Best Primary & Secondary Schools in Essex 2026

Ranked by Ofsted rating, exam results, attendance, and class sizes. 610 schools across Essex. Updated with 2025–26 data.

610
Total schools
61
Outstanding
10%
Outstanding rate
63.9%
Avg KS2 SATs
42.2
Avg GCSE A8
All schools Primary Secondary
Rank School Ofsted SNM Score
🥇 New Hall School
Not applicable
 — 98 View school
🥈 Chelmsford County High School for Girls
Secondary
 Outstanding 98 View school
🥉 King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford
Secondary
 Outstanding 98 View school
4. Colchester County High School for Girls
Secondary
 Outstanding 98 View school
5. St Peter's Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School, South Weald
Primary
 Outstanding 97 View school
6. St Peter's Catholic Primary School
Primary
 Outstanding 96 View school
7. Tanglewood Nursery School
Nursery
 Outstanding 95 View school
8. Quilters Infant School
Primary
 Outstanding 95 View school
9. Loyola Preparatory School
Not applicable
 — 95 View school
10. Littlegarth School
Not applicable
 — 95 View school
11. St Philomena's School
Not applicable
 — 95 View school
12. St Margaret's Preparatory School
Not applicable
 — 95 View school
13. Oaklands School
Not applicable
 — 95 View school
14. Howe Green House School
Not applicable
 — 95 View school
15. Coopersale Hall School
Not applicable
 — 95 View school
16. Glenwood School
Not applicable
 Outstanding 95 View school
17. Shorefields School
Not applicable
 Outstanding 95 View school
18. Woodlands School Hutton Manor
Not applicable
 — 95 View school
19. The St Aubyn Centre Education Department
Not applicable
 Outstanding 95 View school
20. The Wickford Church of England School
Primary
 Outstanding 95 View school

See full data for any school in Essex

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

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Frequently asked questions

How many primary & secondary schools are there in Essex?
There are 610 primary & secondary schools in Essex, of which 61 (10%) are rated Outstanding by Ofsted.
What are the best schools in Essex?
Based on our composite score combining Ofsted ratings, exam results, attendance and class sizes, the top school in Essex is New Hall School. See the full ranked list above.
How do I apply for a school place in Essex?
Primary and secondary school applications in Essex are managed by the Local Authority. Applications for secondary places typically open in September for the following academic year. Visit the Essex council website for application forms and deadlines.
What is the average Ofsted rating in Essex?
10% of primary & secondary schools in Essex are rated Outstanding and 76% are rated Good. 79.3% 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.