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.

Manchester has 137 primary schools, of which 20 (15%) are rated Outstanding by Ofsted and a further 102 rated Good — 89% of primary schools in Manchester are rated Good or Outstanding overall. St Wilfrid's RC Primary School currently leads the local rankings on our composite SNM Score.

Catchment data available for 14 schools in Manchester. We publish last-admitted distance and three-year history wherever the council has released it — useful before you commit to a postcode in the area.

Application deadlines in Manchester follow the national calendar: 31 October for Year 7 secondary entry and 15 January for Reception primary entry. Offers go out on 1 March and 16 April respectively.

137
Total schools
20
Outstanding
15%
Outstanding rate
60%
Avg KS2 SATs
45.3
Avg GCSE A8
All schools Primary Secondary
Rank School Ofsted SNM Score
🥇 St Wilfrid's RC Primary School
Primary
 Good 86 View school
🥈 Abbott Community Primary School
Primary
 Outstanding 85 View school
🥉 Manley Park Primary School
Primary
 Outstanding 84 View school
4. Holy Name Roman Catholic Primary School Manchester
Primary
 Outstanding 84 View school
5. Cringle Brook Primary School
Primary
 Outstanding 84 View school
6. Brookburn Community School
Primary
 Good 84 View school
7. St Malachy's RC Primary School
Primary
 Good 83 View school
8. Oasis Academy Aspinal
Primary
 Good 83 View school
9. St Kentigern's RC Primary School, a Voluntary Academy
Primary
 Outstanding 83 View school
10. Abbey Hey Primary Academy
Primary
 Good 83 View school
11. Crossacres Primary Academy
Primary
 Outstanding 81 View school
12. St Margaret Mary's RC Primary School, a Voluntary Academy
Primary
 Good 80 View school
13. St Dunstan's RC Primary School, a Voluntary Academy
Primary
 Good 80 View school
14. St Edmund's RC Primary School, a Voluntary Academy
Primary
 Good 80 View school
15. St Patrick's RC Primary School, a Voluntary Academy
Primary
 Good 80 View school
16. Cavendish Primary School
Primary
 Good 80 View school
17. Northenden Community School
Primary
 Good 80 View school
18. Rack House Primary School
Primary
 Good 80 View school
19. St Cuthbert's RC Primary School
Primary
 Good 80 View school
20. Oasis Academy Harpur Mount
Primary
 Good 80 View school

Related lists for Manchester

All schools in ManchesterPrimary & secondary combined Secondary schools in ManchesterYear 7 onwards Outstanding schools in Manchester20 schools rated Outstanding Schools with catchment data14 schools with last-admitted distance

See full data for any school in Manchester

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

Search schools in Manchester

Frequently asked questions

How many primary schools are there in Manchester?
There are 137 primary schools in Manchester, of which 20 (15%) 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 St Wilfrid's RC 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?
15% of primary schools in Manchester are rated Outstanding and 74% 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.