Wade Deacon High School
100%
Capacity
1,618
Pupils
2.0x
Demand
About Wade Deacon High School
Wade Deacon High School is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Halton community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 1,618 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (100% of 1,625 places).
the school is led by headteacher Brendan Hesketh, it falls under Halton local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.17 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 48.2. Additionally, ranked 1162nd out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 1st out of 7 in Halton.
Wade Deacon High School is a popular choice with families — it received 659 applications for 328 places, making it 2.0x oversubscribed. Of these, 350 were first-preference applications.
Wade Deacon High School has average reviews on SchoolParrot (3.2/5 from 1 parents).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 8 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 5 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Wade Deacon High School include Library, Swimming Pool, Sports Hall, Science Labs, Sixth Form Centre, Gymnasium, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Dance, Badminton, Hockey, Martial Arts and 2 more, as well as clubs including Debate, Orchestra, Gardening, Eco Club and 1 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 26.6%, which is above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Halton, Wade Deacon 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 | Birchfield Road, Widnes, Halton, WA8 7TD |
| Headteacher | Brendan Hesketh |
| Local Authority | Halton |
| Number of Pupils | 1,618 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 26.6% |
| School Capacity | 1,618 / 1,625 (100% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
29 Nov 2022Overall Effectiveness
Outstanding
Source: Ofsted, 30 Jan 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.17)
1162nd of 3,141
Nationally
120th of 445
In North West
1st of 7
In Halton
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make more 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
7Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
11Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed328
659
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
350 families put this school as their 1st choice (53% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wade Deacon 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
Birchfield Road, Widnes
Halton, WA8 7TD
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Reviews on Other Platforms
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