West Derby School

  • Secondary
  • Academy
  • Ages 11 to 18
Ofsted: Good

364 West Derby Rd, Liverpool, L13 7HQOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

West Derby School is a secondary school in Liverpool for ages 11 to 18. It is one of the 186 schools in Liverpool. It ranks 19th of 40 secondary schools in Liverpool. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in May 2023.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 4 May 2023, report published 2 July 2023

Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Good
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good
Sixth form provision
Good
Safeguarding
Met

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 4 May 2023

Leaders have high expectations of pupils and students in the sixth form. Pupils rise to these expectations by following the 'West Derby Way'. Pupils are proud to attend this school. Leaders' careful consideration of the curriculum ensures that pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and disadvantaged, achieve well in most subjects. Strong relationships and mutual respect characterise interactions between staff and pupils. Pupils know that staff care for them and want the best for them. As a result, they are happy to attend school and feel safe in school. Pupils show acceptance of those people who are different to themselves. Leaders have ensured that any bullying is dealt with swiftly and effectively. Pupils behave well. There is a calm and purposeful atmosphere in classrooms. Pupils eagerly participate in the termly 'Personal Growth Days'. These provide pupils with a range of opportunities to help to prepare them well for life in modern Britain. For example, they have recently taken part in sessions about positive masculinity. Pupils and students benefit from meaningful experiences with employers and universities. Added to this, some pupils enjoy working towards achieving the Duke of Edinburgh's award.

What the school should improve

  • In some subjects, teachers do not always use appropriate strategies to address the misconceptions that have been identified. As a result, some pupils have gaps in their knowledge. Leaders should ensure that teachers respond to pupils' misconceptions appropriately to ensure that pupils are prepared well for subsequent learning.
  • There are limited opportunities for some pupils to develop their talents, interests and leadership skills. This means that some pupils are not as well prepared for their future lives as they could be. Leaders should ensure that pupils have sufficient encounters to take a full and active role in the life of the school and the wider community.

Exam results

GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25

171 pupils in the year group

Attainment 8 score42.0

42.0, 4.1 below the England average of 46.1.

Grade 5 or above in English and maths42.1%

42.1%, 3.3 percentage points below the England average of 45.4%.

Grade 4 or above in English and maths64.9%

64.9%, 0.1 percentage points above the England average of 64.8%.

Pupils entering the EBacc35.7%

35.7%, 4.8 percentage points below the England average of 40.5%.

EBacc average point score3.75

3.75, 0.34 below the England average of 4.09.

A level results (key stage 5), 2024/25

43 students

Average point score per A level entry33.33

33.33, 1.67 below the England average of 35.00.

Average A level grade C+, England average B-

Pupil numbers and mix

1,011 pupils on roll, with places for 1,073

Eligible for free school meals38.6%

38.6%, 12.1 percentage points above the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language14.5%

14.5%, 7.1 percentage points below the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support21.4%

21.4%, 6.6 percentage points above the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan2.7%

2.7%, 3.3 percentage points below the England average of 6%.

Schools near West Derby School

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
Holly Lodge Girls' College0.3 milesOfsted judgements: GoodAttainment 8: 47.2
St Edward's College0.5 milesOfsted judgements: GoodAttainment 8: 51.6
The Academy of St Francis of Assisi1 mileOfsted: Requires improvementAttainment 8: 35.8
Dixons Broadgreen Academy1 mileOfsted judgements: Requires improvement to goodAttainment 8: 34.4
Cardinal Heenan Catholic High School1 mileReport card: Needs attention to strong standardAttainment 8: 40.9

School details

School type
Academy converter
Sector
Academy
Trust
WEST DERBY SCHOOL
Age range
11 to 18
Gender
Boys
Sixth form
Yes
Headteacher
Sian Graham
Address
364 West Derby Rd, Liverpool, L13 7HQ
Local authority
Liverpool
URN
138696

School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.