The Best Primary Secondary Schools ranking is based on rigorous analysis of academic and student life data from the U.K. Department of Education along with test scores, school data.
| Factor | Description | Weight |
| Academics Grade | Based on subject assessment proficiency & inspection report on the achievement of pupil from Ofsted. | High |
| Diversity | Based on gender, language, and economic diversity of the school. | Medium |
| Teachers Grade | Based on teacher salary, teacher absenteeism, state exam results, and inspection report on the quality of teaching from Ofsted. | Medium |
| Overall Ofsted Rating | Based on overall school rating from Ofsted. | Low |
| Health & Safety Grade | Based on persistent student absenteeism, and survey responses on the school environment from students and parents. | Low |
| Resources & Management Grade | Based on expenses per student, staffing, and inspection report on leadership & management from Ofsted. | Low |