Bristol named among England’s brainiest cities, according to new study

The research, carried out by BrainManager, a website that tests IQ through various quizzes online, examined a range of factors that reflect both formal education and intellectual curiosity. Looking at 60 of England’s largest towns and cities, the study considered the percentage of residents with degrees, GCSE attainment, vocational and Level 3 qualification rates, and access to public libraries. But it didn’t stop there – it also explored how eager people are to learn outside the classroom, using data on Google searches related to online reading and the number of public lectures and academic events held per 10,000 people.

By analysing these eight metrics and assigning each a weighted value based on its educational significance, BrainManager created an overall score to rank England’s largest towns and cities.

Just missing out on the top 10, Bristol lands in 11th place with an overall score of 45.05, making it one of the most academically promising cities outside the official “brainiest” list. It punches well above its weight in terms of higher education, with 34.83% of residents holding a degree, the fourth-highest rate in the country. Its Level 3 qualification rate is also impressive, placing eighth overall, and its interest in lifelong learning shows, too. Bristol ranks fourth for Google searches related to online reading, suggesting a curious and digitally engaged population.

However, the city’s score is held back by a few weaker points. GCSE performance is average, ranking 18th, and Bristol ranks worryingly low for vocational qualifications, third from the bottom, with just 1.81% of residents achieving that type of qualification. Despite having a decent number of public libraries (25), the city only manages 3.77% of schools rated ‘Outstanding’, placing it 45th in that metric. And when it comes to public academic events, Bristol sits near the bottom again—50th out of 60—indicating that while people may be keen to learn online, opportunities for in-person intellectual engagement are fewer and farther between.

Topping the list is Oxford (1st), which lives up to its reputation with the highest proportion of degree holders and the most academic events per capita, making it the undeniable intellectual capital of England. Reading (2nd) follows closely behind, thanks to its strong GCSE and Level 3 qualification rates and a population that clearly enjoys learning online. In third place, Slough stands out not for its universities, but for its impressive vocational qualification rate and a thriving calendar of academic events. Brighton and Hove (4th) holds its own with high degree rates and GCSE performance, while London (5th) shows off its educational infrastructure, boasting the most libraries and a strong presence of outstanding schools, though it lags in public lectures.

In sixth, York combines tradition with solid academic results, including a standout GCSE performance. Wokingham (7th) quietly impresses with some of the best qualification rates in the country despite only having a single public library. Stafford (8th) may not have the highest exam scores, but its exceptional rate of ‘Outstanding’ schools and high public event numbers help it climb the ranks. Southend-on-Sea (9th) leads the nation in GCSE attainment and maintains strong academic engagement overall. Finally, Bournemouth rounds out the top 10, balancing good school performance with a quieter academic events scene, proving you don’t need a university town label to be among England’s brainiest cities.

On the flip side, Blackpool, Doncaster, Sunderland, Barnsley, and Hull ranked in the bottom 5.

List of the top 15 smartest cities in the study: