The Parent Power 2026 guide looks at academic achievement in state and independent schools across the UK, allowing parents to search schools by area.
Now in its 33rd edition, The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026 is widely acknowledged as the most authoritative survey of the country’s top schools.
The guide includes a fully searchable national database of mwore than 2,000 schools by name, local authority, town and postcode. As well as an assessment of academic results on a school-by-school basis, Parent Power enables parents to compare the performance of a given school with other schools in the same area, local authority or nationally.
Here are 20 Edinburgh schools which have been ranked among the best in the country.
5. George Heriot's School
George Heriot’s School was ranked the 2nd best impendent school in Scotland, the same position as last year. 71 per cent of pupils achieved an A or B grade in Highers and Advanced Highers with just under 90 per cent of pupils gaining an A in National 5 exams. | Google Maps
6. The Mary Erskine School
The Mary Erskine School was ranked as the 4th best independent school in Scotland, down one position from last year. 87 per cent of pupils achieved an A or B grade in Highers and Advanced Highers, with more than 84 per cent of pupils gaining an A grade in National 5 exams. The school achieved the Stem Nation Award in 2024, recognising its commitment to encouraging students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and maths. | Google Maps
7. Stewart's Melville College
Stewart's Melville College was ranked as the 12th best impendent school in Scotland, down two positions from last year. 83 per cent of pupils achieved an A or B grade in Highers and Advanced Highers with just over 70 per cent of pupils gaining an A in National 5 exams. The school will merge with the all-girls Mary Erskine School in August next year | Scottish Civic Trust
8. Queensferry Community High School
Queensferry Community High School was ranked joint 52nd in the Scottish state secondary school category, up 45 places from last year. 49 per cent of pupils achieved five or more Highers (A to C grade) with 74 per cent of pupils passing five or more National 5 exams (A to C bracket) | Google