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Local authority · North West

Schools in Cheshire East

  • 157State-funded schools
  • 124Primary
  • 23Secondary
  • 7Special
  • North WestRegion
Applications per placeCircle size: applications
First choice · secondary 2026
93%
10 pts above England (84%)
4,072 families applied
First choice · primary 2026
92%
close to England (92%)
3,733 families applied
Applications per place · secondary
2.0
0.2 below England median (2.2)
Median school
New Ofsted report cards
21of 157 schools
Results by area

How hard is it to get a place here?

DfE · families living in Cheshire East
Secondary (Year 7) · Sept 2026
93%got their first choice
10 pts above England (84%)

4,072 applicants · 1.8% offered none of the schools they named

  1. 2026 93%; England 84%
  2. 2025 95%; England 84%
  3. 2024 94%; England 83%
  4. 2023 90%; England 83%
  5. 2022 93%; England 83%
  6. 2021 92%; England 81%
  7. 2020 92%; England 82%
  8. 2019 90%; England 81%
  9. 2018 94%; England 82%
  10. 2017 94%; England 83%
  11. 2016 95%; England 84%
  12. 2015 95%; England 84%
  13. 2014 93%; England 85%
  • Cheshire East
  • England
Every year as a table
EntryApplicantsFirst choiceOne of first threeNone they named
Sep 20264,07293.1%98.2%1.8%
Sep 20254,20394.8%97.9%2.1%
Sep 20244,21394.2%97.8%2.2%
Sep 20234,47990.5%96.1%3.9%
Sep 20224,26393.1%97.5%2.5%
Sep 20214,17092.0%97.9%2.1%
Sep 20204,10091.6%97.0%3.0%
Sep 20194,13290.3%96.4%3.6%
Sep 20183,97894.3%98.5%1.5%
Sep 20173,84793.7%97.7%2.3%
Sep 20163,72594.7%98.3%1.7%
Sep 20153,67995.0%98.0%2.0%
Sep 20143,62492.8%97.4%2.6%
Primary (Reception) · Sept 2026
92%got their first choice
close to England (92%)

3,733 applicants · 1.4% offered none of the schools they named

  1. 2026 92%; England 92%
  2. 2025 94%; England 93%
  3. 2024 93%; England 93%
  4. 2023 94%; England 92%
  5. 2022 93%; England 92%
  6. 2021 93%; England 92%
  7. 2020 91%; England 90%
  8. 2019 93%; England 91%
  9. 2018 93%; England 91%
  10. 2017 92%; England 90%
  11. 2016 88%; England 88%
  12. 2015 91%; England 88%
  13. 2014 91%; England 88%
  • Cheshire East
  • England
Every year as a table
EntryApplicantsFirst choiceOne of first threeNone they named
Sep 20263,73392.3%98.6%1.4%
Sep 20253,88693.6%98.9%1.1%
Sep 20243,84793.4%98.5%1.5%
Sep 20233,81393.6%98.9%1.1%
Sep 20223,97592.7%98.3%1.7%
Sep 20213,88793.0%98.5%1.5%
Sep 20204,01491.4%98.0%1.9%
Sep 20193,88893.0%98.4%1.6%
Sep 20183,90392.7%98.5%1.5%
Sep 20173,79292.2%97.9%2.1%
Sep 20164,14188.5%96.9%3.1%
Sep 20153,97790.7%97.3%2.7%
Sep 20143,90090.9%97.3%2.7%

What has Ofsted found here?

Ofsted data to 30 September 2026

Report cards 21 schools of 157 · since November 2025

  • Inclusion
  • Curriculum and teaching
  • Achievement
  • Attendance and behaviour
  • Personal development and wellbeing
  • Early years (17)
  • Post-16 provision (3)
  • Leadership and governance

Bar: share of schools; number of schools at each grade below.

Overall grade from Ofsted's previous framework 111 schools · graded 2011 to 2024

  • Outstanding13
  • Good94
  • Requires improvement3
  • Inadequate1

Includes grades confirmed by a later ungraded inspection. Not comparable with report cards.

Graded 2024/25, no overall grade 23 schools

Key judgementOutstandingGoodRequires improvementInadequate
Quality of education3191–
Behaviour and attitudes716––
Personal development914––
Leadership and management3191–

Not yet inspected (new or reorganised schools): 2.

Latest report cards

Every new report card, month by month · RSS for Cheshire East

Secondary schools in Cheshire East

23 schools · Year 7 entry 2026

Change the order (visual only)

Sorted by applications per place for September 2026 entry, highest first.

Sorted by Attainment 8, highest first.

Sorted by the date of the latest Ofsted inspection, newest first.

