Co-op Academy Walkden
Manchester, M28 7JB · Salford · secondary school
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10th of 15 secondary schools in Salford we can score, 16 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 3.7/10 against 824 of them, against 3.4/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.84 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 40.9 · 40 | 30% | 1.19 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.47 · 17 | 25% | 0.43 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 47.2 · 56 | 10% | 0.56 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Co-op Academy Walkden overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 40.7% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 43.6, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.47 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did worse than those nationally who started from the same place. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (3.5 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.2 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in July 2023.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Cadet Unit and homework clubs, participate in dramatic productions, and attend an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,414 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,500. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the school support pupils to close the gap in Progress 8 scores? What specific support is available for students aiming to improve their Attainment 8? How does the Cadet Unit integrate with the wider curriculum?
What Ofsted said about Co-op Academy Walkden
Overview
Co-op Academy Walkden is described as an inclusive school where pupils share "positive and respectful relationships" and feel "safe and happy." Leaders have cultivated a culture of "high aspiration," ensuring that lessons are focused and pupils, including those with special educational needs, are "well motivated to succeed." The report highlights significant improvements since the school joined its trust, with staff speaking favourably of the support they receive.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "suitably ambitious," allowing pupils to choose from a "wide and varied choice of academic and vocational subjects."
- Teachers use "expert knowledge" to help pupils build understanding, employing skilful questioning to spot and address misconceptions quickly.
- Reading is a strong focus, with leaders providing "effective programmes of support" for pupils with gaps in their knowledge.
- Behaviour is "calm and orderly," with leaders dealing with bullying or discrimination "swiftly and effectively."
- Leaders are "tenacious" in securing support for vulnerable pupils and work adeptly with external services.
Areas to improve
- In a small number of subjects, some teachers do not use agreed teaching methods well, meaning some pupils do not learn content as well as they should.
- Some staff lack the subject expertise to teach the PSHE and RSE curricula effectively, leaving some pupils less informed about life in modern Britain.
- A significant minority of pupils, including disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND, still regularly miss school, requiring increased engagement with families.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff receiving suitable training and being vigilant to signs of neglect, abuse, and radicalisation.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 44.4 |
| 2024/25 | 43.6 |
| 2025/26 | 47.2 |
| England | 44.9 |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 3,682 state schools in England we hold a 2025/26 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2026
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2027
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2027
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2028
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