The short version
Above-average GCSE results. At capacity.
- GCSE results are above the national average (Attainment 8: 50.6 vs national 43.8)
- The school is at capacity (102% full)
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
50.6
6.8 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
56%
14.4pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
48%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
C
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
-0.25
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
94%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
89%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
2%
Employment
Directly into work
3%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
4%
Based on 288 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 12 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
15% 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, 18 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 11 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 147 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,675
- Capacity
- 100%
- FSM
- 15.5%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- St. Helens
- Trust
- EVERYONE MATTERS SCHOOLS TRUST
- Head
- Mr Ian Young (Principal)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
3 official reports linked on this page, including 2 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Location
Higher Lane, Rainford, St Helens, Merseyside, WA11 8NY
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmQuestions parents ask
Is Rainford High School a selective school?
No. Rainford High School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
How many pupils attend Rainford High School?
Rainford High School currently has 1,675 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Rainford High School take?
Rainford High School caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Rainford High School?
Rainford High School is in St Helens, WA11 8NY, in the St. Helens local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Rainford High School have a sixth form?
Yes, Rainford High School has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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