PrimeUK® League Table

The Only League Table for Public Schools

Based on the A-Level results of 2022 released by schools and the ISC (Independent Schools Council), PrimeUK® has compiled statistics on the percentages of A*-A grades, enabling the launch of an exclusive public schools league table. PrimeUK® ensures that all data are accurate and traceable, making this league table authoritative. However, it's important to note that this league table is solely based on the latest examination results and should not be considered a comprehensive ranking like the QS World University Rankings or THE World University Rankings. It does not encompass all aspects of schools, such as faculty, facilities, investment, academic competence, student/parents satisfaction, university destinations, and more.

It has become increasingly popular for Chinese families to choose the UK for their child's education, starting from a very young age. As most families cannot visit each school in person or speak directly with the Principal, they rely heavily on checking examination results and the league table. PrimeUK® would like to advise parents that the primary purpose of sending children to the UK is for them to experience British values as fully as possible. When assessing a school, more attention should be paid to factors such as the school's history, location, level of management and pastoral care, curricular and extracurricular offerings, strengths in arts and sports, percentage of international students, student health and welfare, and more. Focusing solely on examination results is not wise, as a school is not merely an examination center. In fact, some prestigious public schools like Harrow School, Eaton College, and St Paul's School have refused to release their examination results to the press for many years, openly opposing the league table culture.

The rankings of schools based on examination results can fluctuate within a reasonable range due to the total entries of each year. Therefore, it is recommended to choose a school from a specific section of the league table and consider the additional value the school can provide to your child.

Reading League Tables Wisely

There are quite a few UK independent schools league tables on the market, but only two can provide accurate and traceable data resource: The Telegraph and Sunday Times. They are both private media companies and their so-called league tables are merely collecting and sequencing A-Levels results of different ranges:

The Telegraph: A*-B%

Sunday Times: A*-A%

When reading any league table, a few prerequisite questions shall be asked first: League table of which year? Released by which organisation? Which elements were evaluated? Any independent schools league table in Chinese language that cannot provide accurate and traceable data resource shall be deemed false.

There is no league table focus on public schools only. Since PrimeUK® focuses on promoting public schools, it is very important to for PrimeUK® to release this PrimeUK® League Table to help parents choose from the most prestigious schools in the UK. Please be aware that tutorial colleges such as Cardiff Sixth Form College are not included in this league table despite some of them have very good A-Level results across the UK.

Why is PrimeUK® League Table based on A*-A%?

The entry requirements of G5 and Russell Group universities are generally AAA or above. Making statistics of the A*-A% is practical for university admissions.

Which schools are excluded from PrimeUK® League Table?

Non-HMC schools. This league table is for public schools only;

Public schools without a Tier 4 sponsor license;

Scottish education system or IB not converted to A-Level equivalence;

Public schools that have not released their examination results.