Best Schools in Swindon 2026 — Rankings, Ofsted Ratings & Reviews
Compare 81 schools and nurseries in Swindon — Ofsted ratings, exam results & admissions data.
Swindon is a unitary authority in Wiltshire with 81 schools. The town has grown significantly and offers affordable housing relative to the South East. Old Town, Wroughton and Highworth are popular areas for families. Swindon has a mix of academy chains and community schools.
Swindon at a Glance
Top Primary Schools in Swindon
| School | Area | Ofsted | KS2 RWM % | Reading | Maths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bishopstone Church of England Primary School | Swindon | Requires Improvement | 89% | — | — |
| The Croft Primary School | Swindon | Outstanding | 87% | — | — |
| Lift Hazelwood | Swindon | Good | 87% | — | — |
| Lethbridge Primary School | Swindon | Good | 84% | — | — |
| Holy Rood Catholic Primary School | Swindon | Good | 82% | — | — |
Top Secondary Schools in Swindon
| School | Area | Ofsted | Progress 8 | 5+ GCSE % | EBacc % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New College Swindon | Swindon | Good | +0.61 | 72% | 43% |
| St Joseph's Catholic College | Swindon | Good | +0.37 | 68% | 15% |
| Lydiard Park Academy | Swindon | Good | +0.19 | 67% | 41% |
| The Ridgeway School & Sixth Form College | Swindon | Good | +0.18 | 76% | 17% |
| Highworth Warneford School | Swindon | Requires Improvement | +0.13 | 71% | 25% |
Admissions in Swindon — Key Dates
Swindon Borough Council coordinates admissions. The town has seen significant new housing development, creating pressure on school places in some areas. Distance is the main criterion for most schools.
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 Swindon?
Commonweal School, Royal Wootton Bassett Academy (just outside Swindon) and Ridgeway School are among the higher-performing secondaries. Several primary schools in Old Town are rated Outstanding.
Is Swindon good for schools?
Swindon has a range of school performance. Old Town and Wroughton have particularly strong schools. The town benefits from its proximity to Wiltshire's excellent rural schools.
Are there enough school places in Swindon?
Swindon has seen rapid housing growth, and some areas face pressure on primary school places. New schools have been built in expansion areas. The council publishes an annual school places plan.
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Browse All Schools in Swindon