About Us

Our History

A Legacy of Learning at Wade Deacon High School

At Wade Deacon High School, we stand proudly on centuries of heritage, tracing our roots all the way back to 1507. It was then that Bishop William Smyth established the original grammar school, envisioning a future where education would flourish in our community. Over the years, Wade Deacon has evolved, yet remains deeply connected to its rich past, embodying a legacy that has shaped generations.

Our main building, a striking symbol of progress and aspiration with its iconic art deco façade, opened in 1931 as Wade Deacon Grammar School. Named in honor of Sir Henry Wade Deacon—a leading local industrialist and longtime Chairman of the Local Education Committee—this building stands as a tribute to his dedication to both industry and education. His vision for the school reflected his belief that every young person deserved the opportunity to grow, succeed, and contribute to society.

Today, Wade Deacon High School continues to embody this vision, nurturing each student to reach their full potential. We celebrate our alumni who carry this legacy forward, pursuing further study, innovative careers, and impactful work around the world. Their successes serve as both an honour to our past and an inspiration for the future.

In 1974, Wade Deacon transitioned to a comprehensive school, welcoming students of all backgrounds. Continuing its commitment to educational excellence, the school became an academy trust in 2013. Wade Deacon Trust includes multiple schools: Hillside High School, Halewood Academy, The Grange Academy, Weston Point Primary, Sylvester Primary, Whiston Willis Primary, Yew Tree Primary and Widnes Academy, fostering collaboration and shared success across the region.

Our commitment to excellence, community, and opportunity has remained unwavering through the centuries, adapting to the changing world while staying true to the values set forth by our founders. Wade Deacon High School is not just a school—it’s a legacy of learning, growth, and connection that lives on through our students, staff, and alumni.

We invite you to explore our history, connect with our alumni, and discover how Wade Deacon’s story continues to unfold.

Our Community

Our school is held in great affection by the local community and we work hard to ensure that this excellent relationship is preserved. Through our Student Leader Programme, the school is heavily involved in a range of community events and fundraising throughout the year with numerous charity organisations benefiting from the generosity of The Wade Deacon Family. Our charity partners include: The Whitechapel Centre, The Lilac Centre, Save the Children, Cancer Research UK, Ronald MacDonald House, The Prince’s Trust, The Rainbow Trust, Willowbrook Hospice, Water Aid, Merseyside Dogs’ Home, Young Minds and Together for Short Lives.

Our Students

From each and every student, we ask for only three commitments: ‘Respect Yourself and Others,’ ‘Give the Very Best of Yourself’ and ‘Believe in Yourself’ and they do not disappoint; maintaining the highest standards, both in school and in the wider community in terms of attitude to learning, behaviour, respect and uniform. Our students were officially designated as World Class in December 2017 and fully deserve this accolade. Our Year 9 Boys’ Rugby League team are the current National Schools’ Champions. Needless to say, we are immensely proud of our students.

Our Accreditations

The ultimate aim of Wade Deacon High School is that it becomes the best school in the country and, whilst awards and accreditations do not guarantee this, they are, nevertheless, important markers for us. As well as holding the status of World Class Students, we are also a Centre of Excellence for The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. We hold the coveted Artsmark Platinum Award - one of only one of 5 schools in the North West to have done so. We hold The International School Award for outstanding development of the international dimension in our curriculum. Our Physical Education Faculty is currently ranked in the top 5 of all schools in the UK. In July this year, we achieved the SMSC Gold Award for our exceptional commitment to the Social, Moral, Spiritual and Cultural development of our students.

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