Best Schools in Birmingham 2026 — Rankings, Ofsted Ratings & Reviews
Compare 414 schools and nurseries in Birmingham — Ofsted ratings, exam results & admissions data.
Birmingham is England's largest local education authority, with approximately 470 primary, secondary and independent schools educating over 207,000 pupils. The city's school landscape spans community primaries, faith schools, academies, free schools and the prestigious King Edward VI foundation, which operates some of the highest-performing grammar and independent schools in the country.
Educational outcomes in Birmingham are broadly in line with national averages. In 2023/24, 33.25% of Birmingham pupils achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs, compared with the England average of 30.84%. The city has seen sustained improvement driven by multi-academy trusts and focused investment in teacher development, particularly in historically underperforming areas.
Birmingham at a Glance
Top Primary Schools in Birmingham
| School | Area | Ofsted | KS2 RWM % | Reading | Maths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Little Sutton Primary School | Birmingham | Outstanding | 95% | — | — |
| Lift Lea Forest | Birmingham | Outstanding | 93% | — | — |
| Cromwell Junior and Infant School | Birmingham | Outstanding | 93% | — | — |
| The Olive School, Small Heath | Birmingham | Outstanding | 92% | — | — |
| The Olive School, Birmingham | Birmingham | Outstanding | 91% | — | — |
Top Secondary Schools in Birmingham
| School | Area | Ofsted | Progress 8 | 5+ GCSE % | EBacc % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eden Boys' School, Birmingham | Birmingham | Outstanding | +1.58 | 89% | 94% |
| St Paul's School for Girls | Birmingham | Outstanding | +1.23 | 92% | 47% |
| Eden Girls' Leadership Academy, Birmingham | Birmingham | Outstanding | +1.18 | 92% | 71% |
| King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys | Birmingham | Outstanding | +1.09 | 100% | 86% |
| Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls | Birmingham | Good | +1.05 | 100% | 65% |
Admissions in Birmingham — Key Dates
Birmingham City Council coordinates admissions for all state-funded schools. For September 2026, the secondary deadline was 31 October 2025 with National Offer Day on 1 March 2026. The primary deadline is 15 January 2026 with offers on 16 April 2026. King Edward VI grammar schools require the West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test, typically sat in September of Year 6. Apply through eadmissions.birmingham.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 is the best school in Birmingham?
Based on combined Ofsted ratings and academic results, King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys leads at secondary level, while Montgomery Primary Academy tops primary rankings. The best school for your child depends on location, ethos, selective or comprehensive preference, and individual needs.
How many Outstanding schools are there in Birmingham?
Approximately 118 schools in Birmingham hold an Outstanding rating, around 25% of all schools. This includes 37 Outstanding primary schools and 23 Outstanding secondary schools. A further 250+ are rated Good.
Are there grammar schools in Birmingham?
Yes. Birmingham has eight King Edward VI foundation grammar schools, including Camp Hill Boys, Camp Hill Girls, Five Ways, Aston, Handsworth Girls, Handsworth Wood Girls, and Bishop Vesey's in Sutton Coldfield. Entry is via the West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test.
When are school admissions deadlines in Birmingham?
For September 2026, the secondary deadline was 31 October 2025 and the primary deadline is 15 January 2026. Grammar school entrance tests take place in September of Year 6.
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