An Edinburgh school has been ranked as one of the top state secondary schools in Scotland in The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026.

Boroughmuir High School, in Edinburgh’s Fountainbridge area, secured the number 10 spot on the Sunday Times list - an annual guide that has become an essential resource for parents seeking the very best in education for their children. Seven independent schools were also recognised for academic excellence.

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. Jordanhill School in Glasgow was named the top state secondary school in Scotland, with Mearns Castle High School and Woodfarm High School - two other Glasgow schools - having bagged second and third place.

Boroughmuir High School in Edinburgh has been ranked as one of the top state secondary schools in Scotland

placeholder image — Boroughmuir High School in Edinburgh has been ranked as one of the top state secondary schools in Scotland

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The guide includes a fully searchable national database of more 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.

St Mary's Music School in Edinburgh was ranked in the best independent school in the country with George Heriot's School ranked second. Other Edinburgh schools recognised were: The Mary Erskine School (4), Edinburgh Academy (7) and George Watson's College (8). The top secondary independent schools in Scotland where A-level and GCSEs are achieved were: St Leonards School in St Andrews (1) and two Edinburgh schools Fettes College (2) and Merchiston Castle School (3).

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.”