Which are the best schools in the north?

Applying to selective schools in the north?

Here’s the best Northern schools from the Sunday Times North school league tables.

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Which of your nearest Northern schools are high performers?

Compare north schools’ performance.

How do the best northern private schools compare to the top UK secondary schools? Which are the best schools in the north?

Best North state schools and grammar schools in the north

Regional rank / school / national rank

1. Ripon Grammar School (65=)
2. Heckmondwike Grammar School (77)
3. St Mary’s College, Hull (92)
4. Archbishop Holgate’s School, York (188)
5. Fulford School, York (189)
6. High Storrs School, Sheffield (201)
7. Silverdale School, Sheffield (218=)
8. St Mary’s Menston (222)
9. Ilkley Grammar School (242)
10. Tapton School, Sheffield (244)

Which are the highest performing Northern comprehensive schools?

1. St Mary’s College, Hull (92)
2. Archbishop Holgate’s School, York (188)
3. Fulford School, York (189)
4. Silverdale School, Sheffield (218=)
5. St Mary’s Menston (222)

Which are the highest performing Northern private schools?

1. Queen Ethelburga’s College, York (17)
2. Sheffield High School for Girls (83)
3. The Grammar School at Leeds (106)
4. Bradford Grammar School (110)
5. St Peter’s School, York (114=)
6. The Mount School York (183)
7. The Faculty of Queen Ethelburga’s, York (192)
8. Birkdale School, Sheffield (208)
9. Harrogate Ladies’ College (212)
10. Hill House School (219)

How to get into the top schools in the north?

Getting your child into the best northern school for them is all about:

• Researching which are the highest rated schools in your local area.

• Planning alternatives in advance – since there is of course no guarantee of your first choice working out.

• Realistically assessing your current financial situation.

Top tips of what to look for in a good northern school

Northern school tip one – School Principal who greets pupils at the school gate

When choosing a secondary school, look for signs of a strong school community. A headteacher who personally greets students demonstrates their commitment to the school’s well-being.

For primary schools, consider visiting during drop-off or pick-up. Observe the atmosphere and interactions between staff and children. A happy school often has happy teachers, which can lead to happier pupils.

On open days, pay attention to the overall vibe. Are staff and students relaxed and engaged? High anxiety schools may be easy to spot in how staff behave when the headteacher is present. A great head creates a positive school climate and culture. Listen to how they talk about their role. Do they focus solely on academic achievements or also prioritize student well-being and non-academic progress?

Our northern school tip two – pupils’ mental health is taken seriously

Mental health is a growing concern among young people. One in five children aged 8 to 16 experiences a probable mental health disorder. Finding a school that can identify and support struggling students is crucial. Ask parents and students about the school’s approach to mental health. Does it proactively teach emotional coping skills, or is it reactive, only intervening when problems become severe?

Look for schools with mental health training for staff, including nurses, heads of year, and tutors. Ask students if they feel listened to and supported by adults when they have concerns.

Northern school tip three – Top SEN Provision

Many children have special educational needs (SEN) and may require additional support. Look for schools where inclusivity is woven into the teaching, not just an afterthought. Be wary of any negativity towards SEN students.

Instead of relying solely on the school prospectus, schedule a meeting with the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO). Listen closely to how they describe the children and the school’s approach to supporting different needs.

Here are some indicators of a good fit:

• Does the school offer a variety of learning styles and methods?
• Are there programs or resources specifically for SEN students?
• Is the staff trained to support children with different needs?
• Are there flexible arrangements, such as alternative uniform options for students with sensory sensitivities?

Our northern school tip four – primary school pupils show you around

When visiting a school, observe if students are involved in showing visitors around. This can be a positive sign. Feel free to ask students about their experiences, how they feel valued, and what they like about the school. Their insights can be valuable.

Students can often provide honest feedback on open days. Ask about extracurricular activities, rewards, disciplinary procedures, and exam preparation.

Common signs of a bad northern school to look out for

Our northern school tip five – school toilets are locked between primary school lessons

Schools often showcase their best classrooms for visitors. However, pay attention to the overall condition of the school.Are the buildings and grounds well-maintained? The restrooms, library, and dining hall can provide valuable insights.

If restrooms are locked between classes, inquire about the reason. This could indicate bullying, truancy, or vaping issues.The cleanliness and upkeep of school facilities reflect the school’s commitment to student well-being.

