering a mission statement that produces confident, able, and responsible young men. St Paul’s School has been named Independent Secondary School of the Year for Academic Excellence, and North London Collegiate School has been named Independent Secondary School of the Year. These schools have achieved high rankings due to their strong academic performance and commitment to providing a well-rounded education.
Regional Breakdown
The Parent Power league table provides a regional breakdown of the best schools in the UK. In London, West London Free School has been named Comprehensive School of the Year, while St Paul’s School has been named Independent Secondary School of the Year for Academic Excellence. In the southeast, Brighton College has been named Independent Secondary School of the Year for Academic Excellence, while Dame Alice Owen’s School has been named Comprehensive School of the Year. East Anglia has seen significant improvement, with Colchester Royal Grammar School being named State Secondary School of the Year for Academic Excellence.
Conclusion
The 2026 Sunday Times Parent Power league table provides a comprehensive overview of the best secondary schools in the UK. State schools have made significant gains, with an average rise of 9.4 places in the rankings. London schools continue to dominate, but other regions such as East Anglia and the southeast are also performing well. The league table highlights the importance of academic excellence, extracurricular activities, and community involvement in providing a well-rounded education. Parents and students can use the league table to make informed decisions about which schools to attend, and it provides a valuable resource for anyone interested in education.
Methodology
The Parent Power league table is based on exam results, and it takes into account a range of factors, including GCSE and A-level grades, pupil-teacher ratios, and extracurricular activities. The league table is compiled by the Sunday Times, and it is widely recognized as one of the most authoritative and comprehensive guides to the best schools in the UK. The methodology used to compile the league table is transparent and robust, and it provides a fair and accurate assessment of the best schools in the country.
Future Prospects
The future of education in the UK looks bright, with many schools achieving high rankings and providing excellent opportunities for students. However, there are also challenges to be addressed, such as the attainment gap and the impact of the pandemic on education. Schools and policymakers must work together to address these challenges and ensure that all students have access to high-quality education. The Parent Power league table provides a valuable resource for anyone interested in education, and it highlights the importance of academic excellence, extracurricular activities, and community involvement in providing a well-rounded education.
