Best Schools in Leeds 2026 — Rankings, Ofsted Ratings & Reviews
Compare 271 schools and nurseries in Leeds — Ofsted ratings, exam results & admissions data.
Leeds is one of England's largest education authorities, with 298 primary, secondary and independent schools serving over 134,000 pupils. The city offers a comprehensive school system with no grammar schools, meaning admissions are based primarily on distance and catchment areas. Leeds has invested heavily in academy-led improvement, with several trust-led schools achieving Outstanding ratings in recent years.
Educational outcomes in Leeds are above the national average. In 2023/24, 33.78% of Leeds pupils achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs, compared with the England average of 30.84%. At primary level, 9.17% achieved a strong pass in reading, writing and maths combined, above the national average of 7.72%.
Leeds at a Glance
Top Primary Schools in Leeds
| School | Area | Ofsted | KS2 RWM % | Reading | Maths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shadwell Primary School | Leeds | Good | 90% | — | — |
| Harewood Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School | Leeds | Good | 90% | — | — |
| Horsforth Featherbank Primary School | Leeds | Outstanding | 87% | — | — |
| St Philip's Catholic Primary School | Leeds | Good | 87% | — | — |
| Wigton Moor Primary School | Leeds | Outstanding | 85% | — | — |
Top Secondary Schools in Leeds
| School | Area | Ofsted | Progress 8 | 5+ GCSE % | EBacc % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Ruth Gorse Academy | Leeds | Outstanding | +0.99 | 73% | 81% |
| Allerton High School | Leeds | Outstanding | +0.89 | 88% | 67% |
| Mount St Mary's Catholic High School | Leeds | Outstanding | +0.86 | 69% | 23% |
| Cockburn School | Leeds | Outstanding | +0.72 | 68% | 18% |
| Roundhay School | Leeds | Outstanding | +0.72 | 83% | 63% |
Admissions in Leeds — Key Dates
Leeds City Council coordinates admissions for all state schools. For September 2026, the secondary deadline was 31 October 2025 with offers on 1 March 2026. The primary deadline is 15 January 2026 with offers on 16 April 2026. There are no grammar schools in Leeds; all state secondaries are comprehensive. Apply through parentportal.leeds.gov.uk. Classpot shows admission distances from previous years to help you gauge your chances.
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 Leeds?
Top performers include The Ruth Gorse Academy and Allerton High School at secondary level, and Ebor Gardens Primary Academy and Blenheim Primary School for primaries. Rankings depend on the measure — KS2 for primaries, GCSE outcomes and Attainment 8 for secondaries. Browse individual profiles on Classpot for details.
Are there grammar schools in Leeds?
No. Leeds operates a fully comprehensive secondary system. The nearest grammar schools are in North Yorkshire (Ripon Grammar) and Calderdale. All Leeds state secondaries admit based on distance, siblings and other standard criteria.
How do I apply for a school place in Leeds?
Apply through Leeds City Council's online parent portal. You can list up to six preferences. Classpot links to each school's admissions page and the relevant authority.
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