Best Secondary School for Academic Performance in North West (2024)

The Barlow RC High School and Specialist Science College is a co-ed Roman Catholic secondary school located in Manchester. With a student-teacher ratio of 15:1, the school offers a nurturing learning environment for students aged 11-16. The school has shown significant improvements in teaching and leadership, ensuring that pupils make good progress and successfully transition to their next steps. Strong teaching is observed in English, geography, history, French, and Spanish. The school promotes positive values, fosters responsible behavior, and maintains a strong safeguarding culture. Although teaching weaknesses were previously identified in mathematics and science, they have been addressed. The school aims to provide a quality education and supports students' personal development, behavior, welfare, and academic outcomes. Exam results indicate a 36% achievement of grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs, showcasing the school's commitment to academic excellence.

Chesterfield High School is a co-ed secondary school in Crosby, Sefton District. With a student-teacher ratio of 15:1 and a broad curriculum, the school offers a supportive and high-quality education. The leadership team maintains good standards and there is a culture of high expectations. The school focuses on the progress of pupils, effective teaching, and safeguarding. However, improvements are needed in the consistency of staffing in the sixth form and for the most able students to make better progress. Despite these challenges, the school has shown positive results in attendance rates for disadvantaged pupils and SEN students.

St. George's School A Church of England Academy is a secondary school in Blackpool that offers academic excellence within a loving, Christian environment. With strong and effective leadership, the school prioritizes students' progress, providing regular opportunities to develop literacy and achieving good outcomes. The school also focuses on the personal development, behavior, and welfare of its students, promoting positive attitudes to learning. With a track record of success and effective support for students with special educational needs, St. George's School aims to prepare students for success in life by nurturing their spiritual, moral, cultural, and social development.

Hollinwood Academy is an outstanding all-through school in Oldham, North West. With a student-teacher ratio of 8:1, the school provides a tailored curriculum, excellent additional activities, and extensive partnership working. The school's exceptional leadership, teaching, and assessment strategies ensure ambitious expectations for all pupils, while the outstanding early years provision sets a strong foundation for their education.

Sale High School is a secondary school in Trafford, North West. With an excellent student-teacher ratio of 17:1, our dedicated faculty ensures that every child receives the attention they need to succeed. Our good Ofsted rating reflects our commitment to providing a safe and nurturing learning environment. We prioritize individual progress, supported by increasing academic achievements year after year. Choose Sale High School for your child's bright future.

Dean Trust Ardwick is a secondary school in Manchester that provides an inclusive and ambitious education for students aged 11-16. With an outstanding leadership team, good outcomes for pupils, and strong progress made by most groups of students, it is a school that prioritizes personal development and welfare. While occasional low-level disruption may occur, the school excels in teaching, learning, and assessment. The governance is also outstanding, ensuring a quality education for all students.

Salford City Academy is a secondary school located in Salford, North West. With a strong focus on academic achievement and personal development, the school offers a supportive and inclusive learning environment for students aged 11-16. Led by Headteacher Ms Melanie Haselden, the school boasts a student to teacher ratio of 17:1 and a dedicated team of professionals. With a Good overall effectiveness rating from Ofsted, Salford City Academy is committed to providing quality education and ensuring positive outcomes for its diverse student body.

Prenton High School for Girls is a secondary school located in Rock Ferry, Wirral. With a student-teacher ratio of 16:1, we provide a focused and supportive learning environment for girls aged 11-16. Our overall effectiveness and success in the latest Ofsted inspection showcases our commitment to academic achievement, quality teaching, and student safety. We offer a strong emphasis on improving life ambitions and providing opportunities for all students. Join us to give your daughter an advantage in her education and future endeavors.

Sir John Thursby Community College is a secondary school located in Burnley, North West. It offers a co-ed education for students aged 11-16. With a student-teacher ratio of 14:1, the school provides a supportive learning environment. The college has received a Good rating from Ofsted, ensuring quality teaching and personal development. Exam results show a 35% achievement of Grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs, reflecting the school's commitment to academic success.

