Four north London independent schools have achieved positions among the top 20 in a newly released A-level ranking compiled by education research group Britannia UK.
The table has been updated to incorporate the A-level results released on August 13.
Among the institutions featured are one private boys’ school, a mixed intake sixth form, and two schools for girls.
The rankings are determined by the proportion of entries achieving A or A* grades, with St Paul’s School for boys in west London leading the national list at 95.5 per cent.
Highgate School emerged as the highest-placed north London institution, marking what the school described as its best ever A-level performance.
The establishment secured fifth position overall, with 86.5 per cent of its entries graded at A or A*.
The head of Highgate School, Adam Pettitt, reflected on the achievement, noting that the leavers should feel tremendous pride in their results.
He highlighted that with just over half of all grades at the top A* level and 98 per cent of examinations graded A* to B, the cohort had placed themselves in an excellent position for university admission.
Pettitt attributed the record-breaking performance to the students’ self-discipline and conscientious approach, which enabled them to maintain consistent routines and attend school regularly throughout the period while actively seeking and following guidance.
South Hampstead High School in Belsize Park, which belongs to the Girls Day School Trust and is marking its 150th anniversary this year, followed closely in sixth position with 83 per cent of grades at A or A*.
The school reported that one in five of its students achieved straight A*s, while a quarter obtained at least three A* grades.
The headteacher of South Hampstead, Anna Paul, expressed immense pride in the pupils’ accomplishments, stating that she was delighted to see them commencing their next educational chapter with confidence and joy, whether continuing their sixth form studies at the school or proceeding to leading universities worldwide.
She noted that this represented a wonderful way to launch the institution’s 150th anniversary celebrations.
North London Collegiate School in Canons Park, Harrow claimed 10th place with 81.3 per cent of entries at A or A*.
University College School in Frognal, Hampstead ranked 17th nationally, with 78 per cent of grades achieving the highest levels.
The latter establishment was positioned just one place and one percentage point ahead of Alleyn’s, the south London school that is scheduled to open its inaugural north London site in Hampstead in September, taking over the premises formerly occupied by North Bridge House.
Britannia UK explains on its platform that the A-Levels League Table is released annually and serves as a method for comparing the academic standards of schools and colleges across the country.
The tables arrange institutions according to various measures, including the proportion of students obtaining particular grades or the average marks secured in A-level subjects.
The data is intended to assist students, families, and education professionals in assessing the relative academic standing of different establishments.