Northern school tip six – be wary if all the walls’ artwork is too perfect

Pay attention to the school’s artwork and noticeboards. They can reveal the school’s values and priorities. Even the arrangement of tables can provide clues about the learning environment. Look for evidence of a vibrant school life, with events like concerts, plays, and clubs. Avoid schools that rely heavily on rules and timetables.

The artwork on display should represent a diverse range of students, showcasing individual abilities and personalities.Avoid schools that only display ‘perfect’ examples of high achievers. This can be a sign of a less inclusive environment.

Northern school tip seven – there are few, if any, after school clubs

If your child has a talent for art, music, or sports, look for a school that supports these interests. Developing these skills can boost confidence and positively impact other areas of school life.

Extracurricular activities are essential for nurturing these talents. Consider visiting a school during after-school hours to observe the level of teacher involvement. A school with few teachers staying late may indicate limited extracurricular opportunities.

Northern school tip eight – under-performing pupils are eased out to improve school league table results

When choosing a secondary school, look for signs of a strong school community. A headteacher who personally greets students demonstrates their commitment to the school’s well-being.

For primary schools, consider visiting during drop-off or pick-up. Observe the atmosphere and interactions between staff and children. A happy school often has happy teachers, which can lead to happier pupils.

On open days, pay attention to the overall vibe. Are staff and students relaxed and engaged? High anxiety schools may be easy to spot in how staff behave when the headteacher is present. A great head creates a positive school climate and culture. Listen to how they talk about their role. Do they focus solely on academic achievements or also prioritize student well-being and non-academic progress?

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THE best north west private schools

How do the best north west private schools compare to the top UK secondary schools / Best private schools in the UK?

1 Altrincham Grammar School for Girls
2 The Blue Coat School, Liverpool
3 Altrincham Grammar School for Boys
4 Lancaster Girls’ Grammar School
5 Loreto Grammar School, Altrincham
6 Wirral Grammar School for Girls, Bebington
7 Lancaster Royal Grammar School
8 Sale Grammar School
9 West Kirby Grammar School
10 St Ambrose College, Altrincham
11 The King David High School, Manchester
12 Urmston Grammar School, Manchester
13 Clitheroe Royal Grammar School
14 Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School
15 Cheadle Hulme High School
16 Calday Grange Grammar School, West Kirby
17 The Fallibroome Academy, Macclesfield
18 Stretford Grammar School, Manchester
19 Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Penrith
20 Bishop Heber High School, Malpas

Top state secondary schools North west / Best independent secondary schools North west 2022

1 Withington Girls’ School, Manchester
2 The Manchester Grammar School
3 Manchester High School for Girls
4 The King’s School, Chester
5 The Queen’s School, Chester
6 The Grange School, Northwich
7 Bolton School Girls’ Division
8 Cheadle Hulme School
9 Windermere School
10 Stockport Grammar School
11 Chetham’s School of Music, Manchester
12 Bolton School Boys’ Division Senior School
13 Birkenhead School
14 The King’s School in Macclesfield
15 Merchant Taylors’ Girls’ School, Liverpool
16 King William’s College, Isle of Man
17 Merchant Taylors’ Boys’ School, Liverpool
18 Alderley Edge School for Girls
19 Stonyhurst College, Clitheroe
20 Oldham Hulme Grammar School

Looking for top private schools in the north?

• Firstly, best schools in the north and best northern private schools.
• Secondly, top north private schools and best northern independent schools.
• And also, the best secondary schools in the north and outstanding private schools in the north.
• Plus, the best independent north schools and north school league tables.
• Finally, best northern private school league tables and the best secondary schools in the north.

Best schools North West 2021

Features of the best schools North West 2021 listed below.

• A strong showing for primary schools in the north west in this year’s Parent Power rankings.
• Took 81 / 500 of the Sunday Times places.
• Made up of 50 state secondary schools and 31 independents from the north west.

Greater Manchester is the epicentre of educational excellence in the region and is home to both of our North west Schools of the Decade.

