Most sought-after schools in Cheshire West and Chester
Ordered by how many families put the school first, for each place it gave out.
This list is sorted by one number: first preferences per place. For each school it is the number of families who named it first, divided by the number of offers it made, in the newest year we hold. A higher number means more families wanted a place than there were places.
This is not a list of the best schools. It does not measure how good a school is, how happy the children are, or how well they do. It also does not tell you whether a child would get a place: that depends on where you live, the year, and the council's rules. It only shows how many people applied.
| # | School | First preferences per place | Newest intake | Latest Ofsted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Belgrave Primary School Chester, primary |
2.20 | 2025 | Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework)) |
| 2 |
Mill View Primary School Chester, primary |
2.00 | 2025 | Outstanding (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework)) |
| 3 |
St Martin's Academy Chester Chester, primary |
1.88 | 2025 | Not judged (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework)) |
| 4 |
Wolverham Primary and Nursery School Ellesmere Port, primary |
1.59 | 2025 | Expected standard (Ofsted report card (current framework)) |
| 5 |
Boughton Heath Academy Chester, primary |
1.53 | 2025 | Outstanding (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework)) |
| 6 |
Willaston CofE Primary School Neston, primary |
1.47 | 2025 | Outstanding (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework)) |
| 7 |
Christleton Primary School Chester, primary |
1.41 | 2025 | Not judged (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework)) |
| 8 |
Childer Thornton Primary School Ellesmere Port, primary |
1.38 | 2025 | Outstanding (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework)) |
| 9 |
Delamere CofE Primary Academy Tarporley, primary |
1.31 | 2025 | Outstanding (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework)) |
| 10 |
Acresfield Academy Chester, primary |
1.29 | 2025 | Outstanding (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework)) |
| 11 |
Eccleston CofE Primary School Chester, primary |
1.21 | 2025 | Needs attention (Ofsted report card (current framework)) |
| 12 |
The County High School, Leftwich Northwich, secondary |
1.18 | 2025 | Strong standard (Ofsted report card (current framework)) |
| 13 |
Helsby Hillside Primary School Frodsham, primary |
1.17 | 2025 | Expected standard (Ofsted report card (current framework)) |
| 14 |
Tushingham With Grindley CofE Primary School Whitchurch, primary |
1.13 | 2025 | Not judged (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework)) |
| 15 |
The Bishops' Blue Coat Church of England High School Chester, secondary |
1.11 | 2025 | Standards maintained (Ofsted ungraded inspection) |
| 16 |
Horn's Mill Primary School Frodsham, primary |
1.10 | 2025 | Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework)) |
| 17 |
Tarporley CofE Primary School Tarporley, primary |
1.10 | 2025 | School remains Good (Ofsted ungraded inspection) |
| 18 |
Whitley Village School Warrington, primary |
1.08 | 2025 | Not judged (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework)) |
| 19 |
Bishop Heber High School Malpas, secondary |
1.07 | 2025 | Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework)) |
| 20 |
Frodsham Manor House Primary School Frodsham, primary |
1.07 | 2025 | School remains Good (Ofsted ungraded inspection) |
| 21 |
Tarporley High School and Sixth Form College Tarporley, secondary |
1.04 | 2025 | Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework)) |
| 22 |
Barnton Community Nursery and Primary School Northwich, primary |
1.03 | 2025 | Outstanding (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework)) |
| 23 |
Guilden Sutton CofE Primary School Chester, primary |
1.03 | 2025 | School remains Outstanding (Ofsted ungraded inspection) |
| 24 |
Neston High School Neston, secondary |
1.03 | 2025 | School remains Good (Ofsted ungraded inspection) |
| 25 |
Whitby Heath Primary School Ellesmere Port, primary |
1.03 | 2025 | Not judged (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework)) |
| 26 |
Aston by Sutton Primary School Runcorn, primary |
1.00 | 2025 | Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework)) |
| 27 |
Blacon High School, A Specialist Sports College Chester, secondary |
1.00 | 2025 | Needs attention (Ofsted report card (current framework)) |
| 28 |
Brookside Primary School Ellesmere Port, primary |
1.00 | 2025 | School remains Good (Ofsted ungraded inspection) |
| 29 |
Charles Darwin Community Primary School Northwich, primary |
1.00 | 2025 | Expected standard (Ofsted report card (current framework)) |
| 30 |
Christleton High School Chester, secondary |
1.00 | 2025 | Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework)) |
| 31 |
Cuddington Primary School Northwich, primary |
1.00 | 2025 | School remains Good (Ofsted ungraded inspection) |
| 32 |
Darnhall Primary School Winsford, primary |
1.00 | 2025 | Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework)) |
| 33 |
Dee Point Primary School Chester, primary |
1.00 | 2025 | Expected standard (Ofsted report card (current framework)) |
| 34 |
Farndon Primary School Chester, primary |
1.00 | 2025 | Not judged (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework)) |
