University Collegiate School
Bolton, BL3 5AG · Bolton · secondary school
Check the area around this school
18th 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 — 3.6/10 against 413 of them, against 1.9/10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 37.5 · 31 | 46% | 1.43 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.98 · 3 | 38% | 0.12 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 41.4 · 26 | 15% | 0.39 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
University Collegiate School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 30.8% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 36.7, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 in 2023/24 was -0.98, indicating pupils did worse than those nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (2.5 out of 10 against similar schools, 1.1 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 683 pupils against a stated capacity of 840. 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 between their current attainment and the national median? What specific interventions are in place for students who are falling behind in Progress 8?
What Ofsted said about University Collegiate School
Overview
The report describes a school that has undergone a "transformation" since its previous inspection, with pupils feeling "happier, safer and more able to learn." Leaders have successfully addressed previous weaknesses, resulting in high expectations for behaviour and learning that pupils have "risen to this challenge admirably." The school no longer requires special measures, with all key judgement areas rated as Good.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate "genuine warmth," "politeness and mutual respect," and behave well, contributing to a positive school culture.
- The curriculum has been overhauled to provide a "broad range of subjects," including unique vocational opportunities like STEM projects with local employers.
- Staff receive strong support for professional development, and the trust’s partnership with the interim advisory board has driven "much-needed change at a rapid pace."
- Effective systems are in place to identify additional needs, helping pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) access "appropriately ambitious next steps."
- Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with an "open and positive culture" that puts pupils’ interests first.
Areas to improve
- Some staff lack the expertise to design learning activities that help pupils build knowledge securely, hindering consistent curriculum delivery.
- Older pupils have "large gaps in their learning" from previous curriculum weaknesses, which remains a barrier to their achievement.
- The personal, social and health education (PSHE) curriculum is not always delivered effectively, leaving some pupils less prepared for life beyond school.
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 | 35.2 |
| 2024/25 | 36.7 |
| 2025/26 | 41.4 |
| 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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