Best Primary & Secondary Schools in Bolton 2026

Ranked by Ofsted rating, exam results, attendance, and class sizes. 147 schools across Bolton. Updated with 2025–26 data.

147

Total schools

Outstanding

16%

Outstanding rate

65%

Avg KS2 SATs

39.5

Avg GCSE A8

All schools Primary Secondary

Rank	School	Ofsted	SNM Score
🥇	Grosvenor Nursery School and Day Care Centre Nursery	Outstanding	95	View school
🥈	Green Fold School Not applicable	Outstanding	95	View school
🥉	Youth Challenge Pru Not applicable	Outstanding	95	View school
4.	The Olive School, Bolton Primary	Outstanding	95	View school
5.	Ladywood School Not applicable	Outstanding	95	View school
6.	Bolton School Infant & Nursery School Not applicable	—	95	View school
7.	Lostock Primary School Primary	Outstanding	95	View school
8.	The Valley Community Primary School Primary	Outstanding	89	View school
9.	Oxford Grove Primary School Primary	Outstanding	88	View school
10.	Blackrod Primary School Primary	Outstanding	87	View school
11.	Prestolee Primary School Primary	Outstanding	86	View school
12.	St Andrew's CofE Primary School, Over Hulton Primary	Good	85	View school
13.	Sacred Heart R.C. Primary School Primary	Outstanding	85	View school
14.	Bowness Primary School Primary	Good	83	View school
15.	Eatock Primary School Primary	Outstanding	83	View school
16.	The Gates Primary School Primary	Good	82	View school
17.	Masefield Primary School Primary	Good	82	View school
18.	Moorgate Primary School Primary	Outstanding	81	View school
19.	St Gregory's RC Primary School, A Voluntary Academy Primary	Good	81	View school
20.	Kearsley West Primary School Primary	Good	81	View school

See full data for any school in Bolton

Catchment distances, exam trends, SEN data, attendance, and more — all in one place.

Search schools in Bolton

Frequently asked questions

How many primary & secondary schools are there in Bolton?

There are 147 primary & secondary schools in Bolton, of which 24 (16%) are rated Outstanding by Ofsted.

What are the best schools in Bolton?

Based on our composite score combining Ofsted ratings, exam results, attendance and class sizes, the top school in Bolton is Grosvenor Nursery School and Day Care Centre. See the full ranked list above.

How do I apply for a school place in Bolton?

Primary and secondary school applications in Bolton are managed by the Local Authority. Applications for secondary places typically open in September for the following academic year. Visit the Bolton council website for application forms and deadlines.

What is the average Ofsted rating in Bolton?

16% of primary & secondary schools in Bolton are rated Outstanding and 72% are rated Good. 81% are rated Good or Outstanding.

Data sourced from Ofsted, Department for Education, and ISI. School rankings reflect the Schools Near Me composite score combining Ofsted ratings, exam results, attendance, and pupil-teacher ratios. Last updated April 2026.