Best Schools in Leicester 2026 — Rankings, Ofsted Ratings & Reviews
Compare 107 schools and nurseries in Leicester — Ofsted ratings, exam results & admissions data.
Leicester has 107 primary, secondary and independent schools educating over 52,000 pupils. The city is one of the most ethnically diverse in England, and its schools reflect this richness. Leicester operates a comprehensive state system, with a mix of academies, community schools and faith schools serving pupils from over 70 language backgrounds.
Leicester's educational outcomes have improved significantly over the past decade. The city has particular strengths in faith-based education and community cohesion, with several schools recognised nationally for their inclusive approach. Leicester Grammar School (independent) is one of the highest-performing schools in the East Midlands.
Leicester at a Glance
Top Primary Schools in Leicester
| School | Area | Ofsted | KS2 RWM % | Reading | Maths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whitehall Primary School | Leicester | Good | 91% | — | — |
| St Thomas More Catholic Voluntary Academy | Leicester | Good | 88% | — | — |
| Queensmead Primary Academy | Leicester | Good | 87% | — | — |
| Parks Primary School | Leicester | Outstanding | 84% | — | — |
| North Mead Primary Academy | Leicester | Good | 83% | — | — |
Top Secondary Schools in Leicester
| School | Area | Ofsted | Progress 8 | 5+ GCSE % | EBacc % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madani Girls' School | Leicester | Good | +1.14 | 91% | 68% |
| Rushey Mead Academy | Leicester | Outstanding | +0.90 | 78% | 86% |
| Soar Valley College | Leicester | Outstanding | +0.74 | 72% | 26% |
| Leicester College | Leicester | Good | +0.58 | 76% | 58% |
| Sir Jonathan North Girls' College | Leicester | Outstanding | +0.51 | 72% | 89% |
Admissions in Leicester — Key Dates
Leicester City Council coordinates admissions for 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. Leicester City has no state grammar schools. Apply through leicester.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 Leicester?
Leicester Grammar School (independent) and Rushey Mead Academy are among the top performers. At primary level, Overdale Junior and Glebelands Primary consistently achieve strong KS2 results. Browse profiles on Classpot for Ofsted ratings and exam data.
Are there grammar schools in Leicester?
Not state grammar schools within Leicester City. Leicester Grammar School is an independent school. The nearest state grammar schools are in Lincolnshire. Leicester operates a fully comprehensive admissions system.
How do I apply for a school place in Leicester?
Apply through Leicester City Council's online admissions portal. You can list up to three preferences. Classpot links to each school's admissions page and shows historical admission data.
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