Best Schools in Sefton 2026 — Rankings, Ofsted Ratings & Reviews
Compare 97 schools and nurseries in Sefton — Ofsted ratings, exam results & admissions data.
Sefton is a metropolitan borough in Merseyside stretching from Bootle to Southport. With 97 schools, the borough includes both urban and coastal communities. Formby and Crosby are particularly popular with families seeking strong state schools, while Southport offers a range of options including independent schools.
Sefton at a Glance
Top Primary Schools in Sefton
| School | Area | Ofsted | KS2 RWM % | Reading | Maths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St Thomas Church of England Primary School, Lydiate | Sefton | Outstanding | 93% | — | — |
| St Robert Bellarmine Catholic Primary School | Sefton | Outstanding | 83% | — | — |
| Shoreside Primary School | Sefton | Good | 81% | — | — |
| St Luke's Halsall Church of England Primary School | Sefton | Good | 80% | — | — |
| Freshfield Primary School | Sefton | Outstanding | 79% | — | — |
Top Secondary Schools in Sefton
| School | Area | Ofsted | Progress 8 | 5+ GCSE % | EBacc % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Formby High School | Sefton | Good | +0.43 | 76% | 31% |
| Range High School | Sefton | Good | -0.15 | 64% | 51% |
| Meols Cop High School | Sefton | Good | -0.17 | 51% | 24% |
| Sacred Heart Catholic Academy | Sefton | Good | -0.21 | 78% | 30% |
| Hillside High School | Sefton | Good | -0.47 | 45% | 45% |
Admissions in Sefton — Key Dates
Sefton Council coordinates school admissions following the national timetable. Most schools admit by distance after statutory criteria. Several Catholic schools require a priest's reference. The borough does not have grammar schools.
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 Sefton?
Range High School in Formby, Sacred Heart Catholic College in Crosby, and Greenbank High School in Southport are among the highest-performing secondaries. Merchant Taylors' Schools offers private education.
Is Formby good for schools?
Yes. Formby has several Outstanding-rated primary schools and Range High School is consistently one of the top-performing comprehensives in Merseyside. It is a popular area for families prioritising education.
How do I apply for schools in Sefton?
Apply through Sefton Council by 31 October (secondary) or 15 January (primary). You can list up to three preferences. Most schools use distance as the main oversubscription criterion.
Find the right school in Sefton
Browse all 97 schools and nurseries. Filter by Ofsted rating, exam results and distance.
Browse All Schools in Sefton