The UK’s highest-achieving schools are revealed in the 32nd edition of The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2025. Widely acknowledged as the most authoritative survey of the country’s top schools, the guide will be published online at 7am on Friday, December 6 and available in print in a 28-page supplement on Sunday, December 8.
Recognised as the definitive ranking of the UK’s top state and independent schools, this guide remains an essential resource for parents seeking the very best in education for their children.
4 out of 10 of the top 10 schools in Scotland are from East Renfrewshire, such is the prestigious nature of schools in the constituency.
The guide includes a fully searchable national database of over 2,000 schools by name, local authority, town and postcode. As well as an assessment of all 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 town, local authority or nationally.
Helen Davies, Editor of Parent Power, said: “The educational landscape is challenging – teacher shortages, rising student mental health issues and special educational needs and the Vat rise – but there is also so much to celebrate from the hard work of passionate and committed teachers who are finding ever more innovative and impactful ways to boost their students and give them the very best start in life.
“As well as celebrating the academic excellence of the top schools it is fantastic to see how they are shaping their students to be ready for the 21st century.”
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You can read the The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2025 in full by clicking here.
1. Mearns Castle High School
Mearns Castle High School in Newton Mearns is the highest ranked school in East Renfrewshire and 3rd in Scotland. 94% of its students attained five or more National 5's. | Google
2. St Ninian's High School
St Ninian's High School in Giffnock is the second highest ranked high school in East Renfrewshire and fifth in Scotland. 92% of pupils achieved 5 or more National 5's. | Google Maps
3. Woodfarm High School
Woodfarm High School is the third highest ranked high school in East Renfrewshire and sixth in Scotland. 93% of students achieved 5 or more National 5's. | Google
4. Williamwood High School
Williamwood High School is the fourth highest ranked high school in East Renfrewshire and and seventh in Scotland. 91% of students achieved 5 or more National 5's. | Google