Gloucestershire Schools Shine in The Sunday Times Parent Power 2026 Rankings

Two schools in Gloucestershire have achieved top honors in The Sunday Times Parent Power 2026 guide, which highlights excellence in education across the UK. Pate’s Grammar School in Cheltenham has been recognized as the State Secondary School of the Year in the South West for Academic Excellence. In addition, Cheltenham Ladies’ College has been named the Independent Secondary School of the Year in the same region, reinforcing the area’s reputation for high-quality education.

Highlighting Academic Excellence

Alongside Pate’s Grammar School, other notable institutions include Sir Thomas Rich’s School in Gloucester and Stroud High School in Stroud, both of which rank highly in the state secondary school category. The guide also celebrates The Cotswold School in Bourton-on-the-Water and Balcarras School in Cheltenham, which secured second and third positions respectively in the Top Comprehensive School list. Both schools have received ‘outstanding’ ratings from Ofsted this year, further validating their educational achievements.

Published online on December 5, 2025, The Sunday Times Parent Power guide is widely regarded as an authoritative survey of the UK’s leading schools. The print version will be available in a dedicated supplement on December 7, 2025.

A Comprehensive Resource for Parents

The Parent Power guide includes a searchable database of over 2,000 primary and secondary schools, providing parents with essential information to make informed choices about their children’s education. It offers detailed assessments of academic results, allowing comparisons between schools across the same area, local authority, or nationally.

Helen Davies, editor of The Sunday Times Parent Power, commented on the current educational landscape, stating, “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.”

Davies emphasized the importance of schools not only in achieving academic excellence but also in preparing students for the demands of the 21st century. “It is uplifting to see how they are shaping their students to be ready for the future, instilling a lifelong love of learning,” she added.

The rankings reflect a significant achievement for Gloucestershire schools, underscoring their commitment to academic excellence and the holistic development of their students. As parents seek the best educational opportunities for their children, guides like The Sunday Times Parent Power provide critical insights and valuable comparisons.