Altrincham Grammar School for Girls

• Sunday Times’ North west State Secondary School of the Decade title.
• Best results among state schools in the region, with 91% of A-levels gaining A*-B grades in 2019.
• Only Withington Girls’ School, our North west Independent Secondary School of the Decade, can top that (93.3%) — but it is a tight race.
• A National Teaching School, the girls’ grammar is part of the Bright Futures Educational Trust, a multi-academy trust with schools across the region. Its members share expertise.
• Altrincham Grammar School for Girls is one of seven selective grammar schools in Trafford.
• Two other grammar school groups compete for honours in the north west: the Wirral and Liverpool group of seven schools, and five in Lancashire and Cumbria.
• Just four grammar schools in the region achieved better results in 2019 than the Tauheedul Islam Girls’ High School and Sixth Form College, in Blackburn.
• Winner of our North west State Secondary School of the Year title last year, it ranked 37th in the UK on its first appearance in our rankings.
• No comprehensive school in the country secured better results, with 84.2% of A-levels graded A*-B.
• Founded in 1984 as an independent school, the college moved into the state sector 21 years later.
• The Muslim-faith school of more than 800 girls welcomes students of all faiths and none.

Just behind it in the regional rankings of comprehensive schools comes King David High School, in Manchester. Boys and girls at this Jewish faith school do well at A-level (72.3% A*-B last year) and achieve exceptional GCSE results for a mixed ability intake. It was 16th in the country in this sector with 45.7% of GCSEs graded 9-7 (A*/A).

Looking for top north secondary schools?

Withington Girls’ School

• Similar dominance to Altrincham Grammar among the region’s state schools.
• Unbroken run at the top of the North west rankings despite competition from the boys of Manchester Grammar.
• 1 / 6 girls receive a bursary after a significant expansion in school numbers.
• About £775,000 is being spent this year on remission of senior school fees of between £4,211 and £4,333 per term.
• Withington Girls’ offers assistance to some families in the “squeezed middle” with household incomes as high as £70,000 a year.
• Although most receiving financial support have earnings of £50,000 or below.

The Manchester Grammar School

• Offers a comparable education for boys.
• Another former winner of our North west Independent Secondary School of the Year award.
• Combines a strong academic and sporting tradition.
• More than 200 of its 1,500 boys receive full or partial remission of fees through a generous bursary scheme. Those whose household income is less than £29,500 pay nothing.

There are thriving independent schools beyond the Manchester conurbation, notably the King’s School and Queen’s School in Chester, which consistently achieve A*-B A-level percentages in the mid-80s.

Windermere School, in Cumbria, which ranks ninth among the northwest independents, won our UK International Baccalaureate School of the Year award in 2017. Offering the broader-based IB qualification to sixth-formers, the small school of 360 children offers an outstanding education in idyllic surroundings at the heart of the Lake District, away from the bustle of city life.

Top state secondary schools North west 2021

1. Altrincham Grammar School for Girls
2. Altrincham Grammar School for Boys
3. The Blue Coat School, Liverpool
4. Lancaster Girls’ Grammar School
5. Tauheedul Islam Girls’ High School, Blackburn
6. Loreto Grammar School, Altrincham
7. Lancaster Royal Grammar School
8. West Kirby Grammar School
9. Sale Grammar School
10. Wirral Grammar School for Girls, Bebington
11. The King David High School, Manchester
12. Clitheroe Royal Grammar School
13. St Ambrose College, Altrincham
14. Cheadle Hulme High School, Stockport
15. Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School
16. The Fallibroome Academy, Macclesfield
17. Calday Grange Grammar School, West Kirby
18. St Anselm’s College, Birkenhead
19. Bishop Heber High School, Malpas
20. Keswick School

Top independent secondary schools North west 2021

1. Withington Girls’ School, Manchester
2. The Manchester Grammar School
3. Manchester High School for Girls
4. The King’s School, Chester
5. The Grange School, Northwich
6. Bolton School Girls’ Division
7. The Queen’s School, Chester
8. Cheadle Hulme School
9. Windermere School
10. Stockport Grammar School
11. Chetham’s School of Music, Manchester
12. Bolton School Boys’ Division
13. The King’s School, Macclesfield
14. Lime House School, Carlisle
15. Birkenhead School, Wirral
16. Merchant Taylors’ Girls’ School, Liverpool
17. Alderley Edge School for Girls, Alderley Edge
18. King William’s College, Isle of Man
19. Merchant Taylors’ Boys’ School, Liverpool
20. Bury Grammar School

Interpreting Northern school league tables

How do I interpret Sunday Times’ school league tables?

1. Search online for the latest Guardian, Times and Telegraph websites.
2. It’s worth paying for at least one month’s subscription so you can filter published league tables for your local schools shortlist.
3. You can pull out those schools for which you are in the catchment area.
4. Then compare your chosen school group on those criteria which are most important to you.
5. You need to conduct your own analysis to determine which school best suits your child’s specific needs.