Queen Elizabeth’s School in Barnet was State Secondary School of the Year both in London and nationally.
It also won State Secondary School of the Year Academic Excellence for London, and State Secondary School of the Year for A-levels 2026.
Nearby Dame Alice Owen’s School in Potters Bar was Comprehensive School of the Year for Academic Excellence.
Dame Alice Owen’s was also Comprehensive School of the Year in the Southeast 2026 and seventh in the South East state schools table.
JFS in Harrow won State Faith Secondary School of the Year 2026.
In Enfield, Palmers Green High School is Independent 11-16 School of the Year for Academic Excellence.
North London Collegiate School in Canons Drive, Edgware, was crowned Independent School of the Year and Independent International Baccalaureate Secondary School of the Year.
The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026 reveals the UK’s highest-achieving primary and secondary schools in its 33rd edition.
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.”
To read more, visit https://www.thetimes.com/best-schools-league-table/secondary/article/secondary-schools-revealed-2026-g9w9n8rqw
This guide is considered the “definitive ranking” of the UK’s top primary and secondary state and independent schools, and an “essential resource” for parents seeking high-quality education for their children.
It includes a searchable national database of over 2,000 schools, enabling parents to compare the performance of a given school with others in the same area or nationally.
North London roundup
Other north London schools to feature on the list included The Henrietta Barnett School in Hampstead Garden Suburb, which came fourth among London’s state secondary schools, The Latymer School in Edmonton, ranked sixth, and St Michael’s RC Grammar School in Finchley came eighth.
In Borehamwood, Yavneh ranked seventh in the top comprehensive secondary schools in the South East.
JFS was placed second among London’s top comprehensive schools, with Camden School for Girls in Camden third and Hasmonean High School for Girls in Barnet eighth. Mossbourne Community Academy in Hackney Downs came ninth and the Jewish Community Secondary School (JCoss) in Barnet came tenth.
Among top secondary independent schools, North London Collegiate School came second.
Courtland School in Barnet was the fourth ranked primary school in London, while Hampstead Parochial CofE Primary School in Camden came eighth and Woodridge Primary School in Barnet ninth.
