The short version
Average GCSE results. Nearly full. Rated Good by Ofsted (2016).
- GCSE results are broadly in line with the national average (Attainment 8: 39.3 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2016
- The school is nearly full at 92% capacity
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
39.3
4.5 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
30%
11.4pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
53%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
C-
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
-0.36
Band 4Source: 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
84%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
80%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
3%
Employment
Directly into work
2%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
9%
Based on 245 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 23 days per year on average — over a month of school.
28% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
9% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 15 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 10 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 145 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Community school
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,498
- Capacity
- 92%
- FSM
- 40.9%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- St. Helens
- Head
- Mr Russell Cormack (Principal)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
8 official reports linked on this page, including 7 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Full inspection: Good
October 2016 | Full Inspection
Curriculum and development visit
September 2013 | Curriculum and development visit Curriculum and development visit
Full inspection: Good
November 2011 | Full Inspection
Interim assessment
June 2010 | Interim assessment Interim assessment
Curriculum and development visit
December 2009 | Curriculum and development visit Curriculum and development visit
Full inspection: Good
January 2007 | Full Inspection
Full inspection
January 2003 | Full Inspection
Location
Hard Lane, St Helens, Merseyside, WA10 6PN
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmHurst School
Special school · Very close
Rivington Primary School
Primary · 397m away
Hamblett School
Special school · 657m away
St Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Primary School
Primary · 725m away
Queen's Park CofE/Urc Primary School
Primary · 1.0km away
St Mary & St Thomas CofE Primary School
Primary · 1.3km away
This Is My Education - TIME
Independent · 1.3km away
Launchpad Centre
Pupil referral unit · 1.3km away
Questions parents ask
Is Cowley International College a selective school?
No. Cowley International College is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Cowley International College's Ofsted rating?
Cowley International College was rated Good at its most recent inspection in November 2021. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Cowley International College?
Cowley International College currently has 1,498 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Cowley International College take?
Cowley International College caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Cowley International College?
Cowley International College is in St Helens, WA10 6PN, in the St. Helens local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Cowley International College have a sixth form?
Yes, Cowley International College has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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