How these four top-rated Leeds schools scored in Sunday Times Parent Power rankings 2026
Four Leeds schools have been named in the 33rd edition of The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026.
Recognised as the definitive ranking of the UK’s top primary and secondary state and independent schools, the Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026 remains 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.
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.”
Ripon Grammar School was named the top State Secondary School of the Year in the North and the top State Secondary School of the Year in the North for Academic Excellence. Sheffield Girls’ School GDST was crowned Independent Secondary School of the Year in the North.
Carlton Junior and Infant School, located in nearby Dewsbury, was named Primary School of the Year in the North. St Peter's CofE Junior, Infant and Early Years School, Birstall, was ranked 10th in the same list.
Four Leeds schools were ranked among the North’s top-performing primary and secondary schools. Here’s how they scored.
Horsforth School
- Ranked seventh among the top state secondary schools in the North
- Ranked fourth among the top comprehensive secondary schools in the North.
- Ranked 191st in the UK overall.
Sherburn High School
- Ranked ninth among the top comprehensive secondary schools in the North.
- Ranked 245th in the UK overall.
Leeds Grammar School
- Ranked third among the top secondary independent schools in the North.
- Ranked 98th in the UK overall.
Christ The King RC Primary School
- Ranked fourth among the top primary schools in the North.
- Ranked joint 90th in the UK overall.