Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026: King’s named top co-educational school in North West

We are delighted to announce that The King’s School Chester has been named the top performing co-educational school in the North West in this year’s Sunday Times Parent Power Guide. 

The guide, which has been published today (December 5), based the ranking on national A level, GCSE and IB outcomes from summer 2025

Our incredible results last summer – 84% 9-7 grades at GCSE and 60% of A level grades at A*-A – have propelled the school an impressive 50 places in the national rankings; now firmly within the top 100, we are proud to be recognised as the 79th best independent secondary school in the country. 

Highlights from the guide include: 

• A rise of 50 places nationally
• Top co-educational school in the North West and North East 
• Ranked 79th nationally – one of only three North West schools to feature in the top 80
• Highest ratio of A*/A grades for A levels in Cheshire (60%)

Headmaster George Hartley welcomed the news. 

He said: “This achievement is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion of our students, staff, and wider school community.

“The title of the top performing co-educational school in North West comes just weeks after ISI inspectors highlighted our co-curricular programme as a significant strength, demonstrating the richness of the all-round education that we provide.

“Academic excellence, combined with the breadth and quality of our co-curricular programme, lies at the heart of a King’s education. Together, they nurture well-rounded young people who fulfil their potential and are ready to thrive in the modern world.”

The Parent Power 2026 guide is available online now and will be published in a Sunday Times supplement on Sunday, December 7.