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	Delamere CofE Primary Academy Tarporley, primary	1.72	2026	Outstanding (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
2	Belgrave Primary School Chester, primary	1.67	2026	Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
3	Childer Thornton Primary School Ellesmere Port, primary	1.63	2026	Outstanding (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
4	Frodsham Manor House Primary School Frodsham, primary	1.60	2026	School remains Good (Ofsted ungraded inspection)
5	Wolverham Primary and Nursery School Ellesmere Port, primary	1.52	2026	Expected standard (Ofsted report card (current framework))
6	Mill View Primary School Chester, primary	1.47	2026	Outstanding (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
7	Cambridge Road Community Primary and Nursery School Ellesmere Port, primary	1.30	2026	Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
8	Aston by Sutton Primary School Runcorn, primary	1.27	2026	Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
9	St Martin's Academy Chester Chester, primary	1.27	2026	Not judged (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
10	Grange Community Nursery and Primary School Winsford, primary	1.24	2026	Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
11	St Mary of the Angels Catholic Primary School Ellesmere Port, primary	1.23	2026	Standards maintained (Ofsted ungraded inspection)
12	Whitegate CofE Primary School Northwich, primary	1.21	2026	Standards maintained (Ofsted ungraded inspection)
13	Capenhurst CofE Primary School Chester, primary	1.20	2026	Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
14	Westminster Community Primary School Ellesmere Port, primary	1.20	2026	Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
15	Willaston CofE Primary School Neston, primary	1.20	2026	Outstanding (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
16	Kingsmead Primary School Northwich, primary	1.18	2026	Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
17	Acresfield Academy Chester, primary	1.17	2026	Outstanding (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
18	Over St John's CofE Primary School Winsford, primary	1.14	2026	School remains Good (Ofsted ungraded inspection)
19	Little Sutton C of E Primary School Ellesmere Port, primary	1.13	2026	Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
20	Tarporley CofE Primary School Tarporley, primary	1.10	2026	School remains Good (Ofsted ungraded inspection)
21	The County High School, Leftwich Northwich, secondary	1.10	2026	Strong standard (Ofsted report card (current framework))
22	The Bishops' Blue Coat Church of England High School Chester, secondary	1.08	2026	Standards maintained (Ofsted ungraded inspection)
23	Boughton Heath Academy Chester, primary	1.07	2026	Outstanding (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
24	Cuddington Primary School Northwich, primary	1.07	2026	School remains Good (Ofsted ungraded inspection)
25	Rivacre Valley Primary School Ellesmere Port, primary	1.07	2026	Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
26	The Grosvenor Park Church of England Academy Chester, primary	1.07	2026	Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
27	Wimboldsley Community Primary School Middlewich, primary	1.07	2026	Expected standard (Ofsted report card (current framework))
28	Guilden Sutton CofE Primary School Chester, primary	1.04	2026	School remains Outstanding (Ofsted ungraded inspection)
29	Lower Peover CofE Primary School Knutsford, primary	1.03	2026	Outstanding (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
30	Winnington Park Community Primary and Nursery School Northwich, primary	1.03	2026	Expected standard (Ofsted report card (current framework))
31	Bishop Heber High School Malpas, secondary	1.02	2026	Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
32	Hartford Church of England High School Northwich, secondary	1.02	2026	Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
33	Antrobus St Mark's CofE Primary School Northwich, primary	1.00	2026	Needs attention (Ofsted report card (current framework))
34	Barnton Community Nursery and Primary School Northwich, primary	1.00	2026	Outstanding (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
35	Charles Darwin Community Primary School Northwich, primary	1.00	2026	Expected standard (Ofsted report card (current framework))
36	Cherry Grove Primary School Chester, primary	1.00	2026	Standards maintained (Ofsted ungraded inspection)
37	Dee Point Primary School Chester, primary	1.00	2026	Expected standard (Ofsted report card (current framework))
38	Ellesmere Port Christ Church CofE Primary School Ellesmere Port, primary	1.00	2026	School remains Good (Ofsted ungraded inspection)
39	Hartford Primary School Northwich, primary	1.00	2026	Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
40	Helsby Hillside Primary School Frodsham, primary	1.00	2026	Expected standard (Ofsted report card (current framework))
41	Highfield Community Primary School Chester, primary	1.00	2026	School remains Good (Ofsted ungraded inspection)
42	Horn's Mill Primary School Frodsham, primary	1.00	2026	Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
43	J H Godwin Primary School Chester, primary	1.00	2026	Needs attention (Ofsted report card (current framework))
