St Margaret's Church of England Academy Review 2026: Academic Rigour and Christian Character in Aigburth

In a leafy residential pocket of south Liverpool on Aigburth Road, St Margaret's Church of England Academy (SMA) has served the city's boys for generations. The school provides a structured education for boys aged 11 to 16, while its popular sixth form is co-educational, introducing a mixed social dynamic for the final two years.

Academic performance is reliable, with 2024 results placing the academy within the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile). The school occupies a site that blends traditional architecture with modern specialist additions, such as the dedicated Cricket Centre. Following a period of improvement, the school was rated Good by Ofsted in mid-2024, confirming a positive trajectory for its 1,000+ students.

The atmosphere at St Margaret's is defined by a blend of traditional expectations and a modern Christian ethos. The school motto, Fide et Labore (By Faith and Work), is lived out through a focus on personal responsibility and diligence.

Mr Adam Robinson was appointed as Headteacher in June 2024, succeeding Dr Stephen Brierley. This transition in leadership coincides with the school's return to a Good Ofsted rating, marking a new chapter focused on high aspirations. The culture is one of order; students are expected to be well-presented and respectful, contributing to a calm and purposeful environment during lessons and social times.

As a Church of England academy, the school's identity is central to daily life, with the presence of a school chaplain and regular collective worship. However, the school welcomes families of all backgrounds, focusing on universal values of compassion and resilience. The sixth form introduces a more collegiate feel, acting as a bridge between the single-sex lower school and the mixed environments of higher education.

Academic results at St Margaret's show consistent performance. In 2024, the average Attainment 8 score for GCSE students was 50.2, which remains comfortably above the England average of 46.3. The Progress 8 score of -0.1 indicates that students generally achieve results in line with their starting points from primary school. The school ranks 2,034th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and 17th among secondaries in Liverpool.

At A-level, the school maintains a steady standing. The percentage of students achieving A*-B grades was 47.6% in 2024, aligning with the England average of 47.2%. Approximately 18.3% of entries reached A or A* grades. St Margaret's ranks 1,354th in England and 16th in Liverpool for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking).

The curriculum is broad and ambitious, designed to challenge students while providing necessary support. In the lower school, there is a clear emphasis on core subjects, with specialist teaching in Science and Mathematics noted as a strength. The 2024 Ofsted report highlighted that pupils benefit from significant improvements in the quality of education, with curriculum planning now being more cohesive across most subjects.

In the sixth form, the subject range is expansive, offering 30 different A-level options alongside vocational pathways. Subjects like Further Mathematics (average grade A) and Physics (average grade B) show particular strength in the 2024 data. Teachers are described by inspectors as having strong subject knowledge and fostering an environment where students listen respectfully to one another.

The school has a solid track record of supporting students into diverse next steps. For the 2023/24 cohort, 52% of students progressed to university, while 11% secured apprenticeships, reflecting the school's success in promoting technical as well as academic pathways. A further 15% entered direct employment.

Oxbridge success remains a recurring highlight. In the recent measurement period, seven students applied to Oxford or Cambridge, resulting in one successful acceptance at the University of Cambridge. The school provides dedicated support for competitive applications, including mock interviews. Many students also secure places at local Russell Group institutions, including the University of Liverpool and the University of Manchester.

Admission to Year 7 is highly competitive. For the most recent cycle, the school received 557 applications for 184 places, with a subscription proportion of 3.03. This means there are more than three applications for every available place.

As a Church of England Academy, the school has a specific admissions policy that includes faith-based criteria. Families applying under these categories must complete a Supplementary Information Form (SIF) verified by a faith leader. For 2026 entry, the deadline for returning this form to the school is 31 October 2025.

Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their distance from the school, as a distance tie-breaker is used when faith categories are oversubscribed. National Offer Day for the 2026 intake is 1 March 2026.

Pastoral care is anchored by the form tutor system, with dedicated pastoral managers for each year group. The school's 2024 inspection confirmed that pupils feel safe and know who to speak to if they are worried or upset.

There is a strong focus on personal development, helping students understand the wider world and encouraging them to be independent learners. Students in the sixth form are explicitly recognized as excellent role models for younger pupils. The school works closely with students with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), ensuring they progress well through the curriculum.

Extracurricular life is a major pillar of the school. Sport is a standout feature, particularly cricket, with the on-site Cricket Centre providing elite-level facilities. The school also offers a wide range of sporting, music, and enrichment activities that are well-attended.

The music department is active, with various ensembles and performances throughout the year. Other clubs include the Debating Society and Chess Club. The school also participates in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme, encouraging students to develop resilience and leadership skills outside the traditional classroom setting.

The school day typically runs from 8:40am to 3:10pm. St Margaret's is well-served by public transport, with numerous bus routes stopping outside on Aigburth Road and Aigburth railway station within walking distance.

While the school does not publish specific wraparound care fees for secondary aged students, it offers a wide range of after-school clubs. Parents are advised to contact the school office directly for the most up to date information on supervised study sessions or specific extracurricular timings.

Fees & Financial Aid

St Margaret's Church of England Academy is a state-funded school, meaning there are no tuition fees.

Associated costs include the school uniform, which is specific to the academy, and optional costs for music tuition or school trips. The school receives Pupil Premium funding for eligible students, which is used to provide additional support and ensure all students can participate in the full range of activities offered, regardless of financial background.

• Intense Competition for Entry: With a subscription proportion of 3.03, the school is one of the most sought-after in Liverpool. Securing a place requires careful adherence to the admissions policy and deadlines.
• Faith Requirements: Many places are allocated based on active participation in a faith community. Families applying under these criteria should ensure their worship attendance is accurately recorded and verified.
• Co-Ed Transition: Boys who have spent five years in a single-sex environment must adjust to a mixed social dynamic in the sixth form. This is generally seen as a positive bridge to university but is a change to keep in mind.
• Academic Pace: Following the Good Ofsted rating, expectations for student progress have increased. The environment is purposeful and demanding, suiting students who are ready to engage fully with their studies.

St Margaret's Church of England Academy remains a strong choice for families seeking a disciplined, academic environment with a clear moral framework. The recent return to a Good Ofsted rating reflects a school on the rise under new leadership. It is best suited to academically capable boys who will embrace the school's traditions and the opportunities provided by its specialist facilities. The main hurdle is the entry process; for those who secure a place, the school offers a reliable pathway to high-level academic and professional success.