Birchwood Community High School
85%
Capacity
889
Pupils
2.3x
Demand
About Birchwood Community High School
Birchwood Community High School is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Warrington community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 889 pupils on roll and is well-filled (85% of 1,050 places).
Ofsted has rated Birchwood Community High School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Emma Mills, it falls under Warrington local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.37 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 42.9. Additionally, ranked 2392nd out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 10th out of 13 in Warrington.
Birchwood Community High School is a popular choice with families — it received 314 applications for 134 places, making it 2.3x oversubscribed. Of these, 116 were first-preference applications.
Birchwood Community High School parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is positive, with 79% recommending the school (56 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 8 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Profound & Multiple Learning Difficulty and 5 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Birchwood Community High School include Dining Hall, Astro Turf, Gymnasium, Playing Fields, Library, Science Labs, Tennis Courts, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Rounders, Rowing, Swimming, Tennis and 5 more, as well as clubs including Drama, Choir, Orchestra, Film Club and 3 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 37.2%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Warrington, Birchwood Community High School is one of the options available in the North West region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 16 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Brock Road, Warrington, Warrington, WA3 7PT |
| Headteacher | Emma Mills |
| Local Authority | Warrington |
| Number of Pupils | 889 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 37.2% |
| School Capacity | 889 / 1,050 (85% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
10 Dec 2024Quality of Education
Good
Since Sep 2024, Ofsted no longer assigns a single overall grade
Source: Ofsted, 19 Jan 2025. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.37)
2392nd of 3,141
Nationally
305th of 445
In North West
10th of 13
In Warrington
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make less progress than similar students nationally
Attainment 8 (vs national avg)
Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.
Ofsted Parent View
56 responsesWould Recommend This School
Source: Ofsted Parent View (GOV.UK statistical data), Sep – Sep 2025
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
8Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
16Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed134
314
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
116 families put this school as their 1st choice (37% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Birchwood Community High School
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices
Contact Information
Brock Road, Warrington
Warrington, WA3 7PT
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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