The Sunday Times has published its Parent Power Guide 2026, ranking more than 2,000 primary and secondary schools across the UK. The definitive guide went online today and will be available in print on Sunday.
Ripon Grammar School claimed the title of State Secondary School of the Year in the North and was named Yorkshire's best state secondary school. The school also received recognition for Academic Excellence, jumping from second place last year to first in the regional rankings and placing 71st nationally.
Tapton School in Sheffield was crowned Comprehensive School of the Year in the North 2026, topping the comprehensive secondary list. Queen Ethelburga's College in York led the independent secondary schools in the North, earning the Independent Secondary School of the Year award for Academic Excellence and ranking 21st nationally.
Carlton Junior and Infant School in Dewsbury received Primary School of the Year honors in the North, securing fourth place in the national primary school rankings.
Northern Ireland's top performers
Strathearn School in East Belfast was named State Secondary School of the Year in Northern Ireland for Academic Excellence, placing 31st nationally. Rathmore Grammar School in South Belfast earned the title of Secondary School of the Year in Northern Ireland, ranking 35th nationally.
St Dominic's Grammar School for Girls in Belfast came in 36th nationally, while Friends' School Lisburn secured joint 46th place. Our Lady and St Patrick's College in Knock, Belfast, placed 48th.
Searchable database and rankings
The guide includes a fully searchable national database allowing parents to compare schools by name, local authority, town, and postcode. The Sunday Times stated: «Recognised as the definitive ranking of the UK's top primary and secondary state and independent schools, this guide remains an essential resource for parents seeking the very best in education for their children.»
The rankings assess academic results on a school-by-school basis. Heckmondwike Grammar School, which topped the North state secondary list last year, dropped to second place with an 89th national ranking, swapping positions with Ripon Grammar.
Helen Davies, editor of The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide, acknowledged current challenges in the sector. «The educational landscape is testing – budget challenges, rising student mental health issues, special educational needs and an increasingly uncertain future,» she said in the guide.
However, Davies emphasized positive developments. «But there is also so much to celebrate from the dedication of teachers who are finding ever more innovative and impactful ways to enrich their students and give them the very best start in life,» she stated. «As well as celebrating the academic excellence of the top schools it is uplifting to see how they are shaping their students to be ready for the 21st century, and instilling a lifelong love of learning.»
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
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