Sunday Times Parent Power 2026

Published by Sir William Perkins's School on Monday 8th of December 2025

We are delighted to share Sir William Perkins’s School has been ranked 68th in the Sunday Times Parent Power league table amongst all UK independent schools, and 23rd in South East England. Up an astonishing 43 places on last year’s ranking, the Class of 2025’s record-breaking outcomes marks a significant upward trajectory for the school, as we look forward to welcoming our first co-educational cohort in 2026.

Our strong value-added at GCSE further underscores our mission to ‘champion the individual.’ Not only were 70% of GCSE grades achieved at the top A* standard (grades 9 and 8), but, on average across all subjects, students gained nearly a full grade above their baseline potential – a statistic that places SWPS within the top 1% of schools nationally.

“This achievement reflects not only our students’ outstanding academic results but also our commitment to preparing them for life beyond the classroom. At SWPS, success is about more than grades – it’s about equipping every individual with the confidence, skills, and ambition to thrive in a fast-changing world. Through our ‘World Ready’ approach, we ensure that our students leave us as accomplished, forward-thinking young people, ready to make their mark on the global stage.” – Debbie Picton, Head of Sir William Perkins’s School

Our positioning in the Parent Power league table is a powerful endorsement of the SWPS ethos: one where academic excellence is nurtured alongside personal growth, and students are encouraged to be generous in spirit, independent in thought, and bold in aspiration. Through our holistic approach – blending academic rigour, creativity, wellbeing and leadership – students leave not only with exceptional results, but with the character and confidence to thrive beyond school.

View the full results at: www.thetimes.com/best-schools-league-table/private