Best Free Schools in England 2026
Compare all 735 free schools, a newer type of state school independent of local authority control.
Find the right school
Search and compare schools with Ofsted ratings, exam results, and catchment data.
Search Schools735
Schools found
150
Outstanding (Ofsted)
491
Good or Outstanding
Top 20 Schools
1
Outstanding
94
2
Outstanding
92
3
Outstanding
89
4
Outstanding
89
5
Outstanding
88
6
Outstanding
86
7
Good
86
8
Outstanding
84
9
Outstanding
84
10
Good
84
11
Outstanding
83
12
Outstanding
83
13
Outstanding
83
14
Outstanding
83
15
Outstanding
82
16
Outstanding
82
17
Outstanding
81
18
Outstanding
81
19
Outstanding
81
20
Outstanding
80
Secondary · Brent
Secondary · Sheffield
Primary · Cheshire West and Chester
Primary · Reading
Secondary · Ealing
Secondary · Birmingham
Primary · Herefordshire, County of
Primary · Lewisham
16 plus · Lambeth
Primary · Camden
Primary · Camden
Primary · Richmond upon Thames
Primary · Tower Hamlets
Primary · Nottinghamshire
16 plus · Devon
Secondary · Coventry
Primary · Blackburn with Darwen
Primary · Bolton
Primary · Islington
Primary · Tower Hamlets
About Free Schools
Free schools are state-funded schools in England that are free to attend but are not controlled by the local authority. They have more freedom over their curriculum, school hours, and term dates.
Key Facts
- 735 free schools currently operating in England
- 150 rated Outstanding, 341 rated Good by Ofsted
- Free to attend — funded by the government
- Can set their own admissions criteria (within legal limits)