Best Primary & Secondary Schools in Manchester 2026

Ranked by Ofsted rating, exam results, attendance, and class sizes. 219 schools across Manchester. Updated with 2025–26 data.

219

Total schools

Outstanding

18%

Outstanding rate

60%

Avg KS2 SATs

45.3

Avg GCSE A8

All schools Primary Secondary

Rank	School	Ofsted	SNM Score
🥇	Manchester High School for Girls Not applicable	—	98	View school
🥈	Martenscroft Nursery School & Children's Centre Nursery	Outstanding	95	View school
🥉	Collyhurst Nursery School Nursery	Outstanding	95	View school
4.	Rodney House School Not applicable	Outstanding	95	View school
5.	Ashgate Specialist Support Primary School Not applicable	Outstanding	95	View school
6.	North Ridge High School Not applicable	Outstanding	95	View school
7.	Melland High School Not applicable	Outstanding	95	View school
8.	Piper Hill High School Not applicable	Outstanding	95	View school
9.	Grange School Not applicable	Outstanding	95	View school
10.	Prospect House Specialist Support Primary School Not applicable	Outstanding	95	View school
11.	Co-op Academy Belle Vue Secondary	Outstanding	95	View school
12.	Kassim Darwish Grammar School for Boys Not applicable	—	88	View school
13.	St Wilfrid's RC Primary School Primary	Good	86	View school
14.	Abbott Community Primary School Primary	Outstanding	85	View school
15.	Manley Park Primary School Primary	Outstanding	84	View school
16.	Holy Name Roman Catholic Primary School Manchester Primary	Outstanding	84	View school
17.	Cringle Brook Primary School Primary	Outstanding	84	View school
18.	Brookburn Community School Primary	Good	84	View school
19.	St Malachy's RC Primary School Primary	Good	83	View school
20.	Oasis Academy Aspinal Primary	Good	83	View school

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Frequently asked questions

How many primary & secondary schools are there in Manchester?

There are 219 primary & secondary schools in Manchester, of which 39 (18%) are rated Outstanding by Ofsted.

What are the best schools in Manchester?

Based on our composite score combining Ofsted ratings, exam results, attendance and class sizes, the top school in Manchester is Manchester High School for Girls. See the full ranked list above.

How do I apply for a school place in Manchester?

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

What is the average Ofsted rating in Manchester?

18% of primary & secondary schools in Manchester are rated Outstanding and 63% are rated Good. 79.9% 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.