BRADFORD Grammar School has been named one of the top independent secondary schools in the north.

Parent Power, The Sunday Times Schools Guide 2023, published online today at thetimes.co.uk/parentpower and in a supplement in The Sunday Times on December 11, identifies the highest-achieving schools in the UK.

It is the definitive guide to secondary schools using the first post-pandemic set of results for state and independent schools since Covid-19 in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

The rankings in the secondary school league tables are determined by the percentage of examination entries gaining A*-B at A-level, which is given double weighting, and the percentage of entries returning A* and A grades, and those graded 9, 8 and 7, at GCSE and iGCSE.

Bradford Grammar School ranks third in the top 10 independent secondary schools in the north, while Heckmondwike Grammar School ranks second in the top 10 state secondary schools in the north

Heckmondwike has risen 48 places to joint 134th place nationally thanks to a 25 percentage point leap in GCSE results.

Meanwhile, Prince Henry’s Grammar School in Otley is ranked third and has also been named the north’s Comprehensive School of the Year.

Janet Sherriff, executive head teacher of Prince Henry’s and the chief executive of the Collaborative Learning Trust, said: “We have the full range here, from those with specialist needs to potential Oxbridge candidates, so we’ve never been an exam factory; our focus has always been a broad and balanced education.”

The school has jumped 136 places up the national ranks to 154th.

North Halifax Grammar School ranks in fourth place, Ilkley Grammar School ranks sixth and Horsforth School ranks ninth.

Helen Davies, editor of The Sunday Times Parent Power guide, said: "These have been a challenging few years for teachers, pupils and their parents, and the success of many in our league table is testament to the stamina and support shown by all concerned."

"It is also clear that more attention is being placed on wellbeing and mental health – from meditation rooms to counselling support, even therapy dogs – and schools are being proactive to bring about positive changes.

“League tables are not the only criteria a parent can use when choosing a school, but they are a good starting point. We want to celebrate excellence. We want to champion schools that are doing wonderful work.

“We want our children to be well-nurtured and well-taught. In choosing a school parents are making one of the biggest decisions in their family life, and Parent Power and The Sunday Times is here to help.”