Two schools in Powys have featured in this year’s edition of The Sunday Times Schools Guide.

The top performing schools in Wales were revealed last weekend in Parent Power, The Sunday Times Schools Guide 2023.

The 30th edition of Parent Power 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.

More than 1,600 schools can be searched by name, local authority, town and postcode, allowing families to find the highest-achieving school in their area.

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.

Crickhowell High School has been ranked as the eighth highest rated state secondary school in Wales, with 60.3 per cent of students achieving grades A*-B at A-level.

61.1 per cent of Crickhowell High School students achieved grades A*/A/9/8/7 at GCSE.

Ysgol Bro Preseli in Crymych topped the charts this year with 79.4 per cent of students achieving A-levels graded A*-B.

Christ College Brecon was named the ninth highest rated independent secondary school in Wales with 74 per cent of students achieving grades A*-B at A-level and 62.2 per cent of GCSE students achieving grades A*/A/9/8/7.

Christ College Brecon
Christ College Brecon was ninth highest rated independent school in Wales on the list (B&R)

Cardiff Sixth Form College came out on top of the independent school charts, with a staggering 99.2 per cent of A-level students achieving A*-B.

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 are here to help.”

For further information and to see the full league tables visit thetimes.co.uk/parentpower #ParentPower.