Best Schools in Plymouth 2026 — Rankings, Ofsted Ratings & Reviews
Compare 91 schools and nurseries in Plymouth — Ofsted ratings, exam results & admissions data.
Plymouth has 91 schools educating over 38,000 pupils in Britain's Ocean City. As the largest city in the South West (by area within Devon), Plymouth offers a wide range of school choices from community schools to academies and faith schools.
Plymouth has several well-regarded secondaries including Devonport High School for Boys and Devonport High School for Girls — both selective grammar schools. Plymouth College and Plymouth High School for Girls are notable independent options.
Plymouth at a Glance
Top Primary Schools in Plymouth
| School | Area | Ofsted | KS2 RWM % | Reading | Maths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tor Bridge Primary School | Plymouth | Outstanding | 87% | — | — |
| Elburton Primary School | Plymouth | Outstanding | 85% | — | — |
| Hooe Primary Academy | Plymouth | Good | 82% | — | — |
| Ernesettle Community School | Plymouth | Outstanding | 81% | — | — |
| Glen Park Primary School | Plymouth | Outstanding | 81% | — | — |
Top Secondary Schools in Plymouth
| School | Area | Ofsted | Progress 8 | 5+ GCSE % | EBacc % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Devonport High School for Girls | Plymouth | Good | +0.78 | 100% | 87% |
| Scott Medical and Healthcare College | Plymouth | Good | +0.76 | 84% | 8% |
| Lipson Co-operative Academy | Plymouth | Good | +0.40 | 67% | 18% |
| Devonport High School for Boys | Plymouth | Good | +0.30 | 99% | 30% |
| Plymouth High School for Girls | Plymouth | Good | +0.24 | 97% | 41% |
Admissions in Plymouth — Key Dates
Plymouth City Council coordinates admissions for state schools. Secondary applications closed on 31 October 2025 with offers on 1 March 2026. Primary applications close on 15 January 2026 with offers on 16 April 2026. Grammar schools require the 11+ test. Apply through plymouth.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 Plymouth?
Devonport High School for Boys and Devonport High School for Girls are selective grammar schools with excellent results. Plymstock School and Hele's School are well-regarded comprehensives.
Are there grammar schools in Plymouth?
Yes. Plymouth has two grammar schools: Devonport High School for Boys and Devonport High School for Girls. Both are selective and require the 11+ entrance test.
How are Plymouth schools performing?
Plymouth schools have a mixed profile. The grammar schools achieve outstanding results. Comprehensives have improved in recent years, with several academy trusts driving improvement.
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