Best Schools in Market Harborough
When you’re choosing where to settle as a family, knowing your child will be supported at school makes all the difference. Market Harborough schools offer that peace of mind, with a strong mix of nursery, primary and secondary schools nearby.
In this guide, we’ve gathered a thoughtful selection of schools in Market Harborough to help families find the right fit for their child, using academic outcomes, parent reviews and local reputation.
1.) Nursery schools in Market Harborough
For families with younger children, Market Harborough nursery schools offer a welcoming start, balancing care and early learning close to home.
Little Angels Day Nursery
A long-standing nursery in the heart of Market Harborough, Little Angels has supported local families for over two decades. Parents often value its caring atmosphere, experienced team and a balance of play, learning and routine.
Partou Progress House Day Nursery & Pre-School
A UK branch of one of the largest childcare groups in the Netherlands, Progress House is renowned for its supportive childcare. It combines early learning and personal development, and is highly rated by parents for its settling-in process, caring staff and strong engagement with children throughout the day.
Market Harborough Montessori Nursery
For parents drawn to a Montessori teaching method, this nursery provides a calm, child-led environment where children are encouraged to explore at their own pace. Its focus is on practical life learning and independence, with children involved in everyday activities such as preparing snacks or caring for plants. As they grow, Montessori materials are used to support early maths and language, creativity and cultural learning.
2.) Primary schools in Market Harborough
Market Harborough primary schools range from smaller church schools with a close-knit local feel to larger academies located in beautiful villages nearby.
Great Bowden Academy, A Church of England Primary School
Just a short drive from the town centre, Great Bowden Academy is a school many local families speak highly of. Alongside the core curriculum, children can enjoy enriching activities such as sport, music, STEM, arts and outdoor learning.
Farndon Fields Primary School
Farndon Fields is part of the Discovery Schools Academy Trust and is well regarded locally for its inclusive atmosphere, modern facilities and strong parent feedback. As a great example of a modern primary school, it’s a popular choice for families looking for an inspiring and supportive learning environment.
St Joseph’s Catholic Voluntary Academy
Located at the heart of the Market Harborough community, St Joseph’s is a well-respected Catholic primary school with a warm and nurturing ethos. The focus is on progress in core subjects, while also helping children build confidence as they grow. The school provides a variety of clubs and extracurricular activities, supporting its motto, “Believe, Achieve, Succeed”.
3.) Market Harborough secondary schools
As children move into their teenage years, Market Harborough secondary schools offer a range of options where pupils can stay motivated and work towards their GCSEs.
The Robert Smyth Academy
The Robert Smyth Academy is one of the main secondary and sixth-form schools serving Market Harborough. It offers a broad curriculum and a supportive environment for pupils through GCSEs and beyond. Now part of the Tudor Grange Academies Trust, the school is known for strong academic outcomes at GCSE level, placing it among the better-performing schools nationally.
Set on an attractive campus on Burnmill Road, the academy has been part of the town’s educational history since 1607 and offers well-equipped facilities for science, sport and the arts.
Welland Park Academy
Welland Park Academy is a co-educational state secondary school for pupils aged 11 to 16 and operates as a standalone academy. It has a strong local reputation, with solid GCSE results and a friendly learning environment.
The school encourages pupils to persevere, achieve and treat others with respect and kindness. The academy has also benefited from multi-million-pound site improvements in
recent years, including a new canteen, a second large sports hall, additional classrooms and workshop spaces.
Brooke House College
Brooke House College is a co-educational independent boarding and day school, and a strong choice for parents considering a private school in Market Harborough. It offers GCSE and A-Level pathways for students aged 11 to 19, with a specialist, internationally focused approach, alongside smaller class sizes and personalised learning programmes.
Brooke House also offers strong pastoral care, intensive English courses and a wide variety of enrichment activities, including the opportunity to take part in the Wings of Hope Achievement Award (WOHAA). The college has been recognised as a global Climate Action School, with a focus on sustainability learning. Its football and motorsport academies are also well known internationally.
The Divergent School Harborough
The Divergent School Harborough is a specialist secondary option in Market Harborough for families looking for neuro-inclusive education for pupils aged 11 to 16. It forms a part of The Divergent Group, a pioneering network of special schools that support neurodivergent children and young people.
The Divergent School Harborough focuses on belonging, confidence and personalised learning. Its neuro-inclusive approach helps children feel understood and supported as they grow.
Support includes access to Speech and Language Therapists and Occupational Therapists, together with experienced teachers who focus on each pupil’s strengths as well as their additional needs.
Considering a move to Market Harborough?
Davidsons Homes has a couple of developments in Market Harborough, including Davidsons at Little Bowden and Wellington Place. Davidsons also supports community projects, youth sports and clubs throughout the region.