It comes as the Sunday Times’ Schools Guide 2025, called Parent Power, named the top performing and highest-achieving schools across the country. Published annually it is widely considered to be “the definitive guide to secondary schools”.
Boroughmuir High School is the only Edinburgh state school to appear in the Top 10 in Scotland, coming in at No.4 on the list.
Jordanhill School, in Glasgow, held on to top spot among state schools, while being crowned Scottish state secondary school of the year, and Scottish state secondary school of the year for academic excellence.
All but one of the “top ten” state secondaries are in Glasgow or its suburbs, with four in East Renfrewshire, three in East Dunbartonshire and two in the city.
Edinburgh Academy, however, was crowned Scottish independent secondary school of the year, St Mary’s Music School in Edinburgh was the Scottish independent secondary school of the year for academic excellence in Highers, and Fettes College, also Edinburgh, was named Scottish independent secondary school of the year for academic excellence in A-levels/GCSEs.
Helen Davies, editor of Parent Power, said: “The educational landscape is challenging – teacher shortages, rising student mental health issues and special educational needs and the VAT rise – but there is also so much to celebrate from the hard work of passionate and committed teachers who are finding ever more innovative and impactful ways to boost their students and give them the very best start in life.”
Scroll through our gallery to see the top ten secondary schools in Scotland, as ranked in the The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2025.
9. Glasgow Gaelic School
Glasgow Gaelic School, also known as Bunsgoil Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu, is a mixed primary and secondary school in Finnieston, Glasgow. It opened in 2006. The school was ranked ninth this year, having not been included last year. | Google
10. Douglas Academy
Douglas Academy is a secondary school in Milngavie, East Dunbartonshire. It drops from fifth last year to 10th. | Google