Wirral: Primary schools in rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted

Ofsted is the regulatory body responsible for visiting schools across the country and grading them on a "inadequate", "requires improvement", "good" and "outstanding" basis.

The Globe has compiled a list of Wirral primary schools that have received the highest ranking up to April 2023.

Some date back more than a decade, when inspections were last carried out.

The BBC reports schools that were rated good or outstanding used to be assessed every four years.

However, routine inspections for outstanding schools stopped in 2011 so resources could be focused on the worst-performing institutions.

However, Ofsted became concerned some had not been visited for more than a decade.

Three years ago the government restored routine inspections to ensure parents had more up-to-date information but some are still be assessed.

Special schools have not been included.

1. Irby Primary School

Irby Primary School had a school inspection published by Ofsted on November 15, 2021. 

Part of the report reads: "Pupils are proud of their school and enjoy attending. The positive relationships between staff and pupils make Irby Primary School a happy and calm place to learn. Pupils feel safe and are safe.

"Adults take the time to listen to pupils and help them if they have any worries or concerns."

Irby Primary School (Image: Google Maps)

2. Mersey Park Primary School

This school had a full inspection published on March 13, 2019.

The report says: "Behaviour is exemplary. Pupils are happy and feel safe in this highly inclusive school.

"Pupils of all ages display a thirst for knowledge. They work hard and strive continually to do their best. Many make a real contribution to school life through a range of responsibilities."

Mersey Park Primary School (Image: Google Maps)

3. St John's Catholic Infant School

St John's Catholic Infant School had a full inspection in February 2008 which rated them outstanding.

The Ofsted report states: "St John's Catholic Infant School provides an outstanding quality of care and education for its pupils. Inspired by the headteacher, the leadership team have successfully developed the curriculum and quality of teaching and learning to outstanding levels.

"Consequently, pupils achieve outstandingly well in their academic and personal development. The school has made very good progress since its last inspection."

St John's Catholic Infant School (Image: Google Maps)

4. Higher Bebington Junior School

A full inspection published in July 2008 said that Higher Bebington Junior School was rated outstanding.

The report said: "Higher Bebington Junior School provides its pupils with an outstanding education and very high-quality care, guidance and support.

"Standards are very high and pupils achieve their potential because of the school's exemplary support for their personal development and high-quality teaching which promotes very good learning."

Higher Bebington Junior School (Image: Google Maps)

5. St Andrew's CofE Aided Primary School

This school was rated outstanding in a report on March 1, 2016.

The report states: "Outcomes for pupils are outstanding. The very high standards that pupils reach in reading, writing and mathematics by the time they leave the school have been sustained for the past several years.

"Pupils relish the challenging work that their teachers give them. Classrooms are a hive of learning and, as a result, all groups of pupils make very strong progress."

St Andrew's CofE Aided Primary School (Image: Google Maps)

6. Brackenwood Infant School

Brackenwood Infant School was rated outstanding on July 13, 2010.

Ofsted said: "Pupils describe their school as 'brilliant because there are lots to play with in lessons and everyone is caring and friendly'.

"They settle well at the start of lessons, pay excellent attention when adults or other pupils are speaking and try very hard with their work."

Brackenwood Infant school (Image: Google Maps)

7. Thornton Hough Primary School

In December 2011, this school received an outstanding rating.

The report says: This is an outstanding school. Very effective leadership has ensured continuous and ongoing improvements, enabling the school to sustain and build on its history of high achievement.

"Pupils thrive in an environment where every child is known, cared for and valued, and this is helping them to achieve excellence in both their personal and their academic development."

Thornton Hough Primary School (Image: Google Maps)

8. Liscard Primary School

A full inspection on May 10, 2011 rated Liscard Primary School outstanding.

Ofsted reports: "This is an outstanding school. Pupils are very enthusiastic learners. Pupils, staff and members of the governing body have a tremendous sense of pride in their school. Leadership of the school is inspirational and innovative.

"The headteacher, members of the governing body and all staff share a vision of providing the highest quality of education for all pupils."

Liscard Primary School (Image: Google Maps)

9. West Kirby St Bridget's CofE Primary School

Finally, West Kirby St Bridget's CofE Primary School was rated outstanding in a full inspection on January 29, 2013.

The report said: "All pupils achieve extremely well and reach standards that are well above average in English and mathematics. The rates of progress pupils make are more rapid than at the time of the previous inspection.

"Teaching promotes outstanding learning and progress. Careful planning and attention to individual needs mean that all pupils thrive and want to learn."

West Kirby St Bridget's CofE Primary School (Image: Google Maps)