Rainford CofE Primary School, St Helens

In its own words: "Our school is a special school where all our children, staff and parents work together to achieve their best! We are a nurturing and caring community that loves to find the joy in learning every day ❤️"

From the headteacher's welcome: "We are a welcoming and caring school that believes in putting children first. Rainford CE School is a popular and successful school located in the heart of Rainford Village. As a church school, our Christian vision and values underpin everything we do, helping our whole school community to flourish. Ours is a happy and welcoming school where children come first."

In 2025, 77% of Year 6 pupils at Rainford CofE Primary School reached the expected standard in reading and 70% 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 83% in reading and 71% in maths in 2024.

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

For September 2026 entry, 40 families put Rainford CofE Primary School as their first choice and 71 named it as one of their preferences, for 30 places offered. That is 1.3 first choices for every place. 11 families who put it first were not offered a place there.

The nearest other state primary schools to Rainford CofE Primary School are Corpus Christi Catholic Primary School (0.3 miles, Good, 56% reading, 52% maths); Rainford Brook Lodge Community Primary School (0.4 miles, 77% reading, 87% maths); Crawford Village Primary School (2 miles, Outstanding, 100% reading, 92% maths); and Little Digmoor Primary School (2.6 miles, Good, 73% reading, 64% maths).

Rainford CofE Primary School's 2025 results were higher than 2 of these 4 schools.

Rainford CofE Primary School is one of 19 schools run by Liverpool Diocesan Schools Trust, an academy trust.

Across the trust's primary schools, 69% of Year 6 pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths in 2024/25.

9.1% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well below the average state school (25%), and 1.3% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 22 pupils (9.6%) received SEN support and 8 (3.5%) 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 social, emotional and mental health needs.

The nearest railway station is Rainford Rail Station, about 1 mile away in a straight line.

15 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Rainford Primary (outside), 40 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 11 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, other theft and public order offences. That is well below the typical figure around schools in St. Helens (144).

In 2024/25, Rainford CofE Primary School issued 6 suspensions, 2.5 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and no permanent exclusions.