A new national study has identified Stafford in the West Midlands as one of the brainiest towns in England, placing it firmly in the country's top five for educational attainment.
How the 'Brainiest' Places Were Ranked
The research, commissioned by computer software company Unit 4, analysed 60 major towns and cities across England. It was published on 19th January 2026. The rankings were based on several key metrics designed to measure educational prowess and a culture of public knowledge.
These factors included the education levels of local residents, the performance of schools, and the strength of community learning initiatives. The single most significant metric was the percentage of residents holding a university degree, which accounted for 30% of the total score. Other qualifications, such as A-Level results, were also factored into the final standings.
Stafford and West Midlands Towns in the Spotlight
Stafford's impressive fifth-place finish was driven by outstanding performances in several areas. The town ranked among the very best in England for GCSE results and outstanding Ofsted ratings for its schools. Furthermore, over 29 per cent of Stafford's population holds a university degree, a figure that significantly exceeds the national average for towns. Access to community education programmes also contributed to its high score.
Elsewhere in the West Midlands, the results were mixed. Wolverhampton secured a place in the top half of the table, ranking 28th. However, other major towns in the region found themselves much further down the list. Walsall was placed 44th, partly due to having one of the lowest graduate percentages at just 18.8 per cent. Dudley followed in 48th place.
In a surprising result for the region's largest city, Birmingham landed in the bottom half of the rankings. The study indicated this was largely because the city hosts only 50 public knowledge events per 10,000 people, a relatively low number compared to other urban centres. The region's poorest performer was Stoke-on-Trent, which propped up the entire national table in 60th place.
National Leaders and What the Rankings Mean
At the very top of the national list, the results held few surprises. The historic university city of Cambridge was rated the most educated place in England, with Oxford taking the third spot on the podium.
This comprehensive study provides a detailed snapshot of educational attainment beyond the major cities, highlighting towns like Stafford that are fostering high levels of academic success and lifelong learning. It underscores the varying educational landscapes across different parts of the country, with the West Midlands presenting a particularly diverse picture of excellence and challenge.
