King Edward’s School, Bath has been named the Independent Secondary School of the Year in the South West in this year’s Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026.
KES also retains the top spot as the leading co-educational independent school of any kind (boarding and/or day) in the region for the fourth year in a row in the Sunday Times league table of results, based on combined A Level and GCSE results this year that saw 90% of A Level entries gain A*-B grades (62% A*/A) and over 53% of GCSEs scoring 9 or 8 grades (32% Grade 9).
The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide is one of the most authoritative surveys of state and independent schools. As well as celebrating the examination excellence of the top performing schools, the Guide also shines a light on the wider strengths and innovations of the highest-achieving schools, including efforts to support pupils’ mental health and wellbeing, inspiring passions beyond the classroom and preparing pupils for life beyond school.
The accolade of the South West’s Independent Secondary School of the Year was due in part to the School’s consistently outstanding academic record, which has seen over 60% of A Level results gain an A*/A grade for the last 12 years, as well as a remarkable ‘value added’ uplift of almost a whole grade for each subject entry for our GCSE pupils.*
However, the School of the Year award also recognises the culture of care at King Edward’s and the innate understanding that happy and well-supported pupils are far more likely to do well in all aspects of school life.
The School’s pastoral programme ensures that pupils are able to thrive at every age and stage of their school lives, with its Peer Mentoring programme instrumental in establishing an inclusive community. A recent move has seen KES go phone-free in practice from Years 7-11, following the introduction of Yondr pouches, with the School’s highly regarded Learning for Life programme supporting the move with advice on how to build healthy relationships with technology. Progressive in nature, the same programme seeks to tackle teen issues head on, helping to guide pupils through the complexities of life on subjects such as self-esteem, TikTok settings, vaping and positive masculinity.
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A comprehensive and innovative Careers programme also serves to equip pupils for life beyond school, reflecting the evolving demands of the workplace. Career mentoring events and work experience for 100+ Year 12 pupils are among the highlights, inspiring pupils along their future pathways, whether that be Oxbridge, Medical School, vocational pathways, Ivy League colleges or undertaking degree apprenticeships at the likes of AstraZeneca and Deloitte.
Elsewhere at KES, pupils are encouraged to follow their passions and make the most of opportunities outside of the classroom. Great care is taken not to pigeonhole pupils, and they are encouraged to access the full range of opportunities on offer, from taking part in F1 in Schools and Esports to performing in school plays and participating in the International Model United Nations at The Hague. Highlights from the last year include our senior rugby players winning the U18 Vase at the Rosslyn Park National Schools Sevens and KES pupils performing alongside Bath Philharmonia at the Guildhall as part of a unique musical partnership.
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In response to receiving the 2026 South West Independent Secondary School of the Year title on behalf of everyone at King Edward’s, Martin Boden, Headmaster, said:
“At King Edward’s, we believe that happiness and wellbeing are the foundation of high achievement. This award reflects our commitment to combining academic ambition with a culture of care, so that every pupil feels supported, valued and inspired. When young people are confident and curious, they not only achieve outstanding results but leave ready to make a positive difference in the world.”
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.”
For full reporting on this year’s Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026 visit: thetimes.com
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