Wardle Academy
Rochdale, OL12 9RD · Rochdale · secondary school
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8th of 13 secondary schools in Rochdale we can score. 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 — 2.9/10 against 808 of them, against 2.8/10 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 | 37.8 · 32 | 30% | 0.96 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.49 · 16 | 25% | 0.41 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 44.6 · 42 | 10% | 0.42 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Wardle Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 39.1% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 44.1, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.49 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 (3.3 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.0 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in 2022.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Duke of Edinburgh award and Student Parliament. Sports include netball, football, rugby, trampolining, handball, rowing, cheerleading, and dance. The arts feature drama productions, and trips include a Science Iceland trip and an Italian Alps ski trip in 2026.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,366 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,200. 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 improve their progress scores, which are currently below the national benchmark? What specific support is available
What Ofsted said about Wardle Academy
Overview
Wardle Academy continues to be a good school, where pupils feel safe and happy within a supportive environment. Leaders maintain high expectations, delivering an ambitious curriculum that prepares students well for their next educational stages. The school fosters strong relationships and a culture of respect, with staff feeling valued and supported.
Strengths
- The curriculum is described as "ambitious, broad and balanced," allowing pupils to build knowledge logically and deepen their learning.
- Staff effectively support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, ensuring they access the curriculum alongside peers.
- Behaviour has improved, with most pupils being "attentive and engaged" in lessons and low-level disruption becoming less common.
- A wide range of extra-curricular activities, including nationally recognised brass bands, captures the interests of every pupil.
- The personal development programme is extensive, helping pupils understand healthy relationships, online safety, and protected characteristics.
Areas to improve
- In a small number of subjects, teachers do not use assessment strategies effectively to address gaps in pupils’ learning, meaning some knowledge is not secure.
- The new behaviour policy is not fully embedded across all areas of the school, leading to some inconsistency in pupils’ conduct.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a strong culture throughout the school where staff are vigilant and respond quickly to concerns.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 40.2 |
| 2024/25 | 44.1 |
| 2025/26 | 44.6 |
| 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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