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Sian Traynor

The top schools in Edinburgh named as Sunday Times releases guide for 2023

The top performing schools in Edinburgh and the rest of Scotland have been revealed after The Sunday Times issued their Schools Guide for 2023.

Published on Friday, December 9, the 30th edition of Parent Power showcased the highest achieving both private and state secondary schools in the country.

With rankings in Scotland based on the most recent government data from 2021, which takes into account the proportion of pupils gaining five or more National 5 passes, five or more Highers and the proportion gaining two or more Advanced Highers.

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Analysing the data, the top rated secondary school in Edinburgh was Boroughmuir High School, which was the only Edinburgh state school to appear in the top 10 in Scotland.

Concerning independent and private schools, Fettes College was ranked as the best in both Edinburgh and Scotland for A-levels and GCSEs, followed by Merchiston Castle School, and Loretto in Musselburgh.

However for Highers and Advanced Highers, St Mary’s Music School in Edinburgh, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary, tops the list of independent schools that follow the Scottish education system.

Helen Davies, editor of The Sunday Times Parent Power guide, says: “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.”

The full Sunday Times tables are available below:

The top 10 state secondary schools in Scotland

Regional rank

School name

Town

2+ Advanced Higher (%)


5+ Higher (%)


5+ National 5 (%)


1

Jordanhill School, Glasgow


Glasgow

62

91

95

2

St Ninian's High School, Giffnock


Giffnock

38

78

95

3

Bearsden Academy


Glasgow

32

81

94

4

Cults Academy, Aberdeen


Aberdeen

30

78

91

5

Williamwood High School, Glasgow


Glasgow

26

77

94

=6

Boroughmuir High School, Edinburgh


Edinburgh

34

73

92

=6

Eastwood High School, Newton Mearns


Newton Mearns

37

71

93

8

Woodfarm High School, Thornliebank


Tornliebank

31

73

92

9

Dunblane High School


Dunblane

28

75

90

10

Mearns Castle High School, Glasgow


Glasgow

33

70

92

The top independent secondary schools in Scotland (A-levels/GCSE)

Regional rank

School name

Town

A-level A*-B (%)

GCSE A*/A/9/8/7 (%)

2022

national rank

2019

national rank

1

Fettes College


Edinburgh


82


74


=153


112


2

St Leonards School


St Andrews


82.8


54.3


212


206


3

Merchiston Castle School


Edinburgh


74.8


65.8


223


182


4

Loretto School


Musselburgh


73.3


51.9


=287


318


5

Strathallan


Perth


69.0


37.0


=338


=221


6

Glenalmond College


Perth


60.1


48.2


355


278


The top independent secondary schools in Scotland (Higher/Advanced Higher)

Regional rank

School name

Town

Higher/Advanced Higher A/B (%)


National A (%)


1

St Mary's Music School, Edinburgh


Edinburgh

96.5


89.0


2

George Heriot's School, Edinburgh


Edinburgh

94.2


84.7


3

Kilgraston, Perth


Perth

97


75


4

Albyn School, Aberdeen


Aberdeen

92.9


82.1


5

Hutchesons' Grammar School, Glasgow


Glasgow

91.1


83


6

The High School of Glasgow


Glasgow

89.6


85.2


7

The Mary Erskine School, Edinburgh


Edinburgh

89.3


84.3


8

High School of Dundee


Dundee

90


80.6


9

St Margaret's School for Girls, Aberdeen


Aberdeen

92.4


75


10

Dollar Academy


Dollar

89


81


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