Best Schools in Bolton 2026 — Rankings, Ofsted Ratings & Reviews
Compare 120 schools and nurseries in Bolton — Ofsted ratings, exam results & admissions data.
Bolton has 120 schools educating over 54,000 pupils across this metropolitan borough in Greater Manchester. Bolton offers a mix of urban and semi-rural settings, from the town centre to the West Pennine Moors. The borough has a strong educational tradition.
Bolton School is one of the North West's leading independent schools. Canon Slade Church of England School and Turton School are well-regarded state secondaries. Bolton's primary schools have shown strong KS2 improvement.
Bolton at a Glance
Top Primary Schools in Bolton
| School | Area | Ofsted | KS2 RWM % | Reading | Maths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Olive School, Bolton | Bolton | Outstanding | 92% | — | — |
| The Oaks Primary School | Bolton | Good | 91% | — | — |
| The Valley Community Primary School | Bolton | Outstanding | 88% | — | — |
| Beaumont Primary School | Bolton | Outstanding | 88% | — | — |
| The Ferns Primary Academy | Bolton | Good | 87% | — | — |
Top Secondary Schools in Bolton
| School | Area | Ofsted | Progress 8 | 5+ GCSE % | EBacc % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bolton Muslim Girls School | Bolton | Good | +1.06 | 80% | 98% |
| Sharples School | Bolton | Good | +0.86 | 78% | 20% |
| Essa Academy | Bolton | Good | +0.73 | 65% | 28% |
| Kearsley Academy | Bolton | Good | +0.55 | 72% | 44% |
| Eden Boys' School, Bolton | Bolton | Outstanding | +0.45 | 72% | 89% |
Admissions in Bolton — Key Dates
Bolton 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 bolton.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 Bolton?
Canon Slade Church of England School, Turton School and Rivington & Blackrod High School are well-regarded state secondaries. Bolton School is a leading independent. Primary schools in Bromley Cross and Horwich achieve strong results.
Are there grammar schools in Bolton?
No. Bolton has no state grammar schools. Bolton School is an independent (fee-paying) school. Bolton operates a comprehensive admissions system.
Which areas of Bolton are best for schools?
Bromley Cross, Horwich and Lostock are popular family areas with well-rated primary and secondary schools.
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