King Edward’s School in Bath has once again achieved remarkable recognition, being named the Independent Secondary School of the Year in the South West by The Sunday Times Parent Power guide 2026. This marks the fourth year in a row that the school has earned this prestigious accolade.
Headmaster Martin Boden expressed his pride in the school’s philosophy: “At King Edward’s, happiness and wellbeing form the cornerstone of high achievement. This award reflects our dedication to balancing strong academic ambition with a nurturing environment where every pupil feels supported, valued, and inspired. When students are confident and curious, they excel academically and are prepared to make a positive impact on the world.”
The Parent Power rankings evaluate schools based on a combination of A Level and GCSE results. This year, 90% of King Edward’s A Level students earned grades between A* and B, with 62% achieving the top A*/A marks. Similarly, over 53% of GCSE results were graded 9 or 8, including 32% at the highest Grade 9.
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Founded nearly 475 years ago during the reign of Edward VI, King Edward’s School now educates boys and girls aged three to eighteen. The school recently attracted attention for its decision to ban phones in classrooms, emphasizing a focus on engagement and learning. Current secondary school term fees stand at £7,254.
Helen Davies, Editor of The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide, noted the challenges facing education today, including budget constraints and rising mental health concerns among students. “Despite these hurdles, exceptional schools like King Edward’s are innovating to provide outstanding educational experiences and prepare pupils for the demands of the 21st century.”
The full 28-page Parent Power Guide will be published in The Sunday Times on Sunday, December 7.