Best secondary schools in Widnes (2026)
Widnes has 3 ranked secondary schools with published results. The top-ranked is Wade Deacon High School, in the top 24% in England. The average Attainment 8 here in 2025 was 45.5, against 46.1 for England. 0 are in England's top 10%, and 1 are rated Outstanding by Ofsted. Widnes has no grammar schools.
| Rank | School | Attainment 8 (2023–2025 average) | Attainment 8 2025 | Trend | Grade 5+ Eng & maths | Ofsted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 Top 24% in England |
Wade Deacon High School Widnes |
51.5 | 54.0 | 62% | Outstanding | |
2 Bottom 32% in England |
Ormiston Chadwick Academy Widnes |
41.8 | 41.2 | 38% | Good | |
3 Bottom 21% in England |
Saints Peter and Paul Catholic High School Widnes · Roman Catholic |
40.6 | 41.4 | 33% | No rating |
Other towns in Cheshire
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Questions
What is the best secondary school in Widnes?
On exam results over the last three years, Wade Deacon High School is the top-ranked secondary school in Widnes, in the top 24% of schools in England.
How are the schools ranked?
By published Department for Education exam results averaged over three years: for secondary schools, Attainment 8 plus a quarter of the share getting grade 5+ in English and maths; for primary schools, the share reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and maths plus half the share reaching the higher standard. The order uses the three-year average, so a school can rank above one with a higher single-year result. Schools with fewer than 10 pupils taking the tests are not ranked. Exam results are only part of the picture: visit, read the Ofsted report and check admissions rules, as living nearby does not guarantee a place.