Ofsted surveys parents each year on whether their children are 'happy' at their school and The Sunday Times has combed through the research to reveal a list of the 'happiest schools' in the UK — and there's not just one but two Gloucestershire schools that made the joyful grade.
More than 500,000 parents fill out the Parent View survey on the Ofsted website every year but for this research, The Sunday Times conducted analysis for a year between 2020 and 2025 in which the largest number of surveys were completed.
Schools on the list have at least 500 places and surveys completed by at least 100 parents in a single year, leaving 1,934 state secondary schools in England and Wales.
Out of this 1,934, Sir Thomas Rich's School in Longlevens took the top spot, with 99 per cent of parents saying that their child was happy at school.
The High School Leckhampton in Cheltenham came in close behind with a happiness score of 98 per cent.
Ofsted, the education watchdog, has plans to add a 'wellbeing' category to its new inspection reports to address parents' growing focus on the happiness of their children — recognising that a school's ethos is a top concern for families when choosing where they should go for secondary.
Headteacher at The High School Leckhampton, Helen Wood, said: 'At HSL, we believe that positive, respectful relationships form the foundation of a happy school.
'Our commitment to being a Rights Respecting School has helped us shape a culture where kindness, fairness and integrity guide our expectations for pupil behaviour.
'We encourage our students to speak out against injustice and to treat one another with respect, fostering a safe and supportive atmosphere where every child can thrive.'
Jason Elsom, chief executive of Parentkind, added: 'While exam results will always matter, parents across the country have made it clear that academic success should not come at the expense of their child’s wellbeing and happiness.
'A child who enjoys learning and has a positive relationship with their education is far more likely to thrive in life than one who is left struggling, clutching a handful of certificates but feeling broken.'
