King's Leadership Academy Bolton
Bolton, BL3 3HL · Bolton · secondary school
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7th of 20 secondary schools in Bolton 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 — 8.0/10 against 643 of them, against 6.3/10 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 | 50.8 · 64 | 30% | 1.93 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.14 · 60 | 25% | 1.50 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 49.0 · 65 | 10% | 0.65 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
King's Leadership Academy Bolton overview
How it's doing
The school was rated Good by Ofsted in 2023. In 2024/25, 42.9% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 45.4, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.14 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did better than those nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (7.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.2 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in the Send My Friend to School coalition, play for the Bolton Rebels Majorettes and netball teams, and engage in arts through the GST Cross-Trust Art Exhibition and Frozen. Trips include visits to Parliament, Alton Towers, the Cervantes Institute in Manchester, Bolton Octagon, and the ManCity stadium.
Getting in
The published school roll is 910 pupils against a stated capacity of 900. 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
What specific support is available for pupils aiming to improve their Progress 8 scores? How are the named trips and clubs funded or organised for all students?
What Ofsted said about King's Leadership Academy Bolton
Overview
King’s Leadership Academy Bolton is described as a “welcoming and friendly school” where pupils demonstrate “respect and tolerance” for others. The report highlights that classrooms are “typically calm and orderly” and that pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), forge strong relationships with supportive teachers. Overall, the school provides a high-quality education with effective leadership and strong personal development opportunities.
Strengths
- Pupils “relish the opportunities to celebrate diversity” and feel part of a cohesive community.
- The curriculum promotes personal development, with almost all pupils completing The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and engaging in outdoor pursuits like canoeing and rock climbing.
- Systems to identify and support pupils with SEND have been enhanced, helping them access the full curriculum.
- Reading is prioritised effectively, with pupils who find it difficult being “identified quickly and supported effectively.”
- Staff value the support they receive, and the trust is “considerate of staff’s workload” when making decisions.
Areas to improve
- The school should ensure key stage 4 pupils have access to a “broader range of subjects” so they are better prepared for their next steps in education.
- Teachers must use assessment strategies more effectively to “check and address pupils’ misconceptions” and prevent gaps in learning.
Safeguarding
The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective.”
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 47.0 |
| 2024/25 | 45.4 |
| 2025/26 | 49.0 |
| 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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