The performance of Scottish schools has been ranked in the latest edition of The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide.
Jordanhill School, in Glasgow, has maintained its top spot among state schools, while being crowned Scottish state secondary school of the year, and Scottish state secondary school of the year for academic excellence.
All but one of the “top ten” state secondaries are in Glasgow or its suburbs, with four in East Renfrewshire, three in East Dunbartonshire and two in the city.
However, Edinburgh Academy was crowned Scottish independent secondary school of the year, St Mary’s Music School in Edinburgh was the Scottish independent secondary school of the year for academic excellence in Highers, and Fettes College, also Edinburgh, was named Scottish independent secondary school of the year for academic excellence in A-levels/GCSEs.
Helen Davies, editor of Parent Power, said: “The educational landscape is challenging – teacher shortages, rising student mental health issues and special educational needs and the VAT rise – but there is also so much to celebrate from the hard work of passionate and committed teachers who are finding ever more innovative and impactful ways to boost their students and give them the very best start in life.”
Here are the top ten secondary schools in Scotland, as ranked in the The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2025.

5. St Ninian's High School
St Ninian’s is a Catholic state secondary school in Giffnock, East Renfrewshire. It has dropped from third place to fifth in the Parent Power rankings. | Google

6. Woodfarm High School
Woodfarm High School is in Thornliebank, East Renfrewshire. It is another secondary that regularly makes the top 10, falling from fourth to sixth this year. | Google

7. Williamwood High School
Williamwood High Shool is a secondary school in Clarkston, East Renfrewshire. It moved up two places, from ninth to seventh in the rankings. | Google

8. Boclair Academy
Boclair Academy is another state secondary school in Bearsden, East Dunbartonshire. It entered the Top 10 in eighth place, having been ranked 16th last year. | Google