A new Sunday Times league table has spotlighted a dramatic contrast in academic achievement between Aberdeen’s secondary schools, with Aberdeen Grammar School ranked among Scotland’s best (9th place) and Northfield Academy struggling near the bottom (18th in the bottom 20). The disparity has reignited debate about the underlying causes and potential solutions for educational inequality in the city.
Aberdeen Grammar: A beacon of excellence
Aberdeen Grammar School has climbed to 9th place in the Sunday Times 2025 Scottish Secondary School League Table, marking a significant rise from 15th the previous year. The school is now the only institution north of the central belt to break into the top ten, with 74% of its pupils achieving the Scottish government’s “gold standard” of five Highers – a 10% increase from the previous year.
This achievement has been widely attributed to the school’s focus on academic excellence and the dedication of both staff and students. As the Sunday Times notes: “Aberdeen Grammar stands out as a beacon of educational success in the region.”
The school’s improvement strategies and strong community support have been cited as key factors in its success.
Northfield Academy: Signs of recovery amid challenges
In stark contrast, Northfield Academy has faced significant challenges and was recently described as being near the bottom of the national rankings. According to reports, only 7% of Northfield’s pupils left with five or more Highers in 2021. The school received the lowest “unsatisfactory” grade in all four areas of a recent Education Scotland inspection, prompting a major overhaul.
Despite these setbacks, there are signs of improvement. Recent changes to the curriculum, including the introduction of vocational courses and bonding activities for new pupils, have led to a modest rise in attainment.
The number of S4 pupils achieving at least one SCQF Level 5 qualification increased by 8% compared to 2022. A recent survey also revealed that more pupils feel safe at school, though attendance and behaviour remain ongoing concerns.
Former pupil Finlay Mann reflected on his experience: “For pupils who do actually pay attention and get on with it, there is a decent amount of opportunity. The teachers at Northfield acknowledge it is a challenging school but most try their hardest, given the limited resources they have available.”
What’s Behind the Gap?
The Sunday Times league tables highlight a pattern seen across Scotland: top-performing schools tend to be located in more affluent areas, while schools in deprived communities face greater obstacles. Aberdeen Grammar, situated in a more prosperous part of the city, benefits from greater parental support and resources. In contrast, Northfield serves a community with higher levels of deprivation, which impacts both pupil attainment and school resources. The persistent gap in attainment between schools just a few miles apart underscores the broader issue of inequality.
Possible Solutions
Experts and education bodies have suggested a range of measures to address such disparities:
Targeted Support and Funding: Increasing investment in schools serving disadvantaged areas, including funding for additional support needs and staff training.
Collaborative Improvement: Sharing best practices across schools and supporting professional development for teachers, as seen in other Scottish councils.
Curriculum Flexibility: Expanding vocational and skills-based learning opportunities, which have shown early promise at Northfield Academy.
Catchment Area Review: Considering socio-economic diversity when drawing up school catchment areas to promote greater equity of access to top-performing schools.
Community Engagement: Involving parents, pupils, and local organisations in school improvement planning to ensure solutions are tailored to local needs.
As local authorities and the Scottish Government consider their next steps, the focus remains on ensuring every child, regardless of postcode, has the opportunity to succeed.
