Best Schools in Preston 2026 — Rankings, Ofsted Ratings & Reviews
Compare 67 schools and nurseries in Preston — Ofsted ratings, exam results & admissions data.
Preston is a city in Lancashire with 67 schools. As the administrative centre of Lancashire, Preston has a good range of primary and secondary schools including several faith schools. Areas like Fulwood, Penwortham and Broughton are popular with families seeking strong schools.
Preston at a Glance
Top Primary Schools in Preston
| School | Area | Ofsted | KS2 RWM % | Reading | Maths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barton St Lawrence Church of England Primary School | Preston | Outstanding | 93% | — | — |
| The Olive School, Preston | Preston | Outstanding | 90% | — | — |
| Sherwood Primary School | Preston | Outstanding | 87% | — | — |
| St Clare's Catholic Primary School, Preston | Preston | Good | 81% | — | — |
| Lea Neeld's Endowed Church of England Primary School | Preston | Good | 80% | — | — |
Top Secondary Schools in Preston
| School | Area | Ofsted | Progress 8 | 5+ GCSE % | EBacc % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preston Muslim Girls High School | Preston | Outstanding | +1.06 | 87% | 92% |
| Eden Boys' School, Preston | Preston | Outstanding | +0.84 | 86% | 98% |
| Corpus Christi Catholic High School | Preston | Outstanding | +0.67 | 70% | 34% |
| Broughton High School | Preston | Outstanding | +0.55 | 85% | 51% |
| Archbishop Temple Church of England High School | Preston | Good | +0.22 | 85% | 35% |
Admissions in Preston — Key Dates
Lancashire County Council coordinates admissions for Preston schools. Applications follow the standard Lancashire timetable. The city has several Catholic and Church of England schools with faith-based admission criteria.
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 Preston?
Broughton High School, Our Lady's Catholic High School, and Fulwood Academy are well-regarded secondaries. Archbishop Temple School is a popular faith school. Several Fulwood primary schools are rated Outstanding.
Is Fulwood good for schools?
Yes. Fulwood is one of the most popular areas in Preston for families. It has several high-performing primary schools and is in the catchment area for Broughton High School.
How do school admissions work in Preston?
Apply through Lancashire County Council by national deadlines. Preston is part of Lancashire for admissions purposes. Most schools use distance as the primary criterion after statutory priorities.
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