Best Schools in Cambridge 2026 — Rankings, Ofsted Ratings & Reviews
Compare 43 schools and nurseries in Cambridge — Ofsted ratings, exam results & admissions data.
Cambridge has 43 schools educating over 17,000 pupils in the historic university city. Like Oxford, Cambridge offers children an inspiring environment rich in academic tradition, science and culture. The city's schools benefit from strong parental engagement and a highly educated community.
Hills Road Sixth Form College is one of the top-performing state sixth forms in England. The Perse School and Stephen Perse Foundation are among the leading independent options. State secondaries include Chesterton Community College and Coleridge Community College.
Cambridge at a Glance
Top Primary Schools in Cambridge
| School | Area | Ofsted | KS2 RWM % | Reading | Maths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bewick Bridge Community Primary School | Cambridge | Good | 83% | — | — |
| St Luke's CofE Primary School | Cambridge | Requires Improvement | 82% | — | — |
| Ridgefield Primary School | Cambridge | Good | 80% | — | — |
| Kings Hedges Primary School | Cambridge | Good | 78% | — | — |
| Milton Road Primary School | Cambridge | Good | 75% | — | — |
Top Secondary Schools in Cambridge
| School | Area | Ofsted | Progress 8 | 5+ GCSE % | EBacc % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chesterton Community College | Cambridge | Outstanding | +1.05 | 86% | 56% |
| St Bede's Inter-Church School | Cambridge | Outstanding | +1.02 | 91% | 80% |
| Parkside Community College | Cambridge | Outstanding | +0.80 | 85% | 83% |
| Trumpington Community College | Cambridge | Good | +0.61 | 72% | 82% |
| Cambridge Academy for Science and Technology | Cambridge | Good | +0.45 | 81% | 4% |
Admissions in Cambridge — Key Dates
Cambridgeshire County 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 cambridgeshire.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 Cambridge?
Hills Road Sixth Form College is nationally renowned. Chesterton Community College and Parkside Federation are well-regarded secondaries. The Perse School is one of the top independent schools in England.
How competitive are school admissions in Cambridge?
Very competitive for popular primaries in central Cambridge. The city has seen significant housing growth, increasing pressure on school places in newer developments.
Are there grammar schools in Cambridge?
No. Cambridge has no state grammar schools. Cambridgeshire operates a comprehensive system. The nearest selective schools are in Essex and Lincolnshire.
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