The UK’s highest-achieving primary and secondary schools are revealed in the 33rd edition of The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026.
Widely acknowledged as the most authoritative survey of the country’s top schools, the guide was published online at 7am on Friday, December 5 and available in print in a 28-page supplement on Sunday, December 7.
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.
Eight out of 10 of the best high schools in Scotland are from Glasgow or the adjoining council areas (East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, etc) - making it an impressive academic year for students from the West of Scotland.
The guide includes a fully searchable national database of more than 2,000 schools by name, local authority, town and postcode. As well as an assessment of academic results on a school-by-school basis, Parent Power enables parents to compare the performance of a given school with other schools in the same area, local authority or nationally.
Helen Davies, editor of The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide, said: “The educational landscape is testing – budget challenges, rising student mental health issues, special educational needs and an increasingly uncertain future. 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.
“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.”
You can read the The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026 in full by clicking here.
1. Jordanhill School
Jordanhill came out in top place again in The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide. They were recognised as Scottish State Secondary School of the Year for Academic Excellence 2026. The school receives funding from the Scottish Government, and has been at the top of the academic results chart in Scotland for eight years now. Photo: Google Maps
2. Mearns Castle High School
Mearns Castle over in East Renfrewshire is second on The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026 list, they came in third place last year. | Google
3. Woodfarm High School
Woodfarm High School in Thornliebank came in third place, up from sixth in 2024. | Google
4. St Ninian's High School
St. Ninian's High School in Giffnock came in fourth, up from fifth in 2024. | Google