Best Schools in Wirral 2026 — Rankings, Ofsted Ratings & Reviews
Compare 115 schools and nurseries in Wirral — Ofsted ratings, exam results & admissions data.
The Wirral peninsula has 115 schools and is one of the few areas outside Birmingham and Lincolnshire to retain grammar schools. With schools ranging from selective grammars to Outstanding comprehensives, the Wirral consistently ranks among the top-performing boroughs in the North West. West Kirby, Heswall and Caldy are particularly sought-after school areas.
Wirral at a Glance
Top Primary Schools in Wirral
| School | Area | Ofsted | KS2 RWM % | Reading | Maths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thornton Hough Primary School | Wirral | Outstanding | 96% | — | — |
| Our Lady of Pity Catholic Primary and Nursery School | Wirral | Outstanding | 81% | — | — |
| Poulton Lancelyn Primary School | Wirral | Good | 80% | — | — |
| West Kirby Primary School | Wirral | Good | 79% | — | — |
| Gayton Primary School | Wirral | Good | 77% | — | — |
Top Secondary Schools in Wirral
| School | Area | Ofsted | Progress 8 | 5+ GCSE % | EBacc % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upton Hall School FCJ | Wirral | Outstanding | +0.91 | 98% | 98% |
| Birkenhead High School Academy | Wirral | Good | +0.43 | 72% | 54% |
| West Kirby Grammar School | Wirral | Good | +0.42 | 100% | 86% |
| Wirral Grammar School for Girls | Wirral | Outstanding | +0.38 | 97% | 77% |
| Wirral Grammar School for Boys | Wirral | Good | +0.36 | 99% | 93% |
Admissions in Wirral — Key Dates
Wirral Council coordinates admissions. The borough has four state grammar schools which select by the 11+ entrance test. Non-selective schools primarily admit by distance. Application deadlines follow the national timetable.
Tip: Classpot shows the applications-to-places ratio for every school so you can gauge how competitive admissions are before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there grammar schools on the Wirral?
Yes. The Wirral has four state grammar schools: Wirral Grammar School for Boys, Wirral Grammar School for Girls, Calday Grange Grammar School, and West Kirby Grammar School. Entry is through the 11+ test.
What are the best schools on the Wirral?
The grammar schools consistently top results tables. Among comprehensives, Pensby High School, Woodchurch High School and Prenton High School are well-regarded. Birkenhead School is the main independent option.
Is the Wirral good for schools?
Yes. The Wirral has a high proportion of Good and Outstanding schools. The grammar school system provides selective education, and many comprehensives also achieve strong results. It consistently outperforms the national average.
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