Best Schools in Bury 2026 — Rankings, Ofsted Ratings & Reviews
Compare 81 schools and nurseries in Bury — Ofsted ratings, exam results & admissions data.
Bury is a metropolitan borough in Greater Manchester known for its strong state school performance. The borough includes the towns of Bury, Ramsbottom, Tottington and Prestwich. With 81 schools ranging from village primaries to large secondaries, Bury offers strong educational choices across the ability range.
Bury at a Glance
Top Primary Schools in Bury
| School | Area | Ofsted | KS2 RWM % | Reading | Maths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emmanuel Holcombe Church of England Primary School | Bury | Good | 93% | — | — |
| Sunny Bank Primary School | Bury | Good | 88% | — | — |
| Chantlers Primary School | Bury | Outstanding | 85% | — | — |
| St Mary's Church of England Primary School, Hawkshaw | Bury | Good | 83% | — | — |
| Gorsefield Primary School | Bury | Good | 79% | — | — |
Top Secondary Schools in Bury
| School | Area | Ofsted | Progress 8 | 5+ GCSE % | EBacc % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holy Cross College | Bury | Good | +0.95 | 90% | 74% |
| The Derby High School | Bury | Good | +0.35 | 59% | 26% |
| Unsworth Academy | Bury | Good | +0.21 | 66% | 21% |
| Parrenthorn High School | Bury | Good | +0.21 | 71% | 32% |
| St Monica's RC High School, a Voluntary Academy | Bury | Good | +0.21 | 78% | 25% |
Admissions in Bury — Key Dates
School admissions in Bury are coordinated by Bury Council. Applications for primary reception and secondary Year 7 follow the Greater Manchester timetable. Bury has several faith schools with specific admission criteria. The borough also borders areas with grammar schools in Trafford.
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 Bury?
Bury Grammar School (independent), Philips High School, Woodhey High School and Elton High School are well-regarded secondaries. St Monica's RC High School and Parrenthorn High School also achieve strong results.
Are there grammar schools in Bury?
Bury Grammar School is an independent school, not a state grammar. For state grammar education, families in south Bury sometimes apply to grammar schools in neighbouring Trafford borough.
How do school admissions work in Bury?
Apply through Bury Council by 31 October (secondary) or 15 January (primary). Most schools use distance as the main criterion after looked-after children and siblings. Faith schools require a supplementary form.
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