As one might expect when it comes to A Levels, the list of highest performing sixth form schools and colleges is dominated by oft-pricey private schools.
However, dotted throughout are an array of excellent, fees-free state schools from across England. They range from selective grammar schools, to faith schools, to university-sponsored colleges - and from only years old to centuries. But each and every one has proven that it can support its young pupils to excel academically, setting them up for success in their future studies and working lives.
We’ve taken a look at some of the best-performing state-funded secondary schools and sixth form colleges across England, creating a league table based on the most recent performance data currently available (from the 2022/23 school year). They have been ranked by on their A Level performance point score out of 60, a unique measurement derived from their students’ A Level results.
All schools on the list also had an overall Ofsted rating of ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ before this measure was dropped last month. This means that the quality of education provided, student behaviour and attitudes, school leadership and management, and student safeguarding were found to either meet or exceed government standards last time the school had a full inspection.
Here were the 25 state schools that topped the chart:
9. King Edward VI School
King Edward is a boys’ grammar school in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, with a mixed sixth form. The school has existed in some form since the 13th Century, and is believed to have been attended by Shakespeare. It is selective, meaning prospective pupils have to pass a test or meet certain criteria to get in. In the 2022/23 academic year, it had an A Level point score of 49.02 - giving it an average grade of A. | Google
10. Brampton Manor Academy
Brampton Manor is a secondary school with a selective sixth form, in the Newham borough, East London. In the 2022/23 academic year, it had an A Level point score of 48.98 - giving it an average grade of A. | Google
11. Pate's Grammar School
Pate’s is a grammar school in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. It is selective, meaning prospective pupils have to pass a test or meet certain criteria to get in. In the 2022/23 academic year, it had an A Level point score of 48.74 - giving it an average grade of A. | Google
12. Michaela Community School
Michaela is a secondary school and sixth form in Wembley, Northwest London, known for having strict rules and high expectations of pupil behaviour. It has ties to several Conservative Party members. In the 2022/23 academic year, it had an A Level point score of 48.02 - giving it an average grade of A-. | Google