Best places for schools in Essex
Essex’s 14 areas ranked by schools rated good or outstanding — best areas for schools. Every figure from Get Information About Schools (GIAS) + Ofsted inspections MI, 2026. Indicative, not a valuation.
| # | Area | Schools rated Good or Outstanding (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Uttlesford | 100.0% |
| 2 | Brentwood | 100.0% |
| 3 | Basildon | 91.3% |
| 4 | Braintree | 90.9% |
| 5 | Epping Forest | 89.5% |
| 6 | Colchester | 88.2% |
| 7 | Chelmsford | 87.9% |
| 8 | Maldon | 87.5% |
| 9 | Southend-on-Sea | 86.7% |
| 10 | Castle Point | 86.7% |
| 11 | Harlow | 86.7% |
| 12 | Tendring | 85.7% |
| 13 | Rochford | 81.8% |
| 14 | Thurrock | 81.5% |
Source: Get Information About Schools (GIAS) + Ofsted inspections MI · 2026. Ranked highest first.
Other Essex rankings
House prices5-year house-price growthPrice per square metreAffordability (price vs local earnings)Crime rateGigabit broadband availabilityFastest train to the cityCouncil tax (Band D)Deprivation (IMD decile, 10 = least deprived)Air quality — NO₂Air quality — PM2.5Flood risk (in a flood zone)Life satisfactionUnemployment rateHome ownershipDegree-level educationResidents in good healthMedian age