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

Witton Park Academy is a secondary school located in Blackburn with Darwen, North West. With a student teacher ratio of 14:1 and a focus on personal development, the school provides a nurturing environment for students aged 11-16. The school has been rated 'Good' by Ofsted, highlighting its effectiveness in leadership, teaching, and outcomes for pupils. With a diverse student body and a strong emphasis on academic achievement, Witton Park Academy strives to provide a quality education for all students.

Adelaide School is an outstanding co-ed school located in Crewe. With exceptional teaching and care, students make exceptional progress in a supportive learning community. The school offers a well-designed curriculum, excellent leadership, and effective behaviour support strategies. Parents can trust Adelaide School to provide their children with an exceptional education and holistic development.

St Wilfrid's Church of England Academy is a secondary school located in Blackburn with Darwen. With a student teacher ratio of 15:1, the school offers a supportive and inclusive learning environment. The school focuses on achieving good academic results, as evidenced by their B+ grade in academics and a 58% pass rate in English and maths GCSEs. Additionally, the school has a caring and dedicated teaching staff, as reflected in their B grade for teachers. St Wilfrid's Church of England Academy is committed to providing a safe and diverse learning experience for all students.

Lostock Hall Academy is a secondary school located in Lostock Hall, South Ribble. With a student teacher ratio of 19:1, our dedicated staff provides quality education to a diverse student body. Our good Ofsted rating and improved inspection results demonstrate our commitment to academic achievement and the well-being of our students. We offer a safe and inclusive learning environment, with a focus on supporting students with Special Educational Needs. Students also benefit from a range of resources and opportunities to enhance their learning experience.

Manchester Communication Academy is a secondary school located in Harpurhey, Manchester. With a strong vision that social disadvantage should never be a barrier to learning, the school offers high-quality PSHE education and a broad and balanced curriculum. The school has made significant improvements in the quality of teaching and has a strong culture of safeguarding. Although there are areas for improvement, such as mathematics progress and expectations of students, the school has shown good outcomes for pupils and has steadily improved attendance over the years. With a focus on personal development, positive attitudes to learning, and a commitment to inclusivity, Manchester Communication Academy strives to provide a supportive and engaging environment for its students.

Dallam School is a successful co-educational secondary boarding school in Milnthorpe. With a student teacher ratio of 16:1 and a strong emphasis on leadership and safety, parents can trust that their children will receive a high-quality education in a caring environment. The school's outstanding behavior and safety record, along with its rich and rewarding sixth form curriculum, make it an excellent choice for students aged 11-18. Although the school aims to improve A-level outcomes and science assessment, its overall effectiveness is rated as good by Ofsted.

Rumworth School is an outstanding secondary school in Bolton, North West. With dynamic and innovative leadership, motivated staff, and a strong focus on equipping pupils with knowledge, skills, and understanding, it ensures a high-quality education for all. The school has a broad and balanced curriculum, effective safeguarding measures, and exceptional pupil progress. However, there is room for improvement in the evaluation of students' progress and sixth-form students' performance in English and mathematics.

The Hathershaw College is a co-ed secondary school located in Oldham, North West England. With a student-teacher ratio of 16:1, the school provides a supportive learning environment for its 1064 students aged 11-16. The school has been rated 'Good' by Ofsted, highlighting its effectiveness in leadership, teaching quality, and student outcomes. With a focus on personal development and welfare, the school offers a range of resources and support for students with special educational needs, including hearing impairment. The Hathershaw College aims to provide a well-rounded education, with 35% of students achieving Grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs.

The Elton High School is a co-educational community comprehensive high school for students aged 11 to 16. With good overall effectiveness and high academic achievement, the school offers excellent resources and facilities, including fully equipped science laboratories and technology facilities. The school also provides support services for students with special educational needs. With a strong reputation for care and support, The Elton High School is a popular choice among parents in the nearby catchment areas of Walshaw, Elton, and North Bury.

The Derby High School is a high-achieving secondary school located in Bury, North West. With a student-teacher ratio of 16:1 and a strong emphasis on academic excellence, the school provides a supportive and enriching learning environment. The leadership team is outstanding, ensuring that all pupils receive a good quality of education. Students are polite and welcoming, and relationships between staff and pupils are based on mutual respect. The curriculum meets the needs of pupils and provides enriched learning opportunities. The school has a strong culture of safeguarding, prioritizing the well-being of its students. With a Good overall effectiveness rating from Ofsted, parents can trust that their children will receive a high-quality education at The Derby High School.

