Best 3 Secondary schools in Halton – comparison

Q: How are these comparisons built?

We align public datasets side-by-side. Headline Ofsted judgement and publication date are shown when available. Exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are available to Pro users; free users see rounded values.

Q: What if a school has a recent ungraded visit?

Ungraded Section 8 visits do not replace the last graded judgement. We continue to show the latest graded judgement until a new graded inspection is published.

Q: Why can’t I see exact numbers?

To keep the service sustainable, exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are Pro features. Everyone can still compare approximate values.

Q: How should I choose a school?

Start with the most recent graded Ofsted judgement, then consider distance and travel, roll versus capacity, and the admissions policy. Visit the school, ask about pastoral support and enrichment, and ensure it fits your child’s needs.

Q: What should I look for when comparing schools?

Compare headline Ofsted and publication dates for recency; check FSM% and local context; review capacity utilisation (under, near, or over capacity); and look at trust or local authority governance. Read the official Ofsted report for curriculum and safeguarding details.

Comparison of secondary schools: Wade Deacon High School (Secondary) in Widnes; Ormiston Chadwick Academy (Secondary) in Widnes; Sandymoor Ormiston Academy (Secondary) in Runcorn — covering Ofsted outcomes, size, FSM%, governance, capacity & more.

At a glance

This page compares Wade Deacon High School, Ormiston Chadwick Academy and Sandymoor Ormiston Academy. They are secondary phase and academy converter, academy sponsor led and free schools type located around Widnes, Cheshire and Runcorn, Cheshire. The strongest headline Ofsted judgement here is 1 (Wade Deacon High School), published Jan 2023. The lowest is 2 (Ormiston Chadwick Academy), published Jul 2024. The most recent inspection on record is for Ormiston Chadwick Academy (Jul 2024). average roll around ≈ 1,050, combined total ≈ 3,150, typical FSM 30–35%, range 25–30%–50–55%; spread across trusts such as Wade Deacon Trust and Ormiston Academies Trust.

🔒 Export (Pro)

Attribute	Wade Deacon High School WA8 7TD	Ormiston Chadwick Academy WA8 7HU	Sandymoor Ormiston Academy WA7 1QU
Phase / Type	Secondary • Academy converter	Secondary • Academy sponsor led	Secondary • Free schools
Location	Widnes Cheshire WA8 7TD	Widnes Cheshire WA8 7HU	Runcorn Cheshire WA7 1QU
Latest Ofsted	1 30 Jan 2023	2 7 Jul 2024	2 20 May 2024
Ofsted report	—	—	—
Pupils (roll)	≈ 1,600 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 900 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 600 🔒 Unlock exact pupils
FSM %	25–30% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	50–55% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	25–30% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %
Capacity	1625	976	600
Capacity utilisation	Near capacity 🔒 View exact %	Near capacity 🔒 View exact %	Near capacity 🔒 View exact %
Age range	—	—	—
Gender	Mixed	Mixed	Mixed
Admissions policy	Non-selective	Non-selective	Non-selective
Trust / Local authority	Wade Deacon Trust	Ormiston Academies Trust	Ormiston Academies Trust
Website	www.wadedeacon.co.uk	www.ormistonchadwickacademy.co.uk	www.sandymooroa.co.uk
Telephone	01514232721	01514245038	01928571217
SEN provision	None reported	None reported	None reported
Profile	View profile	View profile	View profile

Wade Deacon High School

WA8 7TD

Phase / Type: Secondary • Academy converter
Location: Widnes
Cheshire
WA8 7TD
Ofsted: 1 30 Jan 2023
Pupils: ≈ 1,600 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 25–30% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: Wade Deacon Trust
Website: www.wadedeacon.co.uk
Telephone: 01514232721

Ormiston Chadwick Academy

WA8 7HU

Phase / Type: Secondary • Academy sponsor led
Location: Widnes
Cheshire
WA8 7HU
Ofsted: 2 7 Jul 2024
Pupils: ≈ 900 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 50–55% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: Ormiston Academies Trust
Website: www.ormistonchadwickacademy.co.uk
Telephone: 01514245038

Sandymoor Ormiston Academy

WA7 1QU

Phase / Type: Secondary • Free schools
Location: Runcorn
Cheshire
WA7 1QU
Ofsted: 2 20 May 2024
Pupils: ≈ 600 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 25–30% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: Ormiston Academies Trust
Website: www.sandymooroa.co.uk
Telephone: 01928571217

Map of compared schools

How are these comparisons built?

We line up public school data side-by-side. Ofsted “headline” judgement is shown with the publication date when available. Exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are available to Pro users; everyone sees rounded values.

What if a school has a recent ungraded visit?

Ungraded visits (Section 8) check whether the previous graded judgement still stands, but do not replace it. We keep the latest graded judgement as the headline until a new graded inspection is published.

Why can’t I see exact numbers?

To keep the service sustainable, we show approximate pupils and bucketed FSM% to free users. Upgrade to AllSchools Pro to unlock precise figures and exports.

How should I choose a school?

Start with the most recent graded Ofsted judgement, then check whether it aligns with your child’s needs. Look at distance and travel, typical class sizes (roll vs capacity), and the school’s admissions policy. Speak to the school, arrange a visit, and ask about pastoral support and enrichment.

What should I look for when comparing schools?

Compare headline Ofsted and publication dates for recency; check FSM% and local context; scan capacity utilisation (under, near, or over capacity); and review trust/local authority for governance. If available, read the official Ofsted report for curriculum and safeguarding detail.