The Sunday Times’ ParentPower guide for 2026 is published online today at thetimes.com/best-schools-league-table and a printed supplement will be included with this Sunday’s edition of the newspaper. The guide highlights KEHS’s record GCSE results and outstanding A Level results from the summer, alongside the school’s commitment to broad academic and co-curricular opportunities.
King Edward’s School, Birmingham, is third in the West Midlands’ rankings, behind Concord College, an international boarding school in Shropshire. KES is once again the highest-achieving day school educating boys, either independent or state, in the West Midlands, and is in the top 50 schools nationally.
Indeed, KEHS and KES are the only West Midlands secondary day schools in the national top 50.
Kirsty von Malaisé, Chief Master & Principal of KEHS and KES, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that KEHS has been recognised as the top independent school for academic excellence in the West Midlands for the fifth year running.
“This is a testament not only to the exceptional talent and hard work of our pupils, but also to the dedication, expertise and care of our staff. Our supportive, uplifting and inclusive environment enables every pupil to thrive both inside and outside the classroom. From sport to the arts, from leadership opportunities to community service, our pupils are encouraged to explore their passions fully and develop lifelong friendships, which are as important to them as their stellar academic results.”
Dr Paul Arnold, Head of School at KEHS, said: “It is incredibly rewarding to see our pupils thriving across such a broad and expanding curriculum. Over the past few years, we’ve introduced new subjects including A Level Politics, GCSE and A Level PE, GCSE and A Level Computer Science and Design and Technology and GCSE Mandarin, and our pupils are embracing these opportunities with real enthusiasm and commitment to excellence.
“Our academic results reflect not just individual talent, but the impact of innovative teaching, modern facilities and a culture that encourages intellectual curiosity, resilience and ambition. At KEHS, we aim to challenge our pupils academically while also nurturing their creativity, confidence and love of learning – and this year’s achievements show that our approach is enabling them to flourish across all aspects of school life.”
In addition to its consistent top academic rankings, KEHS was earlier this year named the UK’s best value independent school for 2025 by The Telegraph, and last month was recognised among the UK’s Top 20 Girls’ Cricket Schools for 2026. These accolades reflect the school’s commitment to providing an exceptional, well-rounded education that is both high-quality and accessible.
