Sunday Times reveals best schools in the North East including two from Newcastle in their Parent Power guide

The Sunday Times has released the 30th edition of its Parent Power guide to the best national and regional schools of the year. In the North East, two schools from Newcastle and one from Durham were voted as the best in the area.

It’s also a triumph for girls, with single-sex schools leading the league tables in both the private and state sectors. This is the first time anyone has compared the performance in this summer’s A-level and GCSEs with results in 2019 - the last year prior to the pandemic where teenagers sat traditional examinations.

There’s over 1,600 schools In the Parent Power database allowing people to find the best school in their area by name, local authority, town and postcode. 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 well-being 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.”

Who were the winners in the North East?

Comprehensive School of the Year - Durham Johnston Comprehensive School

Independent School of the Year - Dame Allan’s School (Girls’ and Boys’), Newcastle upon Tyne

Independent School of the Year for Academic Performance - Royal Grammar School, Newcastle upon Tyne