Double joy for city's happy high schools

Two high schools in Wolverhampton are among the happiest in the country.

Data analysed by The Sunday Times from Ofsted's Parent View survey found that an incredible 99% of parents and carers reported that their child is happy at Highfields School in Penn, the joint highest score in England.

Meanwhile, 98% of Colton Hills Community School parents said their child is happy – putting both schools among the top 10 non-selective schools nationally. Highfields headteacher Graham Tate said: "This outstanding achievement is a reflection of our hardworking staff, dedicated students, and the unwavering support of parents and carers.

"At Highfields, we are committed to not only delivering academic success but also fostering a school community where every student feels happy, healthy, and valued.

"Seeing these results is a testament to the positive and supportive environment the school strives to create every day, and only strengthens our motivation to continue developing a thriving and happy Highfields community. Thank you to everyone who makes our school such a fantastic place to learn and grow!"

Colton Hills Headteacher Julie Hunter added: "We are over the moon with the findings from The Sunday Times and the positive parents' feedback from our own survey, helping us to create a happy, healthy, high performing school.

“As a growing school that has been serving the community for the last 50 years, we are delighted with this affirmation as we continue to strive for the best outcomes for our students and ensure that there are no barriers to high achievement and success."

Councillor Jacqui Coogan, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: "It's really important that children are happy at school, as it positively impacts their learning, wellbeing, and social-emotional development, ultimately leading to greater academic success and a more fulfilling life – and so it is fabulous to see that children at Highfields and Colton Hills enjoy their schools so much.”

The data draws on results from secondary schools with at least 500 pupils and 100 parent submissions and uses data from the year with the most responses between 2020 and 2025.