Best Schools in Kirklees 2026 — Rankings, Ofsted Ratings & Reviews
Compare 175 schools and nurseries in Kirklees — Ofsted ratings, exam results & admissions data.
Kirklees is a metropolitan borough in West Yorkshire covering Huddersfield, Dewsbury, Batley, Cleckheaton, Holmfirth and Mirfield. With 175 schools, it is one of the largest education authorities in Yorkshire. The borough has a diverse school landscape with particularly strong schools in the Holme Valley and Mirfield areas.
Kirklees at a Glance
Top Primary Schools in Kirklees
| School | Area | Ofsted | KS2 RWM % | Reading | Maths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlton Junior and Infant School | Kirklees | Good | 97% | — | — |
| Netherthong Primary School | Kirklees | Good | 91% | — | — |
| St Peter's Church of England Voluntary Aided Junior, Infant and Early Years School | Kirklees | Good | 90% | — | — |
| Lydgate Junior and Infant School | Kirklees | Good | 87% | — | — |
| Slaithwaite Church of England Voluntary Controlled Junior and Infant School | Kirklees | Good | 86% | — | — |
Top Secondary Schools in Kirklees
| School | Area | Ofsted | Progress 8 | 5+ GCSE % | EBacc % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heckmondwike Grammar School | Kirklees | Good | +1.00 | 100% | 36% |
| Holmfirth High School | Kirklees | Outstanding | +0.72 | 82% | 27% |
| Shelley College, A Share Academy | Kirklees | Outstanding | +0.56 | 80% | 77% |
| BBG Academy | Kirklees | Good | +0.48 | 77% | 61% |
| Moor End Academy | Kirklees | Outstanding | +0.45 | 62% | 10% |
Admissions in Kirklees — Key Dates
Kirklees Council coordinates admissions. The borough has a large number of faith schools across different denominations. Distance is the main criterion for community schools. Some schools are significantly oversubscribed, particularly in Holmfirth and Mirfield.
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 Kirklees?
Heckmondwike Grammar School (one of the few remaining state grammar schools in Yorkshire), Honley High School, Holmfirth High School and Mirfield Free Grammar are among the top performers.
Are there grammar schools in Kirklees?
Yes. Heckmondwike Grammar School is a state grammar school selecting by the 11+ entrance test. It is one of the few remaining grammar schools in West Yorkshire and attracts applicants from across the region.
Is Huddersfield good for schools?
Huddersfield and surrounding areas have a range of schools. The Holme Valley (Holmfirth, Honley) is particularly strong. Mirfield and Heckmondwike also have well-regarded schools including the grammar school.
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