West London Free Named as Country's Best Comprehensive

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Local schools shine in Sunday Times Rankings

Picture: West London Free School

December 5, 2025

West London schools figure prominently in the newly published Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026, which ranks the UK’s highest-achieving primary and secondary schools based on exam performance.

The West London Free School (WLFS)in Hammersmith has been named Comprehensive School of the Year for London and nationally, reflecting its strong academic results and growing reputation. Ranked 44th out of all schools nationally, it leads the capital’s comprehensive schools, underlining its success in combining rigorous teaching with a broad curriculum.

Ben McLaughlin and Robert Peal, Joint Headteachers at WLFS said, “We are over the moon with the news that The Sunday Times has chosen West London Free School as the comprehensive school of the year. WLFS was founded as one of the first free schools in 2011 to challenge the status quo in state education. We wanted to show what inner-London pupils are capable of achieving if placed in a demanding but nurturing environment, with an academic curriculum, exemplary behaviour, and a rich diet of co-curricular activities. This prize is a vindication of everyone who worked to make this a reality: the school’s founders, teachers, support staff, governors and trustees, our families, and most importantly the amazing pupils who make this school what it is. We could not be prouder today of their achievements.”

Ian Hunter, Chief Executive, Knowledge Schools Trust added, “Speaking on behalf of the Knowledge Schools Trust, we are delighted that West London Free School has been recognised in this way by The Sunday Times. As one of the flagship free schools, WLFS set out to show that a rigorous, knowledge-rich education, combined with kindness and high expectations could deliver the highest results. From the trustees, teachers and staff, alongside the support of our families, we have all been centred-on helping our pupils succeed in school and life. This award is also a powerful endorsement of the academy freedoms and the ability of a school’s leadership to operate it best sees fit – freedoms now under threat from the government’s proposed education reforms.”

Independent schools in the area also performed strongly. St Paul’s School in Barnes was recognised as Independent Secondary School of the Year for Academic Excellence nationwide, while St Paul’s Girls’ School in Hammersmith ranked sixth nationally and won the award for Independent School of the Year for GCSEs. Both schools continue to set benchmarks for academic achievement.

Nearby Godolphin and Latymer in Hammersmith placed fourth nationally among independent schools, praised for its balance of academic excellence and pastoral care. Latymer Upper School, also in Hammersmith, secured a top-ten national position, highlighting its strong performance in examinations. Eight out of ten of the countries topped ranked independent schools were in London.

Among state schools attended by children locally, the Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School in Kensington ranked 97th nationally, consolidating its reputation for high standards and strong Catholic ethos.

Top secondary independent schools in London  

Regional rank	National   rank	School Name
1	1	St Paul’s School  *Independent Secondary School of the Year in London for Academic Excellence
2	3	North London Collegiate School
3	4	Godolphin and Latymer
4	6	St Paul’s Girls’ School
5	7	King's College School, Wimbledon
6	8	Westminster School
7	9	City of London School For Girls
8	10	Latymer Upper School
9	12	Lady Eleanor Holles
10	13	Alleyn's School

Top comprehensive secondary schools in London  

Regional rank	National rank	School Name
1	44	West London Free School
2	59	JFS
3	84	Camden School for Girls
4	96	The Charter School North Dulwich
5	97	The Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School
6	99	Waldegrave School, Twickenham
7	107	Twyford CofE High School
8	108	Hasmonean High School for Girls
9	113=	Mossbourne Community Academy
10	118	JCoss (Jewish Community Secondary School)

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.”

The Parent Power Guide is widely recognised as an authoritative ranking of UK schools, offeringparents a searchable database of more than 2,000 institutions.

For the full rankings and methodology, visit The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026.

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