Sorted by name.

Sources: DfE admissions (Sept 2026), KS4 results, Ofsted.
SchoolLatest OfstedApplications per placeAttainment 8FSM
St Thomas More Catholic High School Faith Graded · no overall grade2024 2.8 applications per place 49.0 17%
Shavington Academy Remains Good2023 2.6 applications per place 44.2 14%
The Macclesfield Academy Requires improvement2020 2.5 applications per place 46.2 28%
Ruskin Community High School Remains Good · concerns noted2024 2.4 applications per place 45.2 35%
The Fallibroome Academy Good2022 2.4 applications per place 51.7 16%
Brine Leas School 2026 2.3 applications per place 50.2 14%
The Oaks Academy Good2024 2.2 applications per place 32.6 49%
Malbank School and Sixth Form College Good2022 2.1 applications per place – 25%
Congleton High School Remains Good2023 2.1 applications per place 43.5 17%
Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School Standards maintained2025 2.0 applications per place 49.4 13%
Middlewich High School Good2022 2.0 applications per place 41.3 26%
Poynton High School Remains Good2023 2.0 applications per place 54.4 9%
Knutsford Academy 2026 2.0 applications per place 52.9 15%
Tytherington School 2026 1.8 applications per place 50.7 19%
All Hallows Catholic College Faith Graded · no overall grade2024 1.8 applications per place 50.7 18%
Alsager School Good2023 1.7 applications per place 48.6 14%
Sandbach School Graded · no overall grade2025 1.7 applications per place 45.9 15%
Sandbach High School and Sixth Form College Good2022 1.6 applications per place 54.3 13%
Wilmslow High School Standards maintained2025 1.5 applications per place 51.1 14%
Eaton Bank Academy Graded · no overall grade2025 1.4 applications per place 48.0 21%
Sir William Stanier School Serious weaknesses 2026 1.2 applications per place 27.4 48%
Cheshire Studio School Remains Good2023 no data 24.0 0%
Crewe Engineering and Design UTC Graded · no overall grade2024 no data 31.6 39%

Sources: DfE admissions (Sept 2026), KS4 results, Ofsted. FSM: free school meals.

  • Exceptional
  • Strong standard
  • Expected standard
  • Needs attention
  • Urgent improvement
  • Does not apply

Eight dots, one per area: inclusion, curriculum, achievement, attendance, personal development, early years, post-16, leadership. Colours follow Ofsted's report card scale; Schoolfile is independent of Ofsted.

Primary schools in Cheshire East

124 schools · Reception entry 2026

Sorted by applications per place for September 2026 entry, highest first.

