Exeter School, who have an advertising board at St James Park, have been named Sunday Times 'South-West Independent Secondary School of the Year'.
The 25th edition of its annual Schools Guide, Parent Power, has awarded the top place to the co-educational independent school, based on its outstanding academic achievements and overall educational provision.
Alastair McCall, editor of Parent Power, said: "In a year when A Levels got tougher, Exeter performed phenomenally well to increase so significantly the proportion of the highest grades. In a competitive local market, with some excellent state schools nearby, Exeter School has to offer a high quality and distinctive alternative - and does so in spades.
"The 900-pupil day school is the dominant independent school in the far South West with a deserved reputation for academic excellence and providing an outstanding all-round education."
Headmaster Bob Griffin said: "We are proud to receive this award which is testament to the hard work and dedication of our pupils, parents, staff and governors.
"This accolade celebrates not only our excellent academic results but also our approach to education as a whole, in a thriving educational market place, including a range of excellent maintained schools and colleges.
"Outstanding teaching, wonderful facilities and a broad variety of extra-curricular activities, including music, art, drama, sport and outdoor pursuits, mean that our pupils leave Exeter School with a well-rounded education which prepares them for life beyond school."
The Sunday Times published the 25th edition of its annual Schools Guide, Parent Power on 26 November. The 25th edition of Parent Power identifies the 2,000 highest-achieving schools in the UK, ranked by their recent examination results. A fully searchable database by school name, local authority, town and postcode, together with new regional rankings are available to Times and Sunday Times subscribers at: thesundaytimes.co.uk/parentpower.