Irlam and Cadishead Academy vs The Academy of St Nicholas
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in North West, England, 32 km apart, using official English 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Irlam and Cadishead Academy
Manchester · Academy secondary · Ages 11–16
844 students
The Academy of St Nicholas
Liverpool · Academy secondary · Ages 11–19
841 students
| Measure | Irlam and Cadishead Academy Manchester, North West | The Academy of St Nicholas Liverpool, North West |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (England) | 43 Lower 50% | 9 Lower 50% |
| Region rank | #276 of 536 | #520 of 536 |
| National rank | #2325 of 4,090 | #3980 of 4,090 |
| Sector | Academy | Academy |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | Ages 11–16 | Ages 11–19 |
| Students | 844 | 841 |
| Pupils on roll | 844 | 841 |
| Free school meals | 39.1% | 50.7% |
| Capacity filled | 80.4% | 77.9% |
| KS2 expected standard (RWM) | – | – |
| KS2 higher standard (RWM) | – | – |
| KS2 reading progress | – | – |
| KS2 writing progress | – | – |
| KS2 maths progress | – | – |
| Attainment 8 | 43.6 | 29.4 |
| Progress 8 | – | – |
| Grade 5+ English & maths | 46.7% | 20.2% |
| Grade 4+ English & maths | 62.6% | 38.8% |
| EBacc average points | 3.90 | 2.37 |
| A level points per entry | – | 19.3 |
| town | Manchester | Liverpool |
| region | North West | North West |
| Website | www.irlamandcadishead.org.uk | www.theacademyofstnicholas.org.uk |
The verdict
- •Irlam and Cadishead Academy scores higher on the Success Index (England) (42.7 vs 9.3).
- •Irlam and Cadishead Academy is the larger school with 844 students compared with 841.
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 Irlam and Cadishead Academy better than The Academy of St Nicholas?
On the Success Index (England), Irlam and Cadishead Academy ranks higher (42.7 vs 9.3 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 Irlam and Cadishead Academy and The Academy of St Nicholas?
About 32 km in a straight line, between Manchester and Liverpool in North West.
Which has the better Pupils on roll?
Irlam and Cadishead Academy: 844. The Academy of St Nicholas: 841. Number of pupils in the latest school census.
How do Irlam and Cadishead Academy and The Academy of St Nicholas rank in North West?
Irlam and Cadishead Academy is 276th of 536 and The Academy of St Nicholas is 520th of 536 among secondary schools in North West on the 2025 Success Index (England).