The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026 has named the top state secondary schools in the West Midlands, highlighting the strongest performers in exam results and overall achievement.
Five of the top state secondary schools are in Birmingham.
The guide is widely trusted by parents because it cuts through noise and gives a clear view of how schools stack up across the region.
It also lands at a time when families face tougher choices, with tighter budgets, rising special educational needs, and growing concerns about student wellbeing.
This year’s rankings show how certain schools continue to raise the bar through consistent results, strong pastoral care, and a focus on helping students thrive beyond the classroom.
For the full rankings visit here.
1. King Edward VI School, Stratford-upon-Avon
State Secondary School of the Year in the West Midlands 2026 and State Secondary School of the Year in the West Midlands for Academic Excellence 2026. National rank: 12 | Google
2. King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls, Birmingham
Similar to its counterpart, this is also a selective Christian secondary school and sixth form in Kings Heath - although this one is for female pupils. It too was formerly rated ‘outstanding’ overall by Ofsted. In the 2023/24 school year, it had a Progress 8 score of 0.97 - placing it in the ‘well above average’ band. National rank in Parent Power guide: 17 | Google
3. Stratford Girls' Grammar School
This is a selective girls’ secondary academy in Stratford-upon-Avon, most recently rated ‘good’ overall by Ofsted. In the 2024/25 school year, it had an Attainment 8 score of 80.5 – compared to a local average of 47.9 and a national average of 45.9. National Rank in Parent Power guide: 27 | Google
4. King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys
This is a selective Christian boys’ secondary school and sixth form in the Kings Heath part of the city. It was formerly rated ‘outstanding’ overall by Ofsted. In the 2023/24 school year, it had a high Progress 8 score of 1.09 - or ‘well above average’. National Rank: 40 | Google