Penketh High School
85%
Capacity
1,023
Pupils
2.5x
Demand
About Penketh High School
Penketh High School is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Warrington community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 1,023 pupils on roll and is well-filled (85% of 1,200 places).
Ofsted has rated Penketh High School "Good", the school is led by headteacher John Carlin, it falls under Warrington local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.22 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 45.5. Additionally, ranked 2061st out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 7th out of 13 in Warrington.
Penketh High School is a popular choice with families — it received 548 applications for 220 places, making it 2.5x oversubscribed. Of these, 200 were first-preference applications.
Penketh High School parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is positive, with 80% recommending the school (74 responses).
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 Penketh High School include ICT Suite, Playing Fields, Astro Turf, Swimming Pool, Tennis Courts, Theatre, Dining Hall, Sports Hall.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Rugby, Swimming, Rounders, Cross Country and 6 more, as well as clubs including Model UN, Art Club, Debate, Choir and 6 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 27.9%, which is above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Warrington, Penketh 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 | Heath Road, Warrington, Warrington, WA5 2BY |
| Headteacher | John Carlin |
| Local Authority | Warrington |
| Number of Pupils | 1,023 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 27.9% |
| School Capacity | 1,023 / 1,200 (85% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
21 May 2025Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (21 May 2025): Standards maintained
Source: Ofsted, 4 Jun 2020. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.22)
2061st of 3,141
Nationally
246th of 445
In North West
7th 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
74 responsesWould Recommend This School
Source: Ofsted Parent View (GOV.UK statistical data), Sep – Sep 2025
SEND Support
Resourced ProvisionSource: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
8Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
20Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed220
548
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
200 families put this school as their 1st choice (36% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Penketh 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
Heath Road, Warrington
Warrington, WA5 2BY
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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