Best Schools in Bradford 2026 — Rankings, Ofsted Ratings & Reviews
Compare 203 schools and nurseries in Bradford — Ofsted ratings, exam results & admissions data.
Bradford has 203 schools educating over 100,000 pupils across this large metropolitan district in West Yorkshire. The city's educational landscape reflects its diverse community, with schools in areas from inner-city Bradford to suburban Ilkley and rural Wharfedale.
Bradford Grammar School is one of the North's leading independent schools. Ilkley Grammar School (comprehensive despite the name) and Tong High School are among the well-known state secondaries. Bradford's schools have been on a significant improvement trajectory.
Bradford at a Glance
Top Primary Schools in Bradford
| School | Area | Ofsted | KS2 RWM % | Reading | Maths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Saints' CofE Primary School | Bradford | Good | 91% | — | — |
| Harden Primary School | Bradford | Good | 87% | — | — |
| Copthorne Primary School | Bradford | Outstanding | 85% | — | — |
| Cottingley Village Primary School | Bradford | Good | 84% | — | — |
| Thackley Primary School | Bradford | Good | 83% | — | — |
Top Secondary Schools in Bradford
| School | Area | Ofsted | Progress 8 | 5+ GCSE % | EBacc % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dixons Trinity Academy | Bradford | Outstanding | +0.72 | 77% | 76% |
| Feversham Girls' Secondary Academy | Bradford | Outstanding | +0.68 | 68% | 94% |
| Dixons Cottingley Academy | Bradford | Good | +0.65 | 75% | 88% |
| Dixons Kings Academy | Bradford | Outstanding | +0.54 | 74% | 83% |
| Ilkley Grammar School | Bradford | Outstanding | +0.54 | 79% | 32% |
Admissions in Bradford — Key Dates
Bradford 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 bradford.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 Bradford?
Ilkley Grammar School, Dixons City Academy and Beckfoot School are well-regarded state secondaries. Bradford Grammar School is a leading independent. Primary schools in Ilkley, Baildon and Bingley achieve excellent results.
Is Ilkley Grammar School selective?
No. Despite the name, Ilkley Grammar School is a comprehensive school that admits by distance. It is not selective. The nearest grammar schools are in North Yorkshire (Ripon Grammar).
How are Bradford schools performing?
Bradford's schools have improved significantly through academy programmes. Schools in the outer areas (Ilkley, Bingley) tend to have higher raw results, while inner-city schools often have impressive progress scores.
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