- Get the biggest stories from Merseyside in your inbox with Liverpool World’s free newsletter emails
Here at Liverpool World, we have analysed the latest data - referring to the 2025/26 academic year - to see which schools are the most or least competitive for places.
Below are all 18 of the secondary schools in the Sefton Council area ranked by how easy they are to get into (from least to most difficult) - based on DfE figures showing the proportion of families putting it as their first choice who were successful in getting a place.
13. Litherland High School, Litherland
197 pupils put Litherland High School as their first choice and 160 first choice offers were received, meaning a success rate of 81.22%. | Google
14. Formby High School, Formby
200 pupils put Formby High School as their first choice and 162 first choice offers were received, meaning a success rate of 81.00%. | Formby High School
15. Meols Cop High School, Southport
230 pupils put Meols Cop High School as their first choice and 174 first choice offers were received, meaning a success rate of 75.65%. | Google Earth
16. Hillside High School, Bootle
200 pupils put Hillside High School as their first choice and 151 first choice offers were received, meaning a success rate of 75.50%. | Google Street View