In November 2020 we were immensely proud to be named: ‘The Sunday Times Southwest State Secondary School of the Decade’.

News of the award was included in the The Sunday Times Parent Power Supplement. Parent Power is published annually and is a guide to the best schools in the country based on achievement at A-level and GCSE. Balcarras has featured regularly over the years and often out-performs many of the selective schools in the region.

This year, as well as publishing the 2019 examinations results, Parent Power has selected 26 ‘Schools of the Decade’ from all corners of the country in recognition of their sustained excellence. In each region of the country The Sunday Times has selected a State School of the Decade and an Independent School of the Decade. With over 350 state schools in the region, many of them selective, Balcarras has beaten off some pretty stiff competition.

Balcarras has achieved superb results by any measure and at every level over this last decade. We are proud to be a comprehensive school, where children of all abilities are encouraged to aim high and strive for the very best, and in a region that still has so many selective schools, we are pleased that a comprehensive has scooped the top award.

Comment from Alastair McCall, Editor of Parent Power:

It is not easy to be a successful state comprehensive school when competing in a town with an outstanding grammar school and excellent independent school alternatives. That Balcarras succeeds in its mission – and does so with such aplomb – is a credit to the hard-working children, committed and inspirational teachers and supportive parents.

Children achieve outstanding results with around 70% of A-level grades each year achieving the top three grades and children go on to good universities. Its excellence is recognised by its appointment as sponsor of The High School Leckhampton with the hope that a little of the Balcarras stardust will rub off on the new school.

Rarely can a school live up to its motto – From strength to strength – quite as well as Balcarras, which is the thoroughly deserving winner of our Southwest State Secondary School of the Decade title.’ The Chair of Trustees at Balcarras, Rosi Shepherd said, ‘I’d like to pay tribute to the whole staff of the school who do a wonderful job of inspiring the children on to great things. This award recognises their incredible hard work and dedication.’