Best Schools in Nottingham 2026 — Rankings, Ofsted Ratings & Reviews
Compare 93 schools and nurseries in Nottingham — Ofsted ratings, exam results & admissions data.
Nottingham has 93 primary, secondary and independent schools educating over 47,000 pupils. The city's education landscape includes a mix of academies, faith schools and community schools. Nottingham has seen notable improvement in recent years, with several schools moving from Requires Improvement to Good or Outstanding under new leadership.
The wider Nottinghamshire area offers a grammar school system through the Nottinghamshire selection process, but Nottingham city itself operates a comprehensive system. The city benefits from strong links with the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University, particularly for sixth-form provision and STEM outreach.
Nottingham at a Glance
Top Primary Schools in Nottingham
| School | Area | Ofsted | KS2 RWM % | Reading | Maths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St Teresa's Catholic Primary School | Nottingham | Outstanding | 90% | — | — |
| Edna G. Olds Academy | Nottingham | Outstanding | 89% | — | — |
| Haydn Primary School | Nottingham | Good | 83% | — | — |
| South Wilford Endowed CofE Primary School | Nottingham | Good | 83% | — | — |
| Welbeck Primary School | Nottingham | Good | 81% | — | — |
Top Secondary Schools in Nottingham
| School | Area | Ofsted | Progress 8 | 5+ GCSE % | EBacc % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fernwood School | Nottingham | Outstanding | +0.60 | 89% | 32% |
| Nottingham Free School | Nottingham | Good | +0.29 | 80% | 54% |
| The Trinity Catholic School A Voluntary Academy | Nottingham | Good | +0.10 | 80% | 39% |
| Bluecoat Wollaton Academy | Nottingham | Outstanding | +0.03 | 68% | 16% |
| Bluecoat Aspley Academy | Nottingham | Good | +0.02 | 72% | 28% |
Admissions in Nottingham — Key Dates
Nottingham 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. Nottingham City has no grammar schools, though neighbouring Nottinghamshire does. Apply through nottinghamcity.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 Nottingham?
Nottingham High School (independent) and Bluecoat Academy are among top performers at secondary level. Fernwood Primary and Seely Primary consistently achieve strong KS2 results. Use Classpot to compare schools by Ofsted rating and exam results.
Are there grammar schools in Nottingham?
Not within Nottingham City itself. However, neighbouring Nottinghamshire has grammar schools accessible to Nottingham residents, including Bilborough Grammar School (now an academy). The city operates a comprehensive admissions system.
How do I apply for a school place in Nottingham?
Apply through Nottingham City Council's online admissions portal. You can list up to five preferences. Classpot links to each school's admissions page and the relevant authority.
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Browse All Schools in Nottingham