Best Schools in Waltham Forest 2026 — Rankings, Ofsted Ratings & Reviews
Compare 77 schools and nurseries in Waltham Forest — Ofsted ratings, exam results & admissions data.
Waltham Forest in North East London has 77 schools educating over 37,000 pupils across Walthamstow, Leyton, Leytonstone and Chingford. The borough has become increasingly popular with families priced out of neighbouring Hackney and Islington, bringing growing demand for school places.
Waltham Forest schools have improved notably, with strong progress scores across the borough. Walthamstow Academy and Kelmscott School are among the better-known secondaries.
Waltham Forest at a Glance
Top Primary Schools in Waltham Forest
| School | Area | Ofsted | KS2 RWM % | Reading | Maths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riverley Primary School | Waltham Forest | Outstanding | 97% | — | — |
| Yardley Primary School | Waltham Forest | Outstanding | 95% | — | — |
| St Mary's CofE Primary School | Waltham Forest | Outstanding | 94% | — | — |
| Willow Brook Primary School Academy | Waltham Forest | Outstanding | 92% | — | — |
| St Saviour's Church of England Primary School | Waltham Forest | Outstanding | 92% | — | — |
Top Secondary Schools in Waltham Forest
| School | Area | Ofsted | Progress 8 | 5+ GCSE % | EBacc % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eden Girls' School, Waltham Forest | Waltham Forest | Outstanding | +0.94 | 82% | 94% |
| Woodford County High School | Waltham Forest | Good | +0.79 | 100% | 99% |
| Walthamstow Academy | Waltham Forest | Good | +0.49 | 78% | 21% |
| Walthamstow School for Girls | Waltham Forest | Outstanding | +0.43 | 83% | 43% |
| Norlington School and 6th Form | Waltham Forest | Good | +0.34 | 76% | 57% |
Admissions in Waltham Forest — Key Dates
Waltham Forest 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. Apply through walthamforest.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 Waltham Forest?
Walthamstow Academy, Kelmscott School and Holy Family Catholic School are well-regarded secondaries. Walthamstow School for Girls is also popular. At primary level, many Walthamstow schools achieve strong KS2 results.
Is Waltham Forest good for schools?
Yes. Waltham Forest schools have improved significantly and the borough achieves above-average progress scores. Walthamstow and Leytonstone are popular family areas.
Are there grammar schools in Waltham Forest?
No. Waltham Forest has no state grammar schools. The nearest selective schools are in Essex (Redbridge) and Barnet. Waltham Forest operates a comprehensive system.
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