Grammar schools in Widnes
There are no grammar schools in Widnes.
Grammar schools are state secondaries that select by ability, usually through an 11+ test. Only 46 of the 226 local authorities in the UK still have any, and Halton and Knowsley is not among them, so every state secondary in Widnes admits without a selective test.
The nearest is Glenlola Collegiate, about 3.4 miles away in Ards and North Down. Most grammar schools accept out-of-area applicants, though distance is often a tie-breaker when a school is oversubscribed.
Nearest grammar schools to Widnes
Straight-line distance from the centre of Widnes — not a travel time.
| School | Area | Distance | Intake | Ofsted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glenlola Collegiate | BANGOR | 3.4 miles | — | — |
| Bangor Grammar School | BANGOR | 4.2 miles | — | — |
| Carrickfergus Grammar School | CARRICKFERGUS | 6.4 miles | — | — |
| The Blue Coat School | Liverpool | 7.2 miles | Mixed | Good |
| Regent House School | NEWTOWNARDS | 8.0 miles | — | — |
| Sullivan Upper School | HOLYWOOD | 8.4 miles | — | — |
Published admissions priorities
These are extracts from school-specific arrangements for the entry years shown, in priority order. They are not the full policy or a prediction of an offer. Check the linked arrangement for test eligibility, deadlines and all remaining priorities.
The Blue Coat School — 2026 entry
- Up to 27 places: highest-scoring Free School Meals-eligible applicants who achieve the required entrance test score (published source)
- All other places: highest-scoring remaining applicants (published source)
Schools in Widnes
Widnes has 31 open schools. Browse all Widnes schools with Ofsted ratings, catchment areas and admission criteria, or see them on the map.
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