Best Primary Schools in Manchester 2026

Ranked by Ofsted rating, exam results, attendance, and class sizes. 137 schools across Manchester. Updated with 2025–26 data.

137

Total schools

Outstanding

18%

Outstanding rate

60%

Avg KS2 SATs

45.3

Avg GCSE A8

All schools Primary Secondary

Rank	School	Ofsted	SNM Score
🥇	Didsbury CofE Primary School Primary	Outstanding	79	View school
🥈	Manley Park Primary School Primary	Outstanding	77	View school
🥉	Brookburn Community School Primary	Outstanding	77	View school
4.	Green End Primary School Primary	Outstanding	76	View school
5.	Chorlton CofE Primary School Primary	Outstanding	74	View school
6.	Crossacres Primary Academy Primary	Outstanding	74	View school
7.	St Richard's RC Primary School Primary	Outstanding	74	View school
8.	Sacred Heart RC Primary School Primary	Outstanding	73	View school
9.	St Wilfrid's RC Primary School Primary	Good	73	View school
10.	Mount Carmel RC Primary School, a Voluntary Academy Primary	Outstanding	72	View school
11.	St Augustine's CofE Primary School Primary	Good	72	View school
12.	St James' CofE Primary School, Birch-in-Rusholme Primary	Good	72	View school
13.	Holy Name Roman Catholic Primary School Manchester Primary	Outstanding	71	View school
14.	Armitage CofE Primary School Primary	Outstanding	70	View school
15.	St Cuthbert's RC Primary School Primary	Good	70	View school
16.	Beaver Road Primary School Primary	Outstanding	70	View school
17.	King David Primary School Primary	Outstanding	70	View school
18.	St Malachy's RC Primary School Primary	Good	70	View school
19.	St Anne's RC Primary School Primary	Good	70	View school
20.	Ladybarn Primary School Primary	Outstanding	69	View school

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Frequently asked questions

How many primary schools are there in Manchester?

There are 137 primary schools in Manchester, of which 24 (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 Didsbury CofE Primary School. 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 schools in Manchester are rated Outstanding and 71% 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.