Sources: DfE admissions (Sept 2026), KS2 results, Ofsted.
SchoolLatest OfstedApplications per placeSATs standardFSM
Astbury St Mary's CofE Primary School Faith Good2023 4.8 applications per place 15% 11%
Vine Tree Primary School Remains Good2023 4.3 applications per place 40% 20%
Bollington St John's CofE Primary School Faith Good2022 4.0small intake applications per place 54% 7%
Worth Primary School 2026 3.9small intake applications per place 65% 7%
Elworth Hall Primary School Graded · no overall grade2024 3.6 applications per place 52% 9%
St Paul's Catholic Primary School, A Voluntary Academy Faith Good2024 3.5small intake applications per place 71% 16%
Bollington Cross CofE Primary School Faith Good2023 3.4 applications per place 71% 17%
Peover Superior Endowed Primary School Remains Outstanding2023 3.4 applications per place 77% 6%
Pikemere School Remains Good2022 3.4 applications per place 77% 7%
Stapeley Broad Lane CofE Primary School Faith Graded · no overall grade2025 3.3 applications per place 45% 3%
Gorsey Bank Primary School Outstanding2023 3.2 applications per place 88% 3%
Ashdene Primary School Standards maintained2025 3.1 applications per place 89% 2%
Broken Cross Primary Academy and Nursery Remains Good · improving2024 3.1 applications per place 52% 44%
Bosley St Mary's CofE Primary School Faith Remains Good2023 3.0small intake applications per place 0% 9%
Nether Alderley Primary School 2026 3.0small intake applications per place 75% 6%
Wincle CofE Primary School Faith Remains Good2023 3.0small intake applications per place 91% 6%
Egerton Primary School Good2023 3.0 applications per place 87% 8%
Pear Tree Primary School Remains Good2022 3.0 applications per place 75% 10%
Lindow Community Primary School Remains Good2023 2.9 applications per place 88% 9%
Styal Primary School Remains Good2023 2.9small intake applications per place 63% 21%
Lower Park School Good2023 2.9 applications per place – 4%
Havannah Primary School Graded · no overall grade2024 2.8 applications per place 59% 20%
Hurdsfield Community Primary School and Nursery Good2022 2.8small intake applications per place – 44%
Excalibur Primary School Good2023 2.8 applications per place 84% 9%
Acton Church of England Primary Academy Faith Good2023 2.8 applications per place 84% 11%
Haslington Primary Academy Remains Good2023 2.8 applications per place 75% 11%
Black Firs Primary School Remains Good2022 2.8 applications per place 68% 7%
Whirley Primary School 2026 2.7 applications per place 65% 5%
Mottram St Andrew Primary Academy 2025 2.7 applications per place 69% 7%
Sandbach Primary Academy Graded · no overall grade2024 2.7 applications per place 75% 39%
Edleston Primary School Standards maintained2025 2.7 applications per place 62% 29%
Weaver Primary School Remains Good2023 2.6 applications per place 68% 9%
Brierley Primary School Good2022 2.6 applications per place 76% 31%
Warmingham CofE Primary School Faith Good2023 2.6small intake applications per place 33% 26%
Gawsworth Primary School 2026 2.6 applications per place 66% 5%
Wheelock Primary School Good2024 2.6 applications per place 58% 13%
Weston Village Primary School Good2022 2.5 applications per place 78% 11%
Elworth CofE Primary School Faith Remains Good2023 2.5 applications per place 73% 11%
Ivy Bank Primary School Remains Good2023 2.5 applications per place 56% 17%
Hermitage Primary School Good2023 2.4 applications per place 60% 7%
Willaston Primary Academy Remains Good2023 2.4 applications per place 58% 11%
Wistaston Academy Outstanding2024 2.4 applications per place 80% 31%
Gainsborough Primary & Nursery Academy Good2022 2.4 applications per place – 28%
The Quinta Primary School Good2023 2.4 applications per place 65% 9%
Christ The King Catholic and Church of England Primary School Faith Graded · no overall grade2025 2.3small intake applications per place 80% 39%
St Michael's Community Academy 2026 2.3 applications per place 33% 45%
Alsager Highfields Community Primary School Good2023 2.3 applications per place 72% 23%
Buglawton Primary School Graded · no overall grade2024 2.3 applications per place 60% 32%
Calveley Primary Academy Graded · no overall grade2025 2.3 applications per place 88% 14%
Goostrey Community Primary School 2026 2.3 applications per place 86% 8%
St Anne's Catholic Primary School Faith Standards maintained2025 2.3 applications per place 61% 15%
Little Bollington CofE Primary School Faith Requires improvement2024 2.3small intake applications per place 9% 29%
St. Mary's Catholic Primary School, a Voluntary Academy Faith Remains Good2024 2.2 applications per place – 15%
Smallwood CofE Primary School Faith Remains Good2024 2.2 applications per place 43% 7%
St John the Evangelist CofE Primary School Macclesfield Faith Remains Good2023 2.2 applications per place 62% 18%
Offley Primary Academy Graded · no overall grade2024 2.2 applications per place 75% 11%
Adlington Primary School Graded · no overall grade2024 2.2small intake applications per place 73% 3%
Lacey Green Primary Academy Good2023 2.2 applications per place 79% 11%
The Berkeley Academy Standards maintained2025 2.2 applications per place 80% 10%
Highfields Academy Standards maintained2024 2.2 applications per place 69% 15%
Shavington Primary School Remains Good2024 2.2 applications per place 83% 14%
Prestbury CofE Primary School Faith Standards maintained2025 2.2 applications per place 80% 3%
