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A Level Results Independent UK Schools

The narrative surrounding A Level exam results in independent schools is a testament to the high standards of academic excellence these institutions uphold. As families across the UK aspire to provide the best educational foundation for their children, the keyword “A Level exam results independent schools” illuminates the remarkable achievements within the private education sector.

RankingSchool NameA*/A PercentageNumber of CandidatesLocation in UKType of SchoolBoys, Girls or Mixed?Total number of pupils
1Cardiff Sixth Form College94.7157Cardiff, WalesDay & BoardingCoeducational373
2King's College School (KCS)93.8137Greater LondonDayBoys (coed sixth form)1194
3Guildford High School92.991SurreyDayGirls1002
4Westminster School90.7189Greater LondonDay & BoardingBoys (coed sixth form)776
5Oxford International College90.6121OxfordshireDay & BoardingCoeducational356
6King Edward VI High School for Girls90.692West MidlandsDayGirls661
7City of London School90.5142Greater LondonDayBoys1040
8Wycombe Abbey89.998BuckinghamshireDay & BoardingGirls653
9Brighton College89.6207East SussexDay & BoardingCoeducational1136
10Magdalen College School87.3166OxfordshireDayBoys (coed sixth form)979
11Hampton School86.1194Greater LondonDayBoys1343
12City of London School For Girls83.691Greater LondonDayGirls738
13St John's College, Cardiff82.237Cardiff, WalesDayCoeducational549
14Highgate School81.9181Greater LondonDayCoeducational1880
15Dulwich College81.8251Greater LondonDay & BoardingBoys (some girls)1870
16Concord College81.2186ShropshireDay & BoardingCoeducational605
17Alleyn's School81.1153Greater LondonDayCoeducational1073
18Queen Ethelburga's College80.9100North YorkshireDay & BoardingCoeducational822
19Royal Grammar School80.9129SurreyDayBoys969
20South Hampstead High School GDST80.780Greater LondonDayGirls948
21Notting Hill and Ealing High School GDST80.468Greater LondonDayGirls905
22St Michael's School80.151Carmarthenshire, WalesDay & BoardingCoeducational419
23Sheffield High School for Girls79.459South YorkshireDayGirls784
24Surbiton High School79.2109SurreyDayGirls1122
25Reigate Grammar School78.8139SurreyDayCoeducational1094
26Rougemont School78.633Newport, WalesDayCoeducational658
27Nottingham High School78.5109NottinghamshireDayCoeducational1177
28University College School, Hampstead78.2179Greater LondonDayBoys (coed sixth form)950
29St Mary's School Ascot78.259BerkshireDay & BoardingGirls398
30St Helen's School78.174Greater LondonDayGirls1201
31St Catherine's, Bramley76.883SurreyDay & BoardingGirls627
32St Albans School76.0156HertfordshireDayBoys (coed sixth form)906
33Merchant Taylors' School75.2148HertfordshireDayBoys946
34The National Mathematics and Science College75.025WarwickshireDay & BoardingCoeducational107
35Badminton School73.745BristolDay & BoardingGirls550
36Bradford Grammar School73.494West YorkshireDayCoeducational1052
37King Edward's School72.7124SomersetDayCoeducational1169
38The Abbey School72.355BerkshireDayGirls1012
39Churcher's College72.0150HampshireDayCoeducational974
40Leicester Grammar School71.6100LeicestershireDayCoeducational1294
41The Grange School71.284CheshireDayCoeducational1206
42The Cathedral School Llandaff70.949Cardiff, WalesDayCoeducational786
43Royal Grammar School70.7129Tyne and WearDayCoeducational1346
44Colfe's School70.692Greater LondonDayCoeducational811
45Hampton Court House70.514SurreyDayCoeducational299
46Francis Holland School, Regent's Park70.363Greater LondonDayGirls534
47Roedean School70.162East SussexDay & BoardingGirls705
48Farnborough Hill69.835HampshireDayGirls565
49Emanuel School69.6118Greater LondonDayCoeducational1085
50Sir William Perkins's School69.459SurreyDayGirls585
51Bedford Modern School68.8147BedfordshireDayCoeducational1291
52The Maynard School68.841DevonDayGirls470
53Durham High School for Girls68.523DurhamDayGirls351
54Leicester High School for Girls68.124LeicestershireDayGirls317
55Oundle School67.1185NorthamptonshireDay & BoardingCoeducational1109
56Whitgift School67.0168Greater LondonDay & BoardingBoys1548
57The Manchester Grammar School66.7181Greater ManchesterDayBoys1668
58Alderley Edge School for Girls66.223CheshireDayGirls439
59Royal High School Bath, GDST65.849SomersetDay & BoardingGirls570
60Norwich School65.6150NorfolkDayCoeducational898
