Best Schools in Liverpool 2026 — Rankings, Ofsted Ratings & Reviews
Compare 157 schools and nurseries in Liverpool — Ofsted ratings, exam results & admissions data.
Liverpool has 180 primary, secondary and independent schools educating over 74,000 pupils. The city's school system is characterised by a strong tradition of faith-based education — nearly 50% of primary schools are religiously affiliated, predominantly Roman Catholic and Church of England. Liverpool also has a thriving academy sector and several specialist SEN provisions rated Outstanding by Ofsted.
Liverpool's GCSE outcomes at 27.71% achieving grade 5 or above in English and maths are below the national average of 30.84%, but the city has pockets of exceptional performance, particularly among faith schools and specialist academies. At primary level, 6.22% achieved a strong pass in reading, writing and maths combined.
Liverpool at a Glance
Top Primary Schools in Liverpool
| School | Area | Ofsted | KS2 RWM % | Reading | Maths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bishop Martin Church of England Primary School, Woolton | Liverpool | Good | 86% | — | — |
| Sudley Primary School | Liverpool | — | 86% | — | — |
| Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Primary School | Liverpool | Good | 83% | — | — |
| Our Lady's Bishop Eton Catholic Primary School | Liverpool | Good | 80% | — | — |
| St John's Catholic Primary School | Liverpool | Outstanding | 80% | — | — |
Top Secondary Schools in Liverpool
| School | Area | Ofsted | Progress 8 | 5+ GCSE % | EBacc % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Blue Coat School | Liverpool | Good | +0.77 | 99% | 99% |
| Cardinal Heenan Catholic High School | Liverpool | Good | +0.66 | 88% | 30% |
| Archbishop Blanch CofE High School | Liverpool | Outstanding | +0.63 | 86% | 45% |
| King David High School | Liverpool | Good | +0.50 | 82% | 31% |
| Liverpool College | Liverpool | Outstanding | +0.29 | 80% | 64% |
Admissions in Liverpool — Key Dates
Liverpool City Council coordinates admissions. For September 2026, the secondary deadline was 31 October 2025 with offers on 1 March 2026. The primary deadline is 15 January 2026 with offers on 16 April 2026. Many Catholic schools require a baptismal certificate and priest's reference. Apply through liverpool.gov.uk.
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 Liverpool?
The Belvedere Academy and Liverpool College lead at secondary level. St Silas C of E Primary and Smithdown Primary top primary rankings. Faith schools are a major feature of Liverpool education, accounting for nearly half of all primaries.
Are there grammar schools in Liverpool?
No. Liverpool has no grammar schools. The nearest selective schools are in the Wirral (Calday Grange, West Kirby, Wirral Grammar). Liverpool operates a fully comprehensive system.
How do I apply for a school place in Liverpool?
Apply through Liverpool City Council's online admissions portal. You can list up to six preferences. Catholic schools typically require a supplementary form.
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