March 1 marks National Offer Day, when parents and children across the region find out where they will begin their secondary school journey.
A joyus day for many, it can also be a stressful day for some parents or carers, with their children not being accepted into their first choice school.
However, if your child is not offered a place at any of the preferred schools listed on your application, the council will offer places at alernative schools.
So to help with deciding on an alternative school, or to see how your child’s soon-to-be institution ranks against others, we’ve complied a list of all the highest rated secondary schools in Knowsley and St Helens - ranked ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted, up to March 2023.
Grades are based on overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviours and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management.
We have compiled a list of secondary schools to receive the highest rankings*, up to March 2023. Did your child’s school make the list?
*Please note special schools are not included.
5. Kirkby High School (Knowsley) - Good
Published in October 2022, the Ofsted report for Kirkby High School states: “Pupils enjoy attending Kirkby High School, which is a calm and welcoming place for pupils to learn. They feel happy and safe. Pupils appreciate the strong relationships that they forge with staff. Pupils celebrate differences between people. They do not tolerate discrimination. Pupils are confident that leaders will quickly act to address any incidents of bullying. Pupils have pride in their school. They take good care of the classrooms, corridors and social areas. Most pupils behave sensibly and have fun during social times. They are generally friendly and courteous, including when speaking to each other." | Google
6. Nugent House School (St Helens) - Good
Published in April 2022, the Ofsted report for Nugent House School states: “Pupils who spoke with inspectors explained that they feel safe and happy at Nugent House School. Warm relationships between pupils and staff mean that pupils feel comfortable to share any concerns. “ | Google Street View
7. St Cuthbert’s Catholic High School (St Helens) - Good
Published in July 2022, the Ofsted report for St Cuthbert’s states: “Pupils feel happy, safe and well cared for at St Cuthbert’s. They are polite and friendly. Pupils from different backgrounds told inspectors that they feel accepted and respected. Staff get to know pupils and their families well. This helps to make everyone feel welcome. Pupils appreciate the calm spaces, dedicated mentors and specialist counsellors available to them. Pupils are confident that staff will sort out their problems. Bullying is treated very seriously in school. Incidents are resolved quickly and effectively." | Google
8. The Sutton Academy (St Helens) - Good
Published in July 2022, the Ofsted report for The Sutton Academy reads: “At The Sutton Academy, pupils, and students in the sixth form, flourish. They benefit from a well-thought-out, ambitious curriculum that gives them the rich knowledge that they need to embark on their futures. Leaders and teachers expect pupils to succeed. They achieve well. The overwhelming majority of pupils are kind to each other. Pupils were adamant that this is a school where they are accepted for who they are. Differences between people are celebrated. Discriminatory behaviour is rare within this close-knit, respectful community. As such, pupils feel safe and happy at school. They are free to be themselves. Teachers respond swiftly to resolve any occasional bullying." | Google