61St John's School65.1128SurreyDay & BoardingCoeducational843
62Hurtwood House65.1167SurreyDay & BoardingCoeducational356
63St Peter's 13-1865.1122North YorkshireDay & BoardingCoeducational582
64d'Overbroeck's64.9174OxfordshireDay & BoardingCoeducational744
65Bromley High School GDST64.454Greater LondonDayGirls877
66Bristol Grammar School64.0139BristolDayCoeducational1006
67Exeter School63.5102DevonDayCoeducational945
68Chigwell School63.285EssexDay & BoardingCoeducational1041
69Haileybury62.997HertfordshireDay & BoardingCoeducational903
70Nottingham Girls’ High School GDST62.065NottinghamshireDayGirls665
71Yarm School61.794North YorkshireDayCoeducational1164
72Epsom College61.5168SurreyDay & BoardingCoeducational1067
73St Benedict's School61.490Greater LondonDayCoeducational1052
74St George's College Weybridge61.4137SurreyDayCoeducational1025
75Walthamstow Hall61.255KentDayGirls537
76Immanuel College61.160HertfordshireDayCoeducational684
77Brighton Girls GDST61.019East SussexDayGirls411
78Newcastle-under-Lyme School60.771StaffordshireDayCoeducational821
79Claremont Fan Court School60.553SurreyDayCoeducational1004
80St Dunstan's College60.471Greater LondonDayCoeducational1039
81Ruthin School60.363Denbighshire, WalesDay & BoardingCoeducational257
82Streatham and Clapham High School GDST60.055Greater LondonDayGirls889
82The Faculty of Queen Ethelburga's60.060North YorkshireDay & BoardingCoeducational369
84Ardingly College59.490West SussexDay & BoardingCoeducational1071
85The Grammar School at Leeds59.4199West YorkshireDayDiamond structure*2114
86The King's School, Canterbury59.2173KentDay & BoardingCoeducational925
87The Yehudi Menuhin School59.017SurreyDay & BoardingCoeducational78
88Stephen Perse Foundation58.880CambridgeshireDay & BoardingCoeducational1592
89Queen Elizabeth's Hospital58.8120BristolDayBoys (coed sixth form)776
90Shrewsbury School58.2174ShropshireDay & BoardingCoeducational832
91Burgess Hill Girls58.031West SussexDay & BoardingGirls (some boys)610
92Ipswich School57.8126SuffolkDay & BoardingCoeducational885
93Loughborough High School57.768LeicestershireDayGirls518
94Reading Blue Coat School57.0151BerkshireDayCoeducational795
95Stockport Grammar School56.9127CheshireDayCoeducational1132
96Wells Cathedral School56.988SomersetDay & BoardingCoeducational768
97Jersey College for Girls56.591JerseyDay & BoardingGirls722
98Dame Allan's Senior Schools55.3115Tyne and WearDayDiamond structure*946
99Loughborough Grammar School54.595LeicestershireDay & BoardingBoys870
100Saint Felix School54.224SuffolkDay & BoardingCoeducational299
101St David's College53.523Conwy, WalesDay & BoardingCoeducational261
102Lingfield College53.470SurreyDayCoeducational892
103New Hall School52.9116EssexDay & BoardingDiamond structure*1330
104Bedford School52.4116BedfordshireDay & BoardingBoys1111
105Cheltenham College52.4149GloucestershireDay & BoardingCoeducational728
106Ashville College52.360North YorkshireDay & BoardingCoeducational788
107Hymers College51.8114East YorkshireDayCoeducational978
108RGS Worcester51.4112WorcestershireDayCoeducational943
109The Leys School51.399CambridgeshireDay & BoardingCoeducational570
110Thetford Grammar School51.213NorfolkDay & BoardingCoeducational211
111Hill House School51.144South YorkshireDayCoeducational736
112Oakham School50.8137RutlandDay & BoardingCoeducational1016
113St Gabriel's School50.822BerkshireDayGirls (some boys)453
114King Henry VIII School50.792West MidlandsDayCoeducational608
115Battle Abbey School50.356East SussexDay & BoardingCoeducational579
116The King's School50.0101CheshireDayCoeducational1081
116Queenswood50.048HertfordshireDay & BoardingGirls463
116Newcastle School for Boys50.028Tyne and WearDayBoys365
119Bablake School49.3109West MidlandsDayCoeducational747
120The Royal School Dungannon48.881County Tyrone, Northern IrelandDay & BoardingCoeducational674
121Abbey Gate College48.827CheshireDayCoeducational501
122Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation48.754DurhamDay & BoardingCoeducational684
123Wolverhampton Grammar School48.465West MidlandsDayCoeducational639
124Cokethorpe School47.859OxfordshireDayCoeducational613
125Shrewsbury High School GDST47.544ShropshireDayGirls340
126St Margaret's School47.329HertfordshireDay & BoardingCoeducational653
127The Ladies' College46.950GuernseyDayGirls525
128Mander Portman Woodward (MPW)46.9199Greater LondonDayCoeducational429
