Cowley International College vs St Mary & St Thomas CofE Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in North West, England, 1.3 km apart, using official English 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Cowley International College
St Helens · Local authority secondary · Ages 11–18
1,514 students
St Mary & St Thomas CofE Primary School
St Helens · Academy primary · Ages 3–11
230 students
| Measure | Cowley International College St Helens, North West | St Mary & St Thomas CofE Primary School St Helens, North West |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (England) | 24 Lower 50% | 63 Top 50% |
| Region rank | #395 of 536 | #621 of 2,286 |
| National rank | #3242 of 4,090 | #5261 of 15,697 |
| Sector | Local authority | Academy |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | Ages 11–18 | Ages 3–11 |
| Students | 1,514 | 230 |
| Pupils on roll | 1,514 | 230 |
| Free school meals | 37.5% | 43.6% |
| Capacity filled | 93.5% | 109.5% |
| KS2 expected standard (RWM) | – | 77% |
| KS2 higher standard (RWM) | – | 10% |
| KS2 reading progress | – | – |
| KS2 writing progress | – | – |
| KS2 maths progress | – | – |
| Attainment 8 | 39.3 | – |
| Progress 8 | – | – |
| Grade 5+ English & maths | 30.4% | – |
| Grade 4+ English & maths | 48.3% | – |
| EBacc average points | 3.54 | – |
| A level points per entry | 25.3 | – |
| town | St Helens | St Helens |
| region | North West | North West |
| Website | www.cowley.st-helens.sch.uk/ | www.sm-st.co.uk |
The verdict
- •St Mary & St Thomas CofE Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (England) (62.9 vs 24.1).
- •Cowley International College is the larger school with 1,514 students compared with 230.
- •Cowley International College is a local authority school while St Mary & St Thomas CofE Primary School is a academy school, so fees and admission rules differ.
The Success Index (England) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Cowley International College better than St Mary & St Thomas CofE Primary School?
On the Success Index (England), St Mary & St Thomas CofE Primary School ranks higher (62.9 vs 24.1 out of 100). The index is built from published results and context data, not from teaching quality or fit, so visit both schools before deciding.
How far apart are Cowley International College and St Mary & St Thomas CofE Primary School?
About 1.3 km in a straight line, between St Helens and St Helens in North West.
Which has the better Pupils on roll?
Cowley International College: 1,514. St Mary & St Thomas CofE Primary School: 230. Number of pupils in the latest school census.
How do Cowley International College and St Mary & St Thomas CofE Primary School rank in North West?
Cowley International College is 395th of 536 and St Mary & St Thomas CofE Primary School is 621st of 2,286 among secondary schools in North West on the 2025 Success Index (England).