Best Schools in Barking and Dagenham 2026 — Rankings & Reviews
Compare 60 schools and nurseries in Barking and Dagenham — Ofsted ratings, exam results & admissions data.
Barking and Dagenham in East London has 60 schools educating over 33,000 pupils. The borough has seen rapid change with major regeneration at Barking Riverside bringing new housing and school investment. Schools in the borough have improved significantly in recent years.
All Saints Catholic School and Eastbury Community School are among the better-known secondaries. The borough's primary schools have made notable gains in KS2 results.
Barking and Dagenham at a Glance
Top Primary Schools in Barking and Dagenham
| School | Area | Ofsted | KS2 RWM % | Reading | Maths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rush Green Primary School | Barking and Dagenham | Outstanding | 89% | — | — |
| St Margarets CofE Primary School | Barking and Dagenham | Good | 88% | — | — |
| The St Teresa Catholic Primary School | Barking and Dagenham | Good | 84% | — | — |
| Riverside Primary School | Barking and Dagenham | Good | 83% | — | — |
| St Joseph's Catholic Primary School | Barking and Dagenham | Good | 81% | — | — |
Top Secondary Schools in Barking and Dagenham
| School | Area | Ofsted | Progress 8 | 5+ GCSE % | EBacc % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goresbrook School | Barking and Dagenham | Outstanding | +0.87 | 78% | 77% |
| Riverside School | Barking and Dagenham | Outstanding | +0.78 | 75% | 86% |
| All Saints Catholic School and Technology College | Barking and Dagenham | Outstanding | +0.72 | 75% | 82% |
| The Sydney Russell School | Barking and Dagenham | Good | +0.72 | 77% | 74% |
| Barking and Dagenham College | Barking and Dagenham | Outstanding | +0.45 | 73% | 82% |
Admissions in Barking and Dagenham — Key Dates
Barking and Dagenham Council coordinates admissions for state schools. Secondary applications closed on 31 October 2025 with offers on 1 March 2026. Primary applications close on 15 January 2026 with offers on 16 April 2026. Apply through lbbd.gov.uk.
Tip: Classpot shows the applications-to-places ratio for every school so you can gauge how competitive admissions are before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best schools in Barking and Dagenham?
All Saints Catholic School, Eastbury Community School and Barking Abbey School are well-regarded secondaries. The borough is investing in new school buildings as part of the Barking Riverside development.
How are schools improving in Barking and Dagenham?
The borough has seen sustained improvement in Ofsted grades and exam results. Progress measures show strong value added, meaning schools are helping pupils achieve more than expected.
Are there grammar schools in Barking and Dagenham?
No. The borough has no grammar schools. The nearest selective schools are in Essex. Barking and Dagenham operates a comprehensive admissions system.
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