How do you decide which schools are best?

We combine official data sources and our methodology to highlight consistent performance. Use filters to personalise results based on what matters to your family.

Are all New Forest neighbourhoods included?

Yes. We group schools by their locality field so you can quickly scan areas and their nearby schools. All sections are expanded by default on this page.

Why do results differ from Ofsted-only lists?

We consider a broader set of indicators and present more flexible filtering, including faith options, mixed/grammar status, and age ranges.

2026 Best Secondary Schools in New Forest Area

Schools across the New Forest council area. Explore 13 secondary schools in New Forest. The current top-ranked secondary schools are Ballard School, Ringwood School Academy, and Priestlands School. Compare local rankings, GCSE results, FMS Inspection Score, and neighbourhood options in one place.

Key Performance Metrics for New Forest

% students achieving grades 9-7 (A*-A equivalent)

New Forest32%

England56%

Average Attainment 8 score (out of 90)

New Forest43.1

England39.1

% pupils entering EBacc subjects

New Forest24%

England41%

Average EBacc APS score (out of 10)

New Forest3.8

England4.1

Average FMS Inspection Score (out of 10)

New Forest7.2/10

England7.4/10

% students achieving grades 9-7 (A*-A equivalent)

New Forest

32%vsEngland

56%

Average Attainment 8 score (out of 90)

New Forest

43.1vsEngland

39.1

% pupils entering EBacc subjects

New Forest

24%vsEngland

41%

Average EBacc APS score (out of 10)

New Forest

3.8vsEngland

4.1

Average FMS Inspection Score (out of 10)

New Forest

7.2/10vsEngland

7.4/10

Top schools in New Forest

Showing 1-13 of 13 schools

Ballard School
Fernhill
Ringwood School Academy
Ringwood
ADGrades not where they should be?We match your child with a qualified GCSE or A-Level tutor.5.0·108 Google reviewsFind my tutor →
ADTHE DEGREE GAPGrades not where they
should be?5.0 · 108 reviewsFind my tutor →
Priestlands School
Pennington
ADGrades not where they should be?We match your child with a qualified GCSE or A-Level tutor.5.0·108 Google reviewsFind my tutor →
ADTHE DEGREE GAPGrades not where they
should be?5.0 · 108 reviewsFind my tutor →
The Burgate School and Sixth Form
Fordingbridge
Hounsdown School
Totton
Noadswood School
Dibden Purlieu
Testwood School
Totton
Applemore College
Dibden Purlieu
Lift New Forest
Holbury
The Arnewood School
Sway
Durlston School
Barton-on-Sea
Forres Sandle Manor School
Sandle Manor
The New Forest Small School
Lyndhurst