Whitworth Community High School is a secondary school in Hallford, Whitworth, offering high-quality education to students aged 11-16. With a student-teacher ratio of 16:1 and a commitment to providing a safe and inclusive learning environment, the school focuses on fostering high expectations and supporting lifelong learning. The school's strengths include excellent English outcomes, dedicated leaders, and improving attendance. While there is room for improvement in teaching consistency, the school aims to promote student aspirations, leadership opportunities, and healthy lifestyles through a variety of extracurricular activities and programs.

St Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic High School is a co-educational Roman Catholic secondary school located in Ashton-in-Makerfield. With a student-teacher ratio of 16:1, the school provides a supportive and inclusive learning environment for students aged 11-16. The school has received a Good rating from Ofsted, with outstanding behaviour and safety of pupils. Offering a wide range of opportunities and a strong sense of community, St Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic High School is dedicated to helping students achieve academic success and develop into responsible individuals.

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.

Ulverston Victoria High School is a co-educational secondary school located in Ulverston, North West England. With a strong focus on high-quality education, the school offers a wide range of opportunities for students to achieve their full potential. The school has a good overall grade and outstanding leadership, ensuring that pupils receive excellent teaching and experience a safe learning environment. Despite some areas for improvement, such as supporting disadvantaged pupils and stretching middle-ability students, Ulverston Victoria High School provides a nurturing and inclusive educational setting for all students.

Alder Community High School is a reputable secondary school located in Tameside, North West England. With a dedicated and experienced team of teachers, the school provides a safe and supportive learning environment for its 906 students. Offering a balanced curriculum and achieving good academic results, Alder Community High School prioritizes the well-being and achievement of its students.

St Bede's Catholic High School is a co-ed secondary school located in Lytham, Fylde. With an outstanding track record of providing quality education, the school has a dedicated leadership team and a positive learning environment. The safety and welfare of students are prioritized through effective safeguarding measures. Although there have been some inconsistencies in teaching and examination results for certain pupils, the school remains committed to nurturing every student's potential.

Broadfield Specialist School is an outstanding secondary school located in Burnley, North West. With a strong leadership team and dedicated teachers, the school provides excellent education and support for students aged 11-19. The school prioritizes the promotion of British values and fosters a respectful and inclusive learning environment. Despite some challenges with student absence rates, Broadfield Specialist School offers a stimulating and happy atmosphere, where students can develop vital skills for their future success.

Holy Family Roman Catholic and Church of England College is a co-ed secondary school located in Rochdale, North West. With an overall grade of B-, the school provides a good quality of education, supported by outstanding previous inspections. With a student-teacher ratio of 17:1 and excellent academic achievements, the school offers a safe and inclusive environment for students aged 11-16. The school's emphasis on religious values, as well as its affordable expense per pupil, make it an ideal choice for parents seeking a strong academic foundation rooted in faith.

Blessed John Henry Newman Roman Catholic College is a co-ed secondary school that provides a high-quality education in a Roman Catholic environment. With a student-teacher ratio of 16:1, the school ensures individual attention and support for each student. The school prides itself on its good Ofsted rating and offers a safe and inclusive learning environment. It has a strong focus on academic achievement, as reflected in the grade 5 or above in English & math GCSEs achieved by 38% of students in 2019. The school also emphasizes personal development and welfare, with a good rating in this area. Blessed John Henry Newman Roman Catholic College offers a wide range of resources to enhance students' learning experience, which is reflected in its excellent resources grade. Overall, it is a school that values both academic success and the well-being of its students.

Middleton Technology School is a secondary school located in Rochdale, North West. With a student-to-teacher ratio of 16:1, the school provides a safe and inclusive environment for boys and girls aged 11-16. The school's overall effectiveness is rated 'Good' by Ofsted, with effective leadership, quality teaching, and positive student outcomes. The school offers extensive extra-curricular activities and a successful careers programme. However, there is room for improvement in supporting boys and higher starting point pupils to make stronger progress. Overall, Middleton Technology School focuses on providing a good quality education and ensuring the well-being of its students.

Archers Brook SEMH Residential School is a safe and caring learning environment located in Great Sutton, Cheshire West and Chester. With an outstanding emphasis on personal development, the school provides strong relationships between teachers, support staff, and pupils. The school offers a broad range of learning experiences and skilled support for positive behavior. However, some teaching needs improvement for challenging the most able pupils. Overall, Archers Brook SEMH Residential School provides an excellent education for students with social, emotional, and mental health needs.