Is Cowley International College a good school?

Ofsted inspected the school on 10 March 2026 under its report-card framework and graded five areas at Needs attention and two at Expected standard. Safeguarding was judged Met. On the FindGreatSchools composite score it is graded D, 7th of 8 secondary schools in St Helens. The profile sets out the figures behind both.

What are Cowley International College's GCSE results?

In the 2026 GCSEs, pupils at Cowley International College averaged an Attainment 8 score of 40.3 (England: 46.2). 33.1% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths.

How do I apply for a place at Cowley International College?

Applications for Year 7 places at Cowley International College starting in September 2027 close on 31 October 2026. You apply through the council where you live, even for a school in another area, and offers are made on National Offer Day, 1 March 2027 (or the next working day).

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Cowley International College

Hard Lane, St Helens, WA10 6PN

Local ranking7th of 8 secondary schools in St Helens

Ofsted: Needs attentionUpdated

Secondary

Phase

1620

Capacity

11-18

Age range

Mixed

Gender

Latest data: 2026 GCSEs · 2025 A-levels · Ofsted inspection 10 March 2026. Figures last updated 15 October 2026.

Ofsted Report Card

Inspected 10 March 2026 under Ofsted's renewed framework

View on Ofsted

Safeguarding standards Met

Achievement: Needs attention
Curriculum & teaching: Needs attention
Attendance & behaviour: Needs attention
Personal development & wellbeing: Expected standard
Leadership & governance: Expected standard
Inclusion: Needs attention
Post-16 provision: Needs attention

Scale: Exceptional · Strong · Expected · Needs attention · Urgent improvement

Year:

GCSE Results

2025-26

Average Attainment 8: 40.3 nat46.2
Grade 5+ Eng & Maths: 33.1% nat46.3%
Grade 4+ Eng & Maths: 54.5% nat64.8%
Cohort Size: 242

Destinations

After GCSE 2024-25

Sustained education/employment: 84.0%
Continued in education: 80.0%
Apprenticeships: 3.0%
Employment: 2.0%
Not sustained: 9.0%

After A-Levels 2024-25

Sustained education/employment: 83.0%
Higher education: 39.0%
Apprenticeships: 11.0%
Employment: 24.0%
Not sustained: 13.0%

A-Level Results

2024-25

*Data not available for 2025-26 — showing latest available results

C-

Avg A-Level Grade

25.3

Avg Points/Entry

nat 35.0

27.6

Best 3 A-Levels

nat 35.8

A-Level Students

AAB+ with Facilitating: 6.5% nat17.5%
Applied General Avg Points: 26.9
16-18 Cohort: 255

Pupil Demographics

2024-25

Total Pupils: 1498
Boys: 784 (52%)
Girls: 730 (48%)
Capacity: 1620 (93% full)
SEND: 20.5%
FSM Eligible: 41.9%
EAL: 7.1%
SEN with EHC Plan: 3.5%
SEN Support: 17.0%
Pupil:Teacher Ratio: 15.3:1
Teachers (FTE): 98.0
Budget per Pupil: £8,139/yr

Attendance & Absence

2024-25

*Data not available for 2025-26 — showing latest available results

Overall Absence Rate: 12.6% nat6.2%
Persistent Absence: 30.1% nat15.8%

Persistent absence: pupils missing 10%+ of sessions.

School Information

Type: Community school
Phase: Secondary
Religious Character: Does not apply
Nursery: No Nursery Classes
Sixth Form: Has a sixth form
Boarders: No boarders
Admissions: Non-selective

Pupil Ethnicity

2024-25

White British: 88.9%
White Other: 2.5%
Black African: 2.3%
Asian Chinese: 1.4%
Asian Other: 1.2%
Other: 0.9%
Mixed Other: 0.7%
Mixed White & Asian: 0.6%

88.9%

White British

2.5%

White Other

2.3%

Black African

Historical Trends

GCSE Performance

Pupil Demographics

Attendance & Absence

Contact & Location

01744678030

russell.cormack@cowleysthelens.org.uk

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Hard Lane

St Helens, North West

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Administrative

URN: 104829
UKPRN: 10001730
Establishment No.: 4101

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