Sixty-three schools in Liverpool and Merseyside currently hold Ofsted’s highest rating.
Ofsted is the regulatory body for schools, providing institutions with ratings on a four-point scale, ranging from 'inadequate' to 'outstanding'. Grades are based on overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviours and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management.
While concerns have been raised about Ofsted’s single-word judgements, many parents look at inspection reports as a way to decide which school is best suited to their children, with reports providing an in-depth analysis of how the school operated during a one to two day visit.
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Many primary schools across Liverpool and Merseyside are rated as ‘good’, however, fewer have been awarded the top mark. We have scoured the ratings to find out which schools are the most highly rated, with 63 primary schools across the region ranked 'outstanding' in 2024.
Below are all of the Merseyside primary schools currently* ranked as ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted. Did your child’s school make the list? *Ratings are correct as of June 9, 2024. Full inspection reports can be found here.
57. Trinity St Peter's CofE Primary School, Formby
Published in May 2024, the Ofsted report for Trinity St Peter's CofE Primary School states: "Pupils at Trinity St Peter’s are very proud of their school. They feel cared for by staff who know them well. Their behaviour is exceptional. Pupils are considerate and listen to one another’s thoughts and ideas. The school is calm and purposeful because of the school’s well-established rules and routines. This enables pupils to manage their own behaviour very well. Playtimes are harmonious, and pupils love to play with their friends. Pupils enjoy school, and attendance is high." | Adobe Stock for illustrative purposes only Photo: Adobe Stock for illustrative purposes only
58. Town Lane Infant School, Wirral
Published in December 2023, the Ofsted report for Town Lane Infant School states: "Pupils flourish at Town Lane Infant School. They are happy and love to learn. The school is aspirational for all pupils, including children in the early years. Pupils become curious and independent learners. They talked confidently about their learning and they take immense pride in their written work. Pupils develop an impressive array of skills and knowledge. They achieve highly. They are exceptionally well equipped for the next stage of their education." | Google Street View Photo: Google Street View
59. West Kirby School and College, Wirral
Published in February 2022, the Ofsted report for West Kirby School and College states: “Leaders have high ambitions for every pupil. Many pupils arrive at West Kirby after a period of disrupted and turbulent education. Leaders and staff get them back on track. They help pupils to manage their own behaviour, to re-engage with learning and to gain qualifications that set them up well for adult life. Pupils know that staff want to help. Staff support pupils when they find things difficult. This means that pupils can relax and enjoy their time at school. Pupils feel safe because they know staff will listen to any worries they have." | Google Street View Photo: Google Street View
60. West Kirby St Bridget’s CofE Primary School, Wirral
Published in January 2013, the Ofsted report for West Kirby St Bridget’s C of E Primary School reads: “All pupils achieve extremely well and reach standards that are well above average in English and mathematics. The rates of progress pupils make are more rapid than at the time of the previous inspection." | Google Street View Photo: Google Street View