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.
13. George Watson's College
George Watson’s College was ranked the 8th best impendent school in Scotland up 5 places from last year. 83.8 per cent of pupils achieved an A or B grade in Highers and Advanced Highers with 78.7 cent of pupils gaining an A grade in their National 5 exams. The six-time Olympic gold medal-winning track cyclist Sir Chris Hoy, Olympic diver Grace Reid and rugby players Gavin and Scott Hastings are among notable alumni. | Google Maps
14. St Mary's Music School
St Mary’s Music School was ranked as the number one Scottish independent secondary school - the same title it held last year. 87.9 per cent of pupils achieved an A or B grade in Highers and Advanced Highers with 94.4 cent of pupils gaining an A grade in their National 5 exams. | Google Maps
15. Firrhill High School
Firrhill High School was named the 44th best Scottish state secondary school, down 24 places from last year. 48 per cent of pupils achieved five or more Highers (A to C grade) with 78 per cent of pupils passing five or more National 5 exams (A to C bracket) Photo: Third Party
16. The Royal High School
The Royal High School was named the 31st best Scottish state secondary school, down 8 places from last year. 58 per cent of pupils achieved five or more Highers (A to C grade) with 81 per cent of pupils passing five or more National 5 exams (A to C bracket) | Google