Classpot

Calderstones School

Liverpool, L18 3HSSecondaryAges 11–18MixedState
Ofsted Rating
Good
Jan 2023
Progress 8
-0.20
Below average
−20+2
Competition
1.6×
Oversubscribed
406 1st-choice / 248 places
Ranking
#2,003
of 3,141 nationally

About Calderstones School

Calderstones School is a large, mixed secondary in Liverpool that is clearly in high demand. With 1,575 pupils on roll against a capacity of 1,543, it is technically slightly over capacity, and the admission data for 2025/26 tells a story of significant oversubscription. The school received 1,351 total applications for 248 places, giving an oversubscription ratio of 5.45 to one. Of those, 406 families put Calderstones as their first preference, and 205 first-preference offers were made. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals stands at 21.6%, which is notably above the national average for secondary schools and reflects the school’s role in serving a diverse local community. This is a school that families are actively choosing, despite its size and the competitive admissions picture, suggesting a strong local reputation that goes beyond raw academic metrics.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range11 to 18 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterDoes not apply
AddressHarthill Road, Liverpool, Liverpool, L18 3HS
HeadteacherLee Ratcliffe
Local AuthorityLiverpool
Number of Pupils1,575
Free School Meals (FSM)21.6%
School Capacity1,575 / 1,543 (102% full)
Sixth FormYes

The full report on this school

The inspection in plain English, admissions context, and how this school compares to nearby alternatives — all in one full school report.

  • Ofsted inspection in plain English
    Strengths, concerns and what inspectors flagged
  • Parent View survey results
    What parents told Ofsted — when the school has 10+ responses
  • Where Ofsted and parents disagree
    Gaps to probe + questions to ask at the open day
  • Admissions & catchment
    Admission criteria, distance cutoffs (where the LA publishes them)
  • Nearby schools compared
    Backup options with Ofsted, demand and distance
  • Attendance & behaviour data
    Persistent absentees, suspensions and exclusions vs national
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Ofsted Inspection Breakdown

24 Jan 2023
View Report
Overall Effectiveness
Good
Quality of Education
Good
Behaviour & Attitudes
Good
Personal Development
Good
Leadership & Management
Good
Sixth Form Provision
Good

Source: Ofsted, 8 Mar 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

10
Swimming PoolICT SuiteGymnasiumSports HallDining HallTheatreTennis CourtsPlaying FieldsChapelSixth Form Centre

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

18

Sports

FootballNetballCricketCross CountryRugbyDanceRoundersMartial ArtsBadmintonHockey

Clubs & Activities

GardeningScience ClubOrchestraChessModel United NationsEco ClubYoung EnterpriseDebate

Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.

SEND Support

AutismDyslexiaMental HealthSpeech & LanguageHearingVisionPhysicalLearning DifficultySevere LearningOther

Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.

School day

Verified

Teaching hours

08:55 – 15:05

Breakfast club

07:30-08:30

Source: calderstones.co.uk. Extracted automatically — confirm with the school before relying on these times.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Calderstones School

Calderstones School has been rated "Good" by Ofsted. This means the school provides a good standard of education and effectively supports all pupils to succeed.