Best free school finder tools in the UK (2026)
Last updated: 14 May 2026 · Compared: NestScope, Locrating, StreetCheck
Looking for a free school finder in the UK? NestScope UK maps 26,510 schools with Ofsted ratings, GCSE results, and phase filtering — alongside crime, transport, and five other data layers on one interactive map. No login required.
Comparison: UK school finder tools
| Feature | NestScope | Locrating | StreetCheck | Gov.uk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schools mapped | 26,510 | Yes | Limited | Yes |
| Ofsted ratings | Yes (colour-coded) | Yes | Basic | Link only |
| GCSE / KS4 results | Yes (Att8, P8, 5+ E&M) | Yes | No | Link only |
| Catchment areas | No | Yes (specialist) | No | No |
| Interactive map | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Crime data | Yes (live) | No | Basic counts | No |
| Transport links | 263k stops | No | No | No |
| GP surgeries | 13,500+ | No | No | No |
| Flood risk | Yes (EA) | No | No | No |
| Green spaces | 148k | No | No | No |
| Supermarkets | 19,200+ | No | No | No |
| Price | Free | Freemium | Free | Free |
| Login required | No | No | No | No |
NestScope — best for area-wide school research
NestScope is the best choice if you want to see schools in the context of the wider neighbourhood. It maps 26,510 schools from the DfE GIAS database, colour-coded by Ofsted rating (Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement, Inadequate), with filters by phase (nursery, primary, secondary, sixth form, special). For secondary schools, you also get GCSE results including Attainment 8, Progress 8, and % achieving Grade 5+ in English & Maths.
What sets NestScope apart: you can toggle six other layers on the same map — crime, GP surgeries, transport, flood risk, green spaces, and supermarkets — giving you a complete picture of any area before you move.
Locrating — best for catchment areas
Locrating is the specialist choice for school catchment areas. It excels at showing admissions boundaries and helping parents understand which schools they are likely to get into based on their address. However, it does not include crime data, transport maps, healthcare, flood risk, or other neighbourhood data.
StreetCheck — best for demographics
StreetCheck is the go-to for census demographics and postcode-level statistics. It includes basic school information but without an interactive map or detailed Ofsted breakdown. Best used alongside a dedicated school finder.
Which tool should you use?
- Looking at schools + the wider area? → NestScope UK (free, 7 layers on one map)
- Need catchment area boundaries? → Locrating
- Want census demographics? → StreetCheck
- Just need an official school list? → Gov.uk Find a School
School data: DfE GIAS / Ofsted (2024/25). 26,510 schools in England. Crown Copyright / OGL.