ADMISSIONS
Joining the Rainhill Community
Choosing the right school is an important decision, and we want the admissions process to be as clear and straightforward as possible.
Whether you are applying for a Year 7 place, considering an in-year transfer or looking ahead to Rainhill Sixth Form, the information below explains the main routes into Rainhill High School.
SCHOOL PROSPECTUS
Rainhill High School Prospectus 2027–2028
Our prospectus provides an overview of life at Rainhill High School, including our curriculum, support systems, enrichment opportunities and wider school community.
Applying for a Place at Rainhill
Applications for Year 7 admission are managed through your home Local Authority using their coordinated admissions process.
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted through your home Local Authority using its online common application process. St Helens residents can find application information and guidance through St Helens Borough Council.
Admissions Timetable
For admission to Year 7 in September 2027, the closing date for applications is 31 October 2026. National Offer Day is 1 March 2027.
Oversubscription Criteria
Where applications exceed the number of available places, applications are considered in accordance with Rainhill High School's published Admission Arrangements.
Appeals
Parents and carers whose application is unsuccessful have the right to appeal to an Independent Appeals Panel. Information about the appeals process and the current published timetable is available from St Helens Borough Council.
Apply Through St Helens Borough Council
St Helens residents can find information about applying for a secondary school place, key dates and the coordinated admissions process on the St Helens Borough Council website.
In-Year Transfers
Families wishing to transfer their child to Rainhill High School during Years 7–11 should make an in-year transfer application through St Helens Borough Council. The Local Authority coordinates the application with the relevant admission authority.
St Helens advises that applicants will normally receive a written response within 15 school days.
If an application is refused, parents and carers have the right to appeal. Waiting-list arrangements are explained as part of the Local Authority's in-year transfer process.
Considering a Move?
Before making an application, families can read the current in-year transfer guidance and application information provided by St Helens Borough Council.
View St Helens In-Year Transfer Information →Published Admission Arrangements
Rainhill High School's published Admission Arrangements set out the formal arrangements for admission, including the Published Admission Number, oversubscription criteria and other provisions relating to applications.
Parents and carers should refer to the published arrangements for the definitive admissions criteria rather than relying on summaries of the policy.
View Admission Arrangements 2027–2028 →Appealing a School Place Decision
If your child is not offered a place at Rainhill High School, you have the right to appeal that decision to an Independent Appeals Panel.
St Helens Borough Council publishes information about the appeals process, including the applicable timetable and arrangements for appeal hearings. Please refer to the Council's website for the latest published information.
View School Admission Appeals Information →We Are Here to Help
For further information about admissions, please refer to our published Admission Arrangements or contact St Helens School Admissions.
POST-16 ADMISSIONS
Admissions to Rainhill Sixth Form
Rainhill Sixth Form offers high-quality post-16 education with a broad range of academic and vocational pathways. Applications are welcomed from both internal and external students.
Students are generally expected to achieve at least five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including English Language, with additional subject-specific requirements for some courses.
Sixth Form applications and prospectus information are made available during the autumn term each year.
A Sixth Form Open Evening is held annually during the autumn term. Details are published on the school website.
Admissions are considered in accordance with the published Admission Arrangements.
Applicants refused admission have the right to appeal in accordance with the published Admission Arrangements.
For more information about Rainhill Sixth Form, including courses and application guidance, visit the Rainhill Sixth Form website.
Explore Rainhill Sixth Form → 
ADMISSIONS DOCUMENT
Rainhill High School Admission Arrangements 2027
View the school’s published admission arrangements, including the criteria used when considering applications.