129Westholme School46.319LancashireDayCoeducational653
130Oswestry School46.230ShropshireDay & BoardingCoeducational452
131Tring Park School for the Performing Arts46.074HertfordshireDay & BoardingCoeducational361
132Clifton High School45.840BristolDayCoeducational724
133The Laurels School45.711Greater LondonDayGirls120
134Felsted School45.6101EssexDay & BoardingCoeducational562
135Christ College45.156Powys, WalesDay & BoardingCoeducational393
136Denstone College and The Prep at Denstone College44.694StaffordshireDay & BoardingCoeducational772
137Hampstead Fine Arts College44.571Greater LondonDayCoeducational209
138St George's School, Edinburgh44.49Midlothian, ScotlandDay & BoardingGirls (some boys)727
139Salesian College44.349HampshireDayBoys (coed sixth form)629
140Talbot Heath School44.138DorsetDay & BoardingGirls597
141St Columba's College43.962HertfordshireDayCoeducational786
142Alton School43.816HampshireDayCoeducational362
142The Edinburgh Academy43.814Midlothian, ScotlandDayCoeducational1165
144Mount Kelly43.555DevonDay & BoardingCoeducational628
145Victoria College43.3101JerseyDayBoys673
146AKS Lytham43.244LancashireDayCoeducational742
147Kimbolton School43.2104CambridgeshireDay & BoardingCoeducational1078
148Ryde School42.851Isle of WightDay & BoardingCoeducational567
149Silcoates School42.732West YorkshireDayCoeducational499
150Rendcomb College42.431GloucestershireDay & BoardingCoeducational396
151Cranford House School42.324OxfordshireDayCoeducational495
152Kirkham Grammar School41.289LancashireDay & BoardingCoeducational899
153Lewes Old Grammar School40.930East SussexDayCoeducational684
154Loretto School40.655East Lothian, ScotlandDay & BoardingCoeducational509
155Lime House School39.721CumbriaDay & BoardingCoeducational157
156St James Senior Boys' School39.742SurreyDayBoys399
157Cambridge Tutors College39.424SurreyDay & BoardingCoeducational60
158Elizabeth College38.860GuernseyDayCoeducational867
159Lichfield Cathedral School38.827StaffordshireDayCoeducational521
160Wychwood School38.711OxfordshireDay & BoardingGirls108
161The Mount School York37.017North YorkshireDay & BoardingGirls224
162St Edmund's School Canterbury36.846KentDay & BoardingCoeducational637
163Oldham Hulme Grammar School35.770Greater ManchesterDayDiamond structure*767
164Bath Academy35.526SomersetDay & BoardingCoeducational83
165Ipswich High School35.229SuffolkDay & BoardingCoeducational446
166Blanchelande College35.114GuernseyDayCoeducational458
167Glenalmond College34.461Perthshire and Kinross, ScotlandDay & BoardingCoeducational311
168Kingham Hill School34.237OxfordshireDay & BoardingCoeducational363
169The Hammond33.316CheshireDay & BoardingCoeducational224
169Brockwood Park School and Inwoods Small School33.310HampshireDay & BoardingCoeducational85
171The John Lyon School32.278Greater LondonDayCoeducational837
172Mander Portman Woodward Birmingham32.168West MidlandsDayCoeducational195
173Read School31.610North YorkshireDay & BoardingCoeducational245
173Our Lady of Sion School31.613West SussexDayCoeducational359
175Kensington Park School31.342Greater LondonDay & BoardingCoeducational244
176Langley30.561NorfolkDay & BoardingCoeducational446
177Hurst Lodge School30.05HampshireDayCoeducational134
178St Mary's College29.854MerseysideDayCoeducational800
179Rochester Independent College29.4118KentDay & BoardingCoeducational360
180Trinity School29.211DevonDay & BoardingCoeducational253
181The Moat School28.610Greater LondonDayCoeducational111
182Claires Court28.052BerkshireDayDiamond structure*922
182St Edward's Preparatory School28.025GloucestershireDayCoeducational262
184Stover School27.921DevonDay & BoardingCoeducational529
184Highclare School27.922West MidlandsDayCoeducational524
186Lincoln Minster School26.540LincolnshireDay & BoardingCoeducational484
187St John's College25.519HampshireDay & BoardingCoeducationalClosed
188Sherrardswood School25.030HertfordshireDayCoeducational488
189Beechwood School23.020KentDay & BoardingCoeducational287
190Stoke College22.23SuffolkDay & BoardingCoeducational136
191St Dominic’s Grammar School, Brewood17.112StaffordshireDayCoeducational253
192Abbey College in Malvern16.72WorcestershireDay & BoardingCoeducational31
193Elmhurst Ballet School10.010West MidlandsDay & BoardingCoeducational176
194Sackville School2.914KentDayCoeducational196
A Breakdown of A level results by A* and A by independent Boarding and Day schools in the UK