44	Little Leigh Primary School Northwich, primary	1.00	2026	Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
45	Lostock Gralam CofE Primary School Northwich, primary	1.00	2026	School remains Good (Ofsted ungraded inspection)
46	Meadow Primary School Ellesmere Port, primary	1.00	2026	Strong standard (Ofsted report card (current framework))
47	Oldfield Primary School Chester, primary	1.00	2026	School remains Good (Concerns) - S5 Next (Ofsted ungraded inspection)
48	Over Hall Community School Winsford, primary	1.00	2026	Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
49	Saughall All Saints Church of England Primary School Chester, primary	1.00	2026	School remains Good (Ofsted ungraded inspection)
50	St Bede's Catholic Primary School, Weaverham Northwich, primary	1.00	2026	Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
51	Tarvin Primary School Chester, primary	1.00	2026	School remains Good (Ofsted ungraded inspection)
52	Tattenhall Park Primary School Select, primary	1.00	2026	Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
53	The Arches Community Primary School Chester, primary	1.00	2026	Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
54	Tushingham With Grindley CofE Primary School Whitchurch, primary	1.00	2026	Not judged (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
55	Victoria Road Primary School Northwich, primary	1.00	2026	Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
56	Waverton Community Primary School Chester, primary	1.00	2026	Expected standard (Ofsted report card (current framework))
57	Weaverham Forest Primary School Northwich, primary	1.00	2026	Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
58	Weaverham High School Northwich, secondary	1.00	2026	Expected standard (Ofsted report card (current framework))
59	Wharton CofE Primary School Winsford, primary	1.00	2026	Not judged (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
60	Wincham Community Primary School Northwich, primary	1.00	2026	Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
61	Woodfall Primary and Nursery School Neston, primary	1.00	2026	Not judged (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
62	Christleton High School Chester, secondary	0.98	2026	Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
63	Hartford Manor Primary School & Nursery Northwich, primary	0.98	2026	Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
64	The Acorns Primary and Nursery School Ellesmere Port, primary	0.98	2026	Standards maintained (Ofsted ungraded inspection)
65	Neston High School Neston, secondary	0.97	2026	School remains Good (Ofsted ungraded inspection)
66	Queen's Park High School Chester, secondary	0.97	2026	Not judged (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
67	The Catholic High School, Chester Chester, secondary	0.97	2026	Expected standard (Ofsted report card (current framework))
68	Upton-by-Chester High School Chester, secondary	0.97	2026	Standards maintained (Ofsted ungraded inspection)
69	Comberbach Nursery and Primary School Northwich, primary	0.96	2026	Improved significantly (Ofsted ungraded inspection)
70	Ellesmere Port Church of England College Ellesmere Port, secondary	0.96	2026	Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
71	Farndon Primary School Chester, primary	0.96	2026	Not judged (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
72	Rudheath Primary Academy and Nursery Northwich, primary	0.96	2026	Not judged (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
73	St. Chad's Church of England Primary School Winsford, primary	0.96	2026	School remains Good (Ofsted ungraded inspection)
74	Tarporley High School and Sixth Form College Tarporley, secondary	0.96	2026	Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
75	The Oak View Academy Winsford, primary	0.96	2026	Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
76	Weaverham Primary Academy Northwich, primary	0.96	2026	Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
77	Witton Church Walk CofE Aided Nursery and Primary School Northwich, primary	0.96	2026	Not judged (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
78	Blacon High School, A Specialist Sports College Chester, secondary	0.95	2026	Needs attention (Ofsted report card (current framework))
79	Ellesmere Port Catholic High School, a Voluntary Academy Ellesmere Port, secondary	0.95	2026	Expected standard (Ofsted report card (current framework))
80	Elton Primary School Chester, primary	0.95	2026	Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
81	Helsby High School Frodsham, secondary	0.95	2026	School remains Good (Ofsted ungraded inspection)
82	Kingsley Community Primary School and Nursery Frodsham, primary	0.95	2026	School remains Good (Ofsted ungraded inspection)
83	St Werburgh's and St Columba's Catholic Primary School Chester, primary	0.95	2026	School remains Good (Improving) - S5 Next (Ofsted ungraded inspection)
84	St Winefride's Catholic Primary School Neston, primary	0.95	2026	School remains Good (Ofsted ungraded inspection)
85	Mickle Trafford Village School Chester, primary	0.94	2026	Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
86	St Oswald's CofE Primary School Chester, primary	0.94	2026	School remains Good (Ofsted ungraded inspection)
87	St Theresa's Catholic Primary School Chester, primary	0.94	2026	Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
