Best Schools in Bath 2026 — Rankings, Ofsted Ratings & Reviews
Compare 78 schools and nurseries in Bath — Ofsted ratings, exam results & admissions data.
Bath and North East Somerset has 78 schools educating over 32,000 pupils. The UNESCO World Heritage city of Bath offers excellent educational opportunities, with schools benefiting from a prosperous community, cultural institutions and proximity to two universities.
Bath has strong state and independent sectors. Oldfield School and St Gregory's Catholic College are well-regarded comprehensives. King Edward's School, Bath is a highly selective state school (the only non-fee-paying school in Bath using entrance exams for some places). Kingswood School and Prior Park College are notable independent options.
Bath at a Glance
Top Primary Schools in Bath
| School | Area | Ofsted | KS2 RWM % | Reading | Maths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freshford Church School | Bath and North East Somerset | Good | 100% | — | — |
| St Julian's Church School | Bath and North East Somerset | Good | 91% | — | — |
| Shoscombe Church School | Bath and North East Somerset | Good | 88% | — | — |
| Chew Stoke Church School | Bath and North East Somerset | Good | 82% | — | — |
| Pensford Primary School | Bath and North East Somerset | Good | 82% | — | — |
Top Secondary Schools in Bath
| School | Area | Ofsted | Progress 8 | 5+ GCSE % | EBacc % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hayesfield Girls School | Bath and North East Somerset | Good | +0.76 | 84% | 76% |
| St Mark's CofE School | Bath and North East Somerset | Good | +0.74 | 57% | 46% |
| Beechen Cliff School | Bath and North East Somerset | Good | +0.45 | 83% | 74% |
| Saint Gregory's Catholic College | Bath and North East Somerset | Good | +0.42 | 70% | 28% |
| Ralph Allen School | Bath and North East Somerset | Good | +0.34 | 78% | 35% |
Admissions in Bath — Key Dates
Bath and North East Somerset Council coordinates admissions. 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 bathnes.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 Bath?
Oldfield School, St Gregory's Catholic College and Ralph Allen School are well-regarded state secondaries. King Edward's School has a selective stream. Kingswood School and Prior Park College are top independents.
How competitive are school admissions in Bath?
Competitive for popular schools in central Bath. King Edward's School is particularly competitive for its selective places. Primary schools in the city centre have tight admission distances.
Are there grammar schools in Bath?
Not in the traditional sense. King Edward's School, Bath has a partially selective intake but is not a grammar school. The nearest grammar schools are in Gloucestershire (Pate's Grammar, Marling).
Find the right school in Bath
Browse all 78 schools and nurseries. Filter by Ofsted rating, exam results and distance.
Browse All Schools in Bath