Melling Primary School

About Melling Primary School

Melling Primary School is clearly a popular choice among local families. In the 2025/26 admissions round, the school received 77 applications for just 29 places, giving an oversubscription ratio of 2.66. Of those applications, 33 were first-preference choices, and 26 of those families were offered a place. This level of demand suggests a strong reputation in the community, though no parent view data is available to confirm satisfaction rates directly. The school is a state-funded, mixed primary in Sefton, led by headteacher Vivienne Ainsworth, with 214 pupils on roll against a capacity of 210. It does not have a nursery or sixth form, and has no religious character. Its most recent Ofsted inspection, an ungraded visit in March 2023, confirmed the school remains Good, a rating it has held consistently since at least its previous graded inspection in 2011.

Academically, Melling performs well above the local average. In the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 results, 77% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, compared with a Sefton average of 59%. This places the school 10th out of 59 primary schools in the local authority, putting it in the top 25% nationally. Subject-level results are strong too: 93% met the expected standard in maths, 87% in reading and 80% in writing. At the higher standard, 43% achieved it in maths, 33% in reading and 7% in both writing and the combined measure. Average scaled scores were 110 in maths and 107 in reading. Progress scores are not available, so it is not possible to say how much value the school adds relative to pupils' starting points.

The school offers a broad range of facilities including an art studio, music rooms, a library, a gymnasium, playing fields and a forest school, plus a chapel. Sports on offer include football, tennis, netball, cricket and rounders, and there are clubs for drama, eco activities, choir and chess. SEND provision covers specific learning difficulties like dyslexia, moderate learning difficulties, social, emotional and mental health needs, speech, language and communication needs, hearing impairment and autistic spectrum disorder. With an oversubscription ratio of 2.66, families should be prepared to apply early and list Melling as a first preference to maximise their chances. It is a good fit for families who prioritise strong academic outcomes in a well-equipped, non-faith primary setting within the Sefton area.

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