The short version
Average GCSE results. At capacity. Rated Good by Ofsted (2018).
- GCSE results are broadly in line with the national average (Attainment 8: 44.8 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2018
- The school is at capacity (102% full)
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
44.8
1.0 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
43%
0.9pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
14%
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
89%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
80%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
4%
Employment
Directly into work
4%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
6%
Based on 157 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
3% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 19 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 13 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 71 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Foundation school
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 920
- Capacity
- 100%
- FSM
- 23.6%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Wirral
- Head
- Mr Kevin Flanagan (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
7 official reports linked on this page, including 6 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Full inspection: Good
January 2018 | Full Inspection
Full inspection: Good
September 2013 | Full Inspection
Full inspection: Outstanding
April 2009 | Full Inspection
Curriculum and development visit
February 2008 | Curriculum and development visit Curriculum and development visit
Full inspection: Outstanding
January 2006 | Full Inspection
Full inspection
September 2000 | Full Inspection
Location
Irby Road, Heswall, Wirral, Merseyside, CH61 6XN
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmLadymount Catholic Primary School
Primary · 649m away
Pensby Primary School
Primary · 984m away
Stanley School
Special school · 1.2km away
Irby Primary School
Primary · 1.6km away
Thurstaston Dawpool CofE Primary School
Primary · 1.8km away
Heswall Primary School
Primary · 1.9km away
Thingwall Primary School
Primary · 2.0km away
Heswall St Peter's CofE Primary School
Primary · 2.1km away
Questions parents ask
Is Pensby High School a selective school?
No. Pensby High School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Pensby High School's Ofsted rating?
Pensby High School was rated Good at its most recent inspection in March 2023. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Pensby High School?
Pensby High School currently has 920 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Pensby High School take?
Pensby High School caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Pensby High School?
Pensby High School is in Wirral, CH61 6XN, in the Wirral local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Pensby High School have a sixth form?
Yes, Pensby High School has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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