Hollingworth Academy
Rochdale, OL16 3DR · Rochdale · secondary school
Check the area around this school
1st of 13 secondary schools in Rochdale we can score. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 8.1/10 against 808 of them, against 6.8/10 nationally. 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 | 60.3 · 82 | 30% | 2.45 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.02 · 49 | 25% | 1.22 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 50.6 · 72 | 10% | 0.72 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Hollingworth Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 59.8% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 51.1, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.02 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did slightly worse than those nationally who started from the same place. Ofsted rated the school Good in January 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (8.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.8 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,331 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,350. 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
With 19 places currently available, how does the school manage entry-year admissions if demand exceeds capacity? How does the school support pupils to improve their Progress 8 scores, which were slightly below the national benchmark? What specific support is available for pupils aiming to raise their Attainment 8 above the national median?
What Ofsted said about Hollingworth Academy
Overview
Hollingworth Academy is judged to be ‘Good’ across all inspection categories. Leaders have established a culture of ‘respect, responsibility and resilience’, resulting in a broad and balanced curriculum that prepares pupils well for life in modern Britain. The school fosters strong relationships, with pupils feeling happy, safe, and proud to attend.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate ‘positive behaviour and attitudes’, with bullying being rare and incidents resolved quickly.
- Teachers possess ‘strong subject knowledge’ and effectively help pupils develop the ‘subject-specific vocabulary’ needed to deepen learning.
- Leaders prioritise reading, ensuring time for pleasure reading and providing targeted support for those in the ‘early stages of learning to read’.
- The curriculum includes ‘memorable moments’ such as trips and guest speakers, which pupils value as they ‘bring their learning to life’.
- Pupils receive ‘high-quality careers advice’ and are well prepared for their next steps through a comprehensive personal development programme.
Areas to improve
- In a small number of subjects, some teachers do not choose activities that match the ‘ambition of the curriculum’, hindering the progress of some pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
- Occasionally, a few staff do not have ‘high enough expectations’ of what pupils with SEND can achieve, meaning these pupils do not always learn as well as their peers.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are ‘effective’, with a ‘strong culture of safeguarding’ in place and staff receiving regular training on reporting concerns.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 45.9 |
| 2024/25 | 51.1 |
| 2025/26 | 50.6 |
| 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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