Two Gloucestershire Schools Lead The Sunday Times Parent Power 2026 Rankings

Two schools in Gloucestershire have secured top positions in The Sunday Times Parent Power 2026 guide, highlighting their exceptional academic performance and commitment to education excellence.

Pate’s Grammar School in Cheltenham has been honored as the State Secondary School of the Year in the South West for Academic Excellence. Just a short distance away, Cheltenham Ladies’ College earned the title of Independent Secondary School of the Year in the region, showcasing the strength of Gloucestershire’s educational institutions.

Other Gloucestershire grammar schools also featured prominently in the rankings. Sir Thomas Rich’s School in Gloucester and Stroud High School made impressive showings among the top state secondary schools. Additionally, The Cotswold School in Bourton-on-the-Water and Balcarras School in Cheltenham were placed second and third respectively in the comprehensive schools category, both praised for their recent “outstanding” Ofsted inspections.

Widely regarded as the UK’s most authoritative school ranking, The Sunday Times Parent Power guide offers an indispensable resource for parents searching for the best educational options. It ranks thousands of primary and secondary schools across state and independent sectors, allowing comparisons locally and nationally.

Helen Davies, editor of The Sunday Times Parent Power, commented on the current educational landscape: “Despite challenges like budget constraints and mental health concerns, teachers continue to innovate and inspire. These leading schools exemplify academic excellence and prepare students for success in the 21st century, fostering a lifelong love of learning.”

The full rankings showcase a diverse array of schools across the South West, reflecting the region’s dedication to high-quality education from primary through secondary levels.