The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026 highlights the top UK secondary schools based on their 2025 exam performance using A-level, GCSE and IB scores.
Among the list two secondary schools in Shropshire were ranked highly by the newspaper in December 2025.
In total, 400 of the top state secondary schools were mentioned in the Sunday Times’ league table.
We’ve had a look through the data to find those which Shropshire state secondary schools stood out amongst the best schools across the entire country.
1. Haberdashers' Adams School
Haberdashers' Adams School is a selective secondary academy for boys, in Newport. National rank - 101. A-Levels - 74.8% of pupils achieved A*-B grade. GCSES -59.1% of pupils achieved grades 9/8/7. The school has an attendance average of 96.5%. SEND pupils- 9.4%. Pupils on free school meals - 5.8%. Progress 8 score - Above average. What the school inspection says: “The quality of care and support that children receive is good. The daily routine is organised well and effectively structured, balancing academic study with opportunities to relax and have fun. Children value the school and recognise the positive benefits of boarding. They treat everyone with respect and with consideration for their needs and feelings. Many come from all parts of the world, but all become part of an inclusive community. A parent reported: ‘A truly inspirational and motivating environment for my child – physically, mentally and socially. We are privileged to be able to watch our son transform into a confident young man." | Jas Pardesi
2. Newport Girls’ High School
Newport Girls’ High School is a selective secondary academy for girls, in Newport. National rank - 66. A-Levels - 75.4% of pupils achieved A*-B grade. GCSES -76.3% of pupils achieved grades 9/8/7. The school has an attendance average of 96.4%. SEND pupils- 2.3%. Pupils on free school meals - 7.6%. Progress 8 score - Above average. What the school inspection says: “Pupils are enormously proud of their school. They feel happy and safe. Kindness is actively promoted by ‘kindness ambassadors’. The community ethos is embodied by the comment from one pupil that ‘just one kind word can change a person’s day'. Leaders and teachers are highly ambitious for all pupils throughout the school, especially those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (Send). There are curriculum drop-in sessions and sporting activities such as karate, fencing and football. In addition, there is a vast array of musical activities and clubs. As one pupil said, ‘There is something for nearly everyone, and if there isn’t, you just ask.’” | Google