The short version
Average GCSE results. 85% capacity. Rated Good by Ofsted (2020).
- GCSE results are broadly in line with the national average (Attainment 8: 46.5 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2020
- This school does not have a sixth form
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
46.5
2.7 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
47%
5.4pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
68%
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
93%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
89%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
2%
Employment
Directly into work
2%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
3%
Based on 150 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 14 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
18% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
4% 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 12 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 85 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–16
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,023
- Capacity
- 85%
- FSM
- 27.9%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Warrington
- Trust
- THE CHALLENGE ACADEMY TRUST
- Head
- Mr John Carlin
Provisions
- Sixth form
- No
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
2 official reports linked on this page, including 1 earlier report.
Previous reports
Location
Heath Road, Penketh, Warrington, Cheshire, WA5 2BY
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmGreat Sankey Primary School
Primary · Very close
St Joseph's Catholic Primary School
Primary · 703m away
Park Road Community Primary School
Primary · 1.0km away
Penketh South Community Primary School
Primary · 1.0km away
Penketh Primary School
Primary · 1.1km away
Sankey Valley St James Church of England Primary School
Primary · 1.3km away
Great Sankey High School
Secondary · 1.6km away
St Gregory's Catholic High School
Secondary · 1.8km away
Questions parents ask
Is Penketh High School a selective school?
No. Penketh High School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Penketh High School's Ofsted rating?
Penketh High School was rated Good at its most recent inspection in May 2025. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Penketh High School?
Penketh High School currently has 1,023 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Penketh High School take?
Penketh High School caters for pupils aged 11 to 16. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Penketh High School?
Penketh High School is in Warrington, WA5 2BY, in the Warrington local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Penketh High School have a sixth form?
No, Penketh High School does not have a sixth form. Pupils move to a different school or college for post-16 study.
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