Best Schools in Sheffield 2026 — Rankings, Ofsted Ratings & Reviews
Compare 166 schools and nurseries in Sheffield — Ofsted ratings, exam results & admissions data.
Sheffield is home to 166 primary, secondary and independent schools educating over 78,000 pupils across one of England's greenest cities. The city operates a fully comprehensive system with no grammar schools, and admissions are based primarily on distance and catchment areas. Sheffield has a strong academy sector, with several multi-academy trusts driving school improvement across the city.
Sheffield's educational outcomes have been improving steadily. The city has notable strengths in STEM education, supported by partnerships with the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University. At primary level, many schools exceed national averages for KS2 results, while several secondaries have achieved strong Progress 8 scores.
Sheffield at a Glance
Top Primary Schools in Sheffield
| School | Area | Ofsted | KS2 RWM % | Reading | Maths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dobcroft Junior School | Sheffield | Good | 84% | — | — |
| Totley Primary School | Sheffield | Outstanding | 82% | — | — |
| Angram Bank Primary School | Sheffield | Good | 82% | — | — |
| Westways Primary School | Sheffield | Good | 79% | — | — |
| Totley All Saints Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School | Sheffield | Outstanding | 79% | — | — |
Top Secondary Schools in Sheffield
| School | Area | Ofsted | Progress 8 | 5+ GCSE % | EBacc % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High Storrs School | Sheffield | Good | +0.87 | 89% | 75% |
| King Ecgbert School | Sheffield | Outstanding | +0.81 | 78% | 35% |
| Tapton School | Sheffield | Outstanding | +0.54 | 84% | 60% |
| Chapeltown Academy | Sheffield | Outstanding | +0.52 | 68% | 89% |
| All Saints' Catholic High School | Sheffield | Good | +0.05 | 66% | 71% |
Admissions in Sheffield — Key Dates
Sheffield City Council coordinates admissions for all 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. Sheffield has no grammar schools — all state secondaries are comprehensive. Apply through sheffield.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 Sheffield?
Top performers include Silverdale School and Tapton School at secondary level, both consistently achieving strong Progress 8 scores. At primary level, Nether Green Junior School and Hunter's Bar Junior School are highly regarded. Browse individual profiles on Classpot for full details.
Are there grammar schools in Sheffield?
No. Sheffield operates a fully comprehensive secondary system. The nearest grammar schools are in North Yorkshire. All Sheffield state secondaries admit based on distance, siblings and other standard criteria.
How do I apply for a school place in Sheffield?
Apply through Sheffield City Council's online admissions portal. You can list up to five preferences. Classpot links to each school's admissions page and shows historical admission distances.
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