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.
5. Bishop Vesey's Grammar School
Bishop Vesey’s is a selective boys’ secondary school and sixth form in the Sutton Coldfield area, formerly rated ‘outstanding’ overall by Ofsted. In the 2023/24 school year, it had a Progress 8 score of 0.75 - making it ‘well above average’. National rank in Parent Power guide 2026: 41 | Google
6. Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls
National rank in Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026: 49 | Google maps
7. King Edward VI Five Ways School in Birmingham
National rank in Parent Power guide: 49 | SWNS
8. Wolverhampton Girls’ High School
National rank in Parent Power guide 2026: 61 | google