An East Lancashire grammar school has been named as one of the best state secondary schools in the North West.

Clitheroe Royal Grammar School has been named in the Sunday Times School Guide 2023 in their list of the top 10 state secondary schools in the North West.

The school ranks at 124th in the national list, with 75.5 per cent of pupils achieving A* to B in A Levels and 67.2 per cent achieving A*, A, 9, 8 or 7 grades at GCSE.

The best two schools in the North West is Altrincham Grammar School for Girls, which is also the fifth best in the country, and Altrincham Grammar School for Boys, which was ranked 17th nationally.

Elsewhere in Lancashire, Lancaster Girls' Grammar School placed sixth on the North West list, and 70th overall.

Other schools in the top 10 were the Blue Coat School in Liverpool, Sale Grammar, Loreto Grammar and St Ambrose College in Altrincham, Wirral Grammar for Girls, and Stretford Grammar.

The rankings in the secondary school league tables are determined by the percentage of examination entries gaining A*-B at A-level (which is given double weighting) and the percentage of entries returning A* and A grades, and those graded 9, 8 and 7, at GCSE and iGCSE.

Helen Davies, editor of The Sunday Times Parent Power guide, says: “These have been a challenging few years for teachers, pupils and their parents, and the success of many in our league table is testament to the stamina and support shown by all concerned.

"It is also clear that more attention is being placed on wellbeing and mental health – from meditation rooms to counselling support, even therapy dogs – and schools are being proactive to bring about positive changes.

“League tables are not the only criteria a parent can use when choosing a school, but they are a good starting point.

“We want to celebrate excellence. We want to champion schools that are doing wonderful work. We want our children to be well-nurtured and well-taught.

"In choosing a school parents are making one of the biggest decisions in their family life, and Parent Power and The Sunday Times is here to help.”

Bolton School - Girls' Division, ranked eighth in the North West's top private schools.