Hillside High School
80%
Capacity
741
Pupils
2.6x
Demand
About Hillside High School
Hillside High School is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Sefton community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 741 pupils on roll and is well-filled (80% of 921 places).
Ofsted has rated Hillside High School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Amanda Ryan, it falls under Sefton local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.47 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 35.1. Additionally, ranked 2565th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 5th out of 14 in Sefton.
Hillside High School is a popular choice with families — it received 434 applications for 169 places, making it 2.6x oversubscribed. Of these, 200 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 10 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 7 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Hillside High School include ICT Suite, Gymnasium, Science Labs, Tennis Courts, Library, Playing Fields, Dining Hall, Astro Turf, Music Rooms, Sports Hall, Theatre.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Rugby, Martial Arts, Cricket, Hockey and 4 more, as well as clubs including Newspaper, Orchestra, Model UN, Gardening and 4 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 53.0%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Sefton, Hillside 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 | None |
| Address | Breeze Hill, Bootle, Sefton, L20 9NU |
| Headteacher | Amanda Ryan |
| Local Authority | Sefton |
| Number of Pupils | 741 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 53.0% |
| School Capacity | 741 / 921 (80% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
19 Sept 2023Overall Effectiveness
Good
Source: Ofsted, 17 Oct 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.47)
2565th of 3,141
Nationally
326th of 445
In North West
5th of 14
In Sefton
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.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
11Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
16Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed169
434
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
200 families put this school as their 1st choice (46% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hillside 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
Breeze Hill, Bootle
Sefton, L20 9NU
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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