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 Nottingham 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 Nottingham Area

Schools in the Nottingham built-up area. Nottingham secondary schools serve a large and diverse city, with 23 schools offering extensive choice for families. Fernwood School leads among state secondary schools with strong GCSE results, while Nottingham High School and Nottingham Girls' High School GDST are top-ranked independent options. With an average Attainment 8 score of 43 compared to England's 39, and secondary schools have an average FMS Inspection Score of 7.5/10, Excellent band, compared with England's 7.4/10 (Good). Use the search filters to compare schools by Attainment 8 or FMS Inspection Score.

All schools in Nottingham

Key Performance Metrics for Nottingham

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

Nottingham73%

England56%

Average Attainment 8 score (out of 90)

Nottingham42.8

England39.1

% pupils entering EBacc subjects

Nottingham28%

England41%

Average EBacc APS score (out of 10)

Nottingham3.7

England4.1

Average FMS Inspection Score (out of 10)

Nottingham7.5/10

England7.4/10

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

Nottingham

73%vsEngland

56%

Average Attainment 8 score (out of 90)

Nottingham

42.8vsEngland

39.1

% pupils entering EBacc subjects

Nottingham

28%vsEngland

41%

Average EBacc APS score (out of 10)

Nottingham

3.7vsEngland

4.1

Average FMS Inspection Score (out of 10)

Nottingham

7.5/10vsEngland

7.4/10

Top schools in Nottingham

Showing 1-20 of 23 schools

Nottingham High School
The Park
Nottingham Girls' High School GDST
City Centre
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 →
Fernwood School
Wollaton
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 →
Jamia Al-Hudaa Residential College
Forest Fields
Bluecoat Wollaton Academy
Wollaton
Nottingham Girls' Academy
Aspley
The Trinity Catholic School A Voluntary Academy
Aspley
Nottingham Free School
Sherwood
Nottingham University Academy of Science and Technology
Dunkirk
Bluecoat Aspley Academy
Aspley
Nottingham University Samworth Academy
Bilborough
Djanogly City Academy
Hyson Green
Ellis Guilford School
Basford
The Oakwood Academy
Warren Hill
Park Vale Academy
Top Valley
The Wells Academy
Sneinton
Bluecoat Beechdale Academy
Bilborough
Nottingham Academy
Mapperley
The Bulwell Academy
Bulwell
Bluecoat Trent Academy
Sherwood