Whitworth Community High School
ROCHDALE, OL12 8TS · Lancashire · secondary school
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24th of 82 secondary schools in Lancashire 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 — 5.9/10 against 890 of them, against 5.3/10 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 | 48.4 · 59 | 30% | 1.77 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.08 · 44 | 25% | 1.10 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 47.4 · 57 | 10% | 0.57 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Whitworth Community High School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 63.4% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 50.3, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.08 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did slightly 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 (7.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.8 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2023.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can participate in Rugby and Football.
Getting in
The published school roll is 654 pupils against a stated capacity of 709. 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 8 scores? What specific support is available for students aiming to raise their Attainment 8? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating?
What Ofsted said about Whitworth Community High School
Overview
Whitworth Community High School continues to be a good school, offering a welcoming environment where pupils enjoy "warm relationships with staff" and feel safe. Leaders have successfully embedded the motto of ‘climbing higher’, ensuring pupils are "well prepared for the next stage of their education or training" through a broad, ambitious curriculum and high expectations for conduct.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "broad and ambitious," with subject leaders identifying key knowledge taught in "well-ordered steps" that helps pupils make secure progress.
- Teachers "know their subjects well" and address misconceptions promptly, resulting in most pupils achieving well in national examinations.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are identified early and receive appropriate support, enabling them to "learn well."
- Leaders prioritise reading and personal development, providing a "high-quality programme" that fosters social, moral, and civic awareness.
- Governors are "knowledgeable about the school" and hold leaders to account, while staff feel "well supported" and proud to work there.
Areas to improve
- Support for older pupils with gaps in their reading knowledge is not as effective as it could be; leaders must ensure help is based on specific reading needs so these pupils become "more confident, fluent readers."
- Achievement in Spanish was an exception to general success last year, though leaders are taking "effective steps to improve" outcomes in this subject.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a "strong culture of safeguarding" ensuring staff are vigilant and concerns are "picked up and reported quickly."
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 43.8 |
| 2024/25 | 50.3 |
| 2025/26 | 47.4 |
| 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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