At your fingertips, every school in England is
Search, compare, and understand 24,000+ schools using official Ofsted, DfE, and performance data — completely free, it is.
SCHOOL PROFILES
In one profile, everything is
Organised into tabs, each school page is, so quickly find what matters most, you can.
Performance & Ofsted
KS2 and GCSE results, progress scores, and the latest Ofsted rating — all contextualised against national averages.
Attendance & Inclusion
Overall and persistent absence rates, SEN provision, and free school meal eligibility — understand the full picture.
Finance & Workforce
Per-pupil spend, teacher qualifications, staff turnover, and how the school invests its budget.
Enrichment & Clubs
Extra-curricular activities, awards, breakfast club, after-school care, and what makes each school unique.
From primary to secondary
Whether you're choosing a first school or navigating the Year 6 transition, we've got you covered.
Getting started
Three steps to your shortlist, there are
A school, search for
Type a school name, postcode, or town into the search bar, you must. Narrow results by phase, Ofsted rating, or local authority, you can.
The profile, explore
A rich profile with tabs for Performance, Attendance, Enrichment, Workforce, Finances, and Nearby Schools, each school has. Drill into whatever matters most, you should.
Compare and decide, you must
The Compare button on any school page, use to place two schools side by side. Share your shortlist with a partner or friend using the Share button, you can.
How to Choose
A framework for choosing a school, this is
No single right answer, there is — but the factors most families consider, here they are.
Your child's needs first
Consider temperament, confidence, SEND needs, routines, and sensitivity to noise. The central question: will my child feel safe, known, and able to thrive here — and how well does the school adapt when needs change over time?
How happy the children seem
Do pupils look settled, busy, and kind to each other? Notice corridors, lunch, and transitions — not just the 'showcase' moments. A big tell: do children feel comfortable approaching adults?
Behaviour culture
What does the school do day-to-day to prevent disruption? Ask: how do you recognise and reinforce good behaviour? What happens when a child repeatedly disrupts learning? And what proportion of lessons are affected by low-level disruption?
Safeguarding and pastoral care
Who is the DSL (Designated Safeguarding Lead)? How does the school handle bullying, friendship issues, anxiety, and early help? Crucially: how are concerns recorded and followed up — process matters as much as intent.
Quality of teaching and learning
Look for clear explanations, calm classrooms, and good questioning. Ask how they check learning and how quickly they spot children who are stuck. And: how do pupils know what to improve next?
Reading and early phonics
Phonics is the key predictor of early reading, and reading is the gateway to wider attainment. Ask: which phonics scheme do you use? How often do you assess phonics and reading? And what happens the moment a child falls behind?
Support for SEND and additional needs
How strong is the SENCO team, and how do they adapt lessons? Ask about access to external specialists (SALT, EP, OT) and how EHCPs and support plans are reviewed.
Curriculum breadth
Beyond English and maths: science, history, geography, art, music, PE, languages, computing. Ask what a 'typical week' looks like in each year group.
School leadership and staff stability
Stable leadership and lower staff turnover often correlate with consistency. Ask how senior leaders support teacher wellbeing and professional development.
Class sizes and adult support
It's not just the number — it's how support is deployed. Ask: how many adults are in Reception, KS1, and KS2, and when is additional support available?
Inclusion, values, and ethos
Does the school's ethos match your family's priorities — kindness, ambition, community, faith? Ask the pupils what the school is 'like': you'll learn a lot fast.
Attendance expectations and support
Schools vary widely in how they handle lateness, holidays, and persistent absence. Ask: how do you help families improve attendance without shame or blame?
Communication with parents
How easy is it to speak to the class teacher? What's the typical response time? Look for clarity on homework, behaviour, learning updates, and how concerns are handled.
Wraparound care and practicalities
Breakfast club, after-school club, holiday clubs — check cost, availability, and booking processes. These practical factors can make or break family logistics.
Location, travel, and daily rhythm
Commute time affects everyone's stress and punctuality. Factor in walking routes, parking, sibling drop-offs, and how the journey feels on dark winter mornings.
Your gut check — but evidence-based
First impressions matter, but back them up with what you've observed and asked. If something feels off, it usually is — keep asking until you have a clear answer.
