Schools were ranked in the prestigious Sunday Times list
St Paul’s School for Girls in Edgbaston has been named as the best comprehensive in the West Midlands in the Sunday Times Parent Power Guide(Image: Birmingham Mail)
Birmingham’s best comprehensive secondary schools have been named on a prestigious list.
While private and grammar schools often take the top honours, these schools have a major advantage as they are able to attract some of the brightest kids.
Comprehensive schools, on the other hand, are not selective and children don’t have to pass an exam to secure a place.
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The top schools have been named in the Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026.
St Paul’s School for Girls in Edgbaston was rated as the best comprehensive in Birmingham.
It was followed on the list by Arden Academy in Solihull.
Alderbrook School in Solihull and Kings Norton Girls’ School were at numbers 6 and 7 on the West Midlands list.
The Sunday Times list is “recognised as the definitive ranking of the UK’s top schools and remains an essential source for parents seeking the very best education for their children”.
Top 10 West Midlands comprehensive secondary schools
- St Paul’s School for Girls, Edgbaston, Birmingham
- Arden Academy, Solihull
- North Leamington School, Leamington Spa
- Kenilworth School
- Alsager School
- Kings Norton Girls’ School, Birmingham
- Higham Lane School, Nuneaton
- Hanley Castle High School, Worcester
- Hagley RC High School, Hagley
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.”