Scotland’s highest-achieving primary and secondary schools have been revealed in the 33rd edition of The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026 - with nine of the best awarded accolades.
Recognised as the definitive ranking of the UK’s top primary and secondary state and independent schools, the guide aims to be an essential resource for parents seeking the very best in education for their children.
The guide includes a fully searchable national database of more than 2,000 schools by name, local authority, town and postcode - along with an assessment of academic results on a school-by-school basis.
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.”
The guide is available online here and will be available in print in a 28-page supplement in the newspaper on Sunday, December 7.
Here are the nine Scottish secondary schools singled out by the report’s authors.
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9. St Leonards School
St Leonards School, in St Andrews, has been named Scottish Independent Secondary School of the Year for Academic Excellence - when it comes to A-levels and GCSEs results. Founded in 1877 as St Andrews School for Girls Company, it moved to the site formerly occupied by the University of St Andrews’ St Leonard's College in 1883, from which it took its new name. It has a roll of around 565 pupils across its primary and secondary classes. | Google Maps