Kirkby High School
103%
Capacity
1,027
Pupils
1.8x
Demand
About Kirkby High School
Kirkby High School is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Knowsley community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 1,027 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (103% of 1,000 places).
Ofsted has rated Kirkby High School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Anna Dobson, it falls under Knowsley local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -1.63 is well below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 29.2. Additionally, ranked 3112th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 6th out of 6 in Knowsley.
Kirkby High School is a popular choice with families — it received 352 applications for 200 places, making it 1.8x oversubscribed. Of these, 158 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 9 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 6 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Kirkby High School include Sixth Form Centre, Gymnasium, Playing Fields, ICT Suite, Astro Turf, Library, Sports Hall, Dining Hall, Swimming Pool, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Hockey, Gymnastics, Tennis, Basketball and 2 more, as well as clubs including Orchestra, Choir, Coding, Young Enterprise and 3 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 58.0%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Knowsley, Kirkby 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 | Bracknell Avenue, Liverpool, Knowsley, L32 9PP |
| Headteacher | Anna Dobson |
| Local Authority | Knowsley |
| Number of Pupils | 1,027 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 58.0% |
| School Capacity | 1,027 / 1,000 (103% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
12 Jul 2022Overall Effectiveness
Good
Source: Ofsted, 2 Oct 2022. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-1.63)
3112th of 3,141
Nationally
438th of 445
In North West
6th of 6
In Knowsley
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make significantly 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
10Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
13Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed200
352
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
158 families put this school as their 1st choice (45% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kirkby 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
Bracknell Avenue, Liverpool
Knowsley, L32 9PP
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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