The UK has announced the top-performing grammar and comprehensive schools in a recently published league table. The rankings in the esteemed Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026 were determined by the exam performance in summer 2025. Grammar Queen Elizabeth’s School in Barnet claimed the top spot for all state schools after moving up a place. Dame Alice Owen’s School in Potters Bar was named the number one comprehensive school in the South East and across the UK.
Comprehensive schools admit students regardless of academic ability, while state schools like grammars can be selective in their admissions. Both types of schools are government-funded, following the national curriculum with no school fees for parents.
West London Free School secured the second spot for the best comprehensive school of the year. Schools in London dominated the top rankings, with half of the top 20 spots for comprehensives and 12 of the top-ranked state primary schools.
Thomas Jones Primary School in London saw a significant improvement, rising to claim the top spot among primary schools. Wilson’s School in Wallington was recognized as the best state school for GCSEs, and St Paul’s School in London topped the list as the best private school nationally.
Helen Davies, editor of The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide, highlighted the challenges in the educational sector but also praised the dedication of teachers in providing enriching educational experiences.
The rankings were based on the proportion of top grades achieved in GCSE and A-level exams compared to the total number of entries at each school. The guide also identifies the top state, comprehensive, and private schools in various regions across the UK.
In the North East, St Leonard’s RC School in Durham was named the top state secondary and comprehensive school. In the North, Ripon Grammar School in Ripon secured the top spot for state secondary schools. Altrincham Grammar School for Girls in Altrincham was recognized as the leading state secondary school in the North West.
These rankings aim to acknowledge schools excelling in academic performance and providing a quality education to their students across different regions in the UK.