88	The Whitby High School Ellesmere Port, secondary	0.94	2026	Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
89	Winsford High Street Community Primary School Winsford, primary	0.94	2026	School remains Good (Ofsted ungraded inspection)
90	Davenham CofE Primary School Northwich, primary	0.93	2026	Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
91	St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, a Voluntary Academy Winsford, primary	0.93	2026	none held
92	St Wilfrid's Catholic Primary School Northwich, primary	0.93	2026	School remains Good (Ofsted ungraded inspection)
93	The Rudheath Senior Academy Northwich, secondary	0.93	2026	School remains Good (Ofsted ungraded inspection)
94	Darnhall Primary School Winsford, primary	0.92	2026	Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
95	Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School ELLESMERE PORT, primary	0.92	2026	Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
96	Brookside Primary School Ellesmere Port, primary	0.91	2026	School remains Good (Ofsted ungraded inspection)
97	Hoole Church of England Primary School Chester, primary	0.91	2026	Improved significantly (Ofsted ungraded inspection)
98	Huntington Community Primary School Chester, primary	0.91	2026	Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
99	Parkgate Primary School Neston, primary	0.91	2026	School remains Good (Ofsted ungraded inspection)
100	Moulton School Northwich, primary	0.90	2026	School remains Good (Ofsted ungraded inspection)
101	St Nicholas Catholic High School Northwich, secondary	0.90	2026	Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
102	Willow Wood Community Nursery and Primary School Winsford, primary	0.90	2026	Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
103	Chester Blue Coat Church of England Primary School Chester, primary	0.89	2026	Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
104	Leftwich Community Primary School Northwich, primary	0.89	2026	Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
105	St Saviour's Catholic Primary and Nursery School Ellesmere Port, primary	0.89	2026	Not judged (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
106	Sutton Green Primary School Ellesmere Port, primary	0.89	2026	Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
107	Malpas Alport Endowed Primary School Malpas, primary	0.88	2026	Expected standard (Ofsted report card (current framework))
108	Newton Primary School Chester, primary	0.88	2026	Requires improvement (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
109	Parklands Community Primary and Nursery School Ellesmere Port, primary	0.87	2026	Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
110	St Clare's Catholic Primary School Chester, primary	0.87	2026	Standards maintained (Ofsted ungraded inspection)
111	Woodlands Primary School Ellesmere Port, primary	0.87	2026	Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
112	Bishop Wilson Church of England Primary School Neston, primary	0.85	2026	Expected standard (Ofsted report card (current framework))
113	The Oaks Community Primary School Ellesmere Port, primary	0.85	2026	Requires improvement (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
114	Eaton Primary School Tarporley, primary	0.84	2026	Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
115	Frodsham CofE Primary School Frodsham, primary	0.83	2026	Standards maintained (Ofsted ungraded inspection)
116	Lache Primary School Chester, primary	0.83	2026	Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
117	Sandiway Primary School Northwich, primary	0.83	2026	Not judged (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
118	Upton Heath CofE Primary School Chester, primary	0.83	2026	Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
119	Ashton Hayes Primary School Chester, primary	0.82	2026	School remains Good (Ofsted ungraded inspection)
120	The Winsford Academy Winsford, secondary	0.82	2026	Not judged (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
121	Whitby Heath Primary School Ellesmere Port, primary	0.82	2026	Not judged (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
122	Alvanley and Manley Village School Frodsham, primary	0.79	2026	Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
123	Christleton Primary School Chester, primary	0.79	2026	Not judged (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
124	Overleigh St Mary's Church of England Primary School Chester, primary	0.78	2026	Not judged (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
125	St Bernard's Roman Catholic Primary & Nursery School Ellesmere Port, primary	0.77	2026	Standards maintained (Ofsted ungraded inspection)
126	Kelsall Primary and Nursery School Tarporley, primary	0.76	2026	Outstanding (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
127	Norley Church of England Primary School Frodsham, primary	0.75	2026	Good (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))
128	Rossmore School Ellesmere Port, primary	0.71	2026	School remains Good (Ofsted ungraded inspection)
129	William Stockton Community Primary School Ellesmere Port, primary	0.67	2026	none held
130	Frodsham Primary Academy Frodsham, primary	0.58	2026	Not judged (Ofsted graded inspection (previous framework))

Figures from the Department for Education, applications and offers. 130 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.