The Blue Coat school has been named the North West's third-best state school in The Sunday Times' schools guide.
The guide, named 'Parent Power', identifies the highest-achieving schools in the UK and this year's edition used the first post-pandemic set of results for state and independent schools since the pandemic. The schools are ranked by the percentage of examination entries gaining A*-B at A-level (which is given double weighting) and the percentage of entries returning A* and A grades, and those graded 9, 8 and 7, at GCSE and iGCSE.
Altrincham Grammar School for Girls was named the best school in the region, with Altrincham Grammar School for Boys following in second. Wavertree's Blue Coat came third, with 88.2% entries gaining A*-B at A-level, and 81.4% of GCSE entries returning grades of 9,8 or 7.
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About the Blue Coat's inclusion, headteacher Scilla Yates said: “I’m delighted that The Blue Coat School has once again been recognised amongst the top performing schools in our region and has also ranked so highly at a national level.
“We pride ourselves in inspiring excellence in all that we do together, in providing an environment that helps the shaping of character and supporting each student in forging their own future. This achievement is a credit to our wonderful students and staff. The Blue Coat School is an exciting and vibrant place for young people to not only pursue their academic potential, but to be inspired to be full of aspiration, character and determination.
“Over the last few years, of course, it has also been vitally important to do all that we can to support the wellbeing of our students, helping them to navigate the challenges of the pandemic, while continuing to fulfil their potential and achieve their dreams. We could not be more proud of the tenacity, talents and determination they have shown.”
Wirral Grammar School for Girls also featured in the top 10 in the North West. The school in Bebington had 75.2% entries gaining A*-B at A-level, and 75.2% of GCSE entries returning grades of 9,8 or 7.
On a national level, Blue Coat was judged to be the 33rd best school, while Wirral Grammar was joint 93rd.
About this year's rankings, Helen Davies, editor of The Sunday Times Parent Power guide, says: “These have been a challenging few years for teachers, pupils and their parents, and the success of many in our league table is testament to the stamina and support shown by all concerned.
"It is also clear that more attention is being placed on wellbeing and mental health – from meditation rooms to counselling support, even therapy dogs – and schools are being proactive to bring about positive changes.
“League tables are not the only criteria a parent can use when choosing a school, but they are a good starting point. We want to celebrate excellence. We want to champion schools that are doing wonderful work. We want our children to be well-nurtured and well-taught. In choosing a school parents are making one of the biggest decisions in their family life, and Parent Power and The Sunday Times is here to help.”
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