| 35 |
Grange Community Nursery and Primary School Winsford, primary |
1.00 | 2025 | Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework)) |
| 36 |
Hartford Manor Primary School & Nursery Northwich, primary |
1.00 | 2025 | Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework)) |
| 37 |
Highfield Community Primary School Chester, primary |
1.00 | 2025 | School remains Good (Ofsted ungraded inspection) |
| 38 |
J H Godwin Primary School Chester, primary |
1.00 | 2025 | Needs attention (Ofsted report card (current framework)) |
| 39 |
Kingsley Community Primary School and Nursery Frodsham, primary |
1.00 | 2025 | School remains Good (Ofsted ungraded inspection) |
| 40 |
Kingsmead Primary School Northwich, primary |
1.00 | 2025 | Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework)) |
| 41 |
Moulton School Northwich, primary |
1.00 | 2025 | School remains Good (Ofsted ungraded inspection) |
| 42 |
Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School ELLESMERE PORT, primary |
1.00 | 2025 | Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework)) |
| 43 |
Over Hall Community School Winsford, primary |
1.00 | 2025 | Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework)) |
| 44 |
Over St John's CofE Primary School Winsford, primary |
1.00 | 2025 | School remains Good (Ofsted ungraded inspection) |
| 45 |
Parkgate Primary School Neston, primary |
1.00 | 2025 | School remains Good (Ofsted ungraded inspection) |
| 46 |
Rudheath Primary Academy and Nursery Northwich, primary |
1.00 | 2025 | Not judged (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework)) |
| 47 |
Saighton Church of England Primary School & Pre-School Chester, primary |
1.00 | 2025 | School remains Good (Ofsted ungraded inspection) |
| 48 |
St Bede's Catholic Primary School, Weaverham Northwich, primary |
1.00 | 2025 | Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework)) |
| 49 |
St Wilfrid's Catholic Primary School Northwich, primary |
1.00 | 2025 | School remains Good (Ofsted ungraded inspection) |
| 50 |
St. Chad's Church of England Primary School Winsford, primary |
1.00 | 2025 | School remains Good (Ofsted ungraded inspection) |
| 51 |
Tattenhall Park Primary School Select, primary |
1.00 | 2025 | Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework)) |
| 52 |
The Oak View Academy Winsford, primary |
1.00 | 2025 | Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework)) |
| 53 |
Upton-by-Chester High School Chester, secondary |
1.00 | 2025 | Standards maintained (Ofsted ungraded inspection) |
| 54 |
Weaverham Forest Primary School Northwich, primary |
1.00 | 2025 | Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework)) |
| 55 |
Weaverham Primary Academy Northwich, primary |
1.00 | 2025 | Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework)) |
| 56 |
Wharton CofE Primary School Winsford, primary |
1.00 | 2025 | Not judged (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework)) |
| 57 |
Wincham Community Primary School Northwich, primary |
1.00 | 2025 | Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework)) |
| 58 |
Winnington Park Community Primary and Nursery School Northwich, primary |
1.00 | 2025 | Expected standard (Ofsted report card (current framework)) |
| 59 |
Winsford High Street Community Primary School Winsford, primary |
1.00 | 2025 | School remains Good (Ofsted ungraded inspection) |
| 60 |
Witton Church Walk CofE Aided Nursery and Primary School Northwich, primary |
1.00 | 2025 | Not judged (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework)) |
| 61 |
Helsby High School Frodsham, secondary |
0.98 | 2025 | School remains Good (Ofsted ungraded inspection) |
| 62 |
The Winsford Academy Winsford, secondary |
0.98 | 2025 | Not judged (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework)) |
| 63 |
Ellesmere Port Church of England College Ellesmere Port, secondary |
0.97 | 2025 | Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework)) |
| 64 |
Frodsham CofE Primary School Frodsham, primary |
0.97 | 2025 | Standards maintained (Ofsted ungraded inspection) |
| 65 |
Rivacre Valley Primary School Ellesmere Port, primary |
0.97 | 2025 | Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework)) |
| 66 |
St Mary of the Angels Catholic Primary School Ellesmere Port, primary |
0.97 | 2025 | Standards maintained (Ofsted ungraded inspection) |
| 67 |
St Nicholas Catholic High School Northwich, secondary |
0.97 | 2025 | Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework)) |
| 68 |
Tarvin Primary School Chester, primary |
0.97 | 2025 | School remains Good (Ofsted ungraded inspection) |
| 69 |
Cambridge Road Community Primary and Nursery School Ellesmere Port, primary |
0.96 | 2025 | Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework)) |
| 70 |
Malpas Alport Endowed Primary School Malpas, primary |
0.96 | 2025 | Expected standard (Ofsted report card (current framework)) |
| 71 |
Mickle Trafford Village School Chester, primary |
0.96 | 2025 | Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework)) |
| 72 |
Saughall All Saints Church of England Primary School Chester, primary |
0.96 | 2025 | School remains Good (Ofsted ungraded inspection) |
| 73 |
St Theresa's Catholic Primary School Chester, primary |
0.96 | 2025 | Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework)) |
| 74 |
Westminster Community Primary School Ellesmere Port, primary |
0.96 | 2025 | Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework)) |
