Top 10 UK Counties with Outstanding Ofsted Rating Percentages (2024-2025)
Looking for the best areas in the UK for Outstanding Ofsted-rated schools? This guide presents the latest top 10 counties and London boroughs with the highest percentages of Outstanding Ofsted ratings, based on the most recent 2024-2025 inspection data. Results are separated for primary and secondary schools to help families make informed decisions about school choice and relocation.
Top 10 UK Counties/Boroughs by Outstanding Ofsted Percentage – Primary Schools (2024-2025)
| Rank | County/Borough | % Outstanding Primary Schools | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Richmond upon Thames (London) | 32% | High-performing primaries, affluent catchment |
| 2 | Kensington & Chelsea (London) | 29% | Small borough, many Outstanding faith schools |
| 3 | Barnet (London) | 27% | Diverse, highly competitive primaries |
| 4 | Sutton (London) | 24% | Strong grammar system, Outstanding primaries |
| 5 | Kingston upon Thames (London) | 23% | Popular with families, high standards |
| 6 | Wandsworth (London) | 22% | Several Outstanding academies |
| 7 | Trafford (Greater Manchester) | 21% | Top for northern Outstanding primaries |
| 8 | Harrow (London) | 20% | Diverse, high-performing schools |
| 9 | Hertfordshire | 19% | Large county, many Outstanding village schools |
| 10 | Surrey | 18% | Sought-after villages, strong education |
Top 10 UK Counties/Boroughs by Outstanding Ofsted Percentage – Secondary Schools (2024-2025)
| Rank | County/Borough | % Outstanding Secondary Schools | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sutton (London) | 52% | Grammar school dominance, Tiffin, Wallington |
| 2 | Kingston upon Thames (London) | 50% | Tiffin Boys’ and Girls’, selective excellence |
| 3 | Trafford (Greater Manchester) | 47% | Grammar schools, high Oxbridge progression |
| 4 | Barnet (London) | 45% | QE Boys, Henrietta Barnett, top comprehensives |
| 5 | Redbridge (London) | 44% | Ilford County, Woodford County, strong grammars |
| 6 | Buckinghamshire | 41% | Grammar system, Dr Challoner’s, Aylesbury |
| 7 | Harrow (London) | 40% | Selective and faith schools, high standards |
| 8 | Richmond upon Thames (London) | 39% | Outstanding comprehensives and sixth forms |
| 9 | Kent | 39% | Selectives, Judd, Dartford, Tonbridge |
| 10 | Hertfordshire | 38% | Parmiter’s, Dame Alice Owen’s, Watford Grammar |
Why These Counties Lead in Outstanding Ofsted Ratings
- London boroughs dominate both primary and secondary lists due to high-performing schools and education investment.
- Selective grammar systems (Sutton, Kingston, Trafford, Buckinghamshire, Kent, Barnet) consistently drive high Outstanding rates for secondaries.
- Affluent commuter counties (Surrey, Hertfordshire, Richmond) attract families seeking top-rated schools.
- Outstanding ratings are rarer than in previous years due to tougher Ofsted criteria and re-inspections.
- Most counties now have less than 35% Outstanding for primaries; secondaries can reach 50% in selective areas.
- Top boroughs like Sutton and Kingston have more than half of their secondary schools rated Outstanding.
- Trafford is the top northern area for both primary and secondary Outstanding percentages.
- Harrow, Barnet, and Redbridge combine selective and faith schools for high Outstanding rates.
- Wandsworth and Surrey show that academy trusts and village schools can achieve Outstanding at scale.
- These figures reflect mainstream state-funded schools only, not including private or special schools.
Summary
The latest Ofsted inspection data for 2024-2025 confirms that Outstanding ratings are now much harder to achieve, especially for primary schools. London boroughs such as Richmond upon Thames, Kensington & Chelsea, Barnet, and Sutton lead for Outstanding primaries, while Sutton, Kingston, Trafford, and Barnet top the secondary school list, largely thanks to their selective grammar systems. Affluent commuter counties and areas with strong education investment consistently perform well. While Outstanding percentages are lower than in previous years, these top 10 counties and boroughs still offer the highest concentration of Outstanding-rated schools in England. Families seeking the very best state education should consider these regions, but should also review individual school inspection reports for the latest status.