Handforth Grange Primary School Outstanding2024 2.1 applications per place 74% 12%
Leighton Academy Good2023 2.1 applications per place 63% 22%
Bickerton Holy Trinity CofE Primary School Faith Good2024 2.1small intake applications per place 44% 11%
Wistaston Church Lane Academy Standards maintained2024 2.1 applications per place 70% 7%
Dean Valley Community Primary School Remains Good2023 2.1 applications per place 73% 5%
Sound and District Primary School Good2024 2.1 applications per place 74% 8%
Chelford CofE Primary School Faith Good2023 2.1small intake applications per place 83% 14%
Millfields Primary Academy Remains Good2022 2.1 applications per place 71% 25%
Bexton Primary School Remains Good2023 2.1 applications per place 82% 5%
Rode Heath Primary School Outstanding2024 2.1 applications per place 84% 11%
Lostock Hall Primary School Good2024 2.0 applications per place 89% 6%
Underwood West Academy Graded · no overall grade2024 2.0 applications per place 38% 51%
Hollinhey Primary School Remains Good2023 2.0 applications per place 43% 12%
Pott Shrigley CofE Primary School Faith Remains Good · concerns noted2024 2.0small intake applications per place 50% 19%
St Alban's Catholic Primary School, A Voluntary Academy Faith Graded · no overall grade2025 2.0 applications per place 48% 18%
St Gabriel's Catholic Primary School Faith Outstanding2024 2.0 applications per place 67% 3%
St. Benedict's Catholic Primary School, a Voluntary Academy Faith Remains Good2022 2.0 applications per place – 24%
The Dingle Primary School Outstanding2023 2.0 applications per place 65% 11%
Wybunbury Delves CofE Primary School Faith 2026 1.9 applications per place 73% 6%
Brereton CofE Primary School Faith 2026 1.9 applications per place 62% 12%
Vernon Primary School Outstanding2024 1.9 applications per place 77% 5%
Mablins Lane Community Primary School Graded · no overall grade2024 1.9 applications per place 54% 20%
Bollinbrook CofE (A) Primary School Faith Good2023 1.9 applications per place 61% 20%
Parkroyal Community School 2026 1.9 applications per place 57% 12%
St Anne's Fulshaw C of E Primary School Faith Good2023 1.9 applications per place 62% 11%
St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Crewe Faith Good2023 1.9 applications per place 48% 18%
Ash Grove Academy Outstanding2024 1.9 applications per place 58% 30%
Bridgemere CofE Primary School Faith Remains Good2024 1.9small intake applications per place 83% 17%
Marlborough Primary School Remains Good2024 1.8 applications per place 73% 6%
Daven Primary School 2026 1.8small intake applications per place 61% 58%
Monks Coppenhall Academy Good2023 1.8 applications per place 69% 33%
Upton Priory School Remains Good2024 1.8 applications per place 63% 24%
Cranberry Academy 2026 1.7 applications per place 58% 11%
Holmes Chapel Primary School Graded · no overall grade2025 1.7 applications per place 69% 7%
Puss Bank School and Nursery 2026 1.7 applications per place 69% 21%
Rainow Primary School Graded · no overall grade2024 1.7 applications per place 75% 5%
Beechwood Primary School and Nursery 2026 1.7 applications per place 44% 38%
Manor Park Primary School and Nursery Good2023 1.7 applications per place 65% 38%
Nantwich Primary Academy Remains Good2024 1.7 applications per place 61% 42%
St Oswald's Worleston CofE Primary School Faith Good2023 1.7small intake applications per place 75% 9%
Woodcocks' Well CofE Primary School Faith 2026 1.7small intake applications per place 33% 14%
Middlewich Primary School Good2022 1.7 applications per place 67% 15%
Audlem St James' CofE Primary School Faith Good2023 1.6 applications per place 70% 8%
Marton and District CofE Aided Primary School Faith Remains Good2022 1.6 applications per place 57% 13%
Marlfields Primary School 2026 1.6 applications per place 28% 41%
The Wilmslow Academy Improved significantly2024 1.6 applications per place 60% 20%
Mossley CofE Primary School Faith Standards maintained2025 1.6 applications per place 70% 4%
Wrenbury Primary School Remains Good2023 1.6 applications per place 60% 29%
Scholar Green Primary School Good2023 1.6 applications per place 63% 14%
Bunbury Aldersey CofE Primary School Faith Standards maintained2025 1.5 applications per place 73% 4%
Cledford Primary & Nursery Academy Not yet inspected 1.5 applications per place – 25%
High Legh Primary School 2026 1.5 applications per place 58% 9%
Hungerford Primary Academy Graded · no overall grade2025 1.5 applications per place 55% 27%
Kettleshulme St James CofE (VA) Primary School Faith Standards maintained2025 1.5small intake applications per place 44% 14%
Mobberley CofE Primary School Faith Graded · no overall grade2024 1.5 applications per place 75% 10%
Pebble Brook Primary School Remains Good2024 1.4 applications per place 65% 33%
Disley Primary School Remains Good2024 1.3 applications per place 75% 6%
St John's CofE Academy Faith Special measures Inadequate2023 1.3 applications per place – 19%
Saint Mary's Catholic Primary School Faith Requires improvement2024 1.2 applications per place 53% 20%
Alderley Edge Community Primary School Graded · no overall grade2024 no data – –
Kingsbourne Academy Not yet inspected no data – –
St Vincent De Paul Catholic Primary School Faith Remains Good2022 no data – –

Sources: DfE admissions (Sept 2026), KS2 results, Ofsted. FSM: free school meals.

Special schools and other provision

10 schools