| 75 |
Woodlands Primary School Ellesmere Port, primary |
0.96 | 2025 | Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework)) |
| 76 |
Ashton Hayes Primary School Chester, primary |
0.95 | 2025 | School remains Good (Ofsted ungraded inspection) |
| 77 |
Rossmore School Ellesmere Port, primary |
0.95 | 2025 | School remains Good (Ofsted ungraded inspection) |
| 78 |
The Acorns Primary and Nursery School Ellesmere Port, primary |
0.95 | 2025 | Standards maintained (Ofsted ungraded inspection) |
| 79 |
Whitegate CofE Primary School Northwich, primary |
0.95 | 2025 | Standards maintained (Ofsted ungraded inspection) |
| 80 |
Little Leigh Primary School Northwich, primary |
0.94 | 2025 | Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework)) |
| 81 |
St Winefride's Catholic Primary School Neston, primary |
0.94 | 2025 | School remains Good (Ofsted ungraded inspection) |
| 82 |
The Arches Community Primary School Chester, primary |
0.94 | 2025 | Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework)) |
| 83 |
Alvanley and Manley Village School Frodsham, primary |
0.93 | 2025 | Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework)) |
| 84 |
Hartford Church of England High School Northwich, secondary |
0.93 | 2025 | Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework)) |
| 85 |
St Saviour's Catholic Primary and Nursery School Ellesmere Port, primary |
0.93 | 2025 | Not judged (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework)) |
| 86 |
Victoria Road Primary School Northwich, primary |
0.93 | 2025 | Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework)) |
| 87 |
Byley Primary School and Nursery Middlewich, primary |
0.92 | 2025 | Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework)) |
| 88 |
Parklands Community Primary and Nursery School Ellesmere Port, primary |
0.92 | 2025 | Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework)) |
| 89 |
The Whitby High School Ellesmere Port, secondary |
0.92 | 2025 | Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework)) |
| 90 |
Queen's Park High School Chester, secondary |
0.91 | 2025 | Not judged (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework)) |
| 91 |
The Catholic High School, Chester Chester, secondary |
0.91 | 2025 | Expected standard (Ofsted report card (current framework)) |
| 92 |
Comberbach Nursery and Primary School Northwich, primary |
0.90 | 2025 | Improved significantly (Ofsted ungraded inspection) |
| 93 |
Huntington Community Primary School Chester, primary |
0.90 | 2025 | Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework)) |
| 94 |
Sandiway Primary School Northwich, primary |
0.90 | 2025 | Not judged (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework)) |
| 95 |
The Rudheath Senior Academy Northwich, secondary |
0.90 | 2025 | School remains Good (Ofsted ungraded inspection) |
| 96 |
Ellesmere Port Christ Church CofE Primary School Ellesmere Port, primary |
0.88 | 2025 | School remains Good (Ofsted ungraded inspection) |
| 97 |
Sutton Green Primary School Ellesmere Port, primary |
0.88 | 2025 | Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework)) |
| 98 |
Kelsall Primary and Nursery School Tarporley, primary |
0.85 | 2025 | Outstanding (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework)) |
| 99 |
Eaton Primary School Tarporley, primary |
0.84 | 2025 | Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework)) |
| 100 |
The Oaks Community Primary School Ellesmere Port, primary |
0.84 | 2025 | Requires improvement (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework)) |
| 101 |
Waverton Community Primary School Chester, primary |
0.83 | 2025 | Expected standard (Ofsted report card (current framework)) |
| 102 |
Chester Blue Coat Church of England Primary School Chester, primary |
0.78 | 2025 | Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework)) |
| 103 |
Elton Primary School Chester, primary |
0.78 | 2025 | Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework)) |
| 104 |
The Grosvenor Park Church of England Academy Chester, primary |
0.78 | 2025 | Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework)) |
| 105 |
St Bernard's Roman Catholic Primary & Nursery School Ellesmere Port, primary |
0.77 | 2025 | Standards maintained (Ofsted ungraded inspection) |
| 106 |
St Clare's Catholic Primary School Chester, primary |
0.77 | 2025 | Standards maintained (Ofsted ungraded inspection) |
| 107 |
Newton Primary School Chester, primary |
0.75 | 2025 | Requires improvement (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework)) |
| 108 |
St Werburgh's and St Columba's Catholic Primary School Chester, primary |
0.70 | 2025 | School remains Good (Improving) - S5 Next (Ofsted ungraded inspection) |
| 109 |
Cherry Grove Primary School Chester, primary |
0.66 | 2025 | Standards maintained (Ofsted ungraded inspection) |
| 110 |
Little Sutton C of E Primary School Ellesmere Port, primary |
0.60 | 2025 | Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework)) |
| 111 |
Upton Heath CofE Primary School Chester, primary |
0.59 | 2025 | Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework)) |
Figures from the Department for Education, applications and offers. 111 schools in Cheshire West and Chester have a published per-place figure. Schools with too few places for the figure to mean anything are left off. All schools in Cheshire West and Chester · How we compare schools.