The short version
Above-average GCSE results. At capacity. Rated Good by Ofsted (2013).
- GCSE results are above the national average (Attainment 8: 51.9 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2013
- This is a boys-only school
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
51.9
8.1 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
57%
15.6pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
78%
Source: Department for Education Performance Tables 2024-25
Post-GCSE Destinations
These figures track pupils 6 months after leaving. Source: DfE destination measures.
Sustained destination
In education, employment or training
90%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
82%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
4%
Employment
Directly into work
4%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
7%
Based on 137 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 14 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
19% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
2% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 17 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 11 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 81 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–16
- Intake
- Boys
Numbers
- Pupils
- 923
- Capacity
- 98%
- FSM
- 21.6%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Sefton
- Trust
- SOUTHPORT LEARNING TRUST
- Head
- Mr Gareth Banks (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- No
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
9 official reports linked on this page, including 8 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Short inspection
October 2017 | Short Inspection
Full inspection: Good
November 2013 | Full Inspection
Monitoring visit
June 2013 | Monitoring Visit
Monitoring visit
February 2013 | Monitoring Visit
Monitoring visit
October 2012 | Monitoring Visit
Monitoring visit
May 2012 | Monitoring Visit
Academy conversion letter
February 2012 | Academy Conversion Letter
Full inspection: Inadequate
December 2011 | Full Inspection
Location
Windy Harbour Road, Birkdale, Southport, Merseyside, PR8 3DT
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmFarnborough Road Infant School
Primary · 832m away
Farnborough Road Junior School
Primary · 832m away
Greenbank High School
Secondary · 1.2km away
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School
Primary · 1.3km away
Ainsdale St John's Church of England Primary School
Primary · 1.5km away
Christ The King Catholic High School and Sixth Form Centre
Secondary · 2.2km away
Birkdale School for H I Children
Special school · 2.2km away
Merefield School
Academy · 2.3km away
Questions parents ask
Is Birkdale High School a selective school?
No. Birkdale High School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Birkdale High School's Ofsted rating?
Birkdale High School was rated Good at its most recent inspection in June 2022. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Birkdale High School?
Birkdale High School currently has 923 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Birkdale High School take?
Birkdale High School caters for pupils aged 11 to 16. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Birkdale High School?
Birkdale High School is in Southport, PR8 3DT, in the Sefton local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Birkdale High School have a sixth form?
No, Birkdale High School does not have a sixth form. Pupils move to a different school or college for post-16 study.
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