Rainford High School
102%
Capacity
1,675
Pupils
2.6x
Demand
About Rainford High School
Rainford High School is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the St. Helens community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,675 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (102% of 1,650 places).
Ofsted has rated Rainford High School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Ian Young, it falls under St. Helens local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.03 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 47.8. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C+. Additionally, ranked 1460th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 2nd out of 9 in St. Helens.
Rainford High School is a popular choice with families — it received 682 applications for 263 places, making it 2.6x oversubscribed. Of these, 323 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 Rainford High School include Art Studios, Science Labs, Sixth Form Centre, Gymnasium, Sports Hall, Astro Turf, Swimming Pool, Playing Fields, ICT Suite, Library, Dining Hall, Music Rooms, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Athletics, Basketball, Swimming, Rowing and 4 more, as well as clubs including Choir, Young Enterprise, Debate, Book Club and 6 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 15.5%, which is below the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in St. Helens, Rainford 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 18 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Higher Lane, St Helens, St. Helens, WA11 8NY |
| Headteacher | Ian Young |
| Local Authority | St. Helens |
| Number of Pupils | 1,675 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 15.5% |
| School Capacity | 1,675 / 1,650 (102% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
15 Sept 2021Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (15 Sept 2021): School remains Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 8 Apr 2015. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.03)
1460th of 3,141
Nationally
151st of 445
In North West
2nd of 9
In St. Helens
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make similar progress to students nationally with the same starting point
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.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
38.5
'22/23
31.4
'23/24
32.3
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
13Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
18Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed263
682
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
323 families put this school as their 1st choice (47% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rainford 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
Higher Lane, St Helens
St. Helens, WA11 8NY
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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