Best schools in Dumfries & Galloway

Top 5 secondary schools in Dumfries & Galloway

Ranked on leavers with 1 or more awards at Advanced Higher level (SCQF 7) (2024-25), from official Scottish Government statistics. Scotland overall: 26%.

1
St Joseph's College
Dumfries · DG1 4UU
42%
1+ Advanced Higher, 2024-25
Pupils
894
census 2025-26
Pupils per teacher
14.2
Average class size
0
Similar schools
32%
virtual comparator
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2
Wallace Hall Academy
Dumfriesshire · DG3 5DS
35%
1+ Advanced Higher, 2024-25
Pupils
572
census 2025-26
Pupils per teacher
13.9
Average class size
0
Similar schools
27%
virtual comparator
See full results
3=
Dalbeattie High School
Dalbeattie · DG5 4LU
32%
1+ Advanced Higher, 2024-25
Pupils
304
census 2025-26
Pupils per teacher
10.9
Average class size
0
Similar schools
24%
virtual comparator
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3=
Dumfries High School
Dumfries · DG1 1PX
32%
1+ Advanced Higher, 2024-25
Pupils
849
census 2025-26
Pupils per teacher
14.8
Average class size
0
Similar schools
32%
virtual comparator
See full results
5
Kirkcudbright Academy
Kirkcudbright · DG6 4JN
30%
1+ Advanced Higher, 2024-25
Pupils
405
census 2025-26
Pupils per teacher
12.2
Average class size
0
Similar schools
28%
virtual comparator
See full results

Full Dumfries & Galloway league table →All 16 secondary schools, with similar-school comparisons.All schools in Dumfries & Galloway →89 primary and 16 secondary schools.

“Best” here means highest on this one official measure. It counts awards at each SCQF level across all qualifications, not exam pass rates, and schools serve different communities. Visit, ask questions and check catchment with Dumfries & Galloway council before deciding. Source: Scottish Government, Schools – Breadth and Depth of Qualifications (Open Government Licence).