An Eltham school has won a been named Independent School of the Year 2024 (London) in the prestigious Sunday Times list.

Eltham College has said it is “delighted” to have won the title as part of the Parent Power list released every year.

They said it reflects the schools “increasing levels of academic success”.

The anticipated list comes as the UK’s highest-achieving secondary schools have been ranked by the first true set of post-pandemic examination results in the 31st edition of The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide.

Guy Sanderson, headmaster at Eltham College, said: “I am absolutely thrilled that The Sunday Times has recognised the hard work and endeavour of our students, the dedication and care of our staff at Eltham College, and the support of our parents which enables us to deliver an outstanding education consistently year on year.   

“This recognition by Parent Power reflects our aim to be a leading co-educational school for boys and girls and one that serves our local community by providing consistent and sustained academic performance. 

“This is underpinned by high quality pastoral care and co-curricular excellence. 

“We strive constantly to help our young people to succeed at school and to lead inspired, happy and successful lives in their chosen fields.”   

The guide is widely acknowledged as the most authoritative survey of the country’s top schools.

The latest edition found conversations around mental health are now ingrained in the leading schools many offering mentoring systems, talks from motivational speakers and workshops offering study tips and techniques to help with stress and anxiety.

The guide also discovered good schools embed career advice into the curriculum and inspire pupils by inviting visiting speakers, from industry leaders to alumni.

Helen Davies, Editor of Parent Power, said: “The educational landscape continues to be challenging across both the state and independent sectors, and this is the first true assessment of post-pandemic exam results.

“We believe these rankings – and all the additional information on offer in Parent Power – provide parents with a more reliable guide to academic achievement in schools today.

“The guide showcases academic excellence but also celebrates schools who may not be right at the top but are rising, innovating and helping pupils flourish.

“Being a teenager is hard enough, and the past few years since Covid have made life even harder.

“It is heartening to highlight the achievements of so many students and schools across the UK.

“This year Parent Power includes details on extracurricular clubs, wellbeing initiatives and school lunch menus – chicken katsu seems to be the dish of the day.”