Rainhill High School

About Rainhill High School

Rainhill High School sits in the middle of the pack in St. Helens, but its headline Progress 8 score of -0.12 is notably stronger than the local authority average of -0.31 for secondary schools. That gap of nearly 0.2 points means pupils here are making more academic progress than the typical student across the borough, even if the score itself is slightly below the national average of zero. In a local authority where only one of eleven secondary schools holds an Outstanding rating, Rainhill’s solid Good grade from its most recent 2023 inspection places it among the better-performing options. Its ranking of 5th out of 9 schools in the LA on Progress 8 puts it just behind the top three — Carmel College, Rainford High, and St Augustine of Canterbury — but ahead of several others. For parents comparing schools within St. Helens, Rainhill offers above-average progress relative to the local benchmark, which is a meaningful differentiator in this area.

Academically, the school’s Attainment 8 score of 47.3 translates to an average grade of just under a strong pass per subject, and 45.2% of pupils achieved a grade 5 or above in English and maths — the benchmark often used for sixth-form entry. The EBacc average point score of 4.14 is respectable, though only 19.5% of students entered the full EBacc combination and achieved a grade 5 or above. Progress in the EBacc subjects (-0.32) and maths (-0.22) drags the overall figure down, while open subjects (0.07) show a slight positive. In the sixth form, 52 students achieved an average of 28.74 points per entry, equivalent to a C grade, with a value-added score of -0.06 — classed as average. The best three A-levels averaged a C grade too. The school has clearly improved since its 2020 Requires Improvement rating, with every Ofsted category now rated Good, including behaviour, leadership, and personal development.

Rainhill is a large, oversubscribed school — 548 applications for 291 places in 2025/26, with 279 first-preference offers — so securing a place is competitive. Facilities are strong for a state school, including a swimming pool, astro turf, sports hall, and a dedicated sixth form centre. The school offers a wide range of sports from rowing to martial arts, plus clubs spanning coding, debate, and orchestra. SEND provision is comprehensive, covering dyslexia, autism, speech and language needs, and physical disabilities, among others. With 15.5% of pupils eligible for free school meals, the intake is broadly representative of the local area. This is a school that suits families looking for a large, inclusive secondary with decent academic outcomes above the LA average, a proper sixth form, and good facilities — particularly if they can secure a place in a popular catchment.

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