Best Primary Schools in York 2026

Ranked by Ofsted rating, exam results, attendance, and class sizes. 50 schools across York. Updated with 2025–26 data.

York has 50 primary schools, of which 4 (8%) are rated Outstanding by Ofsted and a further 42 rated Good — 92% of primary schools in York are rated Good or Outstanding overall. Skelton Primary School currently leads the local rankings on our composite SNM Score.

Application deadlines in York 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.

50
Total schools
4
Outstanding
8%
Outstanding rate
63.8%
Avg KS2 SATs
47.6
Avg GCSE A8
All schools Primary Secondary
Rank School Ofsted SNM Score
🥇 Skelton Primary School
Primary
 Good 90 View school
🥈 Knavesmire Primary School
Primary
 Outstanding 90 View school
🥉 Lord Deramore's Primary School
Primary
 Outstanding 86 View school
4. Ralph Butterfield Primary School
Primary
 Good 83 View school
5. Woodthorpe Primary School
Primary
 Outstanding 82 View school
6. Carr Infant School
Primary
 Good 80 View school
7. Dunnington Church of England Primary School
Primary
 Good 80 View school
8. Bishopthorpe Infant School
Primary
 Good 80 View school
9. Wigginton Primary School
Primary
 Good 79 View school
10. Hempland Primary School
Primary
 Good 79 View school
11. Scarcroft Primary School
Primary
 Good 78 View school
12. St Wilfrid's Catholic Primary School - a Catholic Voluntary Academy
Primary
 Good 78 View school
13. St Mary's Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School
Primary
 Good 77 View school
14. Badger Hill Primary Academy
Primary
 Good 77 View school
15. Archbishop of York's CofE Junior School, Bishopthorpe
Primary
 Good 77 View school
16. St Oswald's Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School
Primary
 Good 76 View school
17. St George's Catholic Primary School - a Catholic Voluntary Academy
Primary
 Good 76 View school
18. Elvington Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School
Primary
 Good 76 View school
19. Dringhouses Primary School
Primary
 Good 75 View school
20. Acomb Primary School
Primary
 Outstanding 75 View school

Related lists for York

All schools in YorkPrimary & secondary combined Secondary schools in YorkYear 7 onwards Outstanding schools in York4 schools rated Outstanding

See full data for any school in York

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 York?
There are 50 primary schools in York, of which 4 (8%) are rated Outstanding by Ofsted.
What are the best schools in York?
Based on our composite score combining Ofsted ratings, exam results, attendance and class sizes, the top school in York is Skelton Primary School. See the full ranked list above.
How do I apply for a school place in York?
Primary and secondary school applications in York are managed by the Local Authority. Applications for secondary places typically open in September for the following academic year. Visit the York council website for application forms and deadlines.
What is the average Ofsted rating in York?
8% of primary schools in York are rated Outstanding and 84% are rated Good. 77% 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.