The Pinnacle of Excellence

Independent schools have long been revered as some of the best schools in the UK, with the Cardiff Sixth Form College leading the way with a remarkable 95% rate for A or A* entries in the 2023 A Level examinations​1​​2​. This institution, alongside others like Oxford International College and Highgate School in London, epitomizes what the best secondary schools in the UK strive for – a conducive environment that nurtures academic brilliance.

Best secondary school in the UK

The narrative of A Level exam results brings into sharp focus the best school in the UK and the best school in England, as they stand as exemplars of academic excellence. Their success in these rigorous examinations underscores their commitment to nurturing a culture of high achievement, which is emblematic of the best secondary school in England and the best secondary school in the UK.

The Independent and State School Spectrum

The distinction between the best independent school and the best state school in the UK is often underscored by the disparity in A Level exam results. In 2023, a significant 47.4% of all A Level entries from private schools secured A or A* grades, compared to a mere 22% from state schools​1​​2​. This stark contrast showcases the resource advantage and the conducive learning environments often characteristic of the best UK secondary schools within the independent sector.

Best UK secondary schools

The transition back to standardized grading, directed by Ofqual, brought mixed results within the independent school sector. While many schools like Cardiff Sixth Form College continued to soar, over a third reported a decline in top grades compared to 2019. This shift reflects the balance between maintaining high standards and adapting to broader educational policies, a balancing act that the best secondary schools UK wide are navigating with resilience​2​.

Gender Dynamics in Performance

The gender dimension in A Level exam results also surfaced, with some prominent girls’ schools witnessing a significant decline in top grades. This gendered perspective adds a layer of analysis in understanding the dynamics that influence performance across the spectrum of the best independent and state schools in the UK​2​.

The United Kingdom boasts a rich tapestry of exemplary independent secondary schools, celebrated for their academic rigor and comprehensive education. These schools are more than just institutions; they are breeding grounds for intellect, creativity, and character. Their robust A Level programs are meticulously designed to unlock the potential in every student, preparing them not just for exams, but for life beyond school.

Achieving stellar A Level results is not a solitary endeavor but a collaborative journey. Guardians are invaluable allies in this quest for academic excellence. Their involvement, support, and collaboration with the schools significantly enhance the students’ chances of success. They are the cornerstone of a nurturing and stimulating environment, working hand in hand with the schools to ensure that each student is well-prepared for the A Level examinations.

A Guardian’s Impact on A Level Success

Guardians act as the conduit between the school and the students, facilitating a smooth flow of communication and understanding. Their active involvement is a catalyst for academic achievement, helping to foster a conducive atmosphere for learning and exploration. By collaborating with the schools, guardians are contributing to a supportive backdrop against which students can strive for and attain remarkable A Level results.

The success narratives of numerous students underscore the fruitful alliance among guardians, schools, and students. It’s a triumvirate of support that propels students towards academic pinnacle. This spirit of collaboration and mutual support is a hallmark of the UK’s education culture, reflecting a shared vision of academic success.

Uncover tailored educational packages that ensure a smooth transition for your child into the reputable secondary schools of the UK, laying the foundation for exceptional A Level results.

A guardian helping with A levels

Reach out to us to delve deeper into how our services can aid you in synergizing with the school to carve out a conducive learning sphere for your child, paving the way for their A Level success.