SOUTH Wilts Grammar School has today been named the ‘State Secondary School of the Year in the Southwest’ by The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026.

The school, approaching its centenary next year, is ranked among the UK’s highest-achieving primary and secondary schools in the 33rd edition of the guide.

SWGS headteacher Dr Amanda Smith said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive this award. It reflects the hard work, talent and dedication of our students, staff and wider community. South Wilts is a school built on aspiration, care and ambition, and this recognition is a testament to what our students achieve every day, academically, creatively and personally.

“As we approach our centenary in 2027, this award feels especially meaningful. It celebrates not only where we are today, but the journey our school has taken over the last 100 years, and the exciting future ahead of us.”

Photo: South Wilts Grammar School

She added that the trust board’s strategic leadership also played a key role in the school’s success.

Chair of trustees Liz Ogilvie added: “This award is richly deserved and reflects the collective effort of students, staff, trustees and families. The school has made extraordinary progress over many years, and this recognition is a wonderful marker of just how far it has come.”

Photo: South Wilts Grammar School

The Sunday Times says the guide is “widely acknowledged as the most authoritative survey of the country’s top schools” and recognised by many as the definitive ranking of the UK’s top primary and secondary state and independent schools.

The Parent Power 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, parents can compare the performance of schools in the same area, local authority or nationally.

Editor of Parent Power Guide Helen Davies 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.”