Best Schools in Manchester 2026 — Rankings, Ofsted Ratings & Reviews
Compare 175 schools and nurseries in Manchester — Ofsted ratings, exam results & admissions data.
Manchester is home to over 170 primary, secondary and independent schools serving one of the most diverse student populations in England. The city has seen significant investment in education, with several academy trusts driving improvements across the region.
Greater Manchester encompasses ten metropolitan boroughs — Bolton, Bury, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford, Wigan and Manchester City. Educational outcomes vary significantly. Trafford, which retains grammar schools, consistently ranks among the highest-performing authorities in England.
Manchester at a Glance
Top Primary Schools in Manchester
| School | Area | Ofsted | KS2 RWM % | Reading | Maths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Didsbury CofE Primary School | Manchester | Good | 86% | — | — |
| Brookburn Community School | Manchester | Good | 82% | — | — |
| Rack House Primary School | Manchester | Good | 81% | — | — |
| Abbott Community Primary School | Manchester | Outstanding | 81% | — | — |
| West Didsbury CE Primary School | Manchester | Good | 80% | — | — |
Top Secondary Schools in Manchester
| School | Area | Ofsted | Progress 8 | 5+ GCSE % | EBacc % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eden Boys' Leadership Academy, Manchester | Manchester | Good | +1.20 | 79% | 89% |
| Eden Girls' Leadership Academy, Manchester | Manchester | Good | +1.02 | 77% | 94% |
| Levenshulme High School | Manchester | Outstanding | +0.91 | 71% | 68% |
| Burnage Academy for Boys | Manchester | Outstanding | +0.85 | 75% | 20% |
| Whalley Range 11-18 High School | Manchester | Good | +0.79 | 70% | 64% |
Admissions in Manchester — Key Dates
Applications are coordinated by each borough. For September 2026, the secondary deadline was 31 October 2025 and the primary deadline is 15 January 2026. Trafford grammar schools require the 11+ exam, typically in September of Year 6.
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 Manchester?
Top performers include schools across Manchester and the wider Greater Manchester area. Rankings depend on the measure — KS2 for primaries, GCSE outcomes and Progress 8 for secondaries. Browse individual profiles on Classpot for full details including Ofsted ratings and exam results.
Are there grammar schools in Manchester?
Yes. Trafford is the only borough retaining selective grammar schools: Altrincham Grammar for Boys, Altrincham Grammar for Girls, Sale Grammar and Stretford Grammar. Entry is via the 11+ exam. Other boroughs use comprehensive admissions.
How do I apply for a school place in Manchester?
Apply through your home borough's local authority portal. You can typically list three to six preferences. Classpot links to each school's admissions page and the relevant authority.
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