Best Schools in York 2026 — Rankings, Ofsted Ratings & Reviews
Compare 62 schools and nurseries in York — Ofsted ratings, exam results & admissions data.
York has 62 schools educating over 28,000 pupils in this historic cathedral city. York offers a unique blend of medieval heritage and modern education, with schools consistently performing above the national average across all key stages.
The city's secondary schools include the highly regarded All Saints RC School and Fulford School. York's primary schools are among the strongest in Yorkshire, benefiting from a supportive community and the city's cultural richness.
York at a Glance
Top Primary Schools in York
| School | Area | Ofsted | KS2 RWM % | Reading | Maths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knavesmire Primary School | York | Outstanding | 92% | — | — |
| Lord Deramore's Primary School | York | Outstanding | 91% | — | — |
| Ralph Butterfield Primary School | York | Good | 85% | — | — |
| Hempland Primary School | York | Good | 81% | — | — |
| Dringhouses Primary School | York | Good | 80% | — | — |
Top Secondary Schools in York
| School | Area | Ofsted | Progress 8 | 5+ GCSE % | EBacc % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fulford School | York | Outstanding | +0.54 | 85% | 43% |
| All Saints Catholic School York | York | Outstanding | +0.52 | 79% | 22% |
| Manor Church of England Academy | York | Good | +0.27 | 75% | 17% |
| Archbishop Holgate's School, A Church of England Academy | York | Outstanding | +0.24 | 73% | 54% |
| Millthorpe School | York | Good | +0.23 | 71% | 26% |
Admissions in York — Key Dates
City of York 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 york.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 York?
All Saints RC School, Fulford School and Archbishop Holgate's School are well-regarded secondaries. Bootham School and The Mount School are independent options. Primary schools across York achieve strong KS2 results.
How good are York schools?
York schools consistently perform above the Yorkshire and national averages. The city has a high proportion of Good and Outstanding schools, particularly at primary level.
Are there grammar schools in York?
No. York has no state grammar schools. The nearest selective schools are in North Yorkshire (Ripon Grammar) and Lincolnshire. York operates a comprehensive system.
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