Stockport Academy is a secondary school located in Stockport, North West. With a strong leadership team, the school maintains high standards, ensuring good progress for most pupils. The school promotes values such as self-belief and respect, fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment. Students benefit from effective support systems and a dedicated focus on their academic potential. While there have been slight declines in certain areas, the overall effectiveness, achievement of pupils, and quality of teaching are rated as good. The school's commitment to safeguarding and community involvement make it an excellent choice for parents seeking a well-rounded education for their children.

Our Lady's RC High School is a Roman Catholic secondary school in Manchester, North West. With an excellent student-teacher ratio of 13:1 and a dedicated team of educators, we prioritize the individual development and potential of each student. Our school promotes a strong sense of community and holds everyone to high standards of performance. We offer a diverse and dynamic learning environment, ensuring students enjoy their time at Our Lady's while achieving good progress and graduating as well-educated and responsible individuals. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our Good Ofsted rating and strong exam results, with 33% of students achieving grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs.

Saddleworth School is a secondary school located in Diggle, Saddleworth. With a passionate leadership team dedicated to improving the quality of education, the school places a strong emphasis on safeguarding measures for a safe learning environment. However, some teaching may not provide suitable challenge and progress for disadvantaged pupils in certain subjects. The school has a good overall effectiveness rating from Ofsted and achieves a 45% grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs.

Hebden Green Community School is an outstanding all-through co-educational boarding school, located in Winsford, North West. With a student teacher ratio of 6:1, the school provides exceptional support and education for students aged 2-19 with a range of special educational needs. The school's exceptional leadership, outstanding academic achievements, and comprehensive support for social, emotional, and mental health make it an ideal choice for parents seeking a nurturing and inclusive environment for their children.

Upton-by-Chester High School is a flourishing and inclusive secondary school in Upton-by-Chester, North West. With a student-teacher ratio of 16:1, the school provides a quality education with a clear vision for academic excellence. The school's leadership team has maintained a good overall grade, ensuring effective systems for monitoring and supporting student behavior. Students are inspired and engaged in their studies, resulting in good achievement and an outstanding sixth form. The school prioritizes the safety and well-being of its students, with safeguarding arrangements that are fit for purpose. While there are areas for improvement, such as attendance and mathematics approach, Upton-by-Chester High School continues to provide a strong foundation for students' holistic development.

The Blue Coat School is a prestigious and diverse secondary school in Liverpool. With a student-teacher ratio of 16:1, it provides a high-quality education to its 1252 students. The school has a good overall grade, outstanding behaviour and attitudes, and a strong focus on personal development. With excellent exam results, including a 99% grade 5 or above in English & maths GCSEs, The Blue Coat School is dedicated to ensuring students reach their full academic potential and succeed in life.

Oaklands School is an outstanding secondary school in Winsford, North West. With a student-teacher ratio of 7:1, the school offers a co-ed learning environment for students aged 11-17. Led by Mr Neil Oxley, the school excels in academics, leadership, and management, as shown by its A+ ratings in various areas. Pupils at Oaklands School have high expectations and benefit from a strong safeguarding culture, ensuring their well-being and personal development. While opportunities to develop extended writing skills in some subjects could be enhanced, the school's outstanding achievements and excellent outcomes for students make it an ideal choice for parents seeking a top-quality education.

Alt Bridge School is an outstanding secondary school located in Huyton, North West. With a student-teacher ratio of 6:1 and a strong emphasis on pastoral support, the school provides exceptional education and care for students aged 11-19. Offering a well-established post-16 provision and a broad curriculum, pupils make outstanding progress and gain nationally recognized qualifications. The school's strong safeguarding culture, engaging enrichment program, and excellent leadership and management make it a top choice for parents seeking a high-quality education for their children.

Flixton Girls School is a girls-only secondary school located in Trafford, North West. With a student-teacher ratio of 15:1, the school offers a positive learning community and effective safeguarding arrangements. The leadership team has been commended for maintaining good quality education and outstanding leadership and management. While disadvantaged pupils and those with SEN may face challenges, the school focuses on smooth transition from primary to secondary education and encourages pupil engagement through activities like Book Buzz.

Harrytown Catholic High School is a co-educational Roman Catholic secondary school located in Romiley, Stockport. With a student-teacher ratio of 14:1, the school offers a broad and balanced curriculum with high-quality extra-curricular activities. It has shown significant improvement in progress and teaching quality, providing effective provision for pupils' spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development. The school also offers good quality careers advice and guidance. However, there is a need for improvement in mathematics progress and attendance of disadvantaged and SEND pupils.