The short version
Above-average GCSE results. At capacity. Rated Outstanding by Ofsted (2022).
- GCSE results are above the national average (Attainment 8: 54.0 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Outstanding by Ofsted in 2022
- This school does not have a sixth form
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
54.0
10.2 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
62%
20.3pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
48%
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
3%
Employment
Directly into work
1%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
6%
Based on 309 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 11 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
15% 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, 18 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 12 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 137 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–16
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,618
- Capacity
- 100%
- FSM
- 26.6%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Halton
- Trust
- WADE DEACON TRUST
- Head
- Mr Brendan Hesketh (Principal)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- No
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection: Outstanding
2 official reports linked on this page, including 1 earlier report.
Previous reports
Location
Birchfield Road, Widnes, Cheshire, WA8 7TD
Town setting
Questions parents ask
Is Wade Deacon High School a selective school?
No. Wade Deacon High School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Wade Deacon High School's Ofsted rating?
Wade Deacon High School was rated Outstanding at its most recent inspection in November 2022. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Wade Deacon High School?
Wade Deacon High School currently has 1,618 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Wade Deacon High School take?
Wade Deacon High School caters for pupils aged 11 to 16. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Wade Deacon High School?
Wade Deacon High School is in Widnes, WA8 7TD, in the Halton local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Wade Deacon High School have a sixth form?
No, Wade Deacon High School does not have a sixth form. Pupils move to a different school or college for post-16 study.
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