Alnwick and Hexham high schools ranked among best in the North East in new Sunday Times ranking list
Duchess’s Community High School in Alnwick has been recognised as one of the top schools in the North East.
It is ranked 9th best state secondary school in the region, the second best in Northumberland, in The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026.
Head teacher James Wilson said: “Being named among the top state secondary schools in the North East is a proud moment for our whole community.
"DCHS serves one of the largest and most rural catchment areas in England, so this recognition reflects the ambition and resilience shown by our students and the commitment of our staff who work tirelessly to provide excellent teaching and rich opportunities every day.
"League tables never tell the full story, yet they do highlight the impact of consistent hard work over time and the strength of the team here at DCHS.”
He added: “Our success is rooted in the strength of our wider community. We are fortunate to work alongside many community partners including BOOST, our charitable partner, whose hardship fund, lunchtime clubs and wellbeing activities make a real difference to our students.
"BOOST are in the final days of this year’s Big Give Christmas Challenge and are close to unlocking vital match funding that will double every donation. Their impact is felt across the school and we are very grateful for their ongoing support.”
Queen Elizabeth High School in Hexham takes 5th spot in a ranking list topped by St Leonard’s RC School in Durham.
The rest of the top 10 is comprised of: Durham Johnston Comprehensive School (2nd), Emmanuel College, Gateshead (3rd), Gosforth Academy (4th), Sacred Heart RC High School, Newcastle (6th), Whitley Bay High School (7th), Egglescliffe School (8th) and Conyers School in Stockton-on-Tees (10th).
The top ranked independent secondary school in the North East is the Royal Grammar School, followed by Dame Allan’s Girls’ School, both in Newcastle.
St Charles' RC Primary School, Gosforth was ranked best primary school.
The guide is published online and available in print in a 28-page supplement on Sunday, December 7.
The guide includes a fully searchable national database of more than 2,000 schools by name, local authority, town and postcode. As well as an assessment of academic results on a school-by-school basis, Parent Power enables parents to compare the performance of a given school with other schools in the same area, local authority or nationally.
Helen Davies, editor of The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide, said: “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.”
Please note awards are judged on year-on-year performance as well as editorial discretion. The Parent Power league table is based on exam results as outlined in the methodology.