Best Free Schools in North West

Harmonize Academy AP Free School is an outstanding secondary school located in Kensington, Liverpool. With exceptional support from staff, a safe and bully-free environment, and high academic achievement for pupils, parents can trust that their children will thrive at this school.

The Studio School Liverpool is a secondary school that offers an inclusive and diverse environment, where students achieve well in digital media and creative technology subjects. With a strong focus on preparing students for work and entrepreneurship in the digital industry, the school empowers students to become future digital leaders. The school maintains a good quality of education, with outstanding behavior and safety systems, and a strong culture of safeguarding. However, further work is needed to improve progress for the most able students in all subjects and retention rates in some academic courses in the sixth form.

Liverpool Life Sciences UTC is a co-educational secondary school located in Liverpool. With a student teacher ratio of 18:1, the school provides a supportive and personalized learning environment. The school is known for its outstanding personal development, behavior, and welfare of students. It offers a range of study programs for 14-19 year olds, with a strong focus on life sciences. The school has achieved good overall effectiveness, leadership, teaching, and outcomes for pupils as highlighted in the Ofsted report. Furthermore, the school's safety measures are rated as exceptional. With a dedicated teaching staff and excellent resources, Liverpool Life Sciences UTC ensures a quality education for its students.

Maharishi Free School is an all-through school offering primary and secondary education from ages 4 to 16. With a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, the school provides individualized attention to students. The school focuses on consciousness-based education, which includes the practice of Transcendental Meditation. Maharishi School has a good overall effectiveness rating, outstanding personal development, and provides a safe learning environment. Exam results show improvement in recent years.

Sandbach School is a secondary school located in Sandbach, North West. With a student-teacher ratio of 16:1, the school provides a caring and supportive community where pupils feel safe and valued. The school has a clear vision for high-quality education and has shown improved progress for both able and disadvantaged students. However, there is a need for improvement in the progress of disadvantaged pupils in English and languages. Overall, Sandbach School offers a good standard of education in a safe and nurturing environment.

Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School is a reputable coed all-through school with a long-standing history of providing exceptional education. With a strong focus on academic achievement, outstanding pastoral care, and a wide range of extracurricular opportunities, the school ensures a balanced and holistic development for students aged 4 to 19. With an impressive student-teacher ratio of 16:1, excellent exam results, and a Good Ofsted rating, Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School is an ideal choice for parents seeking quality education for their children.

Crewe Engineering and Design UTC is a secondary school in Crewe, North West. With a student-teacher ratio of 10:1 and a nurturing culture, the school provides a supportive environment for pupils to thrive in STEM subjects. It has a strong focus on engineering, design, and manufacturing, offering opportunities for employability skills through project work and work experience. The school has a good overall effectiveness rating, with a strong emphasis on personal development, behaviour, and welfare. While some areas, such as challenging the most able pupils and attainment in mathematics, may need improvement, the school ensures all pupils go on to appropriate education, employment, or training.

Burnley High School is a secondary school located in Burnley, North West. With a student-teacher ratio of 17:1, the school provides a supportive and engaging learning environment for students aged 11-16. Led by Mrs Emma Starkey, the school focuses on academic excellence, as evidenced by their good Ofsted rating and strong exam results. The school prioritizes personal development and welfare, ensuring a safe and inclusive community for all students. With a diverse student body and a commitment to supporting students with special educational needs, Burnley High School is dedicated to ensuring every child reaches their full potential.

West Didsbury CE Primary School is a welcoming and inclusive school with a strong focus on Christian values. With good-quality teaching, outstanding behaviour and safety, and excellent support for students with SEN, our school provides a nurturing environment where all children can thrive. Visit us to see our mission in action.

North Cestrian School is a co-ed secondary school in Trafford, North West. With a student-teacher ratio of 16:1, the school provides an effective learning environment with good quality teaching and support for pupils with SEND. The school focuses on developing students' academic skills and personal growth, fostering positive behavior and attitudes. Results show improving GCSE outcomes, with 46% of students achieving Grade 5 or above in English & maths GCSEs in 2019.

