THE top schools in Wales have been revealed in the annual Sunday Times Parent Power Guide, which assesses secondary schools based on the first set of post-pandemic examination results. Widely regarded as the most authoritative survey of the country’s top schools, the guide not only evaluates academic performance on a school-by-school basis but also enables parents to compare schools within the same town, local authority, or nationally. Additionally, it provides live links to school websites and the most recent inspection reports.
The standout performers in Wales for 2024 are:
- Secondary School of the Year 2024: Cowbridge Comprehensive School
- Independent School of the Year 2024: The Cathedral School, Llandaff
- Independent School of the Year for Academic Performance 2024: Cardiff Sixth Form College
The guide encompasses a searchable national database of over 1,000 schools, allowing users to filter by name, local authority, town, and postcode. It is accessible online starting today and will be available as a print supplement with The Sunday Times on December 3. The full list of top schools can be found on the guide’s website.
Top Secondary State Schools (Comprehensive) in Wales:
| Regional Rank | UK Rank | School Name | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 131 | Cowbridge Comprehensive School | Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan |
| 2 | 181= | Olchfa School | Swansea |
| 3 | 198 | Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Myrddin | Nr Carmarthen, Carmarthenshire |
| 4 | 278 | Ysgol Eirias | Colwyn Bay, Denbighshire |
Top Independent Schools in Wales:
| Regional Rank | UK Rank | School Name | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 13 | Cardiff Sixth Form College | Cardiff |
| 2 | 27 | St Michael’s School | Llanelli, Carmarthenshire |
| 3 | 50 | St John’s College | Cardiff |
| 4 | 77 | The Cathedral School Llandaff | Llandaff, Cardiff |
| 5 | 91 | Howell’s School, Llandaff GDST | Llandaff, Cardiff |
Helen Davies, the guide’s editor, emphasised that these rankings represent the first true assessment of post-pandemic exam results, providing parents with a reliable guide to academic achievement. The guide not only highlights academic excellence but also acknowledges schools that may be rising, innovating, and supporting students’ growth. In addition to academic achievements, this year’s Parent Power includes information on extracurricular clubs, wellbeing initiatives, and school lunch menus.
