Best Schools in Halton 2026 — Rankings, Ofsted Ratings & Reviews
Compare 61 schools and nurseries in Halton — Ofsted ratings, exam results & admissions data.
Halton is a unitary authority covering Runcorn and Widnes on either side of the River Mersey. With 61 schools, it offers a compact but varied educational landscape. The Bridgewater Canal area and Daresbury have seen new housing developments attracting families seeking school places.
Halton at a Glance
Top Primary Schools in Halton
| School | Area | Ofsted | KS2 RWM % | Reading | Maths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moorfield Primary School | Halton | Good | 87% | — | — |
| Moore Primary School | Halton | Good | 82% | — | — |
| Castle View Primary School | Halton | Good | 80% | — | — |
| Farnworth Church of England Controlled Primary School | Halton | Good | 78% | — | — |
| Lunts Heath Primary School | Halton | Outstanding | 76% | — | — |
Top Secondary Schools in Halton
| School | Area | Ofsted | Progress 8 | 5+ GCSE % | EBacc % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wade Deacon High School | Halton | Outstanding | +0.17 | 69% | 57% |
| Ormiston Chadwick Academy | Halton | Good | -0.23 | 62% | 19% |
| Sandymoor Ormiston Academy | Halton | Good | -0.48 | 53% | 6% |
| Saints Peter and Paul Catholic High School | Halton | Good | -0.61 | 56% | 12% |
| Ormiston Bolingbroke Academy | Halton | Requires Improvement | -0.66 | 47% | 3% |
Admissions in Halton — Key Dates
Halton Borough Council coordinates admissions. Applications follow the national timetable with standard priorities: looked-after children, siblings, then distance. Several faith schools have additional criteria.
Tip: Classpot shows the applications-to-places ratio for every school so you can gauge how competitive admissions are before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best schools in Halton?
The Heath School, Ormiston Chadwick Academy and Wade Deacon High School are among the higher-performing secondaries. Saints Peter and Paul Catholic High School is also well-regarded.
How many schools are in Halton?
Halton has 61 schools across Runcorn and Widnes, including primary, secondary, special schools and one pupil referral unit.
Is Halton part of Cheshire or Merseyside?
Halton was historically part of Cheshire but became a unitary authority in 1998. It is in the Liverpool City Region and for school admissions purposes, Halton Council is the coordinating authority.
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