Merton Bank Primary School, St Helens

In its own words: "At Merton Bank Primary School, we strive to be excellent role models to others, by demonstrating our 5 core values. We, the children, staff and governors are all leaders of our values. It is these values that make us unique."

From the headteacher's welcome: "Thank you for taking the time to visit us online. Whether you are already part of our school community, a prospective parent, or simply finding out more about us, we are delighted that you are here. It is a privilege to lead such a special school at the heart of our community."

Clubs and activities named on the school's website include multi-sports, coding, art and forest school.

The school runs a breakfast club.

In 2025, 41% of Year 6 pupils at Merton Bank Primary School reached the expected standard in reading and 45% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 76% and 74% in St. Helens and 77% and 75% across England.

Results fell from 55% in reading and 45% in maths in 2024.

With small year groups, a few pupils can move these figures by several points.

For September 2026 entry, 14 families put Merton Bank Primary School as their first choice and 40 named it as one of their preferences, for 21 places offered. It had fewer first-choice applications than places. Every family who put it first was offered a place there for 2026 entry.

The nearest other state primary schools to Merton Bank Primary School are Parish Church of England Primary School, St Helens (0.5 miles, Outstanding, 67% reading, 77% maths); Holy Cross Catholic Primary School (0.6 miles, Good, 64% reading, 56% maths); Allanson Street Primary School (0.6 miles, Good, 72% reading, 72% maths); and St. Mary's Blackbrook Catholic Primary School (0.7 miles, Good, 74% reading, 62% maths).

Each of them had higher 2025 results than Merton Bank Primary School.

47.7% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well above the average state school (25%), according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 43 pupils (22.3%) received SEN support and 14 (7.3%) had an education, health and care plan, against 16.2% and 4.6% at the average state school. The most common need among them is speech, language and communication needs.

Merton Bank Primary School had 13 teachers in 2026, one for every 15 pupils: more teachers per pupil than a typical primary school, at about one for every 20.

The nearest railway station is St Helens Central Rail Station, about 920 metres away (roughly a 12-minute walk).

11 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Roper Street (adjacent), 70 metres away.

Measured by the 2025 English Indices of Deprivation, the neighbourhood Merton Bank Primary School stands in is among the 10% most deprived neighbourhoods in England. This describes where the school is, not where its pupils live.

In August 2026, police recorded 446 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour and shoplifting. That is well above the typical figure around schools in St. Helens (144), as is usual near a town centre.

In 2024/25, Merton Bank Primary School issued 44 suspensions, 20.2 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and 3 permanent exclusions.

The secondary schools closest to Merton Bank Primary School are St Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Academy (0.5 miles), St Cuthbert's Catholic Academy (1.2 miles), Cowley International College (1.5 miles) and Outwood Academy Haydock (1.8 miles).