Every year the FT produces its own school league tables. They are different from all the others as they focus unashamedly on academic achievement as defined by ”core” subject A-level results (as set out by Cambridge University). The government’s own summary scores for schools at GCE/VCE A-level and AS levels this year (for 2007 exam results) again included various other qualifications in subjects such as animal care and make-up, which we feel give little help to students and parents aiming for places at top universities.

We use two measurements to rank the schools: the points per candidate in core A-levels (to measure the quantity of work), and the points per entry in core A-levels (to measure the quality). The two measurements are z-scored (a mathematical formula that creates numbers reflecting the range of the points) and then added. We have presented the data for the top 100 schools in an interactive format to allow you to see how the very best compare on different criteria.