It was ranked in The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026, which lists the UK’s highest-achieving schools.
The guide is regarded as a vital resource for parents seeking top-quality education for their children.
More than 2,000 schools are assessed by name, town, local authority, and postcode, with academic results at the heart of the evaluation.
Helen Davies, the editor of The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide, shed light on the education sector’s challenges and triumphs.
She 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.”
She praised the top schools for their “academic excellence” and how they “are shaping their students to be ready for the 21st century.”
According to the guide, St Olave’s Grammar School ranks third nationally and second in London.
In London, only Queen Elizabeth’s School in Barnet ranks above St Olave’s Grammar School.
The guide’s list of the top 10 secondary state schools in London features five grammar schools.
Besides St Olave’s Grammar School and Queen Elizabeth’s School, Sutton Grammar School, Tiffin School, and St Michael’s RC Grammar School also make the top 10, testifying to their consistent high academic performance.
Additionally, the guide honours schools that are particularly noteworthy across other categories, including primary and independent schools.
Several schools within the region received specific formal recognitions.
West London Free School in London was named ‘Comprehensive School of the Year in London 2026.’
Both Thomas Jones Primary School in Kensington and Chelsea and North London Collegiate School were respectively awarded ‘Primary School of the Year in London 2026’ and ‘Independent Secondary School of the Year in London 2026.’
Heralding St Paul’s School in Barnes for its academic excellence, the guide decorated it as the ‘Independent Secondary School of the Year in London for Academic Excellence 2026.’
The Parent Power league table indicates that the award distribution is not random.
The awards are based on schools’ performances year-on-year and editorial discretion.
Reassuring parents of the continued upholding of standards, the league table is guided by strict adherence to a methodology built around exam results.
Therefore, it is safe to assume that St Olave’s remarkable placement amongst the best schools is not unfounded.
The guide, which has become an invaluable resource for many parents navigating the educational landscape, serves as an indicator of the commitment schools and teachers have towards providing a comprehensive learning journey for every child.
While academic achievement remains a cornerstone of assessment, the focus on raising students with a lifelong love of learning and the ability to confidently tackle the challenges of the 21st century remains integral to their success.
