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
151
Outstanding (Ofsted)
508
Good or Outstanding
Top 20 Schools
1
Outstanding
100
2
Outstanding
100
3
100
4
Outstanding
100
5
Outstanding
99
6
Outstanding
98
7
Outstanding
98
8
Outstanding
97
9
Outstanding
96
10
Outstanding
95
11
95
12
Outstanding
94
13
Outstanding
94
14
Outstanding
94
15
Outstanding
94
16
Outstanding
94
17
Outstanding
92
18
Outstanding
92
19
Outstanding
92
20
Outstanding
92
16 plus · Lambeth
16 plus · Devon
16 plus · Liverpool
Secondary · Ealing
Secondary · Brent
16 plus · Westminster
Secondary · Sheffield
Primary · Lewisham
Secondary · Waltham Forest
Primary · Cheshire West and Chester
16 plus · Haringey
Secondary · Ealing
Primary · Hammersmith and Fulham
Primary · Hackney
Secondary · Manchester
Primary · Nottinghamshire
Primary · Reading
Primary · Hammersmith and Fulham
Secondary · Birmingham
Secondary · Barnet
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
- 151 rated Outstanding, 357 rated Good by Ofsted
- Free to attend — funded by the government
- Can set their own admissions criteria (within legal limits)