Cheshire Studio School is a secondary school in Knutsford offering a unique and innovative education experience for students aged 14-19. With a strong emphasis on vocational training and work experience, the school aims to equip students with the skills and qualifications they need for successful future careers. Led by a dedicated headteacher and supported by a low student-teacher ratio, Cheshire Studio School provides a nurturing environment where pupils' self-esteem is developed and individual needs are met. The school's good overall effectiveness, outstanding leadership, and effective teaching ensure that students receive a high-quality education. However, some areas for improvement include expanding vocational course offerings and enhancing work experience opportunities for sixth form students. Despite these limitations, Cheshire Studio School remains committed to providing a supportive and enriching learning environment for all students.

UTC Warrington is a co-ed secondary school in Warrington, North West. With a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, the school offers a closely matched curriculum to prepare pupils for STEM careers. The school has strong leadership and effective governance, and staff understand students' needs and behaviors. UTC Warrington received a Good overall effectiveness rating from Ofsted, and offers a professional learning environment focused on technical skills and personal development. With additional funding to support disadvantaged and SEND pupils, UTC Warrington provides an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

CHS South is a co-educational secondary school located in Chorlton, Manchester. With a student-teacher ratio of 13:1, the school provides a supportive and inclusive learning environment. Our dedicated staff ensures the overall development of students through quality education and excellent resources. Ofsted rates us as 'Good' in all aspects, highlighting our commitment to providing a safe and nurturing environment for every child.

Everton Free School provides high-quality alternative education options and experiences for students aged 13-19. With a focus on resilience, respect, and responsibility, the school offers a supportive and inclusive environment. The school's outstanding leadership and management ensure effective teaching, leading to good achievement. Safeguarding is a priority, although policies may need updating. The school values its close relationship with Everton Football Club, enriching the educational experience.

Acorns Day Nursery Ltd is a privately owned, family-run nursery in Winnersh, Berkshire. With a focus on providing a supportive environment for children aged 3 months to 5 years, the nursery offers a combination of adult-led and child-initiated activities. The staff-to-child ratio ensures personalized care, while a secure fingerprint access system ensures safety. Rated 'Good' by OFSTED, Acorns Day Nursery Ltd emphasizes the Early Years Foundation Stage and offers specialized classes to enhance language learning.

LIPA Primary School in Liverpool offers top-notch education with a focus on English, Math, Science, and the creative arts. With engaging curriculum and inspiring teachers, we provide a safe and happy environment for all students to thrive academically and enjoy learning.

Atherton High School is a co-educational secondary school located in Wigan, North West. With a student-teacher ratio of 13:1 and a strong focus on personal development, the school offers a safe and inclusive learning environment. The school's curriculum emphasizes the study of British and world history, providing students with essential skills in critical thinking and analysis. Atherton High School has achieved good ratings in behavior, attitudes, and leadership. With a dedicated teaching staff and a commitment to academic growth, the school aims to enable students to reach their full potential.

Eden School is a specialized middle deemed secondary school in Blackburn with Darwen, North West. With a low student-teacher ratio of 5:1, our dedicated teaching staff provide intensive support to empower vulnerable young people. Our personalized learning approach meets the individual needs of each student, offering a variety of academic and vocational courses. Our Ofsted rating of Good for behaviour, attitudes, personal development, and leadership ensures a positive learning environment for all students. We have high expectations for their future and strive for academic success.

King's Leadership Academy Hawthornes is a secondary school in Sefton District, North West England. With a small class size and a student-teacher ratio of 18:1, the school provides a supportive learning environment. The school places emphasis on character development and offers a traditional curriculum focused on literacy and numeracy. Students have access to a range of opportunities including the Duke of Edinburgh programme, university visits, and work experience. The school's overall grade is 'Requires Improvement', but it has been praised for good behaviour and attitudes among students.

Chetwynde School is a successful and supportive school for boys and girls aged 4 to 16. With small class sizes, exceptional teachers, and superb facilities, we provide a balanced education that combines traditional values with modern teaching methods. Our inclusive teaching style cultivates respect for diversity, while our focus on academic achievement ensures students reach their full potential. With good exam results and a supportive environment, Chetwynde School is an ideal choice for parents seeking a well-rounded education for their children.