Best Primary Schools in Essex 2026

Ranked by Ofsted rating, exam results, attendance, and class sizes. 444 schools across Essex. Updated with 2025–26 data.

444

Total schools

Outstanding

14%

Outstanding rate

63.9%

Avg KS2 SATs

42.2

Avg GCSE A8

All schools Primary Secondary

Rank	School	Ofsted	SNM Score
🥇	Stambridge Primary School Primary	Good	83	View school
🥈	St Peter's Catholic Primary School Primary	Outstanding	83	View school
🥉	Dedham Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School Primary	Outstanding	82	View school
4.	Great Chesterford Church of England Primary Academy Primary	Outstanding	82	View school
5.	Katherine Semar Junior School Primary	Outstanding	81	View school
6.	St Peter's Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School, South Weald Primary	Outstanding	81	View school
7.	St Thomas More's Catholic Primary School, Colchester Primary	Outstanding	81	View school
8.	Shenfield St. Mary's Church of England Primary School Primary	Outstanding	80	View school
9.	Clavering Primary School Primary	Outstanding	79	View school
10.	Hereward Primary School Primary	Outstanding	78	View school
11.	Wethersfield CofE VC Primary School Primary	Good	78	View school
12.	Chancellor Park Primary School, Chelmsford Primary	Outstanding	78	View school
13.	St Thomas More Catholic Primary School, Saffron Walden Primary	Good	78	View school
14.	Perryfields Junior School Primary	Outstanding	78	View school
15.	The Robert Drake Primary School Primary	Outstanding	77	View school
16.	Kingston Primary School Primary	Outstanding	76	View school
17.	Lyons Hall School Primary	Outstanding	76	View school
18.	Manuden Primary School Primary	Outstanding	75	View school
19.	Cold Norton Primary School Primary	Outstanding	75	View school
20.	Briscoe Primary School & Nursery Primary	Good	75	View school

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

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Frequently asked questions

How many primary schools are there in Essex?

There are 444 primary schools in Essex, of which 61 (14%) 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 Stambridge Primary 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?

14% of primary schools in Essex are rated Outstanding and 75% 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.