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 | Brentwood | 100.0% |
| 2 | Uttlesford | 100.0% |
| 3 | Braintree | 94.1% |
| 4 | Basildon | 91.7% |
| 5 | Colchester | 88.9% |
| 6 | Chelmsford | 88.2% |
| 7 | Harlow | 87.5% |
| 8 | Maldon | 87.5% |
| 9 | Southend-on-Sea | 87.1% |
| 10 | Epping Forest | 85.7% |
| 11 | Tendring | 85.7% |
| 12 | Rochford | 83.3% |
| 13 | Thurrock | 82.1% |
| 14 | Castle Point | 81.3% |
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)Life expectancy — womenLife expectancy — menAir quality — NO₂Air quality — PM2.5Flood risk (in a flood zone)Life satisfactionUnemployment rateHome ownershipDegree-level educationResidents in good healthMedian age