King Edward’s School, Bath has been recognised as the Independent Secondary School of the Year in the South West in the newly published Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026.
The accolade celebrates not only the school’s exceptional academic results but also its strong culture of care and its commitment to preparing pupils for life beyond school.
KES also retains its position as the region’s top co-educational independent school for the fourth year in a row, following impressive 2025 results that saw 90% of A Level entries achieve A*-B grades and more than half of GCSEs awarded grades 8 or 9.
The Parent Power report highlights schools that combine academic excellence with wider strengths, including mental health support, enrichment opportunities and innovative approaches to learning. For KES, this includes a consistently outstanding academic track record, with over 60% of A Level grades at A*/A for 12 consecutive years, alongside a notable value-added uplift of almost one grade per GCSE subject.
The school’s ‘culture of care’ was a defining factor in this year’s award. Its pastoral programme supports pupils at every stage, with peer mentoring helping to build an inclusive community. KES has also recently gone phone-free for Years 7-11 through the use of Yondr pouches, supported by its Learning for Life programme, which offers guidance on digital wellbeing, self-esteem, positive masculinity, vaping and navigating social media.
A forward-thinking careers programme ensures pupils are well prepared for the future, offering mentoring events and work experience for more than 100 Year 12 pupils each year. Recent leavers have progressed to Oxbridge, Medical School, vocational pathways, Ivy League colleges and degree apprenticeships with organisations including AstraZeneca and Deloitte.
Beyond the classroom, pupils are encouraged to explore their passions through a wide range of opportunities. These include F1 in Schools, esports, school drama productions and representing KES at events such as the International Model United Nations at The Hague. Sporting and musical achievements have also shone this year, from the senior rugby players winning the U18 Vase at the Rosslyn Park National Schools Sevens to pupils performing with Bath Philharmonia at the Guildhall.
Responding to the award, Headmaster Martin Boden said, “At King Edward’s, we believe that happiness and wellbeing are the foundation of high achievement. This award reflects our commitment to combining academic ambition with a culture of care, so that every pupil feels supported, valued and inspired. When young people are confident and curious, they not only achieve outstanding results but leave ready to make a positive difference in the world.”
Helen Davies, editor of the Sunday Times Parent Power Guide, added, “The educational landscape is testing – budget challenges, rising student mental health issues, special educational needs and an increasingly uncertain future. But there is also so much to celebrate from the dedication of teachers who are finding ever more innovative and impactful ways to enrich their students and give them the very best start in life.
“As well as celebrating the academic excellence of the top schools it is uplifting to see how they are shaping their students to be ready for the 21st century, and instilling a lifelong love of learning.”
