The Grange ranked amongst top north west independent schools by Sunday Times

The Grange School has been placed in the top five independent secondary schools in the north west, according to The Sunday Times Parent Power Schools Guide 2023.

The league tables were published online at thetimes.co.uk on December 9, 2022 and will feature in a supplement in The Sunday Times on December 11.

The 30th edition of Parent Power identifies the highest-achieving schools in the UK, using the first post-pandemic set of results for state and independent schools since Covid-19 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Head of The Grange School, Dr Lorraine Earps said: “Maintaining The Grange School’s tradition of academic excellence is testament to the hard work and dedication of our incredible teachers and wonderful students.

"Our school values of care and empathy, paired with curiosity, adventure and resilience run through every aspect of our teaching, our pastoral care, and our enrichment activities. Here, our young people are motivated to learn, and we encourage them to be ambitious, and aim high to become the best version of themselves possible.

“I believe that as educators our role is to help our young people find their song and support them as they learn how to sing it. Whatever their interests, we offer our students the chance to try everything from theatre, music and the arts, through to sports, science and philosophy in a safe and welcoming community of likeminded young people.

“I am incredibly proud of their achievements and how they have navigated the challenges of the last few years.”

The rankings in the secondary school league tables are determined by the percentage of examination entries gaining A*-B at A-level (which is given double weighting) and the percentage of entries returning A* and A grades, and those graded 9, 8 and 7, at GCSE and iGCSE. 

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 wellbeing 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.”