Two schools in Dorset have been named among the best schools in the South West of England as part of The Sunday Times Schools Guide for 2023.
Bournemouth School for Girls was ranked fourth among the top 10 state secondary schools in South West England whilst the Canford School in Wimborne was ranked fourth in the top 10 independent secondary schools in the area.
The 30th edition of the guide identifies the highest-achieving schools in the UK with more than 1,600 schools being able to be searched by name, local authority, town and postcode.
The rankings in the secondary school league tables are determined by the percentage of examination entries gaining A*-B at A-level (which is given double weighting) and the percentage of entries returning A* and A grades, and those graded 9, 8 and 7, at GCSE and iGCSE.
Top 10 state secondary schools in South West England
1. Pate's Grammar School, Cheltenham
2. Colyton Grammar School, Coylton
3. Sir Thomas Rich's School, Gloucester
4. Bournemouth School for Girls, Bournemouth
5. Bishop Wordsworth's School, Salisbury
6. Stroud High School, Stroud
7. Torquay Girls' Grammar School, Torquay
8. Devonport High School for Girls, Plymouth
9. Denmark Road High School, Gloucester
10. South Wilts Grammar School for Girls, Salisbury
Bournemouth School for Girls had an A-Level A*-B percentage of 85.9% and a GCSE A*/A/9/8/7 percentage of 71.8%.
Overall in the national table of schools, they ranked 65th.
Top 10 independent secondary schools in South West England
1. Cheltenham Ladies' College, Cheltenham
2. King Edward's School, Bath
3. St Mary's Calne, Calne
4. Canford School, Wimborne
5. Redmaids' High School, Bristol
6. Exeter School, Exeter
7. Marlborough College, Marlborough
8. Badminton School, Bristol
9. Jersey College for Girls, St Saviour
10. Kingswood School, Bath
Canford School had an A-Level A*-B percentage of 92% and a GCSE A*/A/9/8/7 percentage of 79.6%.
Overall in the national table of schools, they ranked 75th.
Helen Davies, the editor of The Sunday Times Parent Power guide, says: “These have been a challenging few years for teachers, pupils and their parents, and the success of many in our league table is a testament to the stamina and support shown by all concerned.
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"It is also clear that more attention is being placed on wellbeing and mental health – from meditation rooms to counselling support, even therapy dogs – and schools are being proactive to bring about positive changes.
“League tables are not the only criteria a parent can use when choosing a school, but they are a good starting point. We want to celebrate excellence. We want to champion schools that are doing wonderful work. We want our children to be well-nurtured and well-taught. In choosing a school parents are making one of the biggest decisions in their family life, and Parent Power and The Sunday Times is here to help.”
To see the full list of schools included in the guide, visit The Sunday Times website here.
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