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.
17. Gilbrook School, Wirral
Published in November 2017, the Oftsed report for Gilbrook School reads: “This school continues to be outstanding. The leadership team has maintained the outstanding quality of education in the school since the last inspection. Gilbrook School is a truly unique place to be, whether you are a pupil, parent or member of staff. You make sure that everyone gets the support needed to be the best that they can be." Please note, an additional ungraded inspection took place in 2024 and stated: The evidence gathered suggests that the inspection grade might not be as high if a graded (section 5) inspection were carried out now." | Google Street View Photo: Google Street View
18. Grange Valley Primary School, St Helens
Published in January 2017, the Ofsted report for Grange Valley Primary School states: “The aspirational and ambitious leadership of the headteacher has taken this school from strength to strength. The headteacher has built good capacity to continue to improve the school by developing strong senior and middle leaders.” | Google Photo: Google Street View
19. Holy Rosary Catholic Primary School, Aintree
Published in March 2014, the Ofsted report for Holy Rosary Catholic Primary School states: "The inspirational headteacher and other senior leaders have led staff and governors outstandingly well in a shared desire to make the school the very best it can be. They have continued to pull out all the stops in further improving the quality of teaching and the achievement of pupils in this outstanding school." | Google Street View Photo: Google Street View
20. Hope School, Liverpool
Published in May 2019, the Ofsted report for Hope School reads: “This school continues to be outstanding. The leadership team has maintained the outstanding quality of education in the school since the last inspection. You are an inspirational school leader. You are passionate about the importance of understanding pupils’ behaviour. " | New Africa - stock.adobe.com Photo: New Africa - stock.adobe.com