King Edward’s School, Bath has been recognised by The Telegraph as the Best Value Independent School in the South West region in its 2026 guide to the UK’s leading independent schools. The Telegraph’s value rankings compare fees against GCSE, A-level and International Baccalaureate outcomes, while also making adjustments for factors including facilities, location and school type.
The accolade follows a period of significant external recognition for KES. Earlier this year, King Edward’s was named 2026 Independent Secondary School of the Year in the South West by The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide, while the School’s most recent ISI Inspection identified pupil development as a Significant Strength.
Martin Boden, Headmaster of King Edward’s School, said:
“We are delighted that King Edward’s has been recognised by The Telegraph as the Best Value Independent School in the South West region.
“Families rightly want to understand the value offered by an independent education and the opportunities it creates for their children.
“Academic outcomes are an important part of that conversation and we are proud of what our pupils achieve. However, the true value of an education is also reflected in the confidence young people develop, the opportunities they experience and the ambitions they go on to pursue.
“At King Edward’s, we are committed to helping every pupil realise their potential and develop the knowledge, skills and character needed to pursue ambitious futures. This recognition reflects the dedication of our staff, the achievements of our pupils and the strength of our whole school community.”
In outlining its methodology, The Telegraph notes that while academic outcomes can be measured, many important aspects of a school’s offering, including pastoral care, school experiences and personal development, are harder to quantify.
These are areas that sit at the heart of a King Edward’s education. Alongside academic success, pupils benefit from extensive opportunities in sport, music, drama, art, outdoor learning, leadership and service, helping them to develop confidence, independence, resilience and a strong sense of purpose.
This broader educational experience was recognised in the School’s most recent ISI Inspection, which identified pupil development as a Significant Strength. The report recognised the positive impact of the School’s approach to supporting young people as they grow academically, socially and personally.
At a time when many families are carefully considering the value offered by independent education, recent recognition from The Telegraph, The Sunday Times and ISI provide independent validation of King Edward’s School’s approach and value: combining outstanding academic outcomes with exceptional personal development and ambitious futures for every pupil.