Best Schools in St Helens 2026 — Rankings, Ofsted Ratings & Reviews
Compare 66 schools and nurseries in St Helens — Ofsted ratings, exam results & admissions data.
St Helens is a metropolitan borough in Merseyside with 66 schools. The borough has a strong tradition of Catholic education, with several well-performing faith schools. Rainford and Eccleston are popular residential areas where families choose for their school quality.
St Helens at a Glance
Top Primary Schools in St Helens
| School | Area | Ofsted | KS2 RWM % | Reading | Maths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St Mary's Catholic Primary School | St. Helens | Good | 97% | — | — |
| St Mary & St Thomas CofE Primary School | St. Helens | Outstanding | 89% | — | — |
| St Aidan's CofE Primary School Billinge | St. Helens | Requires Improvement | 80% | — | — |
| St Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Primary School | St. Helens | Good | 80% | — | — |
| St Peter's CofE Primary School | St. Helens | Outstanding | 79% | — | — |
Top Secondary Schools in St Helens
| School | Area | Ofsted | Progress 8 | 5+ GCSE % | EBacc % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carmel College | St. Helens | Outstanding | +0.38 | 83% | 75% |
| Rainford High School | St. Helens | Good | +0.03 | 72% | 42% |
| St Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Academy | St. Helens | Good | -0.05 | 59% | 18% |
| The Sutton Academy | St. Helens | Good | -0.06 | 56% | 40% |
| Rainhill High School | St. Helens | Good | -0.12 | 68% | 44% |
Admissions in St Helens — Key Dates
St Helens Council coordinates admissions. The borough has a significant number of faith schools which require a supplementary information form. Non-faith schools admit primarily by distance.
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 St Helens?
Rainford High School is consistently the top-performing secondary. De La Salle School and Rainhill High School also achieve strong results. Several Catholic primaries are rated Outstanding.
Are there good primary schools in St Helens?
Yes. Rainford CE Primary, Eccleston Mere Primary and several Catholic primaries are well-regarded. The borough has a high proportion of Good-rated primary schools.
How do I apply for schools in St Helens?
Apply through St Helens Council by the national deadlines. Faith schools require a supplementary form. Distance from home to school